Bacolod Voyage Tips and guide

Bacolod is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines and the most populous city on Negros Island. 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.

The name Bacolod is said to derive from the Hiligaynon word bakólod, meaning a hill or elevated place, referring to the original settlement on higher ground in what is now Barangay Granada. That early site later became known as Daan Banwa ("old town"). According to local accounts, the settlement was eventually moved closer to the coast, possibly in part because of raids in the area.

Bacolod became the capital of Negros Occidental in 1890. In 1898 it was a focal point of the conflict between Negrense revolutionaries and the Spanish colonial authorities. The Spanish commander surrendered to Filipino forces, helping lead to the establishment of the short-lived Republic of Negros. The republic lasted less than a year; in March 1899, American forces occupied Bacolod. During the American colonial period, the Rizal Institute was established in the town in 1903, providing education to Bacolodnons. La Consolacion College was founded in 1919 by the Augustinian Sisters as a Catholic school.

Bacolod was chartered as a city in 1938, and October 19 is now observed as Charter Day. The city was occupied by Japanese forces in May 1942 and liberated by American forces in May 1945. As of 2024, the city is home to 625,000 people, while the metropolitan area is home to over 1.4 million. In 2023, Bacolod was the 6th-largest urban area in the Philippines.

Bacolodnons, or Bacoleños, are predominantly Visayan, though the city’s population and history also reflect Indigenous, Chinese, Spanish, and other East Asian influences. In earlier decades, families of Spanish and Chinese descent were especially prominent in the regional sugar industry, but Bacolod’s economy today is shaped by people of many backgrounds. The city’s "City of Smiles" identity, and the MassKara Festival in particular, are often associated with the resilience shown during the economic difficulties brought on by crises in the sugar industry.

Today, Bacolod combines a relatively cosmopolitan character with the generally conservative Christian social climate typical of many Philippine cities. Most residents are Christian, predominantly Roman Catholic. Other denominations present in the city include Baptists, Iglesia ni Cristo, Anglicans, and Seventh-day Adventists. There is also a Muslim community, including migrants from South Cotabato, while some residents of Chinese descent practise Taoism.

Bacolod contains 61 barangays (districts); however, only six of them are likely to be of interest to visitors:

• Downtown Bacolod/City Proper/Central Business District (CBD) — Main area for shopping, markets, landmarks, and small local eateries; often crowded on weekends and holidays.
• Singcang — Bars, casinos, and the former airport, now used as a venue for motor-cross events and concerts.
• Villamonte — Commercial area with shopping centers, hotels, and the New Government Center; also home to Yuan Thong Temple.
• Punta Taytay — Known for pottery and beaches, though the beaches are not in good condition.
• Granada — Site of Bacolod’s first settlement.
• Mandalagan — Growing commercial and nightlife area with malls, restaurants, bars, local art exhibitions, and a monastery.

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 uncomfortably 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, punctuated by occasional droughts that may result in water and electricity shortages. Temperature-wise, April is the hottest month of the year while December is the coolest.

The majority of the people of Negros Occidental speak Hiligaynon (also known as Ilonggo) as their native language, while a minority 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.

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

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.

Bacolod's main airport, 10.7767123.01481 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.

• Philippines Airlines has connections to and from Manila, Cebu and Clark.
• Cebu Pacific has connections to and from Manila, Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Clark.
• AirAsia has connections to and from Manila.

The Department of Tourism has a desk in the arrivals area where you can ask questions and grab free maps. Hotels, resorts and car rental companies have kiosks in the arrival areas where you can book a room and head to your hotel room without hassle.

There are minivans leaving for SM City Bacolod, Bacolod Provincial Hospital, Old Bacolod Airport and Victoria Arcade/Lopues East/Savemore Supermarket.

Taxis are expensive and tend to rip off foreigners. Instead you can use the Grab ride hailing service, which, as of 2026, should cost around ₱500–₱800 to get into the city.

To get to the airport, you can also book a van from most places to stay in downtown Bacolod. Just ask your hotel to arrange 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.

Getting to Bacolod by bus from elsewhere in Negros island is 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.

There are two major bus terminals in Bacolod, both operated by Ceres. Ceres 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, and Cadiz, among others.

• 10.6625122.95582 Ceres Southbound Terminal (Ceres South Terminal), ☏ +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.  
• 10.7063122.96293 Ceres Northbound Terminal (Ceres North 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).  

10.6769122.94214 Bacolod Seaport serves inter-regional trips from major destinations such Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo City.

The Iloilo–Bacolod route is served by the following lines:

• Ocean Jet. Tourist class (one way) for ₱550. (updated Mar 2026)
• Weesam Express. Economy (one way) for ₱620. (updated Mar 2026)
• Montenegro Lines. Regular class (one way) for ₱550. (updated Mar 2026)

2Go Travel has ferries to and from Metro Manila and Cagayan de Oro.

Jeepneys from nearby cities such as Silay and Talisay are available. Jeepneys are more affordable, though less comfortable, than taxis and private cars.

10°40′6″N 122°57′9″E

Map of Bacolod

Most local transport within the city and to nearby towns is by jeepney, though taxis, ride-hailing services, buses, and rental cars are also available. The streets follow a rough grid in the downtown core, but become less orderly farther out. Traffic has increased with the city’s growth and is common during rush hour, especially in the early evening as commuters head home. Congestion is typically worse during the Christmas and New Year period, as well as during the MassKara Festival.

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.

Getting around the city by ride hailing service (namely Grab), private car or taxi is quick and affordable.

• Meca Rent-A-Car, ☏ +63 34-4440795.  
• BASIA Transport service, ☏ +63 923-6804847.  

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

The streets of Bacolod are generally not great for walking as their sidewalks are full of illegally parked vehicles and street vendors, and can also be uneven. That said, the city is certainly walkable if you are used to navigating in these sorts of environments. Jaywalking is illegal in Bacolod, and enforcement is strict, but pedestrian crossings are hard to spot even downtown.

• 10.669167122.9463891 Bacolod Public Plaza, Rizal Street. The Bacolod version of Central park but smaller; fountains are scattered around the plaza and a gazebo stands in the middle. The Unknown Soldiers Monument (also known as Theodore Vinther Monument) is found here. The plaza is used for events like the MassKara Festival and for activities such as Arnis (Filipino martial arts). It is also a hub for joggers and people doing aerobics during the morning.  

• 10.676207122.951662 Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol, Gatuslao corner Lacson streets. The official seat of the provincial government and perhaps the most impressive building in Bacolod City. It served as the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. The Romanesque-style building stands in landscaped grounds with a park and lagoon, and features Ang Paghimud-os ("The Struggle" in Hiligaynon), a sculpture by Eduardo Castrillo, as well as The Man and the Carabao sculpture by Felix V. Garzon.  
• Iron Dinosaurs (vintage steam locomotives) (One within the Bacolod Murcia Milling Co. compound and another at the La Herencia Subdivision entrance). Locomotives were used in Bacolod to transport sugarcane from the fields to the azucareras (sugar factories), thus they were part of making Bacolod the sugar bowl of the Philippines. 
  • 10.6626122.96613 Locomotive (Bacolod Murcia Milling Co.)
  • 10.6913122.98714 Locomotive (La Herencia Subdivision entrance)
• 10.6589122.96645 Bacolod City Hall (New Government Center) (Take Central Market - Homesite jeepney route). A modern civic building with a neoclassical-style facade, including prominent columns and a large fountain in front. Free.  
• 10.6254122.96426 Panaad Park and Sports Complex. The park surrounding the stadium is filled with eucalyptus trees.  

• 10.6703122.947137 San Sebastian Cathedral, 1755 Rizal St. Bacolod’s main Catholic church, begun in the late 19th century and completed in 1894. Built of coral stone and later covered with cement, it is one of the city’s key landmarks. The cathedral is also known for its Centennial Bells and the nearby Palacio Episcopal. Free.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 10.6377122.95448 St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine, 6100 Alijis Rd. This relatively new church is dedicated to St. Jude Thaddeus, patron saint of lost causes. It is notable for its richly decorated, gold-toned Baroque-style altar, ceiling mural, and Divine Mercy shrine.  
• 10.69317122.961259 Carmelite Monastery (Short walk from Robinson's Bacolod Shopping Mall), ☏ +63 34-29083, [email protected]. This Carmelite church and monastery is known for its quiet, contemplative atmosphere. Visitors may leave prayer requests, and the monastery also has a shop selling religious items and souvenirs.  (updated Apr 2015)
• 10.6596122.945310 Sacred Heart Church and Seminary (Lupit Church), Lacson St and Lizares St (Just near Neg. Occ. high school and Paglaum sports complex). This church is notable for its European-inspired architecture, high ceilings, and tall spire, which give it a Gothic Revival look. It also has side chapels dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.  
• 10.6984122.957911 Barangay Sang Birhen Parish Church (Sta. Clara Subdivision). This chapel, designed by Archbishop Norman Campus, is notable for its extensive shellwork. It features Leticia Sia Ledesma’s Barangay Sang Birhen ("Village of the Virgin"), a mosaic made from 95,000 shells, as well as other shell-made images of saints, Stations of the Cross, and altar pieces created from a further 30,000 shells.  (updated Apr 2015)
• 10.67184122.9424512 Pope John Paul II Monument. Marks the site where Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass for thousands of Bacolodnons.  (updated Apr 2015)

• 10.6787122.962513 Museum Negrense De La Salle, University of St. La Salle, ☏ +63 34-4345998. M-F 08:30-12:00, 13:30-18:00. A university museum with exhibits ranging from indigenous woven textiles, plantation-era furniture, religious vestments, santos, and other devotional objects to rotating works by local and international artists on social, cultural, religious, and political themes.  

• 10.67534122.9503614 Negros Museum, Gatuslao St (Take Mandalagan-Libertad jeep from Downtown Bacolod), ☏ +63 34-4349505. Housed in the former Provincial Government building, The Negros Museum traces the history of Negros Occidental from its early beginnings through the colonial era, the rise of the sugar industry, the revolution, and the province’s cultural development. It also features material on past governors and murals by Negrense artists, and serves as a venue for exhibitions by Filipino artists.  (updated Apr 2015)
• 10.6953122.960415 Bacolod Art District, Lacson St. A city block with art galleries, restaurants, and cafés. The galleries showcase the work of local artists.  
• 10.6667122.943616 Christmas Village, San Juan St and San Sebastian St (in front of Chicken House). Open only during Christmas season. This private display is the result of many years of collecting figurines and related items. Its miniature Christmas village features intricate hand-painted details, including cliffs, lakes, and mountains, all made by the owner. Photography is not allowed, but souvenir photos and postcards are available. Accepts donations.  

• 10.6752122.951117 Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI), South Capitol Rd, ☏ +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.  
• 10.4234123.087218 Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park. A possible day trip, this is a nature park surrounding the Kanlaon Volcano. Many waterfalls and a spectacular area for birdwatching, featuring species such as the bleeding-heart pigeon and the endangered Negros fruit dove.  

• 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. 

• 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 annually in either March or 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. 

• 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.  

Football (soccer) is popular throughout Bacolod. The city even hosted the 23rd Southeast Asian Games Men's football competition. Football matches are played in 10.6254122.96521 Panaad Stadium.

As for more unique sports, those who want to experience sabong (cockfighting), derbies are held at 10.6072122.93412 New Negros Coliseum. Additionally, shooting ranges are located around the city.

• 10.7031122.97513 Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, Bata Subdivision, ☏ +63 3428257. This golf club has 18-holes, with a panoramic view of the Mount Mapara and Patag. 18 holes: ₱2200 weekdays; ₱3000 holidays/weekends. 9 holes: ₱1650 weekdays; ₱2300 holidays/weekends. Caddie and umbrella girl extra.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 10.6495122.9384 Negros Super Lanes, Goldenfield Commercial Complex, ☏ +63 344350059.  
• 10.6633122.96645 Lopue's East Bowling Lanes, Villamonte.  

• 10.653122.94126 Center Court tennis courts, Magsaysay St, ☏ +63 34-4344705.  
• 10.6677122.97087 Montevista Tennis Association, Barangay Montevista.  

• 10.6828122.95878 Pohang Badminton Center, Capitol Subdivision, ☏ +63 34-4333632.  

• 10.6632122.96669 Lopue's East Billiards, Burgos-Circumferential Rd (in Lopue's East Department Store), ☏ +63 34-4335288.  

• 10.6653122.964610 Yuang Thong Temple, Burgos St., 6th Rd. Tai chi sessions on Sundays from 07:00 to 08:30. A Mahayana Buddhist temple. If you haven't seen Tai chi before, this is your chance.  

• 10.6779122.953611 Spa Natura, 3rd Level, 11th-12th Lacson St.  

• 10.6495122.937112 Caribbean Water Park, Goldenfield Commercial Complex, ☏ +63 34-4336683. This water park features Negros Occidental’s first and largest water slide. It has a main pool, a kiddie pool, a jacuzzi, two large slides, and a pirate-ship replica for children to explore. Function rooms, locker rooms, huts, and air-conditioned rooms are also available for rent.  
• 10.67123.0713 Buro-Buro and Bocal-Bocal springs. Located just outside of Bacolod, the Buro-Buro and Bocal-Bocal springs are popular for their cool spring water despite the name Bocal-Bocal, which suggests boiling. The site has both an artificial swimming pool and a natural pool, as well as small waterfalls near the main pool where visitors can sit under the falling water. Huts are available for rent, and the area is popular for family outings, barbecues, and reunions.  

• 10.6802122.953614 Casino Filipino, ☏ +63 344348901. Operated by Pagcor.  

From air-conditioned supermalls to small shops to the busy Central Market to the street vendors, shopping is everywhere in Bacolod! The Downtown area and Libertad are notable shopping areas. Although it requires quite a stretch of the imagination, Lacson Street is sometimes compared to Singapore’s Orchard Road, not because of its malls but because of its fine-dining restaurants, boutique shops, and row of vintage and antique home-decor stores.

Shell crafts, wood crafts, and ceramic wares are good buys, as are antique wooden statues of saints. Antique shops are scattered around the city, though they can be easy to miss. Hablon, a locally produced shimmery fabric that was especially popular in the 1960s, remains one of the best local souvenirs.

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 (a gift from a traveller to their host) or souvenir.

• 10.6676122.94721 Central Market. A good option for affordable souvenirs such as local handmade products, sweet delicacies and uga (dried fish). Be sure to bargain.  
• 10.6601122.94982 Libertad Market. Great place to buy fresh fruit and produce, particularly at its eastern corner.  

• 10.6734122.94863 888 Chinatown Mall, Gatuslao St, ☏ +63 34 708 0888. Sells dirt-cheap goods, such as imitation name-brand clothing.  
• 10.67114122.94384 SM City Bacolod. The largest mall in the city. Just like any other SM Supermall in the Philippines, it has its large department store, grocery store, famous brand stores, restaurants, and a cinema. It is also one of the few SM malls of the country that has its own convention center.  

• 10.6912122.95845 Robinsons Place Bacolod. The second-largest mall in the city.  
• 10.6661122.94686 Gaisano Grand City Central Bacolod.  
• 10.6593122.93987 Gaisano Grand Mall Bacolod.  
• 10.6787122.95458 Mayfair Plaza, Lacson Street. Cheap secondhand clothes, toys, home decor, etc.  

• 10.6755122.95079 ANP Hub, S Capitol Rd and Gatuslao St, ☏ +63 34-4350716. Sells high-quality local handicrafts, albeit at higher prices.  
• 10.6603122.943410 Jojo Vito Designs Gallery. Locally made maskara, lighting, wall art, furniture, refrigerator magnets, etc. You can even paint your own maskara!  (updated Mar 2026)

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

• Bong Bong's Pasalubong. More popular than Merci Pasalubong, however they have fewer products. Their specialty is their piaya and barquillos. They have many locations in Bacolod. 
• Merci Pasalubong. Merci's specializes in piaya, biscocho, and napoleones. They have a number of locations around Bacolod. 

Bacolodnon cuisine, and Negrense cuisine more broadly, shares much with the food of nearby Panay, but has also been influenced by Negros's sugar industry. Bacolod also has many restaurants serving other cuisines, though local food remains an important part of the city's identity. In Hiligaynon, sud-an means the main dish eaten with rice, while kan-on can mean either "rice" or "to eat".

• 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.

• 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.
• 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) — A favourite 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 or have high blood pressure.

Like many major Philippine cities, Bacolod has a well-established fine-dining scene, centred on Lacson Street. Restaurants here serve a range of cuisines, including Mexican, Thai, and European, especially Italian and French, though Korean, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants are also especially popular with locals.

• 10.6681122.94811 Centroplex food court, Gonzaga street cor Locsin street (3rd floor). 10AM-3PM.  (updated Mar 2015)
• 10.6734122.9492 888 China Mall food court, Gatuslao street (2nd floor). 9AM-8PM. Low-cost food court with some Vietnamese food.  (updated Mar 2015)
• 10.6697122.94783 Terraplaza food court, Gatuslao street and Rizal street (accross the street from the plaza). 8AM-8PM. Air conditioned food court.  (updated Mar 2015)
• 10.6819122.95684 Marby Plaza, Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod. Low-cost food court.  
• 10.6717122.94585 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.  

• 10.6758122.96076 Ting-Ting's Native Restaurant. Bacolodnon cuisine. The place is open air and fresh air fills the open air area which is suitable for brunches and lunches.  
• 10.6702122.95977 Malaspina Inaslan, Malaspina Street (near Bacolod-Mindanao Lumberyard, at the back of Bacolod Public Cemetery). 24 hours daily. ₱50-100.  

• 10.6785122.94938 Pala-Pala Market, 18th corner Aguinaldo Street, ☏ +63 34-4339153. Buy fresh seafood in the wet market then go to a restaurant nearby and have it cooked. From oysters to crabs to blue marlins.  
• 10.6712122.95299 Sian Tian Health Food Center, Burgos St (near the YMCA). Beloved vegan/vegetarian Chinese restaurant.  
• 10.6729122.951910 Sanders Coffee & Sausages, Lacson Street. 7AM-1AM daily. Multiple locations. meals for around ₱100.  
• 10.6609122.952711 D'Baker's Cakes & Pastries. Chain that sells bread, cakes and pies. Multiple locations.  

• 10.6713122.956312 Apollo Restaurant, Hilado Street. The oldest Chinese restaurant in town.  
• 10.6759122.965613 Bascon Cafe, C.L. Montelibano Street (near Univ. of St. La Salle). Serves pastries and cakes.  
• 10.6797122.954814 Calea, Balay Quince, Lacson St (in front of L'Fisher Hotel). Residents of Iloilo take the trip to Bacolod just to taste their irresistible cakes.  
• 10.6829122.95615 Cafe Bobs (not to be confused with just Bob's). Must-tries include their gelato, mini-cakes, and coffee-shakes.  
• 10.6832122.955816 Inaka, 21st St and Lacson Street, ☏ +63 34-4344045. Japanese buffet with a wide variety of choices.  
• 10.6707122.943717 L'Kaisei Express (at SM City Bacolod Mall). L'Kaisei has a smaller branch in SM City Bacolod Mall which is much more accessible and affordable. Serves typical Japanese cuisine, sushi, and bento boxes. ₱30-200.  
• 10.674122.958518 Kuppa, Hilado Street (across from St. John's Institute High School). Their Spanish chocolate and milk is delicious. The gelato is worth trying too.  
• 10.6825122.955619 Mu Shu, Azotea Building, 20th corner Lacson Street, ☏ +63 34-4350972. Restaurant and bar that serves Asian fusion cuisine. Try their pritchon or pritong lechon. Has a good sampling of Southeast Asian dishes such as pad Thai, Hainanese chicken, and nasi goreng.  
• 10.681122.963120 Quan (multiple locations). Quan's is a one stop shop for local delicacies, from napoleones to kutsinta. They also serve meals such as ciabatta pizzas and lasagna.  
• 10.6826122.957421 Bob's, Benigno S. Aquino Dr (not to be confused with Cafe Bobs), ☏ +63 34-434-2409. One of the oldest restaurants in Bacolod, the restaurant serves authentic Filipino cuisine within a beautiful interior.  
• 10.6669122.954722 Veego, ☏ +63 96-10440239. Tiny restaurant with phenomenal vegan food. ₱200-250 mains.  (updated Mar 2026)
• 10.6641122.957123 Nato's Cafe and Garden, ☏ +63 34-4475150. Good food and coffee with a pleasant outdoor seating area. ₱200-400 mains.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 10.6971122.962324 Italia Restaurant, 23rd St and San Agustin St, ☏ +63 34-4323704. 10AM-9AM. Serves pizza straight from the brick oven, as well as a range of pasta dishes and steaks. Also offers a good variety of fine wines. Italia is a regular venue of several art exhibits of both local and national artists.  
• 10.683122.955825 21 Restaurant, 21st and Lacson St. Serves authentic Filipino cuisine including great seafood which is harvested from a specially-built aquarium.  
• 10.6975122.962326 Cafe Uma, Lacson St. Pricey, but the portions are large and delicious. Serves international cuisine.  
• 10.6776122.953927 L'Kaisei, 10th St and Lacson St, ☏ +63 34-4347787. Japanese restaurant with reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere.  

Bacolod's preferred beer is San Mig Light, which is served at most restaurants. You might also try Tanduay, the famous rum. For native alcohol, the local tuba is made from fermented coconut juice.

10.6498122.93781 Goldenfield Commercial Complex has many bars, pubs, nightclubs and casinos, and is generally considered to have the best nightlife in Bacolod. A dress code is enforced in some establishments (e.g. no flipflops/slippers and no sleeveless shirts). Though not so lively at night, 10.6789122.95382 Piazza Sorento bustles during the day with patrons of its many cafes and bars, along with jewelers, restaurants and boutiques.

• 10.683122.95573 Bar 21, 21 Lacson St. 21 Restaurant has a bar which turns into a club at night.  
• 10.6789122.9544 Gypsy Tea Room, Lacson St (Corner of Piazza Sorento). Beer, cocktails, and appetizers are served here. Shisha is also available, along with henna, tattooing, and palm reading, giving the place a Middle Eastern feel.  
• 10.6825122.95545 Mu Shu, Lacson St. By day an Asian restaurant, by night a nightclub, as chairs and tables are moved aside to create a dance floor; dancing often continues until sunrise.  
• Zagu (multiple locations). One of the most popular juice bars in the city. 

• 10.6776122.9511 Sweet City Captel Hostel, North Capital Rd and Gatusiao St, ☏ +63-34-4322989. Dormitories. Has to be the cheapest place to stay in Bacolod. Dorm beds ₱100 per person.  (updated Feb 2023)
• 10.667122.94672 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.  
• 10.6688122.94773 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.  
• 10.6636122.95094 Rosita Hometel, Mabini and San Sebastian streets, ☏ +63 34 434-5136. Fan doubles with common bathroom. ₱500.  
• 10.674122.95975 Tindalo Pension house, Tindalo avenue, ☏ +63 34 7090006. Fan and A/C rooms. from ₱500.  (updated Mar 2015)
• 10.6688122.94836 Co-z Pension House Bacolod, Cuadra Street, ☏ +63 34-431-4292. Standard A/C double room with hot water bathroom. Cable TV. Free wifi. from ₱700.  (updated Aug 2015)
• 10.6614122.95157 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)

• 10.6674122.95198 Northwest Inn, Rizal St and Mabino St, ☏ +63 34-4344077, [email protected]. ₱1140-2740.  
• 10.6646122.94759 O Hotel (Bacolod Executive Inn Hotel), San Sebastian St and Locsin St, ☏ +63 34-4337401, +63 34-4337404, fax: +63 34-433-7442. 55 Air conditioned rooms with cold and hot showers, a deposit safety box, telephone and refrigerator, laundry service, cable TV, coffee shop and bar, aside from their own facilities, a Banco De Oro ATM is available. ₱1200-4000.  
• 10.6763122.942710 Acacia Hotel Bacolod, Burgos Ave, Extension, ☏ +63 344339562, [email protected].  (updated Aug 2023)
• 10.664122.957211 Kasa Boutique Hotel Bacolod, ☏ +63 927-8014590. Excellent value, well-equipped air conditioned rooms. Conveniently located near the Ceres southbound bus terminal. Rooms start at ₱1100 without breakfast.  (updated Mar 2026)

• 10.6798122.954212 L'Fisher Hotel, 14th Lacson St, ☏ +63 34-4333731, +63 34-4333739, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Perhaps the most well-known hotel in Bacolod. Executive suites have king sized beds, walk in closets, dining areas, receiving area, etc., while cheaper rooms have ordinary facilities such as a cable TV, refrigerator, and dresser. $60-400.  
• 10.6597122.94213 Planta Hotel & Residences, Araneta St corner Roxas St, ☏ +63 34-4680400, fax: +63 34-4680408, [email protected]. Swimming pool, gym; rooms have an electronic safe, cable TV, minibar, WiFi connection and hair dryer. ₱1650-7200.  
• 10.6727122.943914 Park Inn by Radisson Bacolod, SM City Bacolod Complex Reclamation Area, Block 12 Palanca, ☏ +63 34 7068888, [email protected].  (updated Aug 2023)
• 10.6767122.953115 Seda Capitol Central, North Capitol Road, Lacson Street, ☏ +63 34703 8888, [email protected].  (updated Aug 2023)

Bacolod is safer than Metro Manila, but petty theft can still happen. Be particularly careful in the downtown/CBD and during the MassKara Festival, when crowds make pickpocketing easier. Keep valuables out of sight, carry only what you need, and use a taxi or ride-hailing service late at night rather than walking in quiet areas.

For drinking water, most travelers stick to bottled or purified water rather than the tap. Street food hygiene can vary, so choose stalls with lots of customers and food cooked to order. Dengue fever is a recurring concern, particularly in the wet season, so use mosquito repellent and avoid mosquito bites.

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

Bacolod has several hospitals that can handle most routine and many specialist medical needs. During the wet season, hospitals can become crowded due to increased cases of dengue fever.

• 10.6831122.95811 Riverside Medical Center (Dr. Pablo O. Torre Sr. Memorial Hospital), B.S. Aquino Dr, ☏ +63 34-4337331, +63 34-7050000, [email protected]. Generally considered to be the best hospital in the city.  
• 10.6721122.95092 Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (Provincial Hospital). CLMMRH is a government-funded hospital similar to a county hospital in the United States or the Philippine General Hospital in Manila. The level of expertise and care by its personnel is commendable considering the meagerness of its resources. Offers free HIV tests.  

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

• 10.6779122.95233 Bureau of Immigration Bacolod Office, Aguinaldo Street, ☏ +63 34-4338581.  

Much of the local news in Bacolod is published in English, as are most major national newspapers. Some smaller tabloids are printed in Filipino or Hiligaynon. Local publications include The Visayan Daily Star, SunStar Bacolod, and the Negros Daily Bulletin.

Two FM stations broadcast in English:

• Magic 106.3 – An English-language station with talk shows and a contemporary music mix that ranges from mainstream pop and R&B to alternative and independent music.
• EasyRock 105.5 – An English-language easy-listening station playing soft pop, ballads, jazz, and other mellow music.

One television station broadcasts in English:

• ABS-CBN News Channel/ANC - Available on cable TV. It primarily broadcasts rolling news in English, along with some Filipino-language programming. Also carries current affairs, business, magazine shows, and documentaries.

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

• San Sebastian Cathedral, Rizal St. Daily Masses 
• St. Jude Thaddeus Church, Alijis Rd.  
• San Antonio Abad Church.  

Nearby towns and cities within the province are accessible by land. The island of Panay is 1-2 hours by ferry from the Bacolod Seaport.

• Silay — known as the Paris of Negros because of its European styled hundred year-old houses which are well preserved as historical monuments
• Lakawon Island – popular for its white sand beach
• Kanlaon Volcano and its vicinity
  • Guintubdan — on the western slope with hikes and waterfalls
  • Murcia and Bago – mountain resorts and hot springs

• Apo Island — popular for divers and tourists alike
• Bais – whale and dolphin watching
• Dumaguete — a popular university city with a clean seaside boulevard and a laid-back atmosphere
• Guimaras — taste its mangoes, which are known to be among the sweetest in the world
• Iloilo City – the largest and most vibrant city on Panay