20 THINGS TO DO IN BACOLOD + TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY (2025)

This blog is about the top things to do in Bacolod and other tourist spots in Negros Occidental. 

Most visits to Negros Occidental begin with Bacolod City, the capital of the province, once the haven of the sugar industry in the Philippines.  Now, Bacolod is best known for Masskara Festival, one of the biggest festivals in the country.  It is also a food haven, don’t miss trying local Negros food such as chicken inasal, cansi, and piaya.

While there’s not much attraction in Bacolod, the city is a good base and entry point for exploring the top tourist attractions in Negros Occidental such as Mt.Kanlaon Natural Park, The Ruins, Silay, Campuestuhan Highlands, Lakawon Island, Carbin Reef, and Sipalay. Visitors can even cross to Iloilo City by sea.

Here’s a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Bacolod.

BACOLOD HALF DAY TOUR: RESERVE HERE

BACOLOD PRIVATE TOUR: BOOK HERE


THINGS TO DO IN BACOLOD


1.EXPERIENCE MASSKARA FESTIVAL

 

Why is it one of the top things to do in Bacolod?

 

Masskara Festival, the festival of smiles, is one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines, held every October in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. The term “Masskara” was coined from the words “mass” (crowd) and “kara” (face), which literally means “Festival of Many Faces”. During the celebration, Bacolod exude an enchanted atmosphere as masked dancers fill the streets, dancing to the tunes of live music, and many events are organized in the city.

 BACOLOD THINGS TO DO: ATTEND MASSKARA FESTIVAL

Interestingly, Masskara Festival was founded sometime in 1980 and was first held back in October 19, 1980  to help ease the misery of the locals. A tragedy struck in the evening of April 22, 1980 when M/S Don Juan, a ferry carrying about 1,000 passengers, most of them are Negrense, collided with M/T Tacloban City tanker en route to Bacolod from Manila.  The ferry instantly sunk off shore Mindoro, killing about 750 passengers.

MASSKARA FESTIVAL SCHEDULE: Held annually usually around the 4th Sunday of October in aligment with Bacolod Charter Day – October 19.


2. FEAST ON CHICKEN INASAL

 

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bacolod?

 

Mention Bacolod food and chicken inasal (grilled chicken) will come to mind. Chicken inasal is Bacolod’s most famous local delicacy known for its smoky taste and yellowish look.  There are several eateries and restaurants in Bacolod serving chicken inasal, but the best place to go is Manokan Country.  It is said that back in the 80’s, the inasal food stalls where just scattered on the sidewalks, until the local government brought them organized them to create what is known as Manokan Country. You can choose from several restaurants serving chicken inasal here.


3. RELAX AT THE CAPITOL BUILDING AND LAGOON

 

Why is it one of the top Bacolod tourist spots?

 

Built in 1927 and completed 6 years after, the Capitol Building in Bacolod, which is the official seat of the governor of the province, exhibits the Beaux-Arts architectural design that is inspired by French Neocolonialism.  Based on anecdotes,the city planner Daniel Burnham, one of the celebrated American architects who studied in Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris visited the Philippines upon the invitation of the then Governor General William Cameron Forbes to visit the Philippines.  He recommended William Parsons as consulting architect, who structured the architectural office of the Bureau of Public Works, composed of American and Filipino architects including  Juan Nakpil, Tomas Bautista Mapua, and Juan de Guzman Arellano who implemented the plan.  The Capitol Building was declared as National Historical Landmark in 1994.

BACOLOD TOURIST SPOTS: NEGROS CAPITOL AND LAGOON

The Capitol Building is shaped like the letter E, and the neck-swivelling façade is fringed by towering, massive colonnades. The sculptures at the Capitol Building are believed to be designed by the works of Guillermo Tolentino, the National Artist for Sculpture.

Near the man-made lagoon at the Capitol Grounds, you’ll notice striking statues painted in gold. The carabao (water buffalo) and a woman is attributed to Italian sculpture Frances Riccardo Monti, while the man riding a female carabao was made by Negrense artist Felix Garzon.

BACOLOD TOURIST SPOTS: CAPITOL PARK AND LAGOON

There’s also a memorial for the war veterans at the heart of the Capitol Ground.

  • Capitol Park and Lagoon
  • Address: Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City
  • GPS Location: 10°40’34.7″N 122°57’09.4″E
  • Open Hours: Daily 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Capitol Park and Lagoon), 8:00 AM -8:00 PM Weekdays (Capitol Building)
  • Entrance Fee: FREE
  • How to get there: Ride a jeepney with routes “Capitol” or “Mandalagan/Bata”. Jeepney fare is ₱13 ($0.23) and ₱15 ($0.27) for the e-jeep. If you’re already in the city center, it should be easily accessible by walking. Refer to Google Maps for directions or ask the locals for help.

 


4. VISIT SAN SEBASTIAN CHURCH

 

Why is a famous Bacolod tourist spot?

 

The San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod city was originally constructed in 1825 and was renovated towards the end of the century. The 2 bell towers (the original wooden church has 1 bell tower only) were built in 1885 and eventually the bells were relocated to the churchyard for the preservation.  In 1933, San Sebastian Church was declared a cathedral when Bacolod was converted into a diocese.

  • San Sebastian Church Bacolod
  • Address: 1755 Rizal Street corner of San Juan Street, Bacolod City
  • GPS Location: 10°40’14.1″N 122°56’49.7″E
  • Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 5:00 AM – 8:30 PM
  • Entrance Fee: FREE
  • How to get there: Ride a jeepney with routes “Capitol” or “Mandalagan/Bata”. Jeepney fare is ₱13 ($0.23) and ₱15 ($0.27) for the e-jeep. Tell the jeepney driver to drop you off at the Cathedral.  If you’re already in the city center, it should be easily accessible by walking. Refer to Google Maps for directions or ask the locals for help.

5.TRY CANSI

BACOLOD THINGS TO DO: EAT CANSI

Why is it one of the best Bacolod food?

Another must-try Negrense dish that you can find in Bacolod is the cansi (kansi), a traditional comfort food made of boiled bone-in beef shank with beef chunks and bone marrow and made sour by batuan fruit. The best place to eat cansi in Bacolod is at Sharyn’s Cansi House that is included in the World’s Top 50 Street Food Masters  chosen by panel of industry experts during the World Street Food Congress (WSFC).  The last time I ate here, the cansi served to me is good for 2-4 persons, about ₱390 ($7). They also have crispy cansi for ₱450 ($8).

  • Sharyn’s Cansi House
  • Address: C-58 Capitol Shopping Center, Narra Ave, Brgy. Villamonte, Bacolod
  • GPS Location: 10°41’18.3″N 122°57’28.7″E
  • Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Cansi (original): ₱390 ($7), good for 2-4 pax
  • Crispy Cansi: ₱450 ($8)
  • How to get there: Take a tricycle from downtown Bacolod. Tricycle fare is about ₱15 ($0.27) – ₱20 ($0.35)

 

Other cansi eateries to try in Bacolod (I’ve yet to try them though) includes:

  • Conee’s Cansi and Sugba
  • Address: 25th Lacson Street , Bacolod City
  • GPS Location:10°37’58.4″N 122°57’42.0″E
  • Small Cansi: ₱240 ($4)
  • Large Cansi: ₱280 ($5), good for 2-4 persons
  • How to get there: Take a tricycle from downtown Bacolod. Tricycle fare is about ₱15 ($0.27) – ₱20 ($0.35)

 

  • Eron’s Cansi House
  • Address: #66 Narra Avenue, Capitol Shopping Center, Bacolod City
  • GPS Location:10°40’25.5″N 122°57’35.5″E
  • Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM -8:00 PM
  • Cansi: ₱250 ($4.42) – ₱300 ($5.31) per serving
  • How to get there: Take a tricycle from downtown Bacolod. Tricycle fare is about ₱15 ($0.27) – ₱20 ($0.35)

 

BACOLOD FOOD TOUR (JOIN TOUR): RESERVE HERE

BACOLOD FOOD CRAWL (PRIVATE):  RESERVE HERE

 


6. EXPERIENCE PIAYA MAKING

 

Why is it one of the best things to do in Bacolod?

 

Piaya is a famous Negros delicacy that is made of flat unleavened bread filled with muscovado and glucose syrup.  It is believed that piaya was created to promote the sugar industry of Negros.

Bong bongs is one of the oldest bakers of piaya.  Most tourists who want to take home Bacolod and Negros local delicacies head to Bong Bongs.  But did you know that they also offer a workshop on how to make a piaya?  You can book in advance through their Facebook page to secure a slot, and it only costs  ₱60/$1 per person (minimum 15 pax, maximum 50 pax).  The Bong Bongs piaya factory tour and workshop is available from Mondays to Saturdays (closed on Sundays). For smaller groups, fee is about ₱900/$16, snacks and pasalubong applies.

Here’s the price of Bong Bong’s Piaya based on their official website:

  • Piaya Flat (Muscovado): ₱70/$1.24 for 10 pieces, ₱38/$0.67 for 5 pieces
  • Piaya Flat (Ube): ₱77/$1.36 for 10 pieces, ₱41/$0.73 for 5 pieces

 

  • Bong Bong’s Piaya
  • Address: 599 Bongbong Villan Building corner Pauline Street Alijis Road Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
  • GPS Location: 10°40’15.3″N 122°56’45.3″E
  • Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Fee: ₱60/$1 per person (minimum 15 pax, maximum 50 pax)
  • How to get there: Ride a jeepney bound for Alijis. Tell the driver to drop you off at Bong-Bong’s Piaya factory. Jeepney fare is ₱13 ($0.23) and ₱15 ($0.27) for the e-jeep.

 


7. VISIT THE NEGROS MUSEUM

 

Why is it one of the famous Bacolod tourist spots?

 

Originally built as a Provincial Agricultural Building, it now houses the Negros Museum that was founded in 1996. The Negros Museum is like a gate to the world of Negros, which aims to promote understanding of the history, culture, artistry, and life in Negros island.  Also, on display here are several artworks of local artists that are for sale.  Negros Museum also houses a Toy Gallery with toy collections from around the world including dolls of different sizes.

BACOLOD CONTEMPORARY ART TOUR: RESERVE HERE OR CHECK RATES HERE 

  • Address: Old Agricultural Building, Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City
  • GPS Location: 10°40’30.7″N 122°57’01.3″E
  • Open Hours: Monday to Saturday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Entrance Fee: (Adult) ₱150/$3, (Senior) ₱120/$2,  (Student & Child) ₱120/$2
  • Guided Tours: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM (Subject to availability of tour guides)
  • How to get there: 3 minute walk from the Provincial Capitol


8. BUY SOUVENIRS AT NEGROS SHOWROOM

 

Why is it one of the top things to do in Bacolod?

 

The Negros Showroom has 2 branches: the original shop is located along Lacson Street while the other one is at Central City Walk in Robinson’s Place, Bacolod.

If you’re looking for the best souvenirs in Bacolod and Negros, The Negros Showroom is the best place to visit.  It’s a one-stop shop of the best products in Negros, from bags, shirts, hand-crafted goods,  jewelries, to local delicacies such as piyaya, napoleones, barquillos, and biscocho.

  • Address: Lacson Street, Bacolod City / Robinsons Place Bacolod central City Walk, Bacolod,
  • Open Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: FREE

 


9. HAVE A SLICE OF CAKE AT CALEA

 

Why is it one of the top Bacolod food?

 

Whenever I am in Bacolod, I always make it a point to drop by at Calea, a haven for cakes and pastries.  Calea is the most popular dessert café in Bacolod and it’s not surprising since they serve really delicious cakes. If you can’t decide what to eat, try their best-seller – the chocolate mud pie.  Calea also has a pretty nice ambience, perfect for sipping a cup of coffee while enjoying a bite of your favorite pastry.

  • Calea
  • Address:
  • Lacson Street Branch: L.Sea Building 14th Street corner Lacson Street, Bacolod City
  • Balay Quince Branch: 15th Street, Balay Quince, Bacolod City
  • Robinsons Place Bacolod Branch: 1st Level, Robinsons Place Bacolod, Lacson Street Madalagan,
  • How to get to Calea:
  • Take a jeepney bound for Mandalafan-Libertad or Bata-Libertad from Central Market. Jeepney fare is ₱13 ($0.23) and ₱15 ($0.27) for the e-jeep.
  • Tell the driver to drop you off at Calea.

10. CHECK OUT THE JOHN PAUL TOWER II

 

Why is it one of the top Bacolod things to do?

 

Back in area in February 20, 1981, Pope John Paul II visited Bacolod City and celebrated a mass near BREDCO (Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation), a reclamation area in the city. The John Paul II Tower is a pilgrimage center, erected near the aforementioned site to commemorate that important event. The soaring building dedicated to the late Pope John Paull II is composed of 8 floors and offers a great view of Bacolod City and Guimaras Strait. Displayed here are pictures, relics, and vestment he used during his visit.

  • Address: Rizal Street, BREDCO Reclamation Area behind SM City Bacolod
  • GPS Location: 10°40’19.4″N 122°56’32.4″E
  • Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: ₱20 ($0.39)
  • How to get there: Take a tricycle from downtown Bacolod. Tricycle fare is about ₱15 ($0.27) – ₱20 ($0.35). If taking a jeepney, ride a jeepney en route to SM Bacolod. Walk to the tower just behind SM City Bacolod.

 


11. DINE AT OLD PALA-PALA MARKET 

 

Why is it one of the top things to do in Bacolod?

 

One of the best places to eat in Bacolod is the pala-pala style restaurant.  It’s their version of dampa (seafood paluto), like the one in Manila, where customers can buy fresh seafood straight from the Old Pala- Pala Market and they can go to the nearest “tulahan” and they can cook the seafood for you. The price for the paluto depends on the cooking style and ingredients used.   Here’s the usual paluto:

  •  Crabs – chili or steamed
  • Shrimps –  buttered garlic, steamed, or chili (spicy-garlic)
  • Squid – adobo, calamares
  • Scallops – buttered garlic, grilled
  • Fish – grilled, sizzling, soup

 

  • Open Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Address: corner of San Juan Street and North Capitol Road, just behind the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building
  • GPS Location:10°40’43.3″N 122°56’58.2″E 
  • Entrance Fee: FREE

How to get there: Take a jeepney bound for Banago-LIbertad. Tell the driver to drop you off at Old Pala-Pala Market. Jeepney fare is ₱13 ($0.23) and ₱15 ($0.27) for the e-jeep. If you’re coming from the Capitol Lagoon, you may take a tricycle for ₱20 ($0.35). Or take a walk for about 10-15 minutes. The Old Pala-Pala Market is located at the corner of San Juan Street and North Capitol Road, just behind the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building. Use Google Maps, or ask the locals for directions.


BACOLOD SIDE TRIPS


 Here’s a list of top tourist spots in Negros Occidental that can be done as a day trip from Bacolod city.

 


12.THE RUINS

 

Why is it one of the top places to see near Bacolod?

BACOLOD TOURIST SPOT: BACOLOD THE RUINS

Mention Bacolod and The Ruins will immediately come to mind.  But this famous attraction is actually located in Talisay, not Bacolod.

Based on anecdotes, The Ruins was built as a reminder of great love. Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, a sugar baron from Talisay, Negros Occidental fell in love with Maria Braga, a Portuguese from Macau.  They eventually got married, settled in Negros, and had 10 children. When Maria got pregnant with her 11th child, she slipped in their bathroom and bled heavily. She couldn’t stand to go to the physician, so his husband had to request for a physician who lives in Silay.  It took 4 days for the physician to arrive by horse-drawn carriage and sadly, Maria and the child already passed away. Mariano was broken-hearted, he then decided to build an Italian-inspired mansion dedicated to his wife.  Unfortunately, during the World War II, the guerillas burned down the beautiful mansion to prevent the Japanese soldiers from using it as a military headquarters.   The frame of the mansion survived,  hence the name, like a testament of one great love that stood the test of time.

BACOLOD CITY TOUR WITH THE RUINS: RESERVE HERE

  • Address: Talisay, Bacolod
  • GPS Location: 10°42’33.2″N 122°58’57.4″E
  • Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Entrance Fee: (Adult) ₱100 ($2), (Seniors/PWD) ₱70 ($1.38), (Student) ₱60 ($1.18), (Children below 8 years old) ₱20/$0.35
  • Photoshoot Fee: ₱1,000 ($18) for professional photoshoot sessions
  • Consumable Fee: ₱300 ($5), can be used for food and beverages

BACOLOD TOURIST SPOTS: THE RUINS
How to get to The Ruins:

  • Take the jeepney to Bata-Libertad (northbound, going to Bata). Fare is about ₱15 ($0.27) per person.  You can find this jeepney along Lacson Street in Bacolod city.
  • Get off at Pepsi Plant /Bangga Rose/Rose Lawn (near Ceres North Terminal).
  • Look for a signboard saying “This Way to the Ruins”
  • Take a tricycle to The Ruins. Fare is about ₱50 ($1)  per person.
  • At the gate of The Ruins, pay the entrance fee.
  • Alternatively, you can also take a taxi to The Ruins from downtown Bacolod.

 

Going back to Bacolod from The Ruins:

  • Option 1
  • Best to take the shuttle van that leaves every 30 mins – 1 hour. Fare is roughly ₱50 ($1) person to Robinsons Bacolod and about ₱70 ($1.38)  to Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

 

  • Option 2
  • Take the tricycle back to Pepsi Plant. Fare is roughly ₱50 ($1) per person.
  • Cross the high-way and tale the jeepney en route to Libertad. Jeepney fare is about ₱15 ($0.27) per person.

 


13.CAMPUESTUHAN HIGHLANDS

 

Why is it one of the best places to visit near Bacolod?

 

One of the popular resorts near Bacolod is Campuestuhan Highland Resort, situated in Talisay, Negros Occidental. This sprawling family-friendly resort was originally planned as a retirement home of Ricardo and Nina Tan, but upon seeing the majestic view surrounding it, they changed the plan to what is now known as Campuestuhan Highland Resort.  Aside from the swimming, the resort also offers various activities like zipline, hamster wheel, sky bicycle, rope course, and even horseback riding.  Kids will also enjoy Campuestuhan Highland Resort because of the life-size statues of superheroes here such as Batman, Icredible Hulk, Thor, and Superman.

Campuestuhan Highland Day Tour: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE

 


14.MAMBUKAL RESORT

 

Why is it one of the top things to see in Bacolod?

BACOLOD THINGS TO DO: BOATING IN MAMBUKAL RESORT

To get a true taste of nature, head to Mambukal Resort, about an hour away by local bus from Bacolod City. Mambukal Resort is a timeless nature resort  covering roughly 23.6 hectares of land at the foot of the mighty Mt.Kanlaon in Murcia, Negros Occidental.  It is the gateway to Mt.Kanlaon via the Wasay Trail.

 BACOLOD THINGS TO DO: HIKE THE SEVEN WATERFALLS

Interestingly, Mambukal Resort was originally conceptualized by Kokichi Paul Ishawata, a Japanese architect, in 1927. This is why this place houses a Japanese-inspired bath house and a picnic garden. Mambukal Resort is also a flying fox sanctuary, if you’re lucky enough, you can see them up close.

Mambukal Resort is sprinkled with nature springs, jungle-clad mountains, and waterfalls.  The resort may seem old and forgotten, but once you take a leisurely walk around its surroundings, you’ll most likely appreciate the forest surrounding it. It’s also a sanctuary of flying fox, if you’re lucky enough, you can see them up close.

BACOLOD THINGS TO DO: SEE THE MAMBUKAL RESORT FLYING FOX

If you are adventurous enough, you can hike the Seven waterfalls inside the confines of Mambukal Resort.  But if you have limited time like us, you can rent a motorbike (with driver) to the jumping off point of the 1st and 2nd waterfall. Expect to pay more or less ₱100 ($2 ) per person. Then at the start of the trail, you can hire a guide for your security and to avoid getting lost.  It’s also one to show your support to the locals who have done a good job protecting and maintaining this place. It’s an easy hike to reach the 1st waterfall from the jumping off point, you can also do the 2nd waterfall in Mambukal Resort. If you still have more energy, feel free to hike the rest of the waterfalls.

BACOLOD TOURIST SPOTS: MAMBUKAL MOUNTAIN RESORT
Here’s the rate for the waterfalls:

Mambukal Waterfalls RateNumber of Hours
1st waterfalls₱100 – $21 hour
2nd waterfalls₱150 – $31 hour and 15 mins
3rd waterfalls₱200 -$41 hour and 30 mins
6th waterfalls₱250 – $52 hours
7th waterfalls₱300 – $63 hours

*Rates may change without prior notice.

MAMBUKAL RESORT DAY TOUR: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE

 

  • Mambukal Resort
  • Address: Mambukal Mountain Resort Brgy.Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental
  • GPS Location:10°30’47.2″N 123°06’08.3″E
  • Open Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Mambukal Resort Entrance Fee: (Adult) ₱50 ($1), (Children 11 y.o below)  ₱20 ($0.39)
  • (Light Vehicle) ₱15 ($0.30), (Truck/Bus) ₱30 ($0.53)
  • Guide Fee: Please refer to the table above for guide fee.Guides are available for trekking to the 7 Falls. You may pay extra as tip, because that guide fee rate is quite low. Please hire a guide for your safety and to help the locals and contribute to the local economy. Waterfalls trekking is open daily from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

BACOLOD TOURIST SPOT: MAMBUKAL RESORT

  • How to get to Mambukal Resort:
  • From Bacolod City, ride a jeepney en route to Bata or Mandalagan or take a cab to Libertad Public Market. Jeepney fare is roughly ₱15 ($0.27) per person
  • Alight at Libertad Market.
  • Walk to Save More Libertad. In front of it is the Libertad Terminal.
  • Ride the double tier bus to Mambukal Resort. Fare is about ₱60 ($1.06) one-way and travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

 


15.SILAY

BACOLOD TOURIST SPOTS: SILAY

Why is it one of the top things to do near Bacolod?

Silay City in Negros Occidental has a timeless appeal, once dubbed as the “Paris of Negros”, it takes pride as one of the largest sugar producers in the Philippines.  But what draws tourists here are the more or less 30 well-preserved age-old houses built during the Spanish colonial period declared as official heritage landmarks by the National Historical Commission.

SILAY HERITAGE TOUR: RESERVE HERE OR BOOK HERE

BACOLOD THINGS TO DO: SIDETRIP TO SILAY HERITAGE HOUSES


16.LAKAWON ISLAND

 

Why is it one of the top beaches near Bacolod?

 

Lakawon Island is a pretty popular island and beach destination near Bacolod perfect for group and even solo travelers. It can be done as a day trip from Bacolod city, but to better enjoy its facilities and soak up the beach vibe here, best to stay overnight. Several cottages fringe Lakawon Islands cream shore and azure water.  Watersports are also available here, but it is best known for its massive floating bar.  For information on entrance fees, overnight rates, and getting to Lakawon Island, check out my detailed Lakawon Island blog through the link below.

LAKAWON DAY TRIP FROM BACOLOD: RESERVE HERE

 

BACOLOD TOURIST SPOTS: LAKAWON ISLAND


17.CARBIN REEF

 

Why is it one of the best beaches near Bacolod?

 

Another rising beach destination accessible from Bacolod City is Carbin Reef.  It’s actually a napkin-shaped sandbar lapped by crystal clear denim blue water.   It has a powdery white sand peppered with makes-shift cottages. But its real gem is hidden underwater – a 200 hectare marine sanctuary, part of Sagay’s protected seascape.

For more information, read my Carbin Reef itinerary blog below.

CARBIN REEF + SUYAC ISLAND HOPPING TOUR: RESERVE HERE

things to do in Bacolod: CARBIN REEF


18.ILAYA HIGHLAND RESORT

 

Why is it one of the top places to see near Bacolod?

 

The newest attraction near Bacolod City is Ilaya Highland Resort, a Balinese-inspired resort perfect for family and friend bonding in Patag, Negros Occidental.  Visitors can do a day trip here and swim in its infinity pool while enjoying in the scenic view of the mountains and Panay Island.

Ilaya Highland Resort Day Tour: RESERVE HERE OR CHECK RATES HERE


19.DON SALVADOR BENEDICTO

Why is it one of the top things to do near Bacolod?

Another popular side trip fro Bacolod is a visit to the highlands of Don Salvador Benedicto. It’s a mountainous municipality founded in 1983, in honor of former Vice Governor Salvador Benedicto, a key figure during the Japanese occupation. It is dubbed as the “Summer Capital of Negros Occidental”, reminiscent of Baguio. A visit here will get you glimpses of its pine-scented roads, cool mountain vistas, and scenic viewpoints that make it a peaceful escape.

Places to see here includes:

  • Pine Tree-Lined Highways: A striking 1.7 km stretch of well-paved road fringed by towering pine trees leading to the town proper.
  • Malatan-og Falls (Cigarette Falls): A scenic waterfalls viewable from the roadside lantawan (view deck) or reachable via a 30-60 minute trek.
  • Jomax Peak and Cafes: These popular cafes in Don Salvador Benedicto provide misty vistas, serene ambiances, and local fare.
  • Mayana Peak: A short hike of about 15 minutes will take you to panaromic views. You can also ride a habal-habal to get here or join a group tour (see link below).
  • Rice Terraces: Small but scenic rice terraces near the road.
  • Lion’s Monument & Viewing Deck: A full-body lion statue atop a deck offering sweeping views of the mountainside and rice terraces.
  • Maglahos River Tunnel: A naturally formed cave that requires a light trek and ankle-deep river crossing.

DON SALVADOR BENEDICTO DAY TOUR: BOOK HERE 

 


20.SIPALAY

Sipalay was once a local secret, but it’s slowly getting the attention that it deserves.  Getting here may be more than the adventure you bargained for, but it’s well worth it. Sipalay is sprinkled with gorgeous forest-fringed islets that beckon repeat visits.  For further details, do read my Sipalay blog through the link below.

ALSO READ: SIPALAY TRAVEL GUIDE

 

BACOLOD THINGS TO DO: SIPALAY


WHERE TO STAY IN BACOLOD


During one of my first visits in Bacolod, Audrey, a fellow blogger from the owners of Merzci Pasalubong paid for my stay at Avenue Suites. I also went back 2-3 times, but I can’t remember the accommodations I stayed at. I don’t recommend them anyway because they’re not that clean and comfortable. I liked my stay at Avenue Suites, but that was a long time ago though, hopefully, the hotel is still okay these days. Kindly check the hotel reviews by guests before before booking any hotels.

 

 

 

 

 

2025 agoda promo


BACOLOD ITINERARY (3 DAYS)


Here’s a sample Bacolodo 3 Day Itinerary to help you plan your trip. I’ll write a separate and more detailed Bacolod Travel Guide with itinerary soon. But I hope for now, this sample Bacolod Itinerary can help you.

DAY 1CITY + CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTSNOTES
8:00 AMArrive in BacolodFrom Silay Airport, about 30 mins
9:00 AMBreakfast at CaleaTry the iconic moist chocolate cake
10:00 AMVisit the San Sebastian CathedralBesides Plaza & Bishops Plaza
11:00 AMExplore Negros Museumlearning local history & sugar industry
12:30 PMLunch at Manokan CountryBacolod Chicken Inasal
02:00 PMHead to The RuinsPhoto ops
05:00 PMSunset photosMerienda at a nearby cafe
06:30 PMDinner
08:00 PMRelax at café or bar
DAY 2NATURE + RELAXATIONNOTES
06:00 AMETD Mambukal Resort45 mins – 1 hour travel time
07:00 AMHot spring dipSwim at sulfur pools or breakfast
08:00 AMSeven Falls TrekHire a guide. Easy hike with scenic falls
11:00 AMCanopy walk/boating/flying foxFamily-friendly activities
12:30 PMLunch at Mambukal ResortFood stalls and eateries are available
02:00 PMTravel back to BacolodDrop by at Bong Bong’s for Pasalubong
04:00 PMPope John Paul ll TowerSmall but historical viewpoint
05:00 PMTry Cansi at Sharyn’s Cansi House
06:00 PMMerzci PasalubongBuy pasalubong
07:00 PMDinner
DAY 3DEPARTURENOTES
08:00 AMBreakfast
09:00 AMHead to Silay
10:00 AMQuick Silay Tour
Balay Negrense
12:30 PMLunch
01:30 PMHead to Silay AirportAllow 2 hours for checking-in luggage
Depart

 


 

ALSO READ:

LAKAWON TRAVEL GUIDE

CARBIN REEF TRAVEL GUIDE

 

 

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