Bacolod: Relaxing Getaways and Destinations

The provincial capital of the Philippines’ Negros Occidental is Bacolod. The area is also known as “The City of Smiles” due to the welcoming locals and stunning landscapes. It has plenty of things to do for locals and tourists. In addition, it has a population of around 600,000 and is one of the country’s most visited cities.

It is also home to the popular Chicken Inasal, which has gained worldwide recognition. Moreover, It is a city famous for its warm and friendly people and being a great place to relax, hence, the City of Smiles. While many beautiful places exist, finding great escape destinations within the town is also possible. Therefore, the city comes out on top regarding the overall quality of life.

Bacolod City lies on the northwestern coast of Negros Occidental, Philippines.

stretches on:

the north by the City of Talisay
the east by the town of Murcia
the south by the City of Bago
the west by the Guimaras Strait.

Best Bacolod Food Treats

One of the best ways to discover Bacolod food treats is by visiting local markets and shops. Sample a wide variety of treats and delicacies and find the perfect pasalubong to bring back home.

Biscocho:

These crisp and flaky biscuits are a staple in Bacolod.
Many people consider it to be among the best in the Philippines.
The biscuits frequently come with coffee or tea.
They use flour, sugar, and eggs to make the biscuits.

Napoleones:

It is a sweet and flaky pastry similar to a French Napoleon.
Napoleones come with layers of puff pastry and a sweet custard filling.
These are popular pasalubong treats in Bacolod.

Chicken Inasal:

Chicken inasal is a grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of spices and perfectly grilled.
Chicken Inasal is a must-try for any meat lover.
It is one of the best dishes in Bacolod.

Bacolod Piaya:

Piaya is a sweet and flaky pastry that is a staple in Bacolod and one of the best pasalubong treats in the city.
Piaya is a sugary, gooey filling made from muscovado sugar. In addition, the unique, crispy texture is hard to resist.

Attractions and Activities that will complete your Bacolod Getaway

I. The Ruins

The place is also known as the “Taj Mahal of Talisay.”
It is in the private ownership of the great-grandchildren of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga.
The Ruins is actually in Talisay City. It is approximately a 20-minute drive from Bacolod City.
Visitors are welcome to stroll through its magnificent garden and even eat at its restaurant, which serves delicious pizza.
The place also has an events space for weddings and any occasions for hire.

II. The San Sebastian Cathedral

It is only about 18 KM from the Bacolod-Silay Airport.
The cathedral is along Rizal Street inside Bacolod City proper.
To travel to the San Sebastian Cathedral, you can also take jeepneys and tricycles on the public transportation system.
Book a vacation package with a stop at the cathedral if you prefer a guided tour in the itinerary.

III. Provincial Capitol Lagoon

The lagoon is a pit stop for city tours in Bacolod City.
Capitol Park and Lagoon is a three-hectare land area on Lacson Street, Bacolod City.
The lagoon serves as a recreational for both locals and tourists.
On the other hand, some citizens use the park for aerobics, Zumba, dance rehearsals, arnis, and martial arts practices.

IV. The Museo De La Salle

In Bacolod City, a museum is inside a Museo De La Salle school.
The museum also hosts special exhibits that help the Negrense community, professors, and students better understand Filipino cultural history.
The museum is home to Ms. Mara Montelibano’s remarkable collection of international textiles.

IV. MassKara Festival

The MassKara Festival is an annual event that begins in early October.
It culminates in a series of celebrations on the fourth Sunday of the same month. According to legend, the custom began in the 1980s at a time of crisis:
- (1) when the city’s sugar-powered economy hit an all-time low after the advent of substitutes.
- (2) in the middle of mourning after a sea tragedy that killed many locals.

V. The Chicken Inasal

One of the national dishes of the Philippines and a must-try for visitors is chicken inasal.
One of the top restaurants in Manokan Country, with various dishes like Chicken Inasal, isaw, atay, and more!

Places to Stay in Bacolod

It is a beautiful city in the Philippines with many options for accommodations. The following are some recommendations for hotels in Bacolod:

L’Fisher Hotel

Address: 14th Lacson Street, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, 6100.
The hotel is one of the top well-liked choices in Bacolod.
It has an excellent location, spacious rooms, and top-notch amenities.

Seda Capitol Central

Seda Capitol Central is in the heart of the city.
For both business and pleasure guests, the hotel is ideal. In addition, it has well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, a pool, and a fitness center.

Avenue Suites

You can reach this hotel in the vibrant area of Lacson Street, known for its bars and restaurants.
It has modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and a restaurant.

Go Hotels Bacolod

Go Hotels Bacolod is an excellent option if you’re on a budget.
It offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
The exact address of Go Hotels Bacolod is Lacson St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental, Philippines.
Amenities available at Go Hotels Bacolod include:
- A business center
- A function room
- A 24-hour front desk.

Caribbean Water Park and Resotel

The hotel is perfect for families with kids.
It has a water park, a swimming pool, and spacious rooms.
Address: Caliban, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines.
Caribbean Water Park and Resotel is a resort with a Caribbean-themed water park with various water attractions for all ages.

How to Reach Bacolod

You can reach by air or sea. Here are the step-by-step instructions for both modes of transportation:

By Air:

Book a flight from Manila to Bacolod.

Several airlines offer daily flights:

Philippine Airlines
Cebu Pacific
AirAsia.

REMINDERS:

Arrive at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) at least two hours before takeoff.
Check in for your flight and proceed to the boarding gate.
Board your flight to Bacolod at the designated time.
Arrive at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD) in Negros Occidental, about 15 kilometers east of Bacolod City.
From the airport, you can reach the City by taxi or shuttle.

By Sea:

Book a ferry ride from Manila to Bacolod. Several ferry companies operate daily trips from Manila to Bacolod, such as 2Go Travel, Montenegro Shipping Lines, and Weesam Express.

REMINDERS:

Arrive at the port of Manila at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure.
Check in for your ferry ride and proceed to the boarding area.
Board your ferry to Bacolod at the designated time.
Arrive at the Port of Bacolod in Negros Occidental.

Bacolod, with its Neighboring Towns

There are several neighboring towns and cities around Bacolod that you can explore.

Here are some suggestions for must-see attractions in those areas:

Silay City:

Silay City is a small town well-known as the “Paris of Negros” due to its well-preserved colonial architecture.
Must-see attractions:
- Balay Negrense Museum
- Bernardino Jalandoni Museum
- San Diego Pro-Cathedral.

Murcia:

Murcia is known for its hot springs and natural wonders, such as:
- Mambukal Mountain Resort
- Seven Falls.

Bago City:

Bago City is home to the Ma-ao Sugar Central and Eco Gardens, where you can learn about the sugar industry and enjoy nature walks.

Hinigaran:

Hinigiran is a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and seafood. In addition, the Hinigaran Fishermen’s Catch offers fresh seafood.

Don Salvador Benedicto:

A mountain town with a cool climate and scenic views, often called the “Little Baguio” of Negros Occidental.
It has several hiking trails and viewpoints, such as the Malatan-og Falls and the Tinagong Dagat.