Bacolod is widely known for the globally famous MassKara Festival and thousands of visitors flock to the city every October for the event. But this Negros Occidental capital offers so much more fun and exciting activities beyond this famed street festival and this Bacolod travel guide is here to help.
From homegrown local dishes that will delight your taste buds to gorgeous nature walks and island-hopping adventures, you can fill up an entire vacation itinerary by just exploring this fabulous city.
Here’s our quick and easy list of things to do in Bacolod that’ll show you how the city itself is as colorful and exciting as the festival it’s known for.
Table of Contents
Image credit: The Negros Museum via Google Map
Bacolod is a city steeped in rich history and culture and the city has structures that have been preserved since the Spanish colonial time. What better way to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant heritage than by exploring its museums?
Located in the heart of Bacolod, the Negros Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history, art, and culture of Negros Occidental. From traditional costumes and pottery to antique furniture and photographs, this museum is a fascinating window into the past.
Housed in the former residence of Bacolod’s illustrious Oña family, Museo De La Salle is a cultural and educational center that showcases the art, history, and heritage of Bacolod and the La Salle Brothers. The museum’s exhibits include paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that span different eras and styles, as well as a library and an art gallery.
Image credit: Poli Punzalan via Google Map
Another heritage house-turned-museum, Balay Negrense is a must-visit for those interested in learning about the life and times of Negrenese sugar barons. The Balay Negrenese is sugar baron Victor Fernandez Gaston’s preserved ancestral home. Located in Silay City north of Bacolod, the museum features period furniture, household items, and photographs that depict the opulence and grandeur of life in the sugar plantations during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Negros Museum
Admission: P100 (~USD1.82)/adult | P70 (~USD1.27)/student & children | P80 (~USD1.45)/senior citizen
Address: MXG2+45J, Gatuslao St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-4pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: +63 34 703 4339
Museo De La Salle
Admission: P50 (~USD0.91)/adult | P30 (~USD0.54)/student & senior citizen
Address: MXH6+GM3, University of St. La Salle, Gate 1, Lungsod ng Bacolod, Negros Occidental
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm (Closed on Saturdays & Sundays)
Contact: +63 34 434 6100
Balay Negrense
Admission: P60 (~USD1.09)/adult | P30 (~USD0.54)/student
Address: Barangay III, Cinco De Noviembre Street, Silay City, 6116 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 9am-5.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +63 34 445 4282
San Sebastian Cathedral.
Image credit: T Valentino via Google Map
Bacolod is known for its beautiful churches. These are not only places of worship but they are also architectural and historical gems. Whether you’re a devout Catholic or simply fascinated by religious history and art, these churches are must-visit attractions.
Image credit: Lindlee Villanueva via Google Map
Built in the 19th century, San Sebastian Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bacolod. The church’s striking Neo-Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and intricate carvings make it a sight to behold. You can also visit the cathedral’s museum, which features religious artifacts and memorabilia.
San Antonio Abad Parish Church is a baroque-style church in Bacolod’s old district and it’s one of the oldest churches in the city. Its ornate façade, elaborate altar, and beautiful murals and paintings are testaments to the artistry and craftsmanship of the 18th century.
Located in the nearby town of Baсka, the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees from all over the Philippines. The shrine’s iconic image of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been attributed with miraculous healings and interventions.
Sta. Clara Monastery is a tranquil retreat in Bacolod’s suburbs and it is home to a community of Poor Clare nuns who live a contemplative and prayerful life. Adorned with intricate wood carvings and colorful stained-glass windows, the monastery’s chapel is a peaceful sanctuary for reflection and meditation.
Image credit: Norman Giovanni Guevarra via Google Map
Founded by the La Salle Brothers in 1952, St. John’s Institute is one of the oldest and most prestigious Catholic schools in Bacolod. The school’s chapel, built in the 1960s, is a modernist masterpiece that features a soaring roof, a minimalist design, and an impressive mural by the Filipino artist Victorio Edades.
San Sebastian Cathedral
Address: 1755 Rizal Street, Bacolod City, 6100, Negros Occidental, Rizal St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 34 433 0240
San Antonio Abad Parish Church
Address: MW3V+7P8, Lacson St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 34 434 9391
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Shrine
Address: MXJ5+4Q8, BS Aquino Dr, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 34 434 0976
Sta. Clara Monastery
Address: 59 Carolina Street, Bacolod, Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 909 006 2405
St. John’s Institute
Address: MXF5+R7G, Tindalo Ave, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 34 433 3773
Image credit: Leonardo Perez via Google Map
The main landmark of Bacolod, Capitol Park & Lagoon is a green oasis in the heart of Bacolod City and it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. The park features a man-made lagoon. Here, you can rent paddle boats, enjoy a picnic with friends, or simply enjoy the view.
You can also stroll around the park and admire the sculptures that pay tribute to Bacolod’s cultural and historical heritage. Spot the Maghimud-os Monument, a masterpiece by renowned Filipino sculptor Eduardo Castrillo. Make sure to also visit the Provincial Capitol Building, a majestic neoclassical structure that serves as the seat of the provincial government.
Address: Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental, Philippines
If you’re a foodie, you shouldn’t miss the chance to explore a pala-pala market in Bacolod. Pala-pala markets are seafood markets where you can buy fresh fish, crabs, shrimp, and other seafood. You can then have them cooked on the spot by the market vendors.
You can choose from a variety of cooking styles, such as grilled, fried, or steamed. Pair your seafood with rice and a cold drink. Some of the most popular pala-pala markets in Bacolod are the Manokan Country, the Aboy’s Restaurant, and the Golden Fortune Seafood Restaurant.
Manokan Country
Address: Reclamation Area, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: 8am-11pm, Daily
If you can’t get enough of Bacolod’s religious heritage, climb the 7 stories of the John Paul II Tower. The tower was built as a tribute to Pope John Paul II’s visit to Bacolod City in 1981. It is located near the San Sebastian Cathedral and it offers a panoramic view of Bacolod’s skyline.
Each floor of the tower showcases different aspects of the Pope’s life and teachings, such as his love for children, his devotion to the Virgin Mary, and his messages of peace and solidarity. Make sure to visit the tower’s observation deck on the top floor, where you can take stunning photos of the city.
Address: Pope John Paul II Tower, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: 8am-5pm, Daily
The Bacolod Public Plaza is a historic and cultural landmark that dates back to the Spanish colonial era. The plaza features a fountain, a gazebo, and a monument to the revolutionary hero, Aniceto Lacson.
It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and it’s especially beautiful at night when the lights illuminate the trees and the buildings around the plaza. You can also join a guided walking tour that will take you around the plaza and the nearby landmarks.
Address: MW9W+MH6, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Piaya is a popular delicacy in Bacolod that’s made from muscovado sugar and flour, and filled with either coconut or ube.
Instead of buying back this iconic snack for family and friends back home, why not make them yourself? BongBong’s, the oldest maker of piaya in the city, offers workshops on how to make piayas at P60 (~USD1.09) per person. You’ll learn how to knead the dough, flatten it with a rolling pin, and fill it with your desired filling. You can also buy freshly made piaya as a souvenir or a snack after the workshop.
BongBong’s
Address: Ground Floor Lopue’s East Centre(Main Bldg Burgos Avenue, Corner Circumferential Rd, Ext, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily
One of the best ways to experience Bacolod’s natural beauty and greenery is to visit its organic farms. These farms promote sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices and they offer a variety of activities and products for visitors to enjoy.
Image credit: Lagawan Goals Facebook
Guintubdan Mountain Resort is a 63-hectare farm located in the mountainous area of Barangay Ara-al. Guintubdan is a Hiligaynon word for “a place of rest”. The resort offers a range of activities such as organic farming, trekking, camping, and horseback riding. You can also enjoy a hearty meal made from fresh and organic produce and you can even stay in one of the farm’s cozy cottages or tents.
Fresh Start Organic Farm is a 3-hectare farm located in Barangay Alangilan. The farm has a farm-to-table restaurant called The Greenery that serves healthy and delicious dishes made from their own produce. You can also take a farm tour, attend a cooking or gardening class, or stay in their eco-cottages or glamping tents.
May’s Organic Garden is a 2.5-hectare farm located in Barangay Sum-ag. The farm has a greenhouse where they grow exotic plants and flowers, and it even houses a butterfly garden where you can see various species of butterflies. You can take a farm tour, learn how to make organic fertilizer and pesticides, or buy fresh produce to take home.
A non-profit, the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation’s goal is to protect the natural resources of Negros through conservation missions. The foundation has a forest sanctuary in Barangay Tina-an that showcases the island’s biodiversity and natural wonders. You can take a guided tour to see various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, and you learn about the foundation’s conservation efforts.
Guintubdan Mountain Resort
Address: C3FM+XF8, La Carlota City, Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 34 460 0286
Fresh Start Organic Farm
Address: CENECO Hda. Maquina Substation, Silay-Patag Rd, Silay City, Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 998 970 4850
May’s Organic Garden
Address: Araneta Ave, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 34 431 3800
Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation
Address: S Capitol Rd, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Admission: P100 (~USD1.81)/ adult, P50 (~USD0.91)/ child/senior citizen/student
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 8am-5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +63 34 433 9234
After visiting the popular attractions in Bacolod, make sure you bring home pasalubong. Bacolod is known to have the best local pasalubong, with some people even sending it to their relatives and friends abroad. You can check out a variety of souvenir and pasalubong shops across and around the city, such as BongBong’s Pasalubong which is famous for their piaya and biscocho (toasted bread).
Also popular is El Ideal for their Guapple Pie and pastries, Pendy’s for their Halfmoons Sponge Cake, and Roli’s for their Napaleones Puff Pastry and Pastillas de Mangga. For furniture and accessories, Negros Showroom is a must-visit.
BongBong’s Piaya and Barquillos Pasalubong Center
Address: BongBong Villan Corp Building, Bangga Pauline, Rizal St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: 9am-11pm, Daily
El Ideal
Address: 118 Rizal St, Silay City Heritage Zone, Silay City, 6116 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: 9am-5.30pm, Daily
Roli’s Bakeshop
Address: Lopue’s East Centre(Main Bldg), Burgos Avenue Ext. Corner Circumferential Rd., Villamonte, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: 10.30am-7pm, Daily
Pendy’s
Address: MXP4+9V5, Rolling Hills Compound, Lacson Street, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: 7.30am-9pm, Daily
Negros Showroom
Address: MXG2+67Q, S Capitol Rd, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
This Bacolod travel guide won’t be complete without highlighting the Philippines’ most colorful festival. The MassKarra Festival is Bacolod’s most famous and vibrant festival. It is celebrated every first Sunday of October and it is the ultimate Bacolod experience that you should check out at least once.
The festival features colorful parades, street dancing, concerts, and food fairs. It’s a celebration of Bacolod’s resilience, creativity, and hospitality. You will see locals dressed in colorful costumes. People wear perpetually smiling masks – an homage to Bacolod being The City of Smiles.
The highlight of the festival is the MasKarra Street Dance Competition. Groups of dancers wear elaborate masks and costumes and perform to the beat of the drums and the horns. Make sure to book your accommodation and transportation in advance, as the festival draws thousands of visitors from all over the Philippines and the world.
The Ruins is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bacolod. With its scenic landscape, stunning architecture, and rich history, it is known as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines.
Located in a 440-hectare sugar plantation in Talisay, the mansion was built in the early 1900s by a wealthy sugar baron named Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson. It was a symbol of his love for his wife, Maria Braganza who tragically died before its completion. The building was completed in 1920 but it was burned down by Filipino guerillas during the second world war.
Today, The Ruins is open to the public and it offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Bacolod’s sugar barons during the American colonial era. Visitors can explore the beautifully manicured gardens. Take a guided tour of the mansion and enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which offers a stunning view of the mansion and the surrounding countryside.
Don’t forget to take photos – there’s plenty of instagrammable spots around!
Address: Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Opening hours: Tues 9am-8pm, Thur 9am-8pm, Sat-Mon 9am-8pm (Closed on Wednesdays & Fridays)
Contact: +63 905 513 3347
Located at the foot of Mt Kanlaon, Mambukal Lake is a hidden gem in Bacolod. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The lake is located in Mambukal Mountain Resort, a nature park that offers a wide range of activities for visitors.
One of the highlights of Mambukal Lake is the hot springs that surround it. Visitors can take a dip in the warm, mineral-rich waters. It’s a great place to relax after a day of hiking or exploring the park. There are also hiking trails that lead to seven scenic waterfalls as well as natural pools.
For those who want a more adventurous experience, Mambukal Resort offers zipline rides, wall climbing, and even a bat cave exploration tour.
Mambukal Mountain Resort
Address: Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 961 757 9710
Lakawon Island is a stunning 16-hectare tropical paradise located off the coast of Cadiz City. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, as well as the famous TawHai floating bar.
The TawHai floating bar is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the Philippines. It is a massive floating structure that offers a bar, a restaurant, and even a swimming pool. Visitors can enjoy a cold drink or a delicious meal while lounging on the deck and taking in the stunning views of the sea.
Lakawon Island is also perfect for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or kayaking to explore the vibrant marine life and the coral reefs that surround the island.
You have to take a boat to get to Lakawon Island. The entrance fee for the island is P100 (~USD1.82) per person, with a P20 (~USD0.36) per person terminal fee. A 2-way boat ride to Lakawon will cost you P150 (~USD2.72) per person. It usually takes 15-20 minutes to arrive on the island. You’ll immediately see the long wooden bridge that connects the boats to the resort when you arrive.
Lakawon Island coordinates here.
Campuestohan Highland Resort is a family-friendly destination in Bacolod. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. The resort is located in the cool highlands of Talisay City, just a short drive away from Bacolod.
One of the main attractions of Campuestohan Highland Resort is its offering of outdoor activities. There is a zip line, a rope course, a giant slide, and even a bungee trampoline. There is also a swimming pool, a playground, and a mini zoo for kids to enjoy. This unusual resort features several cartoon figurines, a massive windmill, and even life-sized dinosaur statues.
For those who want to relax and unwind, Campuestohan Highland Resort also offers cozy cabins and cottages that are perfect for a weekend getaway with family and friends.
Address: Sitio Campuestohan Barangay, Talisay City, 6115 Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 917 300 5007
Just a 15-minute drive from Bacolod City, Silay City is a charming destination known as the “Paris of Negros”. It is a well-preserved Spanish colonial town that boasts of old houses, grand mansions, and museums. The city’s beautiful architecture makes it a perfect place for a walking tour.
Image credit: Francie Gibson via Google Maps
As stated earlier in this Bacolod travel guide, Balay Negrenese is located in Silay. Another popular museum is the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum, which features a collection of artworks, artifacts, and antique furniture.
For foodies, Silay City is also famous for its sweet treats, such as piaya, barquillos (rolled wafers), and other delicacies. You can also visit El Ideal Bakery, a century-old bakery that serves freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes.
Bernardino Jalandoni Museum
Address: RX2G+PWV, Brgy. II, Rizal St, Lungsod ng Silay, Negros Occidental
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 9am-5pm (Closed on Mondays)
Contact: +63 34 495 5093
The Carbin Reef Sandbar is a hidden gem in Sagay City, located about an hour and a half drive from Bacolod City. The sandbar is a stunning natural wonder, surrounded by crystal clear waters and a coral reef system.
Visitors can take a boat ride to the sandbar and enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach. You can also go on a guided tour and you can try exploring the marine life and coral reef ecosystem.
The best time to visit Carbin Reef Sandbar is during the dry season, from October to May. Make sure to bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Carbin Reef Sandbar coordinates here.
Nestled in the mountains of Bago City, Ilaya Highland Resort is a perfect escape from bustling city life. The resort is surrounded by lush greenery and it offers stunning views of the valley and the sea.
At Ilaya Highland Resort, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming in the pool, trekking, camping, and zip-lining. You can also relax and unwind in the resort’s spa and wellness center. They offer a range of massages and treatments.
The resort is also a popular venue for weddings and other events, with its beautiful garden and spacious function rooms.
Address: Brgy, Silay City, 6116 Negros Occidental
Contact: +63 968 851 1550
Located on the southern coast of Negros Occidental, Sipalay is a hidden gem that boasts of stunning beaches, waterfalls, and coves. The town is known for its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches and it makes for a perfect destination for beach lovers and adventure seekers.
One of the must-visit spots in Sipalay is Tinagong Dagat – meaning “hidden beach” – a secluded beach that’s hidden behind towering limestone cliffs. Visitors can reach the beach by taking a boat ride or hiking through a forest trail.
Sipalay is also known for its vibrant marine life, making it a perfect destination for diving and snorkeling. You get to see a variety of corals, fishes, and other marine creatures.
When it comes to Bacolod’s famous dishes, chicken inasal is always on the top of the list. This savory and flavorful grilled chicken is marinated in a mixture of vinegar, calamansi, lemongrass, and annatto oil. The result is a juicy and tender chicken that is perfect for any meal of the day. You can try the best chicken inasal in Bacolod at Aida’s, Manokan Country, and Chicken Deli.
After making your piaya at Bongbongs, why not eat it? Piaya is a Bacolod delicacy that is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. It is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. You can try the best piaya in Bacolod at Merzci Pasalubong, Bongbong’s, and Virgie’s Homemade Products.
Cansi is a savory and sour soup made with beef shanks, bone marrow, and batwan fruit. This dish is perfect for those who love sour and salty flavors. You can try the best cansi in Bacolod at Sharyn’s Cansi House, Eron’s Cansi House, and 21 Restaurant.
KBL is a popular Ilonggo dish made with pork belly, batwan fruit, and taro leaves. The name is an acronym for the main ingredients of the dish, which are kadyos (pigeon peas), baboy (pork), and langka (jackfruit). This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for anyone looking for a filling meal. You can try the best KBL in Bacolod at KBL Ihaw-Ihaw, KBL sa Kanto, and KBL ni Tatay.
Dampa is a seafood market where you can pick your fresh seafood and have it cooked according to your preference. This unique dining experience is perfect for seafood lovers who want to try something new. You can try the best dampa in Bacolod at Seafood Island, Aboy’s Fresh Seafoods, and Captain A’s.
Known as “the sugar bowl of the Philippines”, Bacolod is also known for its sweets. Calea is one of the most popular bakeries in Bacolod, known for its delicious cakes and pastries. Their cakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, making them a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can also try other cakes and pastries in Bacolod at Felicia’s Pastry Cafe and Bob’s Bakery.
Calea
Address: MXR5+9CH, Lacson St, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
Opening hours: Mon-Thur 10am-10pm | Fri-Sat 10am-7pm | Sun 10am-9pm
Contact: +63 34 441 3835
Image credit: @kimiro_86 via Instagram
The most efficient way to get to Bacolod from the capital is by plane, as major airlines fly a few times daily to Bacolod. The 1.5-hour route takes you to the Bacolod–Silay Airport, from which you can take a tricycle or van to your destination.
Check with the drivers if your van is headed to Bacolod or Silay. Van trips to Bacolod will take 30 minutes each way and it costs around P130 (~USD2.21) per person. Discuss your drop-off point with the driver – bus terminals and major malls are safe choices.
Image credit: @ayiez via Instagram
Alternatively, ferries from Manila North Harbor can take you to Bacolod the slower but more affordable way, from P1,747 (~USD29.67) per adult for a spot in a shared bunk and from P1,908 (~USD46.04) for twin rooms. The trip takes almost a full day.
With all these places to explore and things to do in Bacolod, you’ll fill up a holiday’s worth of itinerary. Whether you visit during the famed MassKara Festival or any other time of the year, this Bacolod travel guide will surely help you get around and max out your holiday in this idyllic city.
Whether you’re local or visiting, if you can’t get enough of the Philippines, consider checking out some of the awesome things you can do around this beautiful country. Check out the surfing destination Aurora Province or go on a food trip in Pangasinan. If you’re staying in the Metro, look for things to do with our ultimate Metro Manila guide, or alternatively, visit the region and check out Cavite.
Cover image adapted from: Ilaya Highland Resort via Google Maps, MassKara Festival Facebook, Anry Jun Valenzuela via Google Maps, Lindlee Villanueva via Google Map
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