DiscoverBacolod
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Bacolod.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Bacolod
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Bacolod
- Let’s be honest. You want to take it easy on the beach, explore tropical woods, and indulge in plenty of delicious cakes.
- We know of a place. All of that and more will make your next holiday in Bacolod City, Philippines, a great time.
- Check out the public market, beautiful buildings, and one-of-a-kind museums to get a feel for the area.
- Take a break in one of the many quiet national parks or animal sanctuaries when you want to connect with nature.
- No matter what you have planned when you get there, our Bacolod package deals will help you get there quickly. All eyes are on you, but hurry up!
- Capital: Bacolod City
- International airport: Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time: UTC+8
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220V/60Hz
- Official language: Filipino and English
- Religion: Christianity (predominantly Roman Catholic)
Reason 02
Highlights
- After booking a baller Bacolod package, have fun! Win-win: San Sebastian Cathedral anchors the seashore city centre and is beautiful.
- This coral stone baroque wonder, completed in 1882, appears to have floated up from the Guimaras Strait.
- Sound dramatic? Check it! Looking for something unique? The hobby, curiosity, and toy galleries of the Dizon-Ramos Museum are just a few blocks away.
- A magnificent ceramic horse chamber is there. Visit the Vintage Glasses Museum in Laguerta to add something special to your holiday.
- The two-story tribute to the humble yet essential show is exactly that.
- Next, rent a car in Bacolod and visit the Mambukai Mountain Resort for a hike, a dip in the natural hot springs, and time at the bat sanctuary.
- No resort visitor is required to use the amenities, so dip and dash!
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Between December and February, when temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C, is the best time to visit the Philippines.
- Currently, the entire country is accessible, including the more remote areas and numerous beautiful islands.
- The dry season spans from November to April; nonetheless, March and April experience temperatures above 34°C.
- The rainy season lasts from May to October, but it doesn’t rain all the time, so trip plans rarely get messed up.
- At this point, the weather will still be hot and sunny (in the early 30s), but there will be fewer people around and the scenery will be lush and green.
- It’s important to remember that the Philippines’ weather can change quickly. Typhoons can happen as early as August or as late as January.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
The Ruins
- The 1920 abode of sugar mogul Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson is currently referred to as the Ruins Mansion. Don Mariano built the house to show how much he loved his Portuguese wife, Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga, after she died in 1911.
- Maria was pregnant with their eleventh child at the time, and she and the baby died in an accident. Don Mariano built the edifice on a 440-hectare sugar estate between Talisay and Bacolod.
- People called its design “Italianate” because it was influenced by Italian architecture. But in 1942, Filipino guerrilla forces working for the US military during the Second World War set it on fire.
- This had to be done so that the Invading Japanese Forces couldn’t use it as a war office. It burned for three days straight until only the cement frame was left standing.
- The original plan was to set it on fire and destroy it. The mansion’s ruins have been named one of the architectural wonders of the Philippines, even though most of the building has been destroyed. It has also been called the “Taj Mahal of the Philippines” and other names.
- The people who own the Ruins Mansion now are the great-grandchildren of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga.
MassKara Festival
- MassKara Festival, Bacolod City’s most famous yearly event, showcases the city’s perseverance, inventiveness, and joy via colourful masks and street dances every October.
- "MassKara" comes from "mass" (a crowd) and "kara" (face), signifying the festival's roots and street parade performers' smiling masks.
- Bacolod is known as the “City of Smiles.” MassKara Festival was formed in the 1980s amid a moment of crisis, turning hardship into a lively celebration of hope.
- MassKara Street Dance Competition, where dancers in spectacular costumes and masks perform to cheerful music throughout the city’s main streets and plazas, is a festival highlight.
- Food fairs, concerts, beauty pageants, sports tournaments, and art exhibits are held at the Bacolod Public Plaza and Lacson Tourism Strip.
- Hotels and flights to Bacolod should be booked early because the event attracts local and international tourists.
- Local tours to The Ruins, Negros' heritage houses, and sugar farms before or after the event are recommended.
- Guide to the Philippines offers Bacolod City tours and holiday packages for festival-friendly travel.
San Sebastian Cathedral
- The San Sebastian Cathedral is an old church that was built in the late 1800s in the town of Bacolod in Negros Occidental.
- The parish was named for Saint Sebastian, a Christian warrior and saint who was also known as San Sebastian in the area.
- When the first missionaries came to the village where the church is now, they placed the chapel under the care of Saint Sebastian and made him its patron saint.
- The building of the first church began in 1825, but it was later replaced by the building that stands today in Bacolod City.
- The chapel you see today was constructed beginning in 1876, employing coral stones from Guimaras Island as its building materials.
- The most efficient means of reaching the San Sebastian Cathedral is via taxi or rented vehicle. Church, Bacolod-Silay Airport are 18 km apart. It is on Rizal Street in central Bacolod.
- To get to the San Sebastian Cathedral, you can either drive your car or take a public transportation option, such as a tricycle or a jeepney.
- You can also book vacation packages that include a visit to the church if you’d rather have a guide show you around.
Bacolod Public Plaza
- The official name of Bacolod Plaza is Plaza del 6 de Noviembre, and it honours the day that the Spanish gave up Negros Island to the Negros Revolutionaries on November 6, 1898. It ranks high among the city's most recognisable symbols.
- There are four round fountains in the plaza, which are spread out around the park. In the middle of the plaza is a gazebo where events take place during festivals and other celebrations.
- In the 1840s, Bacolod was officially named the capital of Negros Island, and this public park was built at that time. An honour wall for the soldiers who fought for Bacolod’s freedom in the war has been added to the plaza over the years.
- In 1938, Manuel L. Quezon, who was president of the Philippines at the time, put a tindalo tree here to mark the occasion of Bacolod’s official designation as a city.
- The most effective means of reaching Bacolod Plaza is via taxi or car rental. About 18 kilometres from the Bacolod-Silay Airport, the square is on Rizal Street in the middle of the city.
- Along with private cars, you can also take tricycles, jeepneys and other types of public transportation to get to the Bacolod Plaza.
Reason 05
Discover More
Mambukal Resort
- At every turn, Mambukal Resort is beautiful. A thick rainforest surrounds the accommodation, and a clear river flows endlessly to a beautiful lake.
- The lodge is so peaceful; the only sounds you can hear are the birds singing and the water running.
- It is right at the base of Mt. Kanlaon, an active volcano, and there are natural hot springs all around it. The strong smell of sulphur is like the resort’s own perfume.
- Since the whole resort is in a lush jungle, one of the best things about it is that it stays cool even in the middle of the day.
- Many cabins are scattered around the resort, allowing day-trippers to stay there. They are spacious enough for a large group of people.
- In many places, there are also grilling tables and bathrooms where people can prepare their food.
Negros Museum
- The Negros Museum in Bacolod City, Philippines, is a place where people from the province of Negros Occidental can learn about its history and culture.
- The 1925 neoclassical Provincial Agriculture Building houses it, which opened on March 16, 1996.
- Instead of antiquities, the Negros Museum uses modern art and high-quality replicas to tell the island's history, art, and culture.
- The museum shows off the area's rich history through sugar businesses, folk art, and historical artefacts.
- The museum also helps local artists and craftspeople by providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their creations.
Bacolod City New Government Center
- The Bacolod New Government Centre is not merely an administrative hub; it is an impressive architectural achievement that reflects the city's development and aspirations.
- Its unique design and bright colours draw locals and tourists to this modern tower. Bacolod’s government office houses various service departments.
- From its strategic location, visitors can easily access other city attractions, making it a great starting point for Bacolod.
- Approaching the New Government Centre, lush gardens and open spaces invite you to explore.
- Modern and functional, the architecture boasts huge glass windows for natural light. Bacolod’s welcoming atmosphere reflects its friendliness. The popular centre demonstrates city transparency and community involvement.
- Visit the New Government Centre for local events, government meetings, and sightseeing.
- New Government Centre is busy. Street sellers, artisans, and cultural performances liven up your visit.
- Explore this unique place with contemporary governance and rich culture. Take shots of the beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere!
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Bacolod is known for its vibrant celebrations, including the Masskara Festival in October, which features glittering masks, bright costumes, and energetic music. Bacolod, the gateway to Negros’ sugar-rich area, attracts tourists and locals with its mix of history and modern conveniences.
- Bacolod, the Philippines’ “City of Smiles,” is famous for its food, festivals, and friendliness. The city and its inhabitants make everyone feel at home, whether they live or visit.
- A beautiful first-class city is Bacolod in the middle of the country. It is Western Visayas’ most populous city with about 600,000 residents. Communications, trade, services, and government offices are centred in Bacolod, the province capital.
- Masskara Festival is an annual event in Bacolod City on the fourth Sunday in October.
- One of the Philippines' major festivals, it includes street parties, gourmet festivals, drum competitions, garden exhibitions, and a street dance competition.
- The lively celebration brings together Bacolod, Philippines' culture and art. This annual celebration has drawn locals and tourists for decades to showcase Negros Occidental’s heritage.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Foodies should visit Bacolod, Philippines, to try new flavours and delicious meals. The city’s unique and flavourful cuisine is influenced by its rich history and culture.
- Gourmets visit the city for chicken inasal. Marinated chicken is cooked over hot coals and served with rice, pickled papaya, and spicy vinegar dip. Juicy, flavourful chicken makes this meal a city favourite.
- Bacolod is known for more than just chicken inasal. It's also known for its seafood dishes, such kinilaw, which is a ceviche made with raw fish or prawns, vinegar, and spices. Famous batchoy has scallions, egg noodles, pig broth, pork belly, and chicharron.
- Bacolod food tours take you to the greatest restaurants to try local food and learn about its history and culture. Go to Bacolod's local markets to see the fresh food.
- In conclusion, Bacolod, Philippines, is a superb gastronomic city with distinctive and tasty cuisine. A Bacolod food tour is a great opportunity to experience the city’s cuisine and discover its many culinary delights.
Fun
- Start your trip with the Tri-City Exclusive Day Tour to Bacolod, Silay, and Talisay. This comprehensive journey explores these connected cities’ rich culture and breathtaking architecture.
- Try a Lakawon Island Day Tour for a tropical getaway. This idyllic island, a boat trip from Bacolod, has clean waters and fluffy white sands for a day of fun in the sun.
- A Resort Day Tour at Bacolod Ilaya Highland Resort is a must for nature lovers. Set in the hills, it offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
- For history aficionados, the Bacolod City Heritage Tour is full of stories and places from the past. Visit ancestral homes, museums, and other tourist attractions to learn about Bacolod’s history.
- Finally, take the Mambukal Resort Day Tour to see hot springs, waterfalls, and lush flora. Each excursion offers unique and memorable recollections.
Fashion
- Robinsons Place and SM City, both waterfront retail complexes in Bacolod, are renowned throughout the Philippines.
- After saving money on our inexpensive Bacolod holidays, you may shop at the city’s many malls and chain stores!
- Eat like a local at Pala Pala Market. This covered market has tiny food kiosks and casual eateries for quick meals or four-course meals.
- For dinner? How about garlic-sauced fresh fish and buttery prawns? Taste the soup or half-shell scallops. Keep room for bakery-hopping! Downtown’s upscale confections sweeten each deal.
- Stay at Pala Pala for another round or hit the waterfront neon clubs at night. Bacolod isn’t the rowdiest city at night, but book one of our Manila holiday packages and take a commuter trip to the Filipino capital for a nightlife experience.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Negros Forest Park in Bacolod City, Philippines, protects Negros Island’s biodiversity. The park attracts nature enthusiasts and conservationists with its native flora and animals. Visitors can walk paths, see birds and animals, and learn about environmental conservation at displays. The park’s butterfly garden offers a peaceful escape to nature.
- Capitol Park and Lagoon is 6.5 acres in Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines. This park is optimal for strolling and family-oriented pursuits. Capitol Park, Lagoon's Pond, and the forest are well-frequented. Besides its natural beauty, this park features playgrounds.
- The Panaad Park and Stadium is in Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines. It is 50.5 acres big. This walking park has a football pitch, multi-sport court, sports facility, stadium and swimming pool.
- Bacolod City Plaza spans 5.1 acres in Western Visayas, Philippines. This park allows walking. Bacolod City Plaza’s forest is famous. Along with its natural beauty, this park features a lavatory.
- In Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines, Sta Fe comprises 9.7 acres. This park has a pool and is easily accessible on foot.
- Pahanocoy Eco Adventure Park is 10.3 acres in Bacolod, Western Visayas. This park allows walking.
- The Sum-ag River Eco Park in Bacolod, Western Visayas, covers 2.4 acres. This park allows walking. For its beautiful woodland, the Sum-ag River Eco Park is famous.
- Acacia Hotel covers 10.1 acres in Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines. This park has a pool and is easily accessible on foot.
- Palmas Del Mar is 8.6 acres in Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines. This park has a pool and is easily accessible on foot.
- Bantug Lake Ranch has 52.8 acres. This park features a swimming pool and is readily accessible by foot.
- The Valley of Peace encompasses 85.4 acres in Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines. This park allows walking.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Negros Island's largest city is Bacolod, with 561,875 residents in 2015. Negros Occidental's capital is densely populated. For its “Masskara” event, Bacolod is called the “City of Smiles”. Bacolod has other important events that add to its culture and traditions besides this festival.
- The Roman Catholic Church in Bacolod celebrates St. Sebastian, the city’s patron saint. Catholics believe Diocletian martyred Saint Sebastian amid Christian persecution. Folklore says that after alerting Diocletian about his wrongdoings, he was beaten to death. The Catholic bishop leads a liturgy to start this event. Game and activity sessions for Bacolod city street children and citizens follow. The program is at Bacolod Public Plaza.
- Bacolaodiat combines “Bacolod” with “Lao Diat” (celebration). Every year, this celebration is held the last week of January to the first of February. This is Bacolod’s Chinese New Year. The Lantern Dance Parade, Cultural Events, Imperial Village, and Chopsticks Alley, which are only available during the event, will draw tourists. Dragon and lion dances, religious rites, gift-giving, family feasts, and the spectacular fireworks show make this celebration special!
- Panaad means “vow” in Hiligaynon. This Panaad sa Negros Festival honours a promise to live well. The event takes place annually in April. This festival began at Capitol Park and Lagoon. As attendance expanded each year, a larger site was needed to accommodate this enjoyable event.
- The Masskara Festival is held the week following the last weekend of October; however, its highlights used to be hosted around Bacolod City’s Charter Day, October 19. The first Masskara Festival was held in 1980, when sugar production profits were at their lowest due to sugar substitutes in the US. The MV Don Juan inter-island vessel catastrophe on April 22 claimed 700 lives. To lighten the mood of the crisis, the administration organised a festival of smiles.