The province of Negros Occidental has a laidback vibe, delicious food, and a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is also home to one of the most colorful and enjoyable festivals in the country: Masskara. Several natural attractions are also accessible via a day trip from the city. The regular direct flights from Manila to the provincial capital Bacolod make it easy to explore its offerings. The capital city is the popular jump-off point to other attractions located in nearby cities and towns.
If you’re thinking about visiting, here are some of the things to do and places of interest in and near Bacolod.
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
The Ruins
This attraction located in Talisay City is probably the most recognizable structure in Negros. Also recognized as the “Taj Mahal of Negros”, the Ruins is a testament to love. Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson had a mansion built as a memorial for his wife who died tragically. The Americans had it destroyed in World War II to prevent the Japanese from occupying it. Fast forward to today, all that’s left of this glorious house is its frame. There is also a restaurant here that serves Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. The best times to visit are during blue hour and sunset. There’s a P100 entrance fee.
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Eat, Eat, and Eat Some More at Manokan Country
You may have already tried chicken inasal in Manila or other cities, but you shouldn’t pass up on a chance to eat it in Bacolod. Manokan Country is the place to try this popular dish. There are several stalls inside this complex serving grilled chicken marinated and cooked in the authentic Bacolod way. The food is not just delicious, but also affordable. Try going early because there’s always a lot of people who want to eat here.
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Pulang Tubig Waterfalls
Take a break from eating and old-house-hopping to enjoy nature. Head on over to Pulang Tubig Waterfalls in Northern Negros Natural Park. Your adventure begins in Patag where you’ll then have to trek for more than an hour before the 80m high waterfall greets you. Enjoy the views along the way. The day trip may be tiring but is definitely rewarding.
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Enjoy the Festivities of Masskara Festival
This festival is one of the reasons tourists visit Bacolod. This comes as no surprise because Masskara is colorful and fun. Revelers fill the streets with beautiful masks, songs, and dances. There are all sorts of activities that fill the day. Concerts, stalls offering delicious food, pageants, and exhibitions make up the festivities. The celebration begins in late October and lasts for a couple of weeks. If you plan to visit Bacolod during the festival season, book your accommodation in advance.
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Visit Campuestohan Highlands Resorts
This resort in Talisay City offers visitors exciting family-friendly activities. Enjoy sky bicycling, using the bungee trampoline, running in the hamster wheel, swimming in the pool and chilling in the spa. There is also a restaurant that serves local fare in the resort. You can spend the night if you think a day trip isn’t enough. There’s a P150 entrance fee.
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A Trip to Lakawon Island
Bacolod will charm you with its cultural heritage, fill you with delicious food and will take you back in time with its ancestral mansions. After these, be sure to take time to marvel at its natural beauty. One of the places to do this is on Lakawan Island. The island has a beautiful, white shoreline surrounded by clear, azure waters. The resort on the island is as luxurious as it can get. Here you’ll get to watch the sunset and a couple of drinks in one of Asia’s biggest floating bars called TawHai. Enjoy activities such as volleyball, banana boat ride, kayaking, and snorkeling. You can pitch a tent and camp for around P300/person. There’s an entrance fee of P280.
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Balay Negrense Museum
If you want to catch a glimpse of the glory days of the sugar cane estates, visit this hacienda turned museum. Don Victor Fernandez Gaston had this mansion built. His vision merged the American and Spanish colonial aesthetic of the time. The fusion of stone and wood materials and design gave the estate a distinct and beautiful appearance. Located in Silay City, the museum is open from 9am to 5pm.
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Mambukal Mountain Resort
This resort managed to combine natural and man-made attractions. Take a dip in the swimming pool, break a sweat climbing the wall or get an adrenaline rush riding the zip line. The main reason tourists visit is the chance to see seven waterfalls. The hike may be tiring, but the experience is rewarding. Commune with nature and marvel at the waterfalls you’ll see during your excursion. There’s a P50 entrance fee.
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Where to Stay in Bacolod
Bacolod City has a number of pension houses and hotels for all kinds of budgets. You can find accommodation for less than P1000 a night. The city is an ideal base to explore nearby attractions such as the Ruins and Silay City. If you’re choosing a place to stay, look for one near transport terminals or dining and entertainment districts.
Here are some of the recommended hotels by Agoda users in and near Bacolod, in no particular order.
- Seda Capitol Central. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- GT Hotel Bacolod. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- L’Fisher Hotel. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
- Nature’s Village Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
For more options, search here: Bacolod Hotels
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