Welcome to the TPT Journey Information to BACOLOD! On this article, we’ll share with you tips about which space to remain in Bacolod, the best way to get there from Manila, and the best way to get round. You’ll additionally discover a pattern itinerary with finances breakdown.
There are locations that you’ll keep in mind not due to what you noticed however the way it made you are feeling. Bacolod is a type of locations.
Bacolod doesn’t have the spectacular sights that different locations within the Philippines boldly and loudly brag about. However what it lacks in visible treats, it makes up for by delighting the opposite senses. It’s in good firm, too. Bacolod could not have the sweeping landscapes, however its posse have greater than their share. Neighbor Murcia makes a splash along with her waterfalls. Silay and Talisay have numerous tales to inform. And simply 4-5 hours away are Kabankalan, Cauayan, and Sipalay, all ready to showcase their pure splendor to those that go the additional mile.
BACOLOD TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Earlier than we dive into the small print, right here’s a guidelines of journey necessities in case you are touring to Bacolod. You’ll additionally discover hyperlinks to a few of our beneficial inns, excursions, and sights for simple reference sooner or later.
Bacolod Journey Necessities
High Bacolod Day Excursions
✅ You may also go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with all our beneficial inns and sights. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. Then, scroll till you see the part about Bacolod. We even have a compilation for different locations all over the world.
UNDERSTANDING BACOLOD
Bacolod is broadly recognized for 3 issues: sweets, smiles, and the Masskara Pageant. Oh, and rooster inasal. So okay, make that 4 issues. Haha. It’s the capital of Negros Occidental, one of many greatest provinces within the nation by way of land space and inhabitants. But, an enormous a part of its territory stays unknown to non-residents.
Negros Occidental has 13 cities (together with impartial Bacolod) and 19 municipalities. That’s a number of cities in only one province. However earlier than you conjure up photos of skyscrapers, know that Bacolod is the one one that’s extremely urbanized. The others are extra like small cities, extra laid-back and nonetheless fairly rustic.
Different data you want to know:
- Language: Hiligaynon (Ilonggo). English and Tagalog are broadly understood.
- Foreign money: Philippine peso (PhP). PHP 100 = USD 2, EUR 1.65, KRW 22000, JPY 218
- Timezone: GMT+8 (Philippine Normal Time), year-round. No daylight saving time noticed. Similar time zone as Beijing, Singapore, and Malaysia. One hour behind Japan.
- Mode of Fee: Money. ATMs are throughout Bacolod, however they flip a lot fewer in different cities and municipalities. When you’re exploring different elements of Negros Occidental from Bacolod, you may need to withdraw cash whilst you’re within the capital. Bank cards are sometimes accepted in upscale institutions in Bacolod, however money continues to be most well-liked.
WHERE TO STAY IN BACOLOD
Usually, as a result of there are many transportation choices, when you’re staying throughout the metropolis heart of Bacolod, try to be fantastic. However we normally use Lacson Road as our reference line as a result of most of the metropolis’s hottest sights are positioned alongside this street. The nearer you’re to Lacson Road, the higher. If you’d like one thing extra particular, I like utilizing Calea because the reference level as a result of I all the time discover myself craving their muffins once I’m within the metropolis.
We’ve got stayed at six totally different inns throughout Metro Bacolod, however listed here are a few properties that we had been in a position to attempt just lately. First, UrbanView @ Lacson Road Bacolod Metropolis by RedDoorz, which is centrally positioned. Sure, it stands very near Calea, Felicia’s, and the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol. You’ll additionally discover a department of each Bongbong’s and Merczi pasalubong outlets close by.
We stayed in a deluxe room with air-conditioning, WiFi, TV, in-room phone, foldable mattress desk, electrical kettle, and complimentary bottled water. As for the lavatory, primary toiletries had been offered, the water heater was working properly, and the water stress was good. The room was good for 2 friends. It’s a finances lodge, and we solely paid P1616.45 per evening, which I believe is an effective deal! That’s solely P808 per individual.
The room is sort of cramped, and it doesn’t have an elevator. However the employees had been very useful with the bags and attentive to requests. When you’re a finances traveler and it’s your first time in Bacolod, UrbanView is an effective place to start out.
However in order for you a correct full-service lodge near the port or SM Metropolis Bacolod or SMX Conference Middle, perhaps Acacia Lodge Bacolod is the place for you. All their rooms are very spacious, have air-conditioning, free WiFi, safes, flat display screen TV, fridge, electrical kettle, and every day housekeeping. It’s typically clear, and the service was nice. It is usually dwelling to town’s first wave pool — enjoyable, family-friendly, and ideal for lounging.
The bar beneath presents buy-one-take-one cocktails, however the breakfast was so-so at finest. We didn’t thoughts as a result of, like we all the time say, we’re not large breakfast individuals.
It’s in a secluded space away from the principle streets, however not removed from the motion and nonetheless very accessible. You possibly can hail a tricycle, no downside.
It’s quiet in idea. The AC in our room, nonetheless, was rumbling a bit too loudly. However for PHP 2595 per evening, I believe it’s a great worth for cash.
High Resorts in Bacolod
Listed here are a few of the top-rated inns in Bacolod Metropolis in line with on-line traveler evaluations.
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HOW TO GET TO BACOLOD
The Bacolod-Silay Worldwide Airport (BCD) is the gateway to the province. Though it has Bacolod in its title, it’s solely positioned within the metropolis of Silay.
There are direct flights to and from this airport from Manila, Cebu, and Davao through the next airways:
Manila to Bacolod
- Philippine Airways
- Cebu Pacific
- AirAsia
Cebu to Bacolod
- Philippine Airways
- Cebu Pacific
Davao to Bacolod
When you guide prematurely, typical one-way fares are round PHP 1400 and may go as little as PHP 1200. Even decrease when there’s a SALE. That’s for off-peak season.
Bacolod-Silay Airport to Bacolod Metropolis Middle
From the airport, you’ll be able to attain Bacolod in 30 to 45 minutes. There are vans (shuttles) that may take you there straight for PHP 200-250 per passenger, relying in your cease and baggage.
However when you’re a bunch, will probably be extra cost-efficient to only guide a Seize automotive. We had been a bunch of three and paid solely PHP 487, or roughly P162 per individual. That’s cheaper than taking the van.
Journey Time: 30-45 minutes
Fare: Van, P200-250 per pax; Seize, P400-500 per trip
HOW TO GET AROUND BACOLOD
As a extremely urbanized metropolis, Bacolod presents a number of transportation choices to its residents and guests.
Jeepney
The most affordable is the conventional jeepney, which prices PHP 11 for brief distances. The e-Jeep or electrical jeepney is barely costlier at PHP 15 per individual. Both method, you want to be conscious of the route that the jeep can be taking to ensure you’re on the proper path. You possibly can look forward to a jeepney by the roadside. And to get off, simply say “Lugar lang,” which is their equal of “Para po.” The automobile will then cease and wait so that you can alight.
When you’re confused otherwise you really feel such as you’re misplaced, simply ask the driving force or fellow passengers. Bacolod locals are a few of the friendliest we now have met, and I’m positive they are going to enable you kind issues out.
Fare: Common Jeepney, PHP 11; E-Jeep, PHP 15
Tricycle
Tricycles are additionally obtainable, though not as fashionable or as widespread. A “particular trip” normally prices PHP 50 for brief distances. However there was an occasion whereby we had been charged PHP 150, which turned out a lot increased than Seize value.
Fare: PHP 50-150 (particular trip)
Seize
We ended up taking Seize as an alternative after we’re in a rush. Primarily based on expertise, these are the same old Seize fares for most typical vacationer routes:
- BCD Airport to Metropolis Middle: P400-500
- Inside Bacolod to Metropolis Middle: P80-P130
- Bacolod Metropolis Middle to The Ruins: P200
- El Best to The Ruins: P330
- Bacolod to Silay Metropolis Middle (El Best): P350
- Silay Metropolis Middle to BCD Airport: P160
- Bacolod Metropolis Middle to BCD Airport: P400-500
Taxis additionally function throughout the metropolis. We had been advised InDrive was additionally obtainable, however we by no means tried it right here, so we are able to’t verify.
When you’re going to Mambukal, make your strategy to Mambukal-Bacolod Bus Terminal in Libertad. The fare is 60/head, and the journey time is 1 – 1.5 hours. The bus terminates proper on the entrance of Mambukal Sizzling Spring Resort.
In case your itinerary includes visiting different locations within the province, you’ll be able to take the bus at both the North Terminal or South Terminal.
Be aware: Silay Metropolis, together with the airport, Carbin Reef in Sagay, and Lakawon Island in Cadiz, are located north of Bacolod; whereas Sipalay and Cauayan, together with Danjugan Island, are within the south.
THINGS TO DO IN BACOLOD
Bacolod could also be often called the Metropolis of Smiles, however its appeal goes method past the pleasant locals and the well-known rooster inasal. When exploring the realm, don’t simply restrict your self to Bacolod correct — Metro Bacolod additionally consists of the close by cities of Talisay and Silay, plus surrounding cities that supply much more sights. From heritage excursions to meals journeys and nature escapes, listed here are a few of the finest issues to do if you’re in and round Bacolod.
That is only a fast run all the way down to get you began. For a extra detailed model with extra info, take a look at our full article right here: TOP THINGS TO DO IN BACOLOD
When you want a trouble free journey, you’ll be able to merely buy your tickets or guide your excursions through your trusted reserving websites.
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MassKara Pageant
When you time your go to in October, you’ll get to expertise Bacolod’s greatest occasion — the MassKara Pageant. Anticipate vibrant road dances, parades of smiling masks, reside live shows, and meals festivals everywhere in the metropolis. It’s crowded and chaotic, but it surely’s additionally probably the most colourful and unforgettable festivals within the Philippines.
The Ruins
Positioned in close by Talisay Metropolis, The Ruins is the skeletal stays of a grand mansion constructed within the early 1900s by a sugar baron for his late spouse. At sundown, the construction glows fantastically, making it probably the most photogenic spots within the province.
Mambukal Resort
When you’re searching for nature and leisure, Mambukal Resort in Murcia is a best choice. The resort is known for its seven waterfalls, sizzling sulfur springs, and plush forest setting. It’s a refreshing escape from town and a favourite for each locals and vacationers.
Mambukal is about an hour away from Bacolod Metropolis, with direct buses from Libertad. In case you are an enormous group and touring with youngsters and aged individuals, contemplate reserving a tour with Klook! That is inclusive of round-trip transfers, insurance coverage, native information/driver, and entrance payment.
Silay Metropolis Heritage Tour
Silay Metropolis is a treasure trove of ancestral homes and cultural landmarks. Many of those heritage houses have been preserved and was museums, supplying you with a glimpse of the opulent life-style in the course of the sugar increase period. Town itself is charming, with walkable streets lined with historical past at each nook.
Jojo Vito Designs Gallery
For one thing extra inventive, take a look at the Jojo Vito Designs Gallery in Bacolod. The gallery showcases colourful, handcrafted masks and residential décor items that replicate Bacolod’s artistic spirit. It’s additionally an amazing place to buy distinctive souvenirs, particularly if you wish to take dwelling a bit of MassKara artistry.
Negros Museum
The Negros Museum homes displays that inform the story of Negros Island’s historical past, tradition, and artwork. You’ll discover a mixture of artifacts, modern works, and even outdated sugar trade relics. It’s a great cease for anybody wanting to know the island’s wealthy heritage past the festivals and meals.
Capitol Park and Lagoon
On the coronary heart of Bacolod lies the Capitol Park and Lagoon, a spacious public park with a man-made lagoon guarded by iconic carabao statues. It’s a preferred spot for households, joggers, and even road performers. The encircling space additionally has cafes and meals stalls, making it a pleasant place to unwind.
San Sebastian Cathedral and Public Plaza
For a dose of historical past and spirituality, go to the San Sebastian Cathedral, one among Bacolod’s most essential landmarks. Proper throughout is the Bacolod Public Plaza, a full of life hangout spot for locals and an amazing place to people-watch. Each websites are central to Bacolod’s cultural and non secular life.
Meals Journey
After all, no Bacolod journey is full with out a meals journey. From the enduring rooster inasal to candy treats like piaya and muffins, Bacolod is a foodie paradise. On that be aware, let’s proceed discussing this pleasant matter within the subsequent part.
Lakawon Island Day Journey
Lakawon Island lies off the coast of Cadiz, which is about one-hour drive north of Bacolod Metropolis. It’s recognized for its white sand seashores, crystal clear waters, and a sandbar. It additionally hosts Lakawon Island Resort & Spa, providing water actions and facilities, together with a restaurant, a beachfront bar, and one of many largest floating bars in Asia.
The jump-off level is Cadiz Viejo Port. It’s essential to notice that the final boat again to the mainland leaves at 3PM. From Bacolod’s North Bus Terminal, get on a bus certain for Cadiz Metropolis. Alight at Burgos Public Market, then hail a tricycle to the port. When you want a hassle-free journey, you’ll be able to simply guide a day journey bundle from Bacolod through Klook!
WHERE TO EAT IN BACOLOD
The advantage of Bacolod? You certainly received’t depart with out tasting scrumptious, completely grilled rooster inasal. However this smoky, tangy goodness isn’t the one must-try meals in Bacolod. We’ve been to Bacolod a number of instances, and most of our journeys, our major motivation is none apart from…FOOD! From town’s famed rooster inasal to its decadent candy treats, Bacolod by no means fails to fulfill our craving — from appetizers to desserts!
We made a extra detailed model of this text, the place we listed down our favourite locations to eat in Bacolod. You possibly can test it right here: WHERE TO EAT IN BACOLOD
SAMPLE BACOLOD ITINERARY & BREAKDOWN
Listed here are two pattern itineraries for Bacolod with finances breakdown. The figures indicated are per individual. However each of those itineraries assume you’re a celebration of two vacationers, splitting all prices, and taking public transportation for essentially the most half. Public transportation fares (jeepney, bus) are overestimated (rounded off) to be on the protected aspect. We selected Seize in cases when it makes extra sensible and monetary sense.
As all the time, be happy to make the required changes to match your schedule and preferences.
Bacolod 4-Day, 3-Night time Itinerary (Relaxed Possibility)
Pre-trip Reserving:
Lodge – P2430 (P1620/evening x 3 nights, divided by 2 pax)
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & CITY TOUR
08:30 AM – Arrival in Bacolod
09:00 AM – Seize/Van to Metropolis Middle, P250/pax
10:00 AM – Lodge check-in
11:00 AM – Sharyn’s Cansi, P300
12:30 PM – Calle Luna Halo-Halo, P130
01:45 PM – Jeep/Seize/Stroll to Negros Museum
02:00 PM – Negros Museum, P150
03:30 PM – Capitol Park & Lagoon
04:10 PM – San Sebastian Cathedral
04:50 PM – Bacolod Public Plaza
06:00 PM – Sugba Sugba or Rooster Home, P300
08:00 PM – Calea, P250
09:00 PM – Again to lodge, P25
Day 1: P1,405
DAY 2 – MAMBUKAL
06:30 AM – Switch to Mambukal-Bacolod Bus Terminal-Libertad, P25
07:00 AM – Bus to Mambukal, P60
08:00 AM – Arrival at Mambukal Resort, P140; Entry to Japanese Ofuro, P100
11:00 AM – Lunch, P200
02:00 PM – Bus to Bacolod, P60
03:30 PM – Jojo Vito Design Gallery, P160
05:00 PM – Dinner at Lion’s Park, P250
07:15 PM – Seize to Buttery, P60
07:30 PM – Buttery Bacolod, P250
09:00 PM – Again to lodge, P25
Day 2: P1,330
DAY 3 – SILAY & TALISAY
08:00 AM – Jeepney to North Terminal, P15
08:30 AM – Ceres Bus to Silay, P25
09:15 AM – San Diego Professional-Cathedral
09:45 AM – Bernardino Jalandoni Museum*, P150
10:45 AM – Hofileña Ancestral Home*, P150
11:45 AM – Cinco de Noviembre Marker, FREE
12:00 PM – El Best Lunch, P300
02:00 PM – Bus to Honda/Pepsi, P25
02:45 PM – Tricycle to The Ruins, P50
03:00 PM – The Ruins, P150; Sugarcane Juice, P100
07:00 PM – Seize to Gina’s Seafoods, P100 (P200/2pax)
07:30 PM – Gina’s Seafoods, P300
09:00 PM – Again to lodge, P25
Day 3: P1,390
DAY 4 – DEPARTURE
10:00 AM – Try
10:30 AM – Pasalubong Procuring
12:00 PM – Fast Lunch, P200
02:00 PM – Seize to Airport, P250
03:00 PM – Flight check-in
Day 4: P450
TOTAL: PHP 7,005 (USD 123, EUR 104, SGD 157)
Bacolod 3-Day, 2-Night time Itinerary (Price range Possibility)
This itinerary will take you to nearly all of the sights within the earlier 4-day model, however made extra compact.
As well as, since you’ll solely be spending two nights within the metropolis, we’re assuming you don’t have a lot baggage. Therefore, you need to be capable to discover Silay on the final day without having to depart it elsewhere.
Pre-trip Reserving:
Lodge – P1620 (P1620/evening x 2 nights, divided by 2 pax)
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL & CITY TOUR
08:30 AM – Arrival in Bacolod
09:00 AM – Seize/Van to Metropolis Middle, P250/pax
10:00 AM – Lodge check-in
11:00 AM – Sharyn’s Cansi, P300
12:30 PM – Calle Luna Halo-Halo, P130
02:00 PM – Negros Museum, P150
03:30 PM – Capitol Park & Lagoon
04:10 PM – San Sebastian Cathedral
04:50 PM – Bacolod Public Plaza
06:00 PM – Sugba Sugba or Rooster Home, P300
08:00 PM – Calea, P250
09:00 PM – Again to lodge, P25
Day 1: P1,405
DAY 2 – MAMBUKAL & RUINS
06:30 AM – Switch to Mambukal-Bacolod Bus Terminal-Libertad, P25
07:00 AM – Bus to Mambukal, P60
08:00 AM – Arrival at Mambukal Resort, P140
11:00 AM – Lunch, P200
02:00 PM – Bus to Bacolod, P60
03:30 PM – Jeep to Pepsi, P25 + Trike, P50; Alternatively, Seize to the Ruins, P100 (P200/2pax)
04:00 PM – The Ruins, P150
07:30 PM – Seize to Gina’s Seafood, P100 (P200/2pax)
08:00 PM – Gina’s Seafoods, P300
09:00 PM – Again to lodge, P25
Day 2: P1,135
DAY 3 – SILAY & DEPARTURE
07:30 AM – Early take a look at
08:00 AM – Jeepney to North Terminal, P15
08:30 AM – Ceres Bus to Silay, P25
09:15 AM – San Diego Professional-Cathedral
09:45 AM – Bernardino Jalandoni Museum*, P150
10:45 AM – Hofileña Ancestral Home*, P150
11:45 AM – Cinco de Noviembre Marker, FREE
12:00 PM – El Best Lunch, P300
02:00 PM – Seize to Airport, P80 (P160/2 pax); If van, P100/pax
02:30 PM – Flight check-in
Day 3: P720
TOTAL: PHP 4,880 (USD 85, EUR 73, SGD 109)
*Entrance charges to the Hofileña Museum and Bernardo Jalandoni Museum are assumed to be P150. In our expertise years in the past, it was lower than P100. On-line evaluations declare it’s P150. Sadly, each had been closed after we final visited, so we couldn’t verify it. We simply set it at P150 to be protected.
The overall charges are inclusive of the lodge keep as indicated however unique of flights, pasalubong/souvenirs, and incidental bills, since these broadly range and are extremely dependent in your circumstances and preferences.
However please add a minimum of P1000 extra to the finances to cowl value actions and different attainable bills we’d have missed.
In case you have extra days, you’ll be able to simply insert different locations or actions. For instance, you’ll be able to embrace a day journey to Lakawon Island in Cadiz. Or if in case you have additional two days, you’ll be able to keep in a single day on Danjugan Island in Cauayan or in Sipalay Metropolis, the place you’ll discover numerous noteworthy locations to go to.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BACOLOD
When is the most effective time to go to Bacolod?
Climate-wise, positively January to April. You’ll get loads of sunshine in your meals crawls, sightseeing, and aspect journeys with out worrying concerning the rain ruining your outfit. The shoulder months of November, December, and Could are additionally fairly nice.
Only a warning: when you come between March and Could, the warmth can get intense, you’ll principally be marinating in your individual sweat. On the brilliant aspect, it’s the right excuse to down halo-halo after halo-halo.
Does that imply you need to utterly keep away from June to October? No, not likely. Sure, it’s the height of the wet season, but it surely doesn’t imply downpours occur all day, on daily basis. In actual fact, our most up-to-date Bacolod journey occurred in JULY, but it surely by no means rained in any respect. Not even a little bit drizzle.
Now, when you’re the kind who doesn’t thoughts a little bit threat, you can luck out, too. On the plus aspect, lodge charges drop, and also you received’t be elbowing your method by means of crowds. Simply pack an umbrella and perhaps some endurance, and make your itinerary as versatile as you can also make it.
If you wish to expertise Bacolod in full occasion mode, are available in October for the MassKara Pageant. Image Mardi Gras, however with extra smiles, extra meals, and simply as a lot site visitors. It’s town’s loudest, busiest, most colourful time of the yr.
The draw back? Lodge costs skyrocket, and eating places get packed. If you wish to expertise MassKara, guide as early as you probably can.
What kind of energy plug / socket is utilized in Bacolod?
The usual voltage within the Philippines is 220V at a frequency of 60Hz. Typically, the plug and socket kind used is Sort A, which has two flat parallel pins.
Is Bacolod protected?
Sure, Bacolod is usually protected.
Once more, Bacolod locals are a few of the friendliest we now have met. But it surely’s nonetheless finest to be conscious of your environment. At all times control your belongings and don’t depart them unattended.
You possibly can be aware of these emergency contact numbers:
Updates Log
2025 9 25 – First uploaded
Extra Phrases by: Asta Alvarez (Lakawon Island & FAQs – Electrical energy Information & Security)
