Things To Do
in Bacolod
Bacolod is a vibrant city located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is known for its delicious local cuisine, particularly its famous chicken inasal and sweet treats like piaya and napoleones. The city is also celebrated for its colorful MassKara Festival, which is a lively celebration of music, dance, and elaborate masks.
Bacolod is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including sugar cane plantations and stunning beaches that attract tourists from all over the world.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at The Ruins, a beautiful abandoned mansion surrounded by gardens. Enjoy a leisurely walk and take stunning photos of this historical site.
Visit the Negros Museum to learn about the local culture and history of Bacolod. Enjoy lunch at a nearby local eatery to taste authentic Negrense cuisine.
Savor the city's vibrant food scene at Manokan Country for some famous chicken inasal. Wrap up your day with a stroll along the city plaza.
Take a day trip to Lakawon Island for morning beach activities. Enjoy the sun, sand, and relax in a beautiful tropical setting.
Indulge in some water sports or simply lounge on the beach with a fresh coconut drink. Have lunch at one of the beachside restaurants offering local seafood.
Head back to Bacolod and unwind at your hotel or enjoy a quiet dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Soak in the serene atmosphere of the island life.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage, known for its festivals like the MassKara Festival.
- Delicious local cuisine, particularly famous for inasal (grilled chicken).
- Friendly and hospitable locals.
- Affordable cost of living compared to other cities in the Philippines.
- Strategic location with access to nearby tourist destinations such as beaches and historical sites.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Public transportation can be less organized compared to larger cities.
- Occasional issues with traffic congestion.
- Natural disasters, such as typhoons, can affect the region.
- Basic infrastructure may be lacking in some areas.
Best Activities in Bacolod
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the famous historic mansion ruins and gardens in Talisay City, just a short drive from Bacolod. The site offers beautiful architecture, picturesque surroundings, and a glimpse into local history and culture.
Enjoy an adventurous mountain biking experience in the scenic highlands of Don Salvador Benedicto. The area is known for its lush forests, winding roads, and panoramic views, offering an exhilarating outdoor adventure for cycling enthusiasts.
Escape to the pristine shores of Lakawon Island, where you can soak up the sun, swim in clear blue waters, and relax on the island's iconic sandbar. The tranquil beach setting and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a relaxing day trip.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bacolod with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bacolod
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful historic site with picturesque ruins and gardens, perfect for photo ops especially at sunset.
Offers stunning panoramic views of the mountains and lush greenery, ideal for capturing breathtaking shots.
A scenic boardwalk along the coast overlooking the sea, providing excellent photo opportunities during sunrise or sunset.
A charming museum with a lovely garden and traditional Filipino architecture, making it a great location for photos.
A popular city square with attractive landmarks and vibrant surroundings, offering various photo opportunities.
Food in Bacolod
Bacolod Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Must-try grilled chicken marinated in a blend of vinegar, lime, and annatto, served with sinamak (spiced vinegar) and garlic rice. Visit Aida's or Manokan Country for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
A hearty soup made with tender beef, souring agents, and batwan fruit. Indulge in this flavorful dish at Sharyn's Kansi House or Roli's Cafe.
A sweet delicacy composed of flat unleavened bread filled with muscovado and sesame seeds. Purchase freshly made piaya at Merzci Pasalubong or Bong-Bong's Pasalubong.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bacolod better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An iconic food hub offering a variety of local street food, notably chicken inasal, isaw (grilled chicken intestines), and other barbecue specialties.
Explore the bustling stalls for an array of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. You'll also find local street food vendors offering kinilaw (ceviche) and batchoy (noodle soup).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Bacolod, it is important to show respect to elders by using respectful language and gestures. It is customary to greet elders with a polite
When meeting someone in Bacolod, it is polite to use the proper greetings such as 'po' for elders and 'kumusta' for peers. Greetings are a sign of respect in Filipino culture.
It is important to dress modestly in Bacolod, especially when visiting religious sites or attending traditional events. Wearing conservative clothing shows respect for the local culture and traditions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bacolod with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bacolod
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bacolod, tipping is not a common practice in restaurants or bars. However, it is appreciated if you want to show gratitude for exceptional service.
The most common payment methods in Bacolod include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment apps. Some establishments may have a preference for cash transactions, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash for smaller vendors and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Bacolod as there is minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures. Expect lively festivals and events, such as the MassKara Festival in October.
Expect frequent rainfall and higher humidity during this time. This season may experience typhoons, but it is also the best time for agricultural tours and experiencing the lush, green landscapes.
Bacolod at Night
Hiking in Bacolod
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The highest peak in the Visayas region, it's famous for its challenging trails and stunning views. This active volcano offers various hiking routes for all skill levels.
Located in the nearby town of La Carlota, Marmol Cliff features breathtaking rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding area. It offers a moderate hiking experience.
A small yet scenic hiking spot near Bacolod, Balcao Hill provides a peaceful environment, lush greenery, and a great view of the sunset.
A popular destination for local hikers, Mt. Iglit features moderately challenging trails and beautiful landscapes, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
A lovely hiking experience that leads to a serene waterfall. The trails are relatively easy, ideal for casual hikers and family outings.
Aiports
How to reach Bacolod by plane.
Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, this is the main international airport serving the Central Visayas region, approximately 140 kilometers from Bacolod.
Situated in Kalibo, Aklan, this airport serves as a gateway to Boracay and is approximately 90 kilometers from Bacolod.
Located in Cabatuan, Iloilo, this airport serves the Western Visayas region and is approximately 120 kilometers from Bacolod.
Situated in Pampanga, this airport is a major gateway to the Philippines, approximately 600 kilometers from Bacolod.
The main international airport serving Manila, located approximately 650 kilometers from Bacolod.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Bacolod, known for their language and cultural practices.
A significant minority group in Bacolod, primarily speaking Cebuano and having cultural influences from nearby Cebu.
Another important demographic group, consisting mainly of those who migrated from the northern regions of Luzon.
A smaller group in Bacolod, sharing their unique traditions and language from the Bicol region.
A community that plays a vital role in the local economy, consisting of families with Chinese heritage.
Present in lesser numbers, contributing to the cultural diversity of Bacolod.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A highly popular sport in Bacolod, often played in local leagues and community centers.
Widespread in Bacolod, billiards is played in many local establishments and has a strong following.
Both men's and women's volleyball are popular, with regular competitions held in schools and communities.
Gaining popularity in recent years, with local clubs and youth leagues promoting the sport.
A common recreational sport, badminton courts can be found in many sports complexes across Bacolod.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bacolod.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many local dishes feature meat or seafood, some restaurants and cafes, like Cafe Uma, offer vegetarian and vegan options such as vegetable stews, fresh salads, and plant-based protein dishes.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy fresh fruit, grilled seafood, and traditional Filipino dishes like sinigang (sour soup), adobo (marinated meat), and pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew) that are naturally gluten-free.