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city of the Philippines and capital of the province of Negros Occidental
(Redirected from Bacolod/Alijis and Mansilingan)
Asia > Southeast Asia > Philippines > Visayas > Negros > Negros Occidental > Bacolod

Bacolod is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines, and the most populous city on Negros Island at about 600,000 in the 2020 census. It is known for its MassKara Festival, a Mardi Gras-like parade and spectacular mix of dancing, colour and music held every October, as well as for its culinary heritage that includes inasal (a kind of roast chicken on skewers) and sweet dessert treats.

Understand

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Bacolod is a major transport hub with an international airport, a large and busy ferry port, and good road connections with many buses.

History

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Masskara

The name Bacolod is derived from the Hiligaynon word, Buklod meaning stone hill, named for the hill where Austronesians first settled in the area. Later on, Moro (Muslim) pirates attacked early one morning and within a few hours many people had been slaughtered and houses ransacked and/or burnt. The people then decided to move down to the shore, abandoning the stone hill. The original town is now called Daan-Banwa, meaning old town and is in Barangay Granada.

Bacolod was made the provincial capital of Negros Occidental in 1890. It was the focal point of conflict between the Negrenses and the Spaniards in 1898. The commanding officer of the Spanish forces surrendered to the Filipino forces, and the signing of the Act of Capitulation was carried out at the house of Don Eusebio Luzuriaga which once stood in front of the City Hall; today there is a monument. This resulted in the formation of an independent Negros Island Republic.

The Republic lasted less than a year; in March 1899, American forces occupied Bacolod. During American colonial rule, the Rizal Institute was set up in the town in 1903 providing education to the Bacolodnons. La Consolacion College was founded in 1919 by the Augustinian sisters as a Catholic school. Bacolod was declared a city in 1938; today October 19 is observed as Charter Day commemorating that. Bacolod was occupied by Japanese forces in May, 1942 and was liberated by American forces in May, 1945.

From its small origins, Bacolod has emerged as an urbanized metropolis and has been named as one of the two cleanest and greenest highly urbanized cities in the Philippines. It has also been recognized for its disaster risk management and as a pilot city for democratic local governance for Southeast Asia by the European Union.

Orientation

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Bacolod is the largest of 13 cities in the province of Negros Occidental, serving as the provincial capital and center of governance, economy and education. Neighbouring towns are Murcia to the east, Silay and Talisay to the north, and Bago City to the south. The Guimaras Strait is to the west, with Iloilo City and Guimaras across it.

Bacolod contains 61 barangays; however, only eight of them are likely to be important to visitors:

  • Downtown Bacolod/City Proper/Central Business District (CBD) — Business transactions, malls and marketplaces, famous landmarks, and small diners are all concentrated in this district, often crowded especially in holidays and weekends this is the spot where the first malls, cinema houses, markets and humble beginnings of businesses started.
  • Singcang — Bars, casinos, fun and the former airport, what else more? The former is used as a venue for motor-cross events and concerts.
  • Villamonte — another growing business district for the city. Shopping centers are located here and it is expected that due to the location of the New Government Center there would be a rise of business establishments within the district. St. Joseph-La Salle Integrated School, Panasonic Solutions, Lopue's East, Victoria Arcade, Yuan Thong Temple and numerous business establishments which include a hotel are located here. High rise accommodations are being constructed here and where the middle and high class helps the economy running.
  • Alijis and Mansilingan — A residential area where there is also expected an economic growth due to the location of the construction of a terminal.
  • Punta Taytay — Beaches and pottery is what Punta Taytay is usually known for. Just like Estefania/Fortune Town and Villamonte, this district has a lot of subdivisions. Beaches might had been mention but it's quite disappointing that it is neglected now by the public that the waves of the sea bring garbage to the shore making it dirty, reforestation of the mangroves is being done to revive the disappearing ecosystems of the city.
  • Granada — where the first settlement of Bacolod was founded.
  • Mandalagan — is a growing economic center for the city where one of the first high rise buildings of Negros is under construction. Bacolod's first fully functioning mall is located here, and many businesses have found their home in this district. You can grab a drink here, party all night, enjoy a meal of either regional or international fare, or enjoy exhibitions of local artists. There is also a monastery here.

Climate

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Bacolod
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Bacolod has two pronounced seasons. The wet season starts in May and continues until January, with heavy rainfall during August and September. This season is characterized by uncomfortable high humidity and periodic flooding, especially in low-lying barangays, though it tends to let up by October. The dry season starts in February and ends in April, herein punctuated with occasional droughts that may translate into water and electricity shortages. Temperature-wise, April is the hottest month of the year while December is the coldest.

People

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Bacolodnons or Bacoleños are a diverse mix of dark-skinned Melanesian aborigines (Negritos), Austronesian (specifically Visayan), East Asian (mostly Chinese, but also Korean and Japanese) and European backgrounds. In past decades, those of Spanish and Chinese descent dominated the regional sugar industry, but today's economic picture is one in which highly educated and independent locals of various backgrounds are involved. Past times saw worries, sorrows, and fears arise in the wake of economic crises tied to the sugar industry, from which evolved Bacolod's motto as the City of Smiles for its inhabitants' fortitude, as did its MassKara festival to celebrate its perseverance through these dark times.

Bacolod shows signs of a cosmopolitan city despite not having many high couture stores like Manila and Cebu, drawing a sizable representation of Chinese and Indian entrepreneurs, repatriated members of its own who have gone away to work or study, and a large influx of migrants from as far as Mindanao seeking better opportunity. It is also seen as an English-learning tourist hub for those coming from East Asian countries, especially Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Immigration pressures and a general Christian conservatism do tend to permeate the city's persona at times.

Religion

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A majority of the people are Christians, predominantly Catholic. The Baptists, the Iglesia ni Kristo (Church of Christ), Anglicans and Seventh Day Adventists are the next largest groups. There is a growing population of Muslims who migrated from South Cotabato while those of Chinese descent are often Taoist.

Working hours

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Businesses in Bacolod open as early as 7AM and close as late as 10PM however the regular working hours that apply to all commercial establishments and offices are 8/9AM-6/7PM. Malls open up till 9 or 10PM, and in case of midnight sales, they open up till 2AM. A few shops are open during Christmas, and everything is closed during Holy Week, from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, save for stores owned by non-Christian minorities.

Talk

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The majority of the people of Negros Occidental speak Hiligaynon/Ilonggo as their native language, though there are some who speak Cebuano or Kinaray-a; see Visayan languages for background. Hiligaynon has more loanwords than Tagalog; buying, telling time, some verbs, rooms, objects and many other words and phrases are of Spanish origin, but grammatical structure and adjectives are different from Spanish.

English is the main second language of the city's population, much more so than Filipino or Cebuano. For visitors, communicating with the people is not that difficult. English is widely understood and spoken by the locals of all social statuses.

The Chinese minority mostly speak Hokkien, though some also know Cantonese or Mandarin. Many also speak one or both of Hiligaynon or English.

Get in

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Bacolod is a transport hub with good road, ferry and air connections.

The roads reach destinations anywhere on the large island of Negros which contains two provinces, Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental. Short ferry trips go to Iloilo City, just across the Guimaras Strait to the west, giving access to the islands of Panay and Guimaras, and to Boracay which is near Panay. Other ferries go to more distant destinations.

For Cebu Province to the east, there are some direct ferries, but the usual transport is a bus which goes to San Carlos (Negros Occidental), rides a ferry to Cebu Island, and continues by road to Cebu City. An alternate route to Cebu, and the usual route to Bohol, is to take a bus across Negros to Dumaguete and catch a ferry there.

By plane

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Bacolod's main airport, Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD IATA) is not located within the city but up north in the city of Silay, part of the Metro Bacolod area.

For arriving passengers who want supplemental guides to the city or free maps, the Department of Tourism and the local government has a desk in the arrivals area where you can grab free maps or have a dose of information from the people over the desk. Hotels, resorts and car rental companies have kiosks in the arrival areas where you can easily book a room and just head to your hotel room without any hassle.

Ground transportation: There are minivans leaving for SM City Bacolod, Bacolod Provincial Hospital, Old Bacolod Airport and Victoria Arcade/Lopues East/Savemore Supermarket. Taxis are more expensive, and inadvisable

To get to the airport, you can also book a van from most places to stay in down town Bacolod. just ask your hotel to phone/text the van for you. The cost is ₱150 per person hotel to airport. If you get on the van from outside SM, the fare is ₱100 per person.

By bus

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Getting to Bacolod by bus from elsewhere in Negros island is smooth and easy as there is little congestion on the roads. Arriving by bus from other islands is also possible, with buses taking RORO (roll-on, roll-off) ferries. During Holy Week, Christmas and New Year, buses are often cramped and overbooked, and it's advisable to avoid traveling by bus during peak season.

  • Ceres Liner, Ceres Rd, Mansilingan, ☏ +63 34-4460681 (Main office), +63 34-4460686 (Main office), +63 34-4334993 (North Terminal), +63 34-4342387 (South Terminal), fax: +63 34-4460636. Provides RORO services and provides daily services to and from Escalante, Sagay, San Carlos, Hinoba-an, Don Salvador Benedicto, Canlaon, Culipapa, Bayawan, Binalbagan, Toledo City, Zamboanga City, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Kabankalan, Cadiz, they have 2 terminals in Bacolod, South and North Terminal. Trips within Negros island cost about ₱80-300 depending on the distance of your destination, trips outside Negros Island using the RoRo service cost about ₱250-400.. 

There are two major terminals in Bacolod, both operated and used by Ceres.

  • Ceres Southbound Terminal (Ceres South Terminal), Luzuriaga Street, ☏ +63 34-4460681, +63 34-4460686. Buses departing for and arriving from Dumaguete (via Mabinay) and Cebu City (via Dumaguete) arrive and depart in this terminal. 
  • Ceres Northbound Terminal (Ceres North Terminal), Lopez Jaena Street (From China Bank you will already see the entrance of Lopez Jaena Street, walk to the street and you will see the terminal), ☏ +63 34 433 4993. Buses departing for and arriving from Bayawan (via Cauayan and Sipalay) and Kanlaon City (via La Carlota, La Castellana, Moises Padilla). 

By ferry

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Bacolod Seaport serves inter-regional trips from major destinations such Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo City. Also you can use the Banago wharf.

By jeep

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Jeepney routes from nearby cities are available, routes from Silay, Talisay and other numerous towns and cities are available, jeepneys are more affordable than taxis.

Get around

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Transportation within the city and to adjacent towns is mainly by jeepney, but taxis, buses and rental cars are also available.

Map
Map of Bacolod

The city's streets follow a rough grid in the downtown core, but as you head out into the suburbs it becomes a mess. Traffic jams have increased since the city's economic boom, and are common during rush hours especially during the evening at 5-6PM where commuters head home. The situation is worse during the Christmas and New Year season, as well as during Masskara.

By jeepney

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Jeepneys are the common way to get around Bacolod, but the vehicles used are different from those you will see around Manila. Fares start at ₱14 for the first 4 km, and increase by ₱2 for every km added.

There are over 18 routes, converging at Bacolod's two major public markets, the Central Market and Libertad Public Market. One useful route is Central Market - Shopping, which runs between downtown and Bacolod's Chinatown at barangay Villamonte.

By car

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By the meter!

This is a common trend in the Philippines and is known nationwide, both foreigners and locals are its victims; some taxi drivers offer a fixed price if you're a foreigner or a local who has the money to pay. This is illegal. Don't take the taxi if he offers you a fixed price; threaten him too so that he'll let you pay by the meter. If you encounter a situation like this you can report it to local officials and some action might be taken. Check if the meter is working. Fixed prices for a trip from Silay Airport are OK, but do ask the driver how much is it or if it is by the meter.

Getting around the city by private car or taxi is quick and affordable. There are no problems with traffic jams at all because of the good road layout of the city. Around Bacolod the taxis have a flagdown rate of ₱30 and ₱2.50 for every 300 meters thereafter. Filipinos usually give the change as a tip but it is not mandatory, if the meter states ₱87.50, they typically give the entire ₱100.

Taxis

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Rent-a-car

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By tricycle

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Tricycles are another alternative to taxis and are common around the downtown. Fares depend on the distance.

On foot

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Consider walking if you are in a hurry, but the streets of Bacolod are generally not suitable for this as their sidewalks are full of illegally parked vehicles and street vendors, and can also be uneven.

Jaywalking is illegal in Bacolod, and enforcement is strict, but pedestrian crossings are hard to spot even downtown.

Historical sites

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Ang Paghimud-os in Provincial Capitol Lagoon

There are a number of historical attractions in Bacolod:

  • 1 Fountain of Justice (Just in front of Old City Hall). Where Jose Luis de Luzuriaga's residence used to stand, and where the Spanish surrendered Bacolod to the Filipino forces in 1898. It is illuminated by lights every night.
    This is the usual gathering area for people protesting anything; visitors should likely avoid it during protests.     Free for public viewing. Fountain of Justice (Q5474802) on Wikidata Fountain of Justice on Wikipedia 
  • Iron Dinosaurs (Vintage Steam Locomotives) (At the La Herencia Entrance and Bacolod Murcia Milling Co. compound). Locomotives were used in Bacolod to transport sugarcane from the fields to the azucareras or sugar factories, thus they were part of making Bacolod the sugar bowl of the Philippines. 
  • Mariano Ramos Ancestral home, Burgos St (Adjacent to Dizon Ramos Museum). The ancestral homes of the Ramos before they moved to the present day Dizon Ramos Museum. The family who had lived in this mansion was an affluent family of Bacolod, known to have helped the sugar industry in the province. 
  • 2 Bacolod Public Plaza, Rizal Street (A 5-10 minute walk from the City Hall and adjacent to San Sebastian Cathedral). The plaza is like the Bacolod version of Central park but smaller; fountains are scattered around the plaza and a gazebo stands in the middle and they are actually the main attractions. As in other parks, trees are scattered around it. The Unknown Soldiers Monument, also known as Theodore Vinther Monument, is found here.

    This park is used for events like the MassKara festival and for other activities such as Arnis (Filipino martial arts) and other martial arts practice. It is also a hub for joggers and people doing aerobics during the morning.     Bacolod Public Plaza (Q4839909) on Wikidata Bacolod Public Plaza on Wikipedia 
The Man and Carabao statue in the Provincial Lagoon
  • 3 Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Building and Lagoon, Gatuslao corner Lacson streets. This is the official seat of the provincial government and served as the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II and formerly was the Negros Museum. The building is of Romanesque architecture and also has a nice surrounding park and lagoon, which includes the Ang Paghimud-os statues done by Eduardo Castrillo, "Ang Paghimud-os" is a Hiligaynon word for "The Struggle". The building is considered the most impressive building in Bacolod City Capitol Park and Lagoon (Q5035911) on Wikidata Capitol Park and Lagoon on Wikipedia 
  • Lizares-Rodriguez Mansion, Lizares Street. 
  • New Government Center (Take Central Market - Homesite jeepney route. Ask the driver if they stop at the Center). The New Government Center has replaced the Bacolod City Hall, the Government Center is mistakenly called the New City Hall. The building boasts an architecture of western style resembling government buildings in the west, a huge fountain is in front of it. Jeepney routes to the center have been introduced, an alternative route from Central Market is use the Fortune Town and Homesite route where you can stop at Lopue's East and walk it to the center. Visitors are welcome inside yet sometimes your attention can be called by guards or employees if you disturb office hours or either go up to the offices even if you're not a government employee. Free to the public. 

Religious sites

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Churches are a big part of life for a Filipino and all have historical, spiritual and religious meaning.

San Sebastian Cathedral
  • 4 San Sebastian Cathedral, the Centennial Bells and the Palacio Episcopal, Rizal St. The Cathedral was first planned by Fr. Gonzaga whos started building it by collecting coral but died without completing it. It was then continued by the Government and the Priests and was completed in 1894. Now the coral-made cathedral is covered by cement. San Sebastian Cathedral (Q15274948) on Wikidata San Sebastian Cathedral (Bacolod) on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2015)
  • St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine, Barangay Alijis. This young church is dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus; the patron Saint of the Hopeless. The church boasts art within and outside. In particular, the church's altar is what stands out most of the churches in the city, and is considered as equal as the altar at St. Sebastian Cathedral or maybe surpassing its beauty. The altar's baroque designs are gold metallic plated and during evening masses, the lights give off the beauty of the altar. A mural spreads out at the ceiling of the altar making it much comparable with the Cathedral's beauty and wonder. Everyone is expected to respect and behave properly within the church premises, if you're unlucky the parish priest might give you a stern warning. The shrine also is in honor of The Divine Mercy. 
  • Panaad Park & Stadium. Panaad Park and Sports Complex (Q60741263) on Wikidata Panaad Park and Sports Complex on Wikipedia 
  • San Antonio Abad Church.. 
  • 5 Carmelite Monastery, Mandalagan, Lacson St (Just a walk from Robinson's Bacolod), ☏ +63 34-29083, . Home to the order of the Carmelites, this church offers simplicity in its designs but what makes this place special is the prayer requests you can submit to the nuns, with a token of donation in any kind would be appreciated, and they could do a favor for you by praying for you. It is probably one of its kind in the city as it offers a quiet environment away from the hectic urban life and industrial air the city puffs out. By chance you might meet a Carmelite around, greet them and have a conversation, if things turn out well they'll give you advices. There's a store in the monastery that sell a wide range of religious artifacts which can serve as a souvenir. (updated Apr 2015)
  • Sacred Heart Church and Seminary (Lupit Church), Lacson St. and Lizares St (Just near Neg. Occ. high school and Paglaum sports complex). Its magnificent architecture is obviously European inspired, its high ceilings and its tall antena like building might let you think you're inside a Gothic church but built with cement. Its interiors are much appreciated and from the outside might let you think it's a town church back in the United States in a remote town, even though it's a church it looks much like a cathedral, the church has mini chapels on the sides of the Cathedral which are in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. 
  • 6 Barangay sang Virgen Chapel, Sta. Clara Subdivision. This magnificent and spectacular chapel is designed by Archbishop Norman Campus, the chapel features a mosaic of the Barangay Sang Birhen (Barangay of the Virgin) made of 95,000 shells by Leticia Sia Ledesma, other images of saints, stations of the cross and altar pieces made out of 30,000 shells too. (updated Apr 2015)
  • 7 Pope John Paul II Monument (PJPII Tower), Reclamation Area (Take a tricycle ride from SM Mall). This monument serves as a symbol of a progressive and developed city in the whole of the Philippines, it stand proudly at the site where the late Pope John Paul II served mass to thousands of Bacolodnons. The monument features artwork of artists on the life of Jesus and documents as well as artifacts of the late Pope serving as a museum. At its peak the whole of Bacolod City's Central Business District is visible offering a breath taking view of the sea as well as a nice angle shot for a skyline. (updated Apr 2015)

Museums and galleries

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Negros Museum Building.
  • 8 Museum Negrense De La Salle, University of St. La Salle, ☏ +63 34-4345998. M-F 08:30-12:00, 13:30-18:00. Student: ₱10. Museo Negrense de La Salle (Q30623548) on Wikidata Museo Negrense de La Salle on Wikipedia 
  • 9 Negros Museum, Gatuslao St (Take Mandalagan-Libertad jeep from Downtown Bacolod), ☏ +63 34-4349505. The Negros Museum's building used to be where the old Provincial Government used to operate, this museum provides a tour of the History of the province of Negros Occidental from its humble beginnings to the colonial oppression, rise of the sugar industry, cultural influences brought by foreigners, the revolution, past governors and murals done by Negrense Artists. The museum not alone stands as an image of historical study but as well as a hub for Filipino artists who hold their exhibits in the museum's cafe. (updated Apr 2015)
  • 10 Dizon Ramos Museum, JRR Foundation 42 Burgos St (Near the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital), ☏ +63 344348512. Tu-Su 10:00-12:00 & 13:30 to 16:00. The first 1950 lifestyle museum in the Philippines, formerly the house of Raymundo L. Dizon Sr. and Hermelinda V. Ramos. The main lifestyle exhibit is on the second floor and on the ground floor are seven galleries. One shows how Bacolod looked in previous times; others are: The National Artist gallery, The Holy Land Collection, The Alunan - Puentebella Dolls Collection, Rudy Dizon horse figures, Bro. Roly's crystal collection and the Masskara collection of ABS-CBN that was turned over to the museum. Adult: ₱30, Students with Identification card: ₱10. Dizon-Ramos Museum (Q30623552) on Wikidata Dizon-Ramos Museum on Wikipedia 
  • Orange Gallery, Lacson St (just before Lopue's Mandalagan). Showcases the work of local artists. 
  • Christmas Village, San Juan St (Near Sylvia Manor hotel). Open only during Christmas season. This is the work of a man collecting figurines and related items for 17 years. The details of the miniature model of a Christmas village are incredible; cliffs, lakes, mountains etc. are done carefully and hand painted by the man himself. The owner travels every year and collects figurines and displays them in the village. The miniature village might make you imagine how Santa's village at the North pole might look.
    Taking photographs is not allowed; the owner sells souvenir pictures and postcards.     Accepts donations of any kind and gives them for charity. 

Wildlife and nature

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Rebuilding Bacolod's nature

You might be wondering why beaches located in Bacolod aren't included in this travel guide, it is because it's not that scenic as you think it is; Bacolod's beaches in Punta Taytay should had boast itself with dark sand beaches but its beauty had been destroyed by pollution; rubbish and garbage float possibly from rivers and streams from the city to the shores of the beaches and had mixed with grains of sands. Centuries ago the whole island of Negros was covered with lush green tropical rainforests but now there is no such sight to see of it. Streets are clogged up with smoke from Jeepneys. River banks and sides of streams are inhabited by illegal settlers but hopefully the City Government is slowly relocating illegal settlers to develop land nearby SM City Bacolod while projects in mangrove plantations by schools, universities and colleges have been reported to be successful and strategic planning in handling traffic has been implemented such as that Araneta Avenue's end, located at Downtown Bacolod, has unclogged traffic through organization of vehicles. Though Bacolod has been rewarded clean and green there are still gaping holes for it to solve to really make use of the citations and awards it has received.

  • Eco-Garden (Eroreco). 
  • Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc. ((NFEFI)), South Capitol Rd (Next to Hall of Justice), ☏ +63 344339234, . A movement of concerned citizens to conserve the forests of Negros Island as well as animals that are under threat of extinction. Visit the foundation and see their rare warty pigs, leopard cats, spotted dear, bleeding heart pigeon and many more animals, most of which are endangered. Help the foundation by adopting an animal or tree or by becoming an NFEFI volunteer. 
  • Buro-Buro and Bucal-bucal Springs. Located in the outskirts of Bacolod, Buro-Buro and Bucal-bucal springs which is popularly known as Bucal-Bucal which means boil however the water isn't hot but cool, they have an artificial swimming pool and a natural pool and some mini waterfalls nearby the artificial pool where you can get a natural massage from nature. Huts are available if you need them and the place is ideal for family barbecues, reunions, outings, etc. 
  • Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park. This natural park is a home to many endangered animals, such as Bleeding Heart Pigeon, Negros Fruit Dove and many more which makes it an ideal birdwatching spot. 
  • Bacolod Western Visayas Clonal Nursery, Barangay Alingalan, ☏ +63 34-7070425. The nursery features different kinds of plants that are important and part of the reforestation program of Negros Occidental. Contact the city hall for more information because it requires permission in visiting the nursery as most of the plants are of high importance. Free. 

Fiestas and events

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Lanterns are lighted around the city during Bacolaodiat; Chinese New Year.

January/February

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  • Bacolaodiat Festival. Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) celebrated by the Filipino-Chinese community in Bacolod. This is held in the Provincial Lagoon. Bacolaodiat is derived from the words "Bacolod" and "Laodiat"; a Hokkien word meaning "Celebration".
    Rows of stalls serving Chinese cuisine form "chopsticks alley". Live bands play, there are displays of Chinese culture, and a cookfest is also held.     

March/April

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  • Holy Week. This religious event is held either in March or April is considered as one of the most important events in Christianity. Witness Cenaculo/Senakulo reenactments of the Passion of Christ, Du-aw — a Hiligaynon tradition of veneration of Christ's Crucifix and his Dead Body and Visita Iglesia — a Catholic tradition of visiting 7 churches and praying at each church. 
  • Panaad sa Negros. Held every April in Bacolod, is considered as the "mother of festivals" in the province of Negros Occidental. It represents the festive nature of the Negrense, commences with a mass, which is then followed by banners and displays of every town and city in Negros Occidental, and showcases of provincial products, from food to handicrafts. Firework displays at night also are held during the festival. 

October

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Masskara
  • Masskara Festival. 3rd Week of October. A big annual Mardi Gras-like parade event celebrated every 3rd week of October. Each of the city's barangays (districts) joins the fierce competition for the best-costumed groups, best in choreography, and many others. Lots of food and handicraft stalls, street dancing and an Oktoberfest-like event at the Bacolod Plaza area making the city for a span of a week, a city that never sleeps! "Masskara" means "Mask" in Hiligaynon and Tagalog. The use of colorful masks with large smiles represent the nickname for the city, "City of Smiles", the masks are usually the icons for the festival and sometimes of Bacolod itself. Bacolod on Wikipedia 

Sports

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Football (soccer) is popular throughout Bacolod; thus it is known as the Football/Soccer City of the Philippines. It has been notable for hosting the 23rd Southeast Asian Games Men's football. The Panaad Stadium is used for tournaments and such events. There are three golf clubs in the province of Negros, two located in Bacolod. For bowling, badminton, tennis enthusiasts and people who miss bowling and billiards, you don't have to worry as there are a lot of commercial establishments which offer services to those activities. For those who want to try hardcore games, shooting ranges are around the city while for those who want to see and experience the Sabong or Filipino cockerel derbies, there is a stadium where derbies are popularly held. Tai Chi is practiced in Yuan Thong temple. The Capitol Park and Lagoon is popular for joggers and people doing aerobics during the morning.

Golf

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  • Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Inc., Bata Subdivision, ☏ +63 3428257. This gilf club has 18-holes, with a panoramic view of the Mount Mapara and Patag. Weekdays, Local: ₱1000. 

Bowling

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  • Super Bowling Lanes, Goldenfield Commercial Complex, ☏ +63 344350059. 
  • Lopue's East Bowling Lanes, Villamonte. 

Lawn tennis

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  • Center Court tennis courts, Magsaysay St, ☏ +63 34-4344705. 
  • Montevista Tennis Association, Barangay Montevista. 

Badminton

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  • Pong Hang Badminton Center, Capitol Subdivision, ☏ +63 34-4333632. 

Billiards

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  • MO2, Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Araneta St, Singcang. 
  • Lopue's East Billiards, Burgos-Circumferential Rd (In Lopue's East Department Store), ☏ +63 34-4335288. 

Tai Chi

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  • Yuang Thong temple, Burgos St., 6th Rd. Tai Chi is done during Sundays from 07:00 to 08:30. A Mahayana Buddhist temple. If you haven't seen Tai-chi before, this is your chance to see it. 

Spas and swimming pools

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  • Caribbean Water Park, Goldenfield West Side, Goldenfield Commercial Complex, Singcang, ☏ +63 34-7096059, . 08:00-22:00. The water park has the first water slide and biggest water slide in the whole of Negros Occidental, The water park's amenities are a pool with a depth of 4 feet as well as a kiddie pool with a depth of 2 and a half feet including a jacuzzi, the main pool has 2 slides; the first is 30ft high and the other is a 40ft, a pirate ship wreck replica is erected in the main pool where kids can explore. Function rooms, locker rooms, huts and air conditioned rooms are available for rent. Entrance fee, 4 years old and above: ₱120, Below 4 years old: ₱50, cabins and huts cost from ₱400-1000. 
  • Grand Royal Spa, Villa Angela East Arcade (Take a ride from Central Market using Cent.Market-Fortune Town or Homesite route and go down at Lopue's East, adjacent to the building is Villa Angela Arcade). Offers the Filipino alternative healing; Bentosa Cupping, they also offer facial spa, body scrub and massage. ₱150-500. 
  • Spa Natura, 2nd Level, Two Sanparq, San Antonio Park Square, Lacson Street, Mandalagan, Bacolod City 6100, Negros Occidental, Philippines (Easily accessible from the north or the south of Bacolod. You can take the Mandalagan or Bata jeepney or a taxis. It is beside Convergys and about two blocks away from Robinsons Place), ☏ +63 34 709-0399, +63 34 441-2495, +63 34 441-2502, . 24 hours. Day spa that features several body massage rooms (individual, couple or group), tatami room for Thai massage, two modern body scrub rooms with vichy showers, a foot massage lounge with several customized lounging chairs, nail care area, facial area, salon, lounge and cozy waiting area. They also have separate wet areas for men and women, sauna baths, steam rooms, and a Jacuzzi. Those who want to have privacy may opt to have their services rendered in the Lotus Suite. Services range from several types of body massage to body scrubs, therapeutic remedies like Filipino Lutay, ear candling, stone massage, aromatherapy, and moxa ventosa. Salon services are also available from 12:00 to 21:00. 
  • Sta. Fe Resort, Barangay Granada, ☏ +63 34-4341456, +63 34-4321073, . Built in the 1940s it is the oldest resort in Bacolod, and the only one with a chapel, mini zoo with crocodiles, rare birds, monkeys and other animals, and a complete gun facility. Pools are also accessible in the resort while dorms and rooms are available for rent if you need them. Sta. Fe isn't only a resort but also caters to conventions. Its other facilities include tennis and volleyball courts and other sporting facilities. 

Casinos

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  • Casino Filipino, ☏ +63 344348901. Operated by Pagcor. 
  • Slot Machine Arcade, Lacson St. As the name says, it only offers 89 slot machines. 

Learn

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Bacolod is the seat for many universities in Negros Occidental, ESL (English as Second Language) learning centers are open in the city making it in the toplist for cities for ESL programs along with Manila and Cebu and for the past few year an influx of foreign students who have chosen to study in Bacolod. According to statistics about 93% of the total population is literate.

La Consolacion College Bacolod and the San Sebastian Cathedral at its side.

Universities

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  • University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), Lizares St (Libertad). This University was founded by Dr. Antonio A. Lizares and Dr. Francisco Kilayko in the 1940s and was named "Occidental Negros Institute". It was then acquired by the Agustinian Recollect Friars in the 1960s and renamed as University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. Today the University provides Colleges of Nursing, IT, Business and Accountancy, Engineering, Criminal Justice Education, Law and, Arts and Sciences. 
  • University of St. La Salle (USLS), C.L. Montelibano Rd (Behind Doctors Hospital). Established in 1952 by seven American Brothers, the institution was elevated to university status in 1988, with the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business and Accountancy, College of Engineering, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Law, College of Medicine and the Graduate School. 
  • West Negros University (WNU) (Burgos-BBB Sts,). 
888 Chinatown Square Mall is a budget mall in Bacolod.

Bacolod is famous for piaya (a flatbread), biscocho (toasted buns), squid flakes, guapple pie and its pina-sugbo (fried banana dessert). Great souvenirs from Bacolod are its sweet delicacies and uga (dried squid). Many overseas Filipino workers buy these as a pasalubong (gift from traveller to host) or souvenir.

Shell craft, wood craft and ceramic wares are also good buys. Antique wooden statues of saints are one of the best buys, perhaps even if you're not Catholic or religious. Antique stores are scattered around the city but they are difficult to spot; Casa Grande Antiques, Requerdos de Bacolod and Sarlee’s well-known. Hablon, a shimmery fabric produced locally, was popular in the 60s and is still one of the best buys.

Where to exchange?

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Money exchangers lurk around the streets of Downtown Bacolod (CBD) and are easy to spot; if you walk into those streets some of them will yell "Dollar exchange!" or they'd come forward and ask you, you can spot some major money exchangers with their self owned stalls. If you don't feel safe in exchanging with money exchangers, you can either go to pawnshops or banks for an alternative and safer option. Most money exchangers accept American dollars and euros, and before leaving the country, exchange your money to dollars to avoid difficulty in finding a money exchanger that exchanges your currency to Philippine pesos but if you don't want to exchange dollars but want to keep your local currency, go exchange your money in major banks to pesos.

Tip: Ask the exchange rate first and ask other money exchangers, compare rates and see the highest, go for the highest exchange rate.

Banks

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  • Bank of the Philippines islands. BPI. ATMs have a maximum withdrawal of ₱20,000.
  • PNB, ☏ +63 34-4350646 (Araneta), +63 34-4339645 (Libertad), +63-34 434049 (Locsin). They have branches in Araneta St., Libertad and Locsin St have a max of ₱10,000.. 
  • BDO, ☏ +63 34-4344965 (Gonzaga), +63 34-4351809 (Araneta). They have branches in Gonzaga and Araneta St have a max of ₱10,000.. 
  • Metrobank, ☏ +63 34-4350822 (Gonzaga), +63 34-4341284 (Gatuslao), +63 34-4345809 (BS Aquino drive). They have branches in Gonzaga Street, Gatuslao Street, and B.S. Aquino Avenue have a max of ₱10,000.. 

Malls and supermarkets

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From air-conditioned supermalls to small shops to the busy Central Market and to the street vendors, shopping is everywhere! The Downtown area, and Libertad are notable for their shopping.

Robinson's Place Bacolod
  • 888 Chinatown Mall, Gatuslao St, ☏ +63 34 708 0888, . 9AM-7PM. Sells mostly dirt cheap goodies, from pirated DVDs to imitations of famous brands to vintage clothing. 
  • 1 SM City Bacolod. 8AM-8PM. The largest mall of the city. Just like any other SM Supermall in the Philippines, it has its large department store, grocery, shops of famous brands, restaurants of various types, and cinema. It is also one of the few SM malls of the country that has its own SMX Convention Center, where various events, from city-related gatherings to pop culture conventions, are held. 
  • Robinsons Place Bacolod. 10AM-8PM. It is the first fully-functioning supermall of the city (and of Negros island overall). From its department store and grocery to restos and other shops and establishments of leisurely activities, this mall is the second-largest in the city. 
  • Gaisano Grand. 9AM-8PM. There are two Gaisano supermarkets in Bacolod city. 
  • Consuelo Supermarket, Luzuriaga Street. 8:30AM-9PM. Lower cost supermarket. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Ayala Mall Capitol Central (behind Provincial Capitol Building). Opened in Dec 2018. (updated Nov 2018)
  • Puregold (in new 888 Mall). 8AM-8PM. 5 more Puregold supermarkets in Bacolod. (updated Apr 2015)
  • CityMall 1 & 2 (Golden field and Mandalagan). 8AM-9PM. Has a Savemore supermarkets (updated Sep 2016)
  • Lopues Supermarkets (old 888 mall). 9AM-9PM. there 6 Lopues supermarkets in Bacolod (updated Sep 2016)
  • S K G Shopping Plaza, Luzuriga Street (next to ongbun pension house). 9AM-8PM. low-price department store. sells cell phones. lower prices.. (updated Oct 2017)

Lacson Street

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Lacson can be described as Bacolod's counterpart of Singapore's Orchard Road, not because of the malls present in the street but because of the fine dining restaurants found here, numerous boutique stores, a line of vintage and antique home decor stores.

  • ANP Showroom, 9th Street corner Lacson Street, ☏ +63 34-4350716. A store that sells handicrafts made by proud Negrenses, it is the best source for souvenirs from MassKara masks, key chains etc. Aside from the Lacson street branch, they also sell their products in Merci's Pasalubong in Bacolod-Silay International Airport in the departures area. Most of the items are priced above average, expect to pay at a high rate however the price you pay is worth it as the store sells souvenirs better than the ones you buy outside.. 
  • Mayfair Plaza, Lacson Street (In front of Piazza Sorrento, adjacent to Shakey's Lacson). This commercial establishment brings all the cheap finds of secondhand clothes, toys, home decor, DVDs etc. this mall is a fusion of high end and bargain due to the presence of fine dining restaurants and boutiques and the vintage vendors. 

Other

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  • Pottery Village, Brgy. Pahanocoy. 
  • Recuerdos de Bacolod arts and antiques. One stop shop showcasing antiques such as statues of saints, and woodwork. 
  • Central Market. A best option for affordable souvenirs such as native handmade products, sweet delicacies and Uga. This is the best place to bargain. 
  • Gaisano City, Araneta Avenue (In front of Grand Regal Hotel). Probably the second big mall to be constructed in the city, this mall had its glamor and might long before its strong competitor SM came into scene, it has humbled itself to a crowd-free mall. Famous for its frequent monthly sales and drop down prices of whatever-may-it-be from movie tickets to clothes, it has gained reputation for being budget-friendly. 

Pasalubong Centers are usually like mini-supermarkets but sell only pasalubong (souvenir or gift) products such as piaya and biscocho, as well as snacks and drinks.

  • [dead link] Bong Bong's Pasalubong, UTC Mall, Araneta Street, Purok Lechonan, ☏ +63 34-435-1672. This maybe more popular than Merci Pasalubong however they offer less options, their specialty is their piaya and barquillos. They have many branches in Bacolod; however, their main stores are at Araneta Street and Gaisano City. 
  • [dead link] Merci Pasalubong, ☏ +63 34-4354444 (trunkline), +63 34-707 4444 (trunkline), +63-34-7091788 (Lacson Street), +63 34-7071400 (Araneta Street), +63 34-4334753 (Lopez Jaena). Merci's specialty is piaya, biscocho, and napoleones. They have a number of branches around Bacolod (at SM City/Gaisano Bacolod/Araneta Street/Lopez Jaena/Lacson Street), but has also spread into the rest of Negros Occidental. ₱10-100. 

Much of the Bacolodnon (and the entire Negrense) cuisine is shared with those in the island of Panay, but is influenced by Negros island's sugarcane industry. Bacolod has many dining establishments of other styles, but the people maintain their native cuisine. Sud-an is Hiligaynon for main dish while kan-on can either mean "rice" or "eat".

  • Lumpiang ubod/fresh lumpia (fresh spring roll; not fried) — One of the must-eat dishes, a delicately exquisite spring roll filled with ubod (fresh coconut flesh), meat (usually pork), and shrimp, with a garnish of scallion.
  • Inasal — Meaning "cooked over fire", it is a local version of chicken barbecue and considered the best in the country. It is cooked with red achuete or annatto seeds (which gives its tempting reddish colouration), brushed on oil and cooked over the fire. It's delicious and affordable.
  • Kalamay hati — Sticky sweet dessert made from glutinous rice and coconut milk and cooked over low heat till it becomes sticky. It's the local version of rice cake.
  • Napoleones — Introduced by the French and derived from mille-feuille, this custard-filled pastry is also another popular specialty from Bacolod. This European dessert isn't that so famous but considered as the best in the Philippines. Roli's Bakeshop is popularly known for this dessert, as well as Virgie's Homemade Products.
  • Piaya/Piyaya — A sweet flat and flaky delicacy, as if a thinner version of hopia. Fillings vary, but ube (purple yam) and muscovado caramel are the most popular.
  • Pinasugbo — A local version of banana cue, it is sliced plantain bananas, thinly coated with brown sugar and deep fried.
  • Uga (dried fish) — Is one of the best and most appetizing foods, in the opinion of most of Bacolodnons. Its salty taste makes it delectable, not only for the mouth but also for the nose and eyes. Beware if you are allergic with this or are having high blood pressure.

Restaurants and food courts

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This page uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:
BudgetBelow ₱100
Mid-range₱100-200
Splurge₱200+

Like most major cities of the Philippines, Bacolod has a defined fine dining scene, centered at Lacson Street. You can find Mexican, Thai, and European (mostly Italian and French) restaurants here, but most locals usually go to those serving Korean, Japanese and/or Chinese dishes. Bacolod is an urbanized city, and it is not hard to find high-quality food.

Open air restaurants in Bacolod usually serve native Filipino cuisine at affordable prices, while fast food chains are either standalone places or inside malls. A branch of Starbucks is found along Lacson St., the first branch on Negros Island though Dumaguete now has one too.

Food courts

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  • Centroplex food court, Gonzaga street cor Locsin street (3rd floor.). 10AM-3PM. (updated Mar 2015)
  • 888 China Mall food court., Gatuslao street (2nd floor). 9AM-8PM. Low-cost food court with some Vietnamese food. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Terraplaza food court, Gatuslao street cor Rizal street (over the street from the plaza.). 8AM-8PM. air/con food court (updated Mar 2015)

Budget

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  • Jo's Chicken Inato, Reclamation Area, Gustilo St. Serves authentic chicken inasal cooked and served in the traditional way, on a large banana leaf. Spoons and forks are not provided, but you can ask for them. This is truly a great place to eat for someone who doesn't want to eat something too exotic, but wants to try a native dish. 
  • Marby Plaza, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod. A great choice for people who want to save money. 
  • Ting-Ting's Native Restaurant, Shopping. Get to Ting-Ting's native restaurant if you want your taste buds and tummy to be satisfied with Bacolodnon cuisine without hassle, food is cooked same as it is cooked at home difference is you won't be cooking. The place is open air and fresh air fills the open air area which is suitable for brunches and lunches. It is affordable and cheap too. 
  • Manokan Country, Father M. Ferrero St. A row of stalls and restaurants serving cheap local fare, and the home of the original chicken inasal recipe. ₱50-200. 
  • Malaspina Inaslan, Malaspina Street (Near Bacolod-Mindanao Lumberyard, at the back of Bacolod Public Cemetery). 24 hours daily. ₱50-100. 
A man selects fish for his dish at the Pala-pala market
  • Pala-Pala Market, 18th corner Aguinaldo Street, ☏ +63 34-4339153. Pala-pala is a place where you can buy fresh seafood in the wet market then go to a restaurant nearby and have it cooked and offers affordable prices. From oysters to crabs to blue marlins are all guaranteed fresh and a blue marlin might cost less than P200. Note there are two pala-pala markets in Bacolod. 
  • Imbiss, Burgos Street. It serves international cuisine, the must try is their sausages, their specialties include Hungarian Sausage, Pizza Al Tonno, Veal Bratwurst, Garlic Sausage, Pizza Magarita, and Pizza Filipinas. ₱100-200. 
  • Sanders Coffee & Sausages Lacson Street. 7AM-1AM daily meals for around ₱100.
  • D Bakers Baker Shop Gonzaga corner Bonifacio streets. Sells bread, cakes and pies. 3 branches in Bacolod

Mid-range

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  • Apollo Restaurant, Hilado Street. The oldest Chinese restaurant in town. 
  • Bascon Cafe, C.L. Montelibano Street (Just near Univ. of St. La Salle). Cafe that serves pastries and cakes, hop in if you have a sweet tooth. 
  • The Blue Mexican, Piazza Sorrento, Lacson Street, ☏ +63 34-3437474. Serves Mexican cuisine. 
  • Calea, Balay Quince, Lacson St (Infront of L'Fisher Hotel). This is one of the famous images of Bacolod, for some reason the nearby Ilonggos of Iloilo take a trip to Bacolod just to taste their irresistible cakes. You can dive in to have a slice of their cakes from cheesecakes to ice cream cakes which might exceed your expectations and you might hit cloud 9, but there's no assurance that all their cakes taste that good as some of their cakes don't really meet your expectations and disappoint you for too much or lack of sugar, too much icing or the texture of their cakes. Other than their Balay Quince branch, they also have one at Robinson's Bacolod 
  • Cafe Bob's. Different from Bob's Cafe as this cafe is owned by Bobby Meleto, the founder of the famous charity organization Gawad Kalinga. Treats include gelato and their must-try mini-cakes. Other than that their coffee and coffee-shakes are a must try too, Cafe Bob's is a quiet cafe with most of their customers coming to have a sip of coffee and the usual conversation. 
  • Inaka, 21st corner Lacson Street (Opposite Cafe Bob's 21 and next to 21 Restaurant), ☏ +63 34-4344045. Japanese Buffet, the food is good, has a wide variety of choice and priced favorably. 
  • L'Kaisei Express (At SM City Bacolod). L'Kaisei opened a smaller branch in SM City Bacolod which is much more accessible and affordable. They serve typical Japanese cuisine and they also serve bento boxes which is like a package of rice and viand which costs ₱90-150. Sushi, Californian Maki, etc., are also available. ₱30-200. 
  • Kuppa, Hilado Street (Across St. John's Institute High School). When it comes to coffee and tea talk, Kuppa tops the best, they serve Spanish chocolate and milk that actually is delicious. Their gelato too is worth trying, along with the tea, coffee and gelato, wouldn't it be better if you dined in too? they don't only offer tea and coffee on their menu but you can also dine in too and have a taste of their dishes. 
  • Mu Shu, Azotea Building, 20th corner Lacson Street, ☏ +63 34-4350972. Bar and Restaurant which serves a fusion of Asian cuisine. Try their pritchon or pritong lechon and a good sampling of Southeast Asian dishes like pad Thai, Hainanese chicken, nasi goreng and drinks to match. 
  • Roli's Bakeshop, Roli's Arcade, La Salle Avenue, ☏ +63 34-4333257, +63 34-7093162, +63 34-7092772. Roli's bakeshop is popularly known for its Napoleones or Mille Fuielle or either Napoleons, a creme puffed pastry originated from France and brought to the city. 
  • Quan, Araneta Street, ☏ +63 34-4323702. Quan's reputation as a one stop shop for native delicacies had made it famous throughout Bacolod, from Napoleones to Filipino rice-cakes like Kutsinta, this food-chain not only sells native delicacies but also serve meals. Most can afford the prices offered by the restaurant yet some still complain due to the big gap in the restaurant price and the marketplace price. Aside from native delicacies, why not spoil yourself with their ciabatta pizzas and lasagna? .
  • Bob's, Benigno S. Aquino Drive (Right in front of Riverside Medical Center), ☏ +63 34-434-2409. One of the oldest restaurants in Bacolod, the restaurant serves typical Filipino authentic cuisine with a classy ambiance and wonderful interiors. 

Splurge

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Restaurant below have some dishes not exceeding ₱600.

  • Italia Restaurant, 23rd cor San Agustin Street, ☏ +63 34-4323704, . 10AM-9AM. Serves pizza straight from the brick oven, a wide range of pasta dishes and Angus steaks. Also offers a good variety of fine wines. Italia is also the regular venue of several art exhibits of both local and national artists. 
  • 21 Restaurant, 21st corner Lacson Street. Serves great seafood which is directly taken from a specially built aquarium. It serves Authentic Filipino cuisine. 
  • Cafe Uma, Lacson St. Their price list might be too expensive for you that it will make your pockets have holes, well actually no, the cafe charges at an expensive rate however it's worth the price because serve is served in large portions and are temptingly delicious. The cafe usually serves international cuisine, from quesidillas to pasta they have it all to satisfy your cravings. 
  • L'Kaisei, 10th Lacson Street, ☏ +63 34-4347787. A good Japanese restaurant with reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere. 

Dietary restrictions

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Christians will not find it hard eating in Bacolod. However, Muslims and Jews will find it difficult, with Bacolod being a Christian city, Halal and Kosher options are difficult to find unlike the bustling streets of Metro Manila. Hindus, vegetarians and vegans will too find it difficult, however just request not to put certain things which are restricted for you to consume. A list of vegetarian restaurants is showed below.

  • Sian Tian Health Food Center, Burgos St (near YMCA). Typical Chinese restaurant and sells mock meat. ₱35-45. 

Drink

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The preferred beer is San Mig Light which is served at almost any restaurant, except fast food establishments. You might also try Tanduay, a very famous rum. Nice to pair with coke and ice. For native alcohol, the local tuba is made from fermented coconut juice. Great Bacolod sisig can be found at KSL or Kubo Sa Lawn where they serve ice cold SanMig Light.

Bars, pubs and nightclubs

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Goldenfield Commercial Complex has been home to many bars, pubs, nightclubs as well as casinos for the past few years and is considered where the best nightlife comes to life in Bacolod. Other than Goldenfield, bars and pubs as well as nightclubs are scattered around the bustling city. If you're in Goldenfields you can either barhop, Goldenfields might give you like a mini-town which is just home to restaurants, a water park, clubs and bars. A dress code is applied and compulsory in some bars, pubs and nightclubs. Wear casually and not so revealing if you don't want to end up behind bars; no flipflops/slippers and no sleeveless shirts.

  • Bar 21, 21 Lacson St. A bar that not only has a partying and club scene but also fine dining. 
  • Draft Bar, 21 Lacson St (Behind Bar 21). A bar where a non-stop drinking till you drop scene is seen. 
  • Gypsy Tea Room, Lacson St (Corner of Piazza Sorento). Beers, cocktails and appetizers are served here and surprisingly "Shisha" is available here, henna tattoo, permanent tattooing and palm reading are also available which might you think you're somewhere in a street in the Mid-East. 
  • MO2 Restobar, Goldenfield Commercial Complex. One of the most popular party venues for nightlife, located in the bustling commercial complex of Goldenfield. It's usually a crowded bar. 
  • Mu Shu, Lacson St. In the day an Asian restaurant, in the night a nightclub, chairs and tables are moved aside to create a dance floor, the DJ makes the room alive and parties don't end even when in sunrise. 
  • Piazza Sorento, Lacson St. It's not that lively in the night though, it's more lively in the day. A huge building with inter cafes, jewelers, restaurants, boutiques, cafes and bars. 
  • Saltimboca Bar, Lacson St.. Not your usual destination if you want to party or get good drinks however some mini concerts for charity is held here for kids who are cancer patients. If you prefer to just sit down, drink, relax and listen to music this is your typical destination. 
  • Zagu. One of the most popular cold drinks in the city. This can be bought in different outlets, in SM, Robinsons, or during their sponsorship at various schools and events. 

Sleep

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This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
BudgetUnder ₱1000
Mid-range₱1000-2000
SplurgeOver ₱2000

Budget

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  • Sweet City Captel Hostel, North capital Road cnr Gatusiao Street, ☏ +63-34-4322989. Dorms. Has to be the most low cost place to stay in Bacolod. dorm bed ₱100 per person. (updated Feb 2023)
  • Ong Bun Pension House, Luzuriagga Street (down town next to Central Market), ☏ +63-34-7098128, +63-9104335061 (cell phone). Check-out: 12:00. fan single shared Cr. a/c double with own bathroom and cable tv. Free wifi in some rooms. Free drinking water and can do laundry. ₱380 Fan single/₱630 Air condition double.. 
  • Pension Bacolod, 11th street, ☏ +63 34 4333377. Pension Bacolod has 76 rooms. Single room outside bathroom ₱400. a/c double room with own bathroom ₱800. from ₱400. 
  • Bacolod Pension Plaza, Cuadra Street (near city Plaza), ☏ +63-344334547. Check-out: 12:00. a/c single/double rooms with own bathroom and cable tv, 66 rooms. from ₱900. 
  • Star plus pension house., lacson and rosario streets, ☏ +63 34 433-2948. single fan room with common bathroom. single a/c room with common bathroom and cable TV. a/c double room with common bathroom and cable TV. a/c double with own bathroom and cable TV . from ₱500. 
  • Rosita Hometel., mabini and san sebastian streets, ☏ +63 34 434-5136. fan doubles with common bathroom. ₱500. 
  • 888 Pension house, San sebastian and Locsin streets., ☏ +63 34 434-3710, +63 34 435-5785. a/c double rooms with hot water and cable TV has WIFI. ₱700. 
  • L D Pensionne, L d bldg San Juan St, ☏ +63 34-434-4979. Economy room. ₱550. 
  • Middle Town Inn, Rizal and Lacson streets (J r building), ☏ +63 34-4358193, +63 34-4358453. Check-out: 12:00. Big a/c double rooms with cable TV and own hot water bathrooms. free WIFI. ask for the 20% off rate. also has a month rate. from ₱750. 
  • Tindalo Pension house, Tindalo avenue, ☏ +63 34 7090006. fan and A.c rooms. from ₱500. (updated Mar 2015)
  • CGC Pension, Cuadra Street, ☏ +63 34-431-4292. standard a/c double room with hot water bathroom. cable tv. free wifi. from ₱700. (updated Aug 2015)
  • Java Pension House, Gonzaga Corner Locsin Street (2nd floor DB Building). Check-out: 12:00. a.c double room with own bathroom and cable tv ₱700. (updated Sep 2016)
  • Nirvana Pension House., Corner Rosario-Amapola Street, ☏ +63 933 635 3568. Check-out: 12:00. fan single/double room with own bathroom and cable tv. Wifi, a/c. ₱500. (updated Sep 2016)
  • Negrense Suites, Rosanio-Locsin Street, ☏ +63 34-4312576. Check-out: 12:00. a/c single/double rooms with own hot water bathrooms and cable tv. free wifi. from ₱599. (updated Sep 2016)

Mid-range

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Splurge

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Stay safe

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Bacolod is a lot safer compared to Metro Manila. As always common sense is the rule when travelling. Taking the taxi or renting cars or vans daily is better and quicker as most of the crimes in the Philippines today are done in tricycles and jeepneys. However there isn't a 100% Safe place, if travelling, tour in large groups 3-5 might do as there might be people around you, you may never know what they'll do to you. Be careful during the Masskara Festival. Don't display your MP3s, iPhones, iPods, phones, laptops or valuable things that will catch a snatcher's attention, keep it safe inside your bag and put it out when you'll take pictures. Don't bring bags or large purses while in night, just bring your phone and a small wallet that'll fit in your pocket to avoid being a victim of crime. Beggars usually are around the downtown area they inhabit in the plaza area and if they see you look rich, they'd approach you and annoy you asking you for money, ignore them if you have to and just go straight to your destination. Pickpockets are common in the CBD while house burglaries are common in residential areas, children involved in sniffing glue are dangerous so it's very important to have someone accompany you while walking during the night or either try to avoid dark and areas where there are fewer people.

Emergency

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  • Police, Magsaysay Ave., Barangay Taculing, ☏ +63 34-4341412 (166 for local). 
  • Fire, San Juan St., Barangay 8(located in the CBD), ☏ +63 34-4355555. 

Stay healthy

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Tap Water is not safe for drinking though considered potable, the water supplies sometimes get dirty when Bacolod City Water District cleans up their pipes and the safety of tap water is somehow questionable, and no one really enjoys the pleasure of drinking it due to its cough syrup-like taste. Luckily water supplies during nationwide droughts are not affected as unlike other big cities, Bacolod pumps water from springs. Street Food is not as safe as those in Singapore and Taipei, the standards for street food is not properly imposed. There are few cases but not that rampant of being sick after eating street food. The quality of street food somehow is tolerated by health officials and citizens alike. Luckily street food is now on mainstream inside malls offering tourists and citizens alike to be assured of the hygienic standards. Dengue fever is a common issue especially during the summer season, apply mosquito repellent and avoid wearing T-shirts and shorts during the afternoon, wear sleeves and pants instead.

Hospitals

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Private hospitals are given a passing rate in the city, most of them can cater to almost every patient's need. During summer, hospital beds are fully booked as dengue fever cases rise up to skyrocketing levels.

  • Dr. Pablo O. Torre Sr. Memorial Hospital (Riverside Medical Center), B.S. Aquino Dr (Infront of Bob's cafe), ☏ +63 34-4337331, +63 34-7050000, . Considered to be the only first class hospital in the city. 
  • Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (Provincial Hospital). CLMMRH is a training, government-funded hospital similar to a county hospital in the United States or the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. It's a center of wellness catering to the general public who can't afford admission to private medical institutions. the level of expertise and care by its personnel is commendable considering the meagerness of its resources. free HIV tests are done here. 

Pharmacies

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The hospital with most pharmacies surrounding its compound is the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

  • Negros Grace Pharmacy. 08:00-20:00. Has many branches around Bacolod, Iloilo, Dumaguete. lower prices. 
  • Generika Drug Stores, Cuadra Gatuslao Street. 08:00-20:00. Generika have stores all over Bacolod. lower prices. 

Dentist clinics

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Clinics are easily found in Bacolod, some are located in malls while most of the hospitals have a dentist.

  • DentalHub Bacolod, 2nd floor, MC Metroplex Bldg., B.S. Aquino Dr. 09:00-15:00. Part of the Philippine Dental Association, it offers services even in emergencies and opens during weekends. 
  • Mendez Dental Clinic, Ground Floor Mayfair Plaza Lacson St. 09:00-18:00. Part of the Philippine Dental Association, aside from general teeth problems they also serve people who have gum disease. Open during weekends. 
  • Paul Callardo Dental Clinic. Gatuslao street. 400 m down the street from the 888 mall going to the plaza. low cost dental work from ₱300.

Restrooms and toilets

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Almost every commercial establishment, office and church in the city has a functional toilet however public toilets are often neglected around the city, an accessible toilet is available at the public plaza but one must have to pay before accessing the toilet, and the valid reason for such payment is for repairs and maintenance which gives us a hint that the city government doesn't even fund on its simplest amenities like toilets.

Respect

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See the Respect section of the Philippines article for more information

People who are elder than you (old enough to be your elder brother/sister or father/mother) - even if that person is a driver, janitor or maid etc. - you should call them Manong for Males or Manang for females before their common name like; Manong Jeremy or Manang May Ann, Manong can be shorten to Nong and Manang to Nang. If that person is old enough to be your grandfather call them Lolo for males or Lola for females before their common name like; Lolo Isidro or Lola Estrella.

Bacolodnons are traditionally liberal when it comes to clothing, except Muslims and Iglesia ni Kristo members who both are conservative religious people. Wearing shorts in public is OK but no very short ones if you don't want to attract attention and trouble; wearing a bikini on beaches is OK and you would expect no trouble however you might get attention too. When inside churches, everyone is expected to be cautious of their actions as such actions might attract attention and negative perception towards tourists.

Connect

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Dialing code for the Philippines is +63 while local area code for Bacolod is 34.

By phone

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PayPhones provided by PLDT are available in some of the city center's nooks and corners however if you don't find any payphone around, ask any tiangge to lend you a phone which each call costs ₱5/domestic call, rates for international calls vary.

Buying a Sim card is cheap, easy and no hassles, you don't need a verification of any kind and from ₱10 you can get a sim pack and are sold by Smart and Globe which are the two largest networks, Talk n Text, Sun Cellular and TM Mobile are other major networks. Sending text abroad cost ₱15/text while sending it within the Philippines cost ₱1/text.

By net

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Internet cafes charge ₱10-25 per hour, they are common throughout the city with small cafes opening up in local barangays and big commercial ones in the Central Business District. Head to downtown Bacolod if you need to surf for a while; these cafes can be found in almost every corner of the city and provide modern recreational centers and hangout places for the youth.

  • Eukarmille, Plaza Mart, Aranate St. (Infront of Lopue's Araneta). ₱15-20. 
  • net.aXs, La Salle Ave., ☏ +63 34 433-5248. 24 hours. Offer domestic and international calls/fax in addition to internet access, scanning, printing, photo-uploading (and CD-burning) along with other cybercafe-related services. 
  • Pink Lion Internet cafe, Rizal street (Victorina arcade behind Cebu Pacific ticket office). 08:30-22:00. A/c net cafe. ₱10 per hour. (updated Mar 2015)
  • Shoji, Plaza Mart, Araneta St. (Infront of Lopue's Araneta). ₱15. 

Many businesses also provide free WiFi access for their customers. These include most hotels, some malls — SM City, Robinson's Place and 888 Chinatown Square — and fast food outlets such as Jollibee and McDonald's.

Cope

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Immigration

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  • Bureau Of Immigration Bacolod Office, Aguinaldo Street, ☏ +63 34-4338581. 

Newspapers and publications

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Much of the local news in Bacolod is available in English which also applies to major national newspapers, minor tabloid newspapers are printed in Filipino and Hiligaynon. The Visayan Daily Star [dead link], Sun Star Bacolod and the Negros Daily Bulletin are also available.

Radio

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Almost all of the radio stations air in the local language; Hiligaynon, with some of the FM Radio jockeys using a mix of Hiligaynon and Tagalog, as well as Taglish, in contrast to FM Jockeys; AM Radio jockeys speak in pure and fluent Hiligaynon as the audiences catered by AM Radio are usually senior citizens and residents who come from nearby town where speaking of Hiligaynon is encouraged. AM Radio stations air current affairs programs, radio telenovelas, news and Hiligaynon songs usually old ones. FM Radio stations on the other hand air modern day English and local songs from any genre with shows hosted by Radio jockeys who use the usual Filipino slapstick jokes, the FM Radio is unfortunately bombarded by advertisements as it is one of the cheapest forms of media to market products in the country with the only safe time to listen to almost ad-free music is during the hours after 22:00. Some of the radio stations go off at midnight after airing the last tunes of the Lupang Hinirang.

Two FM stations broadcast in English:

  • Magic - This station airs talk shows that mixed bag issues whether may it be dating, sex, videogames, entertainment abroad, they also dislike over-airing pop songs but instead go for a salad bowl of genres whether alternative and independent to billboard and RnB.
  • EasyRock - It dislikes airing pop songs; they go instead for alternative, jazz, slow songs and the like.

Television

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  • ABS-CBN Bacolod, Channel 4 - This station is the regional station for ABS-CBN and serves Negros Occidental in two primary languages; Hiligaynon and Filipino. It might be only helpful to travelers who have knowledge in one of the languages as it airs nation-wide and provincial newscast as well as a weekend magazine regional TV Show which also covers the nearby Iloilo province.
  • GMA Bacolod, Channel 13 - ABS-CBN's fierce competitor around the nation, this is also a regional station and is aired in Hiligaynon and Filipino. It provides provincial newscast as well as national newscast.
  • ABS-CBN News Channel/ANC - Available on Cable TV, it airs in English and Filipino, airs round-the-clock news in English alone with few exceptions on Filipino. This channel not alone airs news but also magazine shows which much talks about business and the lavish lifestyles of the elites in the country and documentaries which discusses the nation's problems.
  • GMA News Channel - It is available on Free-to-air televisions if you're lucky enough to get a signal, unlike its rival news channel, it airs alone in Filipino and provides around-the-clock news nationwide. Though new to the industry of newscasting, it has taken over the ratings and replaced ANC as the leading news channel due to the fact that not all Filipinos are comfortable with straight-English news reports.

Religious services

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Christian denominations especially Roman Catholics, Baptists, Adventists and the Iglesia ni Kristo members won't find difficulty in finding religious services in the city.

  • San Sebastian Cathedral (Bacolod Cathedral), Rizal St (Beside La Consolacion College Bacolod, Infront of Bacolod Public Plaza). Daily Masses 
  • St. Jude Thaddeus Church, Alijis Rd. 
  • San Antonio Abad Church. 

Go next

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Nearby towns and cities within the province are accessible by land. The island of Panay is 45 minutes by ferry from the port of Bacolod.

Within the province

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Bacolod is the provincial capital of Negros Occidental, and like every capital, it is crowded and very developed. Refresh yourself by getting out of Bacolod to the quieter municipalities that surround it; there is an abundance of beaches and hot springs. Don't expect any traffic jams as the condition of the roads in the province is among the best of the country. Buses are the easiest way of getting around the province; jeeps are affordable, but are not suggested for foreigners. If you're traveling as a group or family, you can rent a car or a van.

  • Bago — the main attractions they have to offer are the Kipton twin falls as well as mountain resorts, an ideal destination for trekkers
  • Cadiz — popular for its white sand beach;Lakawon beach, an island off the coast of Cadiz
  • Escalante — discover the diversity of ecosystems which is one of the richest in the island of Negros and one of the last surviving ecosystems in the island, see the mangroves and the sea grass along the shores as well as remnants of corals
  • Kabankalan - second largest city in the province, with some beach resorts
  • La Carlota — trek and hike in Guintubdan
  • Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park — a natural reserve in Canlaon, the highest point in the Visayas and a favourite spot for Spiritualists and Mountaineers and Catholics during the Holy Week; the reserve is surrounded by flora and fauna, animals found here include deer and boar.
  • Murcia — the Mamabucal Resort is on a higher elevation than the city hence it has a cooler average temperature; its main attraction are its natural hot springs
  • Silay — known as the Paris of Negros because of its European styled hundred year-old houses which are well preserved as historical monuments

Further destinations

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Buses are the most comfortable and affordable way of travelling outside the province. Jeepneys are cheaper, but much less comfortable for long-range travel. Second to buses are RoRos (roll-on/roll-off) and ships, trips are available daily from Bredco Port, the main port of the city of Bacolod.

  • San Carlos
  • Apo Island — just off the coast of the town of Dauin and Zamboanguita (in Negros Oriental), this island is popular for divers and tourists alike
  • Bais
  • Dumaguete — a popular university city with a clean seaside boulevard and a laid-back atmosphere
  • Guimaras — taste its one and only temptation; its mangoes, which are known to be among the sweetest in the world
  • Iloilo Province, a short ferry ride away — the church of Miagao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. its capital city is also famous for its Dinagyang Festival
This city travel guide to Bacolod is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.
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