Backpacking: Things Not To Miss in Bacolod, Philippines

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These are the top destinations that I would recommend if you'll visit Bacolod. The reasons I choose these are the one's popular and worthy of your time, money and in your schedule. I have visited this place last February 2012 and it still a great place to spend your vacation. Make sure that these activities are in your tour package and discover what the city has to offer!

Bacolod activities & attractions must see.

Destination: Introducing Bacolod City!

Bacolod is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines. It is known as the City of Smiles because of its MassKara Festival held during the third week of October, a Mardi Gras-like festival and a spectacularly vivid mix of dance, color and music. Bacolod is also known as the Land of Sweet People, and for its culinary heritage, including its inasal (a kind of roast chicken on skewers) and sweet dessert treats.

Bacolod-Silay Airport is served by the major airlines of the Philippines and connects Silay and the whole of Negros Occidental with Manila and Cebu. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines and Zest Airways have daily connections to and from their respective hubs. Take a taxi from Silay airport to Silay city proper on arrival. Silay is about 30-45 minutes away from Bacolod by car; buses also cater to passengers from Bacolod to Silay.

How to get around: Please note prices, fare as of February 2012

By Taxis/Cab

Taxis are the best option for getting around Silay however some of them might offer you a fixed price because of the distance of your destination or either if you're a tourist but if they do offer you a fixed price don't accept it, get out of the taxi as soon as possible and look for another one or either try threatening the driver that you will call the police as fixed prices are illegal, always pay according to the meter and keep a close watch at the meter as some of the drivers might cheat on you. If you plan to give a tip better round off the fare for example if it is 90.00 pesos better give him 100 pesos and also tell him to keep the change. Flagdown rate for taxis is 30.00 pesos. A trip to Bacolod City would normally cost you around 500.00 pesos (contract price) vice versa. This is a better option if you are travelling with a group of more than three persons and if you are carrying some cargos. Travel time is about 30 mins.

By Shuttle Vans

There are vans that transfers from the airport to Bacolod City and vice versa. Fare is 150.00 pesos one way.You can find the van's at the terminal's arrival are if you are going to Bacolod City. If coming from Bacolod City to the airport, the terminal is located in SM City Bacolod.

By Jeepneys/Tricycles

The cheapest mode of transportation if you choose not to travel alone, it is the local version of buses. Don't forget to ask for a discount if you're a senior citizen or a student. Flag down rates for jeepneys nationwide is 7.00 pesos, jeepneys have fixed routes. One can easily go anywhere in Silay by riding a tricycle which cost 8.00 pesos per passenger within the city limits only. Riding a jeepney to Bacolod will cost 15.00 pesos per passenger and 18.00 pesos on aircon shuttles.

Proceed to the airport's gate where you can find the tricycle terminal. Take a tricycle to Silay highway, fare is 15.00 pesos if going with other passengers but if solo its 60.00 pesos. From the highway, take a Bacolod bound jeepney (13.00 pesos) to North bound terminal. From there, take another jeepney (Bata or Mandalagan bound) to downtown Bacolod City, fare is 7.00 pesos.

If coming from bacolod City, take a jeepney to North bound terminal (7.00 pesos). From there, take a Silay bound jeepney (13.00 pesos). In Silay, you can choose to take the van to the airport located near El Ideal Bakery (50.00 pesos). Please note that the van will not leave until it has six passengers. Alternatively, you can take a tricycle at Silay public market,  fare is 15.00 pesos if going with other passengers but if solo its 60.00 pesos.

I. Bacolod City Tour

1.) The Ruins of Don Mariano Lacson Ancestral House (Talisay City)

The Ruins, another popular tourist spot, is best seen and experienced at sunset. The Ruins is a popular tourist spot in Talisay, the city between Silay and Bacolod. "Wealthy sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson built the mansion in 1900′s for Maria Braga, his Portuguese wife. He made sure that the mansion was furnished with imported luxurious items. The Mansion’s structure resembles that of the Italian architecture with neoclassical columns. The facades of the mansion are comparable to the ones in Carnegie Hall. The belvedere facing west enables one to view the beautiful sunset through the bay window. The garden of the mansion was tended by Don Mariano’s daughter Angelina. Imported lilies filled the garden and around the fountain. A Japanese gardener was hired to maintain the gardens until he disappeared just before the war. It was found out later on that the gardener they hired was an informant to the Japanese Military. When the World War II broke out, the guerillas burned down the mansion to prevent the Japanese from occupying the area. The mansion burned down leaving behind the concrete structure that still stands to this day."

The Ruins opens up at 8:30 AM and closes at 8:00 PM and the Entrance Fee is 60 pesos per person. If you feel hungry while having a tour, no problem because they have a small cafeteria and coffee shop to suffice your stomach's needs!

How to get there:

The easiest and most convenient way from Bacolod City is to ride a jeepney with a route "Bata - Libertad". You may find the "Bata - Libertad" jeep passing by the Bacolod Public Plaza and through Lacson Streets. Inform the driver that you will go to The Ruins and he will drop you at the street going to Gold crest Village in Barangay Bata. The fare is 8.00 pesos per person. The nearest Landmark is Pepsi Bottling Plant. From the street going to Gold crest Village; you will see a signboard "This Way Going to The Ruins". Ride a tricycle from there and one-way fare is 10.00 pesos per person and the tricycle can accommodate 4 - 5 persons. Ask the driver to wait for you at The Ruins because there are no tricycles available there.

Via Taxi

There are several taxis in the city. We took a cab and negotiated the price of going to The Ruins, Chapel of Cartwheels, Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Gaston Farm Ancestral House, The Pink Museum, Hofilena Ancestral House and Calea Pastries for about 2,500 pesos back and forth. The driver waited for us the entire quick city tour.

2.) Masskara Festival

Masskara Festival, a big annual Mardi Gras-like event celebrated every 3rd week of October. Each of the city's barangays (districts) joins the fierce competition for the best-costumed group, best in choreography etc. 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.

3.) Mambukal Mountain Resort

Mambukal Mountain Resort is in Murcia, 45 minutes, 30 kms from Bacolod. Mambukal Resort lies 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as a gateway to Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park. Originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927, the resort started as a bathhouse and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses and their guests.Spread over 23.6 hectares, Mambukal is blessed with exceptionally beautiful natural features. A big mountain stream, fed by several tributaries, descends in a series of seven waterfalls and cuts through the center of the resort, feeding the water holes and boating lagoon.

Mambukal boasts a number of hot sulfur springs whose medicinal waters are a balm for the weary flesh and continually feels the warm dipping pool Ishiwata Bathhouse and the newly constructed Japanese Ofuro. 

Activities in Mambukal are: swimming, hiking, wall climbing, zip lining (slide for life), walking above ground from tree to tree (canopy walk), boating, butterfly watching, bat spotting, sleeping, eating, getting a massage, and dipping in the warm sulfur pool.

How to get there

Going to Mambukal from Bacolod City is a one jeepney ride: Just get yourself to Libertad Terminal on the northwestern side of Libertad Public Market. Jeepneys bound for Mambukal leave Libertad Terminal every 15 minutes starting from 7:30 AM up to 7:30 PM. The 45-minute ride to Mambukal costs 35.00 pesos.

4.) The Negros Museum 

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.

A 1930-built old municipal building now turned into a City Museum. It houses two galleries, archaeological and Ethnographic, containing collections from the 21 Barangays. It also has a mini library with around 900 book holdings. This is the official seat of the provincial government and served as the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. 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.

Entrance Fees: (may subject to change without prior notice)

General Admission – 50.00 pesos

Senior Citizens - 40.00 pesos

Students and Children – 20.00 pesos

How to get there: 

Via Taxi

There are several taxis in the city. We took a cab and negotiated the price of going to The Ruins, Chapel of Cartwheels, Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Gaston Farm Ancestral House, The Pink Museum, Hofilena Ancestral House and Calea Pastries for about 2,500 pesos back and forth. The driver waited for us the entire quick city tour.

If you’re already in Bacolod City, the landmarks would be the Provincial Capitol Building of Negros Occidental and the Hall of Justice. It is just located beside the Hall of Justice and a 3-minute walk from the Provincial Capitol Building.

5.) Chapel of Cartwheels (Manapla)

The Chapel of Cartwheels is surely Manapla's pride. Built during the hacienda days of the 60’s, the Chapel of Cartwheels in Hacienda Rosalia in the town of Manapla continues to attract tourists in the province of Negros Occidental. The small church is made from farm implements such as cartwheels, plows, mortar and pestle, margaha sand and broken pieces of glass in different colors. A huge centuries-old boulder serves as the altar while religious images are carved out of wood. It was patterned like a "salakot" or a traditional wide-brimmed hat and can be found inside the farm owned by the Gaston family.

Msgr. Gaston thought of using cartwheels in building the chapel because he knew that the local people could easily relate to this simple object which is widely used in the farms where they worked. He also explained that the cartwheel symbolizes the Holy Trinity with the center of the wheel as God the Father, the spokes surrounding it as Jesus Christ who leads the people towards God, and the outside ring as the Holy Spirit who ensures that the people will not get lost on their way towards the center.

How to get there: 

Via Taxi

There are several taxis in the city. We took a cab and negotiated the price of going to The Ruins, Chapel of Cartwheels, Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Gaston Farm Ancestral House, The Pink Museum, Hofilena Ancestral House and Calea Pastries for about 2,500 pesos back and forth. The driver waited for us the entire quick city tour.

Manapla is 44.7 kilometers from Bacolod. Going to Manapla is approximately 55 minutes’ drive from Bacolod City by private car and at around over an hour by public utility vehicles (bus or double-tires) that take off from Bacolod North Terminal. Air conditioned and non-air-conditioned taxis, vans and buses for hire are available from Bacolod. From Bacolod-Silay Airport, you can take a shuttle (75-100 pesos per head), or a cab and ask to be dropped off at the nearest bus station for Bacolod-Manapla.

6.) Church of the Angry Christ (Victorias City)

Victorias in Negros Occidental is popular because of the Victorias Milling Company, the largest sugar mill in the Philippines and the largest combined sugar mill and refinery in the whole world. This made Negros Occidental the “Sugarbowl Capital” of the Philippines. Its popularity came into a downfall after the Japanese occupation in the 1940’s but was able to slowly revive itself in the 1990’s. Truckloads of sugar cane being transported to Victorias Milling Complex. You will know that you are already in Victorias when you can smell sugarcane. This becomes stronger as we entered the Victorias Milling complex. The main reason we went to Victorias is because we are curious about St. Joseph the Worker Parish (or popularly known as the Church of the Angry Christ). The church is located at the heart of Victoria’s Milling Company compound; features the world renowned mural of a craggy-faced Christ done in psychedelic colors. It is the only church in Negros that depicts Filipino liturgical arts.

How to get there: 

Via Taxi

There are several taxis in the city. We took a cab and negotiated the price of going to The Ruins, Chapel of Cartwheels, Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Gaston Farm Ancestral House, The Pink Museum, Hofilena Ancestral House and Calea Pastries for about 2,500 pesos back and forth. The driver waited for us the entire quick city tour.

From Bacolod City, ride a Ceres bus (or any bus) going to Manapla or Escalante. From Manapla it will only took around 10 – 15 minutes to arrive at the Victorias City Hall. Travel time from Bacolod City is around 1 hour an 30 minutes. Fare only costed us 10.00 pesos per person but if you will be coming from Bacolod City, it might cost you around 35.00 pesos – 40.00 pesos per person.

When you are already in Victorias, hail any tricycle and ask the driver to drop you off at the church. It is located inside the Victorias Milling Company. Fare is 28.00 pesos per person and the driver will wait for while you are roaming around the church. After Victorias, Take a ride going to the Ceres bus at the Victorias Terminal and headed to Silay. Fare was 16.00 pesos per person.

7.) Gaston Farm Ancestral House (Silay City)

It is 15 kms from Bacolod City; typical example of a “sugar baron’s mansion”; converted into a museum and known today as the “Balay Negrense”. “Victor Fernandez Gaston Ancestral House”, also known as “Balay Negrense” (meaning “House of the People of Negros Occidental”) and became a museum in 1990. Victor Fernandez Gaston, a late 19th century sugar magnate, owned this very old house. He was the son of Yves Gaston, a Frenchman from Liseux and Prudencia Fernandez, a native from Batangas. Victor’s father, Yves, pioneered the sugarcane cultivation in this part of the Philippines. History tells that the older Gaston was given credit as being the first to commercially produce cane sugar. There is no doubt that the Gaston family was one of the wealthiest families in Negros Island. Victor’s father, Yves, died in 1863 at age 57.

How to get there: 

Via Taxi

There are several taxis in the city. We took a cab and negotiated the price of going to The Ruins, Chapel of Cartwheels, Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Gaston Farm Ancestral House, The Pink Museum, Hofilena Ancestral House and Calea Pastries for about 2,500 pesos back and forth. The driver waited for us the entire quick city tour.

Entrance fee is PHP40 and you are free to roam around the house. Balay Negrense is at Cinco de Nobyembre Street in Silay City, parallel to Rizal Street. When you’re coming from El Ideal, just turn left on the street after El Ideal then walk 3 blocks. You will already see Balay Negrense because it has a big sign in front of it.

From Bacolod City, just ride the Bacolod – Silay route. You can also ride a Ceres bus or other mini buses that will go to Victorias, Manapla and farther. Travel time from Bacolod City is around 30–45 minutes. Jeepney fare is around 13.00 pesos per person (Bacolod-Silay route). There are also vans that go there however it costs 30.00-50.00 pesos per person. Almost all the jeepneys, vans and buses drop passengers off in the San Diego Cathedral in Silay.

8.) Bernardino-Ysabel Jalandoni Museum (The Pink Museum)

Bernardino Jalandoni House, now also a Museum, was built in 1908. This house showcases the affluence of Negros at the turn of the 19th century. All items on display are authentic period pieces. Interestingly, a grandson of Don Bernardino is a high-ranking leader of the country's Communist Party. His name is Luis Jalandoni who is now exiled in the Netherlands. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM). 

How to get there: 

Via Taxi

There are several taxis in the city. We took a cab and negotiated the price of going to The Ruins, Chapel of Cartwheels, Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Gaston Farm Ancestral House, The Pink Museum, Hofilena Ancestral House and Calea Pastries for about 2,500 pesos back and forth. The driver waited for us the entire quick city tour.

From Bacolod-Silay International Airport, go outside the airport’s main gate (it’s to your left if you exit the arrival area) to ride a tricycle (10.00 pesos-15.00 pesos) going to Silay downtown and walk your way to the house.

From  Bacolod Ferry Terminal, ride a jeepney going to Bacolod North Terminal (8.00 pesos) then ride a Ceres bus going to Victorias, tell the driver to drop you off at Silay near to Bernardino-Ysabel Jalandoni Ancestral House (15.00 pesos) and walk your way to the house.

Hours and Fees

Tuesdays to Saturdays
9:00 AM –5:00 PM

Sundays
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Adults: 40.00 pesos
Senior Citizens: 30.00 pesos
Children: 25.00 pesos

9.) Hofilena Ancestral House

The owner of this place is Ramon Hofilena a direct descendant of Manuel Severino Hofilena. Their family is composed of artists in different genres. This house/museum is rich in ancient stories that speak about the city and Hofilena family plus a wide collection of paintings by famous Filipino Artists. Entrance fee is also 50.00 pesos. The Hofileña residence is truly a house filled with rare Silay artifacts. Built in 1934 however it was only opened to the public in 1993. One of the living direct descendants of Manuel Severino Hofileña, Ramon Hofileña, is an art enthusiast and the one who also conducts the tour of the house. Actually, their family is composed of artists in different genres. If you are familiar with the Abellanas such as Ray “PJ” Abellana and Jojo Abellana (from a youth-oriented pop culture show “That’s Entertainment”, they’re blood related. Anyway, Ramon Hofileña, is also the expert in Negrense History. He conducts the Silay Cultural-Heritage Tour every Saturdays of December for free, as his contribution to Philippine art and history. 

How to get there: 

Via Taxi

There are several taxis in the city. We took a cab and negotiated the price of going to The Ruins, Chapel of Cartwheels, Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Gaston Farm Ancestral House, The Pink Museum, Hofilena Ancestral House and Calea Pastries for about 2,500 pesos back and forth. The driver waited for us the entire quick city tour.

From Bacolod City, just ride the Bacolod – Silay route. You can also ride a Ceres bus or other mini buses that will go to Victorias, Manapla and farther. Travel time from Bacolod City is around 30 – 45 minutes. Jeepney fare is around 13.00 pesos per person (Bacolod-Silay route). There are also vans that go there however it costs 30.00–50.00 pesos per person. Almost all the jeepneys, vans and buses drop passengers off in the San Diego Cathedral in Silay. The Hofileña House is in Cinco de Nobyembre Street. So from Rizal Street (which is the main road), just walk three blocks until you reach Cince de Nobyembre Street. The streets in Silay are just parallel so you won’t get lost.

10.) Calea Pastries

Calea is one of Bacolod’s most famous bakeries, and their recipe for success is simple: moist, well-made cakes. Prices start at 70.00 pesos per slice.

Calea Branches:

• Calea Lacson Street (beside L’Fisher Hotel) – main branch
• Calea Robinsons Place Bacolod
• Calea East Block
• Mon-Thurs 8:00 AM-10:00 PM
• Fri-Sun 9:00 AM-11:00 PM

How to get there: 

Via Taxi

There are several taxis in the city. We took a cab and negotiated the price of going to The Ruins, Chapel of Cartwheels, Church of St. Joseph the Worker, Gaston Farm Ancestral House, The Pink Museum and Calea Pastries for about 2,500 pesos back and forth. The driver waited for us the entire quick city tour.

Take a jeepney with a route of Mandalagan-Libertad. You can ask the driver to drop you off at Calea main branch on the side street of L’Fisher Hotel. Fare is 8.00 pesos.

11.) Merci: The Bacolod Pasalubong Store

Address: Araneta Avenue, Bacolod City

Travelers enjoy an automatic 10 percent discount at this bakeshop—just show your plane ticket or booking confirmation. Even without the discount, prices here are affordable: a pack of piaya costs just 39.00 pesos. Grab a pack of the original piaya and a pack of the newer, more adventurous mango piaya. Other delicacies such as Napoleones (flaky square pastries with a dollop of cream inside) and butterscotch squares, etc.

II. Guimaras Island Tour

The information on Guimaras Island tour is on a separate Guimaras Island post. You may click on Backpacking: Camiguin Philippines.

Happy Travels!

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