Bacolod, the City of Smiles. It is home to the Masskara Festival and unending lines of restaurants. One might even be tempted to consider it as the Food Trip Capital of the Philippines. To get a clearer overview of a trip to Bacolod City, one has to consider that the tour would not be limited to only the tourist spots in the city itself. The nearby cities of Talisay and Silay should also be included in the travel guide and itinerary and so is the much farther town of Murcia where the seven waterfalls of Mambukal National Park is located. My first trip to the province occurred in 2010 and I have since been back thrice after that.

► HOW TO GET TO BACOLOD

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Bacolod is an hour away by plane from Manila and is served by an International Airport situated at Silay City. There are air-conditioned vans and taxis awaiting from the airport parking lot to downtown Bacolod. There is also a ferry service that regularly plies the Manila – Bacolod route.

► BOOK A BACOLOD BUS, FERRY, PRIVATE TRANSFER, FLIGHT ONLINE

 
FLIGHT 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: FROM PHP2,300.00+/- ONE WAY 
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 5 times daily | (02) 7020-888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 5 times daily | (02) 777-5932
 

FERRY VIA PIER 4 ○ 20 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: FROM PHP960.00+/- ONE WAY 
● SUPERCAT 2GO - Sails thrice weekly | (032) 233-7000
 

FLIGHT 50 MINUTES TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: FROM PHP2,000.00+/- ONE WAY
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies twice daily | (032) 230-8888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 2 to 3 times daily | (032) 340-019
 

FERRY VIA DAPITAN PORT ○ ABOUT 4 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP320.00+/- ONE WAY
● COKALIONG SHIPPING - Sails 4 times weekly | (065) 212-2461, (0939) 906-8864 *
● GP LINES - Sails 4 times weekly | (032) 255-8695 *
 

BUS FROM DUMAGUETE CERES LINER TERMINAL ○ ABOUT 5 TO 6 HOURS ○ FARE FROM PHP290.00+/- ONE WAY
● CERES LINER - Every Hour Daily | (033) 321-3591


FERRY VIA ILOILO CITY PORT ○ ABOUT 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP230.00+/- ONE WAY
● OCEANJET - Sails once daily | (0932) 873-4885, (0922) 857-2300
● SUPERCAT 2GO - Sails daily from Iloilo New Fastcraft PPA Terminal | (032) 233-7000


FERRY VIA DUMANGAS PORT ○ ABOUT 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP128.00+/- ONE WAY
● MONTENEGRO LINES – Sails daily | (032) 254-0383

► GETTING AROUND BACOLOD

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The main mode of transportation in Bacolod and its neighboring towns is the jeepney. There are also pedicabs (trishaws) and motorized tricycles along its side-streets. Taxis are also available for rent, although most of them, from my experience, charges pakyaw (without using the meter).

► TOURS IN BACOLOD

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It is generally quite easy to tour Bacolod on your own, DIY-style. But should you want a more convenient way of visiting the city’s tourist spots, there are a lot of tour companies offering city tours of Bacolod and its neighboring towns. I personally haven’t tried arranging for such, so I really can’t recommend any. For fairness’ sake, simply type “Bacolod Travel and Tours” in Google and choose which ones suit your budget and taste. Alternatively, you may check Bacolod’s local government listing here.

 

► SPEAK BACOLOD

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People in Bacolod and generally it’s neighboring municipalities use Hiligaynon or Ilonggo as their main language. It is the third most spoken language in the Philippines. There are those who are also fluent in Cebuano, but most can understand and speak Filipino and English.

Thank You – Salamat
Good Morning – Maayong Aga
Good Afternoon – Maayong Hapon
Good Evening – Maayong Gab-i
How Much? – Pila?
Where is… – Diin ang…

► WHERE TO STAY IN BACOLOD & NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

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There are numerous lodgings, inns and hotels located at Bacolod City that caters to the A, B and C crowd. From cheap accomodations suitable for budget travelers and backpackers, to glamorous five-star hotel rooms for the glitzy tourists and business people. 

 

BUSINESS INN
Rates: Check Here
Address: 28 Lacson Street, Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 433-8877
GPS Coordinates: 10.669275, 122.950102

GRAND REGAL HOTEL
Rates: Check Here
Address: Araneta St., Singcang, Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 708-5888 | 708-5588
GPS Coordinates: 10.658254, 122.940928

L’ FISHER HOTEL
Rates: Check Here
Address: Lacson St., cor 15th St., Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 433-3731
GPS Coordinates: 10.679782, 122.954462

SALTIMBOCA TOURIST INN
Rates: Check Here
Address: 15th and Lacson St., Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 432-3617 | (034) 433-3179 | (034) 432-1145
GPS Coordinates: 10.679544, 122.955248
 

MELBA’S FARM
Rates: Chere Here
Address: Sitio Masanglad, Brgy. Cabatangan, Talisay City
Contact Number: (0949) 670-3140 | (0919) 990-9472
GPS Coordinates: 10.659875, 123.143305

 

► WHERE TO EAT IN BACOLOD & NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

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One would not run out of places to eat while in Bacolod City. From the humble carinderia of Manokan Country to the glitzy cafes at Lacson Avenue. Popular fastfood joints also abound, should you miss eating your favorite burgers and fries.

 

CAFE BOB’S
Type: Cafe, Pasta, Burger
Address: Lacson st., Corner 21st st., Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 434 2409
GPS Coordinates: 10.683022, 122.956193

CALEA
Type: Cakes & Pastries
Address: Lourdes - C Bldg. Lacson St., Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 433-8664 | (034) 433-3143
GPS Coordinates: 10.679821, 122.954757

LA CORONA CAFE *ALREADY CLOSED
Type: Carinderia Breakfast
Address: Near Corner of Burgos Avenue and Hilado Street, Bacolod City
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates: 10.669649, 122.955589

MANOKAN COUNTRY
Type: Eatery, Chicken Inasal
Address: Father M. Ferrero St, Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 433-8830
GPS Coordinates: 10.671159, 122.945660

MOM’S SHACK / AUGGIE’S GRILL
Type: Burgers, Fries, Hot Meals
Address: 94-C Lacson-Taytung Street, Bacolod City
Contact Number: (0943) 837-4225
GPS Coordinates: 10.662638, 122.947417

OLD PALA PALA MARKET
Type: Seafood, Dampa-Style
Address: San Juan st. corner North Capitol Road, Bacolod City
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates: 10.678352, 122.949195
 

CAFE 1925
Type: Cafe
Address: 14 J. Ledesma St., Silay City
Contact Number: (034) 714-7414
GPS Coordinates: 10.798137, 122.974845

EL IDEAL BAKERY
Type: Bakery, Snacks, Meals
Address: 118 Rizal St., Silay City
Contact Number: (034) 495-4430
GPS Coordinates: 10.798318, 122.975323
 

THE RUINS
Type: Restaurant
Address: Hda. Sta. Maria, Talisay City
Contact Number: (034) 4764334 | (0917) 832-6003
GPS Coordinates: 10.708972, 122.982518

► WHAT TO SEE & DO IN BACOLOD & NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

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Bacolod seemed very unassuming the first time I visited; I didn’t know that there were so many things one can do and so many places to visit in the area. From old churches, ancestral houses, ruins, waterfall adventure and parks. The only thing missing really is some beach action.

 

BACOLOD BAYWALK
Address: At the Back of SM Bacolod, Luzuriaga Street, Bacolod City
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 10.673158, 122.940849
PHOTO BY BYAHILO.COM

BREDCO PORT
Address: Luzuriaga St., Bredco Port, Bacolod City
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 10.676686, 122.937214

CAPITOL PARK AND LAGOON
Address: Between 5th & 8th St., Cor. Lacson Street, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Entrance Fee: Free
GPS Coordinates: 10.676165, 122.951762

DIZON RAMOS MUSEUM
Address: Burgos Ave, Bacolod, Negros Occidental
Contact Number: (034) 434-8512 | Open Hours: Tue to Sun 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Entrance Fee: PHP40.00
GPS Coordinates: 10.670762, 122.951988
PHOTO BY EPHRAMAR

LUPIT CHURCH - SACRED HEART SHRINE
Address: Lizares Avenue, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact Number: (034) 398-2727
GPS Coordinates: 10.659255, 122.945070

NEGROS MUSEUM
Address: Gatuslao St., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Entrance Fee: PHP100.00 | Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00AM to 6:00PM
Contact Number: (034) 433-4764
GPS Coordinates: 10.675239, 122.950627

POPE JOHN PAUL II TOWER
Address: Rizal Street, Reclamation Area, Bacolod, Negros Occidental
Open Hours: 8:00AM to 8:00PM Daily
Entrance Fee: PHP20.00
GPS Coordinates: 10.671958, 122.942364
PHOTO FROM TRACKINGTREASURE.NET

SAN SEBASTIAN CATHEDRAL
Address: Rizal Street, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Contact Number: (034) 433-0261
GPS Coordinates: 10.670117, 122.946993
 

BALAY NEGRENSE MUSEUM
Address: Cinco de Noviembre St., Silay City, Negros Occidental
Contact Number: (034) 714-7676
Entrance Fee: PHP40.00
GPS Coordinates: 10.799970, 122.973300

BERNARDINO JALANDONI MUSEUM
Address: Rizal St., Silay City, Negros Occidental
Contact Number: (034) 495-5093
GPS Coordinates: 10.801821, 122.977284

SAN DIEGO CATHEDRAL
Address: Rizal corner Dr. Trino Montinola Street, Silay City, Negros Occidental
Contact Number: (034) 495-0840
GPS Coordinates: 10.800202, 122.975752

SILAY ANCESTRAL HOUSES
Address: Silay Heritage Zone, Silay City, Negros Occidental
Entrance Fee: Not open for tourists
GPS Coordinates: 10.798781, 122.973876
 

THE RUINS
Address: Hda. Sta. Maria, Talisay City
Entrance Fee: PHP95.00
Contact Number: (034) 4764334 | (0917) 832-6003
GPS Coordinates: 10.708919, 122.982340
 

MAMBUKAL NATIONAL PARK - SEVEN FALLS
Address: Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia
Entrance Fee: PHP50.00
Contact Number: (034) 710-0801‎
GPS Coordinates: 10.512905, 123.102260
 

CHURCH OF THE ANGRY CHRIST
Address: Victorias Milling Company Complex, Victorias, Negros Occidental
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates: 10.878864, 123.066353
PHOTO FROM ESCAPEISLANDS.COM

► WHAT TO BUY IN BACOLOD

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Souvenir shops and pasalubong centers are scattered throughout the city, but the best souvenirs I found were from the Negros Showroom and the best pasalubong were the Napoleones and tarts from Virgie’s.

BACOLOD STARBUCKS MUG
Address: Lacson Street corner 18th Street, Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 435-5041
GPS Coordinates: 10.681712, 122.955163

BONGBONG’S DELICACIES
Showroom Address: Lacson St., cor. 13th St., Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 434-2626 | (0922) 850-5761
GPS Coordinates: 10.679057, 122.954373

NEGROS SHOWROOM
Showroom Address: Lacson cor. 9th St., Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 433-8833
GPS Coordinates: 10.676742, 122.953488

VIRGIE’S HOME MADE PRODUCTS
Address: 59 San Sebastian Street, Bacolod City
Contact Number: (034) 434-1788 | (034) 434-1588
GPS Coordinates: 10.664222, 122.948788

► BACOLOD TOURIST SPOTS MAP

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► SAMPLE BACOLOD ITINERARY

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Three days is the minimum for an effective Bacolod tour. You can extend this to four or five days if you want a more relaxed pace and if you want to sample more restaurants in the city; Bacolod is a food trip city after all. The tour itinerary below is already relaxed in its pacing and covers almost all the tourist spots in Bacolod, Silay, Talisay and Murcia.

DAY ONE
Arrive from the airport
Check in at hotel
Breakfast at Manokan Country
Visit Capitol Park & Lagoon
Visit Negros Museum
Visit Dizon Ramos Museum
Lunch at Cafe Bob’s
Desserts at Calea
Visit the Ruins until sunset
Dinner at the Ruins 

DAY TWO
Breakfast at hotel
Visit the Seven Falls at Mambukal National Park
Lunch at Mambukal National Park
Back to Bacolod City
Buy pasalubong and souvenirs at Virgie’s and Negros Showroom
Visit Pope John Paul II Tower
Watch the sunset at the Bacolod Baywalk
Seafood dinner at the Old Pala-Pala Market

DAY THREE
Breakfast at El Ideal Bakery in Silay City
Walking tour of the Silay Ancestral Houses
Visit the Balay Negrense Museum
Visit the Bernardo Jalandoni Museum
Lunch at Cafe 1925
Check out from the hotel

► BACOLOD TRAVEL BUDGET

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Bacolod is a fairly inexpensive city to tour around in, especially if you utilize the jeepney as your main mode of transportation. Most tourist spots are walking distance to each other, except a few. Food is also quite affordable, even on restaurants. The travel budget I prepared below is the absolute minimum one can spend in Bacolod City. 

● TOUR: PHP659.00 Solo | PHP1,278 Couple (PHP639.00 each) 

  Bacolod Tour: PHP399.00 Solo | PHP758.00 Couple (PHP379.00 each)

  ○ Bacolod Fare: PHP174.00 Solo | PHP248.00. Couple (PHP124.00 each)  
  PHP10.00 - Tricycle Fare (say, multipled by six)
  PHP7.00 - Jeep to Talisay for The Ruins
  PHP100.00 - Tricycle to The Ruins roundtrip
  PHP7.00 - Jeep back to Bacolod
  ○ Bacolod Fees: PHP255.00 Solo | PHP510.00 Couple (PHP255.00 each)
  PHP40.00 - Dizon Ramos Museum entrance fee
  PHP100.00 - Negros Museum entrance fee
  PHP20.00 - Pope John Paul II Tower entrance fee
  PHP95.00 - The Ruins entrance fee

  Silay Tour: PHP130.00 Solo | PHP260.00 Couple (PHP130.00 each)

  ○ Silay Fare: PHP40.00 Solo | PHP80.00. Couple (PHP40.00 each)  
  PHP20.00 - Jeep to Bata, then Silay
  PHP20.00 - Jeep back to Bacolod
  ○ Silay Fees: PHP90.00 Solo | PHP180.00 Couple (PHP90.00 each)
  PHP40.00 - Balay Negrense Museum entrance fee
  PHP50.00 - Bernardino Jalandoni Museum entrance fee

  Mambukal Tour: PHP130.00 Solo | PHP260.00 Couple (PHP130.00 each)

  ○ Mambukal Fare: PHP80.00 Solo | PHP160.00. Couple (PHP80.00 each)  
  PHP10.00 - Tricyle to bus terminal
  PHP30.00 - Bus to Mambukal National Park
  PHP30.00 - Bus to Bacolod
  PHP10.00 – Tricycle back to hotel
  ○ Mambukal Fees: PHP50.00 Solo | PHP100.00 Couple (PHP50.00 each) 
  PHP50.00 - Mambukal entrance fee
  PHP??.00 - Upon your discretion

● ACCOMMODATION: PHP2,400.00 Solo | PHP2,400.00 Couple (PHP1,200.00 each)
  PHP1,200.00 - Cheapest accommodation in Bacolod
                x 2 - Nights

● FOOD: PHP800.00 Solo | PHP1,600.00 Couple (PHP800.00 each)
  PHP100.00 - Average cost of a meal per person on a carinderia. 
             x 8 - 3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 2 dinner  

3 days 2 nights budget total for a solo traveler: PHP3,859.00 
3 days 2 nights budget total for two persons traveling together: PHP5,278.00 (PHP2,639.00 each)

► EXTEND YOUR BACOLOD TRIP

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CEBU
► Cebu Travel Blog
Travel Time: 45 minutes away by plane
Departure Point: Bacolod-Silay Airport
Suggested Number of Days: 3 to 4 days
DUMAGUETE CITY & NEGROS ORIENTAL
► Dumaguete Travel Blog
Travel Time: 5-6 hours away by bus
Departure Point: Bacolod bus terminal
Suggested Number of Days: 3 to 5 days

SIQUIJOR PROVINCE
► Siquijor Travel Blog
Travel Time: 5-6 hours away by bus plus 1 hour away by ferry
Departure Point: Dumaguete Port
Suggested Number of Days: 1 to 2 days

BACOLOD & NEGROS OCCIDENTAL TRAVEL GUIDE, ITINERARY & BUDGET 
UPDATED AS OF NOVEMBER 14, 2016