Location: Bacolod
Top Things to do in Bacolod
- 1. San Sebastian Cathedral
- 2. The Ruins
- 3. Bantayan Park
- 4. Mambukal Mountain Resort
- 5. New Government Center
- 6. General Juan Anacleto T. Araneta Museum
- 7. Negros Museum
- 8. Balay ni Tana Dicang Museum
- 9. Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center
- 10. Capitol Lagoon Park
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What to do and see in Bacolod, Philippines: The Best Places and Tips
Bacolod /bɑːˈkɔːləd/, officially City of Bacolod (Hiligaynon: Dakbanwa/Syudad sang Bacolod; Filipino: Lungsod ng Bacolod) and often referred to as Bacolod City, is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines. It is the capital of the province of Negros Occidental where it is geographically situated but governed administratively independent from it.
Restaurants in Bacolod
1. San Sebastian Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By violetvodka - Bacolod city, Philippines
the church itself is a magnificent architectural structure, and a must-visit for tourists. however, be wary and careful when visiting there at night. a friend was walking out of the gate around 6pm when a stranger put his arm around him and asked for his wallet and cellphone.
2. The Ruins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 503 reviews
Reviewed By John A - Elanora, Australia
There isnt much to do here except admire the beautiful Spanish Colonial ruins of a time gone by , it just goes to show how much influence the Spanish had in the early days of the Philippines , and is an example of how much wealth must have been here in the early days , worth the visit ,John and Gina .
3. Bantayan Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By ver0palma - Bacolod, Philippines
Bantayan Park was located in Bago at the center of the city. Best to relax while waiting for the sunset. Foods was also available with a reasonable price. Walking and seeing the view was also good. Recommended for all. Come and visit Bantayan Park for you to enjoy.
4. Mambukal Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4 based on 387 reviews
Visited February 2009. Roughly 30-45 minutes south of Bacolod City. It’s a good idea to rent out transportation for the day, leave early in the morning for Mambukal, and then come back in the afternoon/evening. We rented out a jeepney for roughly 2,000 pesos and brought some food to cook. There’s quite a bit to do here at Mambukal, all on cash basis, with relatively low fees. Per the website: Hotel Rooms, Water Falls, Swimming Pools, Function Hall, Therapeutic Warm Dipping Pool, Picnic Huts, Overnight Cottages, Food Court, Bat Watching, Boating, Wall Climbing, Slide for Life, Canopy Walk, and Camping Ground.http://www.mambukalhaven.com/location.htmlFirst we rented one of the picnic huts and started cooking. After we ate, we checked out the water fall, swimming pool, therapeutic warm dipping pool, boating lagoon and bat watching ….Picnic Huts – Nice views with a stand to grill and a sink wash your hands. The water comes directly from the falls.Water Fall – I’d say about it’s about a 30 minute hike to the first waterfall, over uneven ground and a single pipe railing to hold on to. Certainly a workout, I wouldn’t recommend this to the less-adventurous. There are a total of 6 or 7 Waterfalls you can hike to, each one a less safe hike than the one before. You should at least hike to the first waterfall, it will be worth the trip. Bat Watching – You can see the bats hanging down from the tall trees in the distance from just about anywhere on the resort. They have specific ‘bat watching’ signs though, on the route to the first waterfall. Boating – You can rent a kayak for 30 minutes to an hour, good for 5 or 6 people per kayak. Life vests and two paddles are provided. Nice lagoon, lots of fun and good exercise. Swimming Pool – Cool water, large pool area. Like any other swimming pool except that this water is from the falls!Therapeutic Warm Dipping Pool – Like a hot shower on a cold day, but in ‘pool’ form. If you’re not used to the hot water just give your body time to adjust and sink lower and lower …. The resort was lots of fun, don’t forget the suntan lotion. Easily took up a whole day. A must visit if you are in Negros!
Reviewed By yumcarrotcake - Sydney, Australia
It has been a very long time since my last visit to Mambukal and the place has improved by leaps and bounds. Our stay was for relaxation so we were fine with only a day trip. However, if one wants to be more adventurous and climb the falls, I recommend staying at least overnight. There are a few types of accommodations to choose from and currently, the construction of a new hotel is ongoing.
There are many activities as this is also a family friendly place. We went for the relaxing and therapeutic sulfur Springs where you have 2 options: the Japanese Ofuro and the dipping pool. The entrance to the resort is very affordable and so are the fees for use of the facilities. We enjoyed the spa as well where we had a nice view of foliage and the small stream whilst on the massage chair.
We didn't have the chance to go kayaking in the boating lagoon which looks very picturesque or climb the Waterfalls or swam in the pool or visit the Butterfly garden. Those will be for our next trip when we can stay longer. There are other attractions such as slide for life which is a zipline, wall climbing and a canopy walk where you can spot the flying foxes or the fruit bats. Mambukal is a sanctuary to at least 4 species of bats that are endangered.
Visitors can opt not to bring food as there is a small food court that serves a variety of Filipino cuisine.
Mambukal is about half an hour away from Bacolod City. We were fortunate we had sunny weather and and we had clear views of the Mountains on the way to the resort.
5. New Government Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By jaychun - Bacolod, Philippines
New Government Center or NGC is one of the tourist attractions when you visit Bacolod. It is a place where all government offices and transactions are being catered. A lot of happenings could be seen especially in the afternoon, wherein families, students friends anyone who wants to spent time to relax. This place is good for jogging, and there’s a a Zumba session in the afternoon, kite flying, students doing dance practice were here too. The scenery was great because you can watch the sunset sets in the west and good to take a picture of it. Street food everywhere and restaurants (Market Place) – so you won’t get hungry because you can eat in any restaurant that you want.
6. General Juan Anacleto T. Araneta Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By spoolartist - Siem Reap, Cambodia
Although not in its most pristine state, the Juan Anacleto Araneta ancestral house is an important visit to learn about the interesting history of Negros and the families that helped shape the island.
The house in itself is in a fragile state but it still bears much of the grand marks of its former life and its architectural importance is still highly visible.
So many interesting details abound so make sure to ask for a guided tour.
7. Negros Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Isabel A - Montpellier, France
I had expected an overview of Negros' history to learn something during my visit. Unfortunately there were not explanations about anything. I mostly wandered around the museum wondering what I was looking at, with no answer.
It would be great to see some signs with simple descriptions to know what you are looking at...
8. Balay ni Tana Dicang Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By spoolartist - Siem Reap, Cambodia
It was such a treat to visit the Balay ni Tana Dicang which, after seeing half a dozen heritage homes in Iloilo and Negros, this was such a refreshing treat to see a historical heritage mansion being thrust towards the 21st century while being preserved into its historical context.
With a contemporary art gallery beautifully fused into its interiors downstairs and an exciting art programme introduced to its core, the house is a beautiful fusion of how the old and the new coexist.
Upstairs, the grand and illustrious history of the mansion and its inhabitants take centre stage. Beautiful period pieces of furniture and decor provide a time capsule for viewers while the fully curated pieces and nooks complete the experience.
Could have easily spent the entire day here.
Make sure to make this part of your trip to Bacolod as this was the highlight of our holidays!
9. Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By paolojcruz - Pasig, Philippines
Visited for approximately 1 hour.
+ Unexpectedly spacious enclosures let visitors observe the animals and birds up close and personal
+ Apparent effort made to recreate habitats as closely as possible
+ Sufficiently detailed information about each species (conservation, habitat, which part of Negros island they can be found)
+ Impressive design of the native deer enclosure in particular
+ Animals *seem* lively and well cared for despite no-frills surroundings
- Felt hot, sticky, and ill-ventilated despite open-air environment
- Plenty of insects; my partner was bit multiple times during our visit
- Some dirty pools of stagnant water on the grounds
10. Capitol Lagoon Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 115 reviews
Reviewed By Dibyne - Davao City, Philippines
though this can be seen if you're in a jeepney or private vehicle, going inside the capitol and lagoon is a nice experience and can be one of your souvenir photo of Negros/ Bacolod. In the morning, there are locals having their exercise/ zumba, others are jogging. Its also in front of Jollibee and McDonalds so its a nice place to do walking and sightseeing.
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