Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Bacolod City

I was looking to add another province to my list of provinces visited in the Philippines. I figured it was time to visit Bacolod City in Negros Occidental. I kept postponing a trip to this city, but after finally having time, I decided to go.

Bacolod is a chill city which you can visit as a short weekend getaway from Metro Manila.

Travel Guide Budget and Itinerary for Bacolod City

The city got its name from the Ilonggo word "bakolod" which means stone hill. The city's settlement dates to the 18th century. It is the capital of Negros Occidental and used to be a hub of sugar production in the country. This industry has made plenty of people rich during its heyday. Bacolod is also known as "The City of Smiles" because of its friendly people. One of the country's most popular festivals, Masskara Festival, takes place here.

How to Get to Bacolod City

Bacolod City is very accessible. It has its own airport. You can book a direct flight from Manila or Cebu to this city easily. There are multiple flights throughout the day from Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia. Book your tickets several weeks in advance to get the lowest possible price. You can also take the ferry to Bacolod City from Iloilo City.

Things to do in Bacolod City

Regardless of how long you'll stay, there's a number of things to do in Bacolod City whether within its city limits or as a day trip other cities like Silay and Talisay.

The Ruins

The most recognizable and most popular attraction in Talisay is The Ruins. This mansion belongs to the Lacson clan who had it built in the early 1900s. It is the ancestral home of Don Mariano Lacson. Don Mariano had the mansion built to commemorate his wife, Maria Braga Lacson. The latter died while giving birth. Some would refer to it as the 'Taj Mahal of Negros.' The heirs maintained the property after the passing of its original owners. Today, it is an iconic architectural gem that is both a tourist attraction and events venue.

Eat Chicken Inasal!

I've tried inasal in various restaurants around the Philippines. I can't skip it while in Bacolod City. All I can say is that the chicken inasal was delicious! I tried it in one of the restaurants in Manokan Country next to SM. The serving (at least for me) was generous. I savored each bite and let the taste linger a bit longer than usual.

Provincial Capitol

This grand building is Negros Occidental's provincial government seat. Within it is the Capitol Park and Lagoon. Both locals and tourists walk around this area during different times of the day. In the 1920s, the governor of that time (Jose Lacson) wanted to construct a capitol building that is a reflection of the affluent status of the city.

San Sebastian Church

This centuries old church is a famous city landmark. It dates to the 19th century and is a prominent relic of the city's colonial past.

Negros Museum

If you're the type of person that visits museums, this is an attraction you can include in your itinerary. The exhibits you'll find inside provide you with a glimpse of the Negrense lifestyle. You'll also see art exhibits from various artists during your visit.

Dessert at Calea

For someone who has a sweet tooth, I just had to eat dessert at Calea. It's a popular place to eat for both locals and visitors. There's often plenty of people coming in and out or dining in (I went twice during my visit!). I don't quite remember the flavors of the cakes I had, but I do remember them being scrumptious.

Jalandoni Ancestral House

Not too far from Bacolod is Silay City. The latter is home to many beautiful ancestral houses you can visit during your stay. One such place to see is the Bernardino Jalandoni Ancestral House. Don Bernardino and Doña Ysabel Lopez Ledesma were from Iloilo, but decided to move to Silay City where they settled and raised a family. The house finished construction in the early 1900s. Exploring the house provides one with a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle of the city's rich families in the early 20th century. The heirs have kept the house well-maintained. It's now a museum and a venue.

Balay Negrense

Many prominent families that grew rich from the sugar business long ago built ancestral homes in Silay City. One of which is Balay Negrense. This grand house is a vestige of the past and is now a tourist attraction. It depicts the affluent life and the distinct taste of sugar barons that lived in the region. This was Victor Gaston's ancestral house and is another fine example of a bahay na bato.

Hofileña Ancestral House

This ancestral house is another example of a bahay na bato you'll find when you visit Silay City. This beautiful house dates to the 1930s. The house is quite lovely with well-maintained furniture and interiors. It's also home to a private collection with works from some of the most important names in Philippine art such as BenCab, Fernando Amorsolo, Felix Resurrecion Hidalgo, and Juan Luna just to name a few.

Getting around Bacolod City

It's easy to get around Bacolod City, especially if you choose an accommodation near the center. You can walk or take public transportation to and from places of interest. I used Grab for a few long distance trips for convenience.

Where to Stay in Bacolod City

Bacolod is a laid back city that has a nice vibe to it. It has a bit of everything you're looking for in a city getaway minus the traffic and the typical hustle and bustle. You can find affordable accommodation during your visit. I usually use www.booking.com when I look for a place to stay.