Fun in the Sun: The Top 10 Activities to Enjoy in Bacolod

Take a Tour of the City

Bacolod is full of historic sites, so join an organized tour to explore some of its fascinating spots! You'll learn about the city's past and uncover interesting stories from locals.

The Ruins

One of the most iconic destinations in Bacolod is The Ruins. This former mansion was built by Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson in memory of his late wife Maria Braga Lacson. The mansion was burned during World War II, but its ruins remain as a reminder of what once was and continues to be a popular attraction for tourists. The gardens surrounding The Ruins are well-maintained, making it a great spot for taking pictures or just enjoying nature.

San Sebastian Cathedral

For those looking to explore some of Bacolod’s religious sites, make sure to include San Sebastian Cathedral on your tour itinerary. This imposing Gothic-style cathedral was constructed between 1876 and 1895 and has since become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Inside its doors are intricate stained glass windows that are worth admiring up close. If you’re lucky enough to visit during Mass, you may even be able to experience traditional Filipino hospitality firsthand!

Visit the Art District

Bacolod is home to an impressive art district, where you can admire the works of talented local and international artists. Take a stroll through the district, popping in galleries and studios as you explore.

Collaborative Space for Creatives

The Bacolod Art District is located in the downtown area of Bacolod City. It is a collaborative space for artists, musicians, and other creatives to come together and showcase their work. The district is also home to several art galleries, cafes, and restaurants.

Evening Quests in the Art District

If you're looking for something to do in the evening, make sure to check out one of the district's live music venues. Some several bars and clubs feature local and international acts. You can also find plenty of street food vendors serving up delicious snacks like churros, grilled meat skewers, and more.

Go Shopping

Shopaholics will love Bacolod! This city is full of bustling markets where you can find everything from antiques to souvenirs. Don't forget to try some local souvenir snacks while exploring the shops!

The Downtown Area

If you’re looking for variety and convenience when shopping in Bacolod City, then downtown is where you want to be. The downtown area is full of boutique shops, department stores, and thrift stores that have all sorts of items from clothing and accessories to electronics and home goods. Most of these stores will have prices that are lower than their more upscale counterparts, so it’s worth checking out if you’re looking for a bargain.

Local Markets

If you want an immersive experience when shopping in Bacolod City, then head over to one of its many local markets. These markets are filled with vendors selling everything from jewelry and pottery to fresh produce and homemade food. Here you can mingle with locals while browsing through the stands and see what kinds of unique treasures they have on offer. Just make sure you haggle with them if you want the best deal!  

Specialty Shops

Bacolod City also has plenty of specialty shops where visitors can pick up unique items not found anywhere else. From artisanal leather goods crafted by local artisans to handmade baskets made from natural materials, these shops offer an array of items that make great gifts or souvenirs for yourself or loved ones back home. Aside from their products, many of these specialty shops also provide insights into how they craft their products so don't forget to ask about it!  

Take a Walk Through the Public Plaza

Get to know the culture of Bacolod by taking a stroll around its public plaza. Here, you can admire local artwork and check out traditional festivals such as MassKara.

What To Do 

The Bacolod Public Plaza is home to countless activities and attractions that are sure to appeal to visitors of all ages. On one side of the plaza lies a bustling market where you can purchase traditional Filipino goods such as fresh produce, clothing, toys, and souvenirs. A few steps away is a large playground with plenty of activities for children to enjoy. There's also a staging area where regular concerts and performances are held throughout the year – so don't forget to check out what's happening while you're there!

The Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the public plaza is during late February or early March when they hold their annual Maskara Festival. This festival celebrates Negrense culture and features colorful parades with performers wearing unique masks made from recycled materials. It's an experience not to be missed by anyone visiting Bacolod City!

Additional Attractions 

Just outside of the plaza itself lies plenty more attractions worth exploring. The San Sebastian Cathedral is one of these attractions – it's an old church with beautiful architecture that dates back hundreds of years ago. The Negros Museum is another option; here you can learn about local history and culture through interactive exhibits and displays. In addition, one of the most notable attractions at Bacolod Public Plaza is The Ruins—a large mansion on top of a hill overlooking the entire plaza area.

Enjoy the Cuisines

Bacolod is also known for its diverse cuisine. From local favorites like kansi and chicken inasal to international delicacies, there's something to suit every palate.

Bacolod Chicken Inasal 

This is one of the most popular dishes in Bacolod and can be found almost everywhere around town. The chicken meat is marinated with a special blend of spices before being grilled over hot coals until perfectly cooked. The dish usually comes served with rice, garlic sauce, and slices of tomatoes and onions on the side.

Kansi

This is a hearty soup made with beef shank, marrow bones, vegetables, and chilies that have been slowly simmered for hours until all of the flavors have blended beautifully. Kansi has a unique sour taste that makes it stand out from other Filipino soups. It usually comes served with steamed white rice on the side.

K.B.L.

K.B.L., or Kadyos, Baboy at Langka, is a traditional Filipino stew that combines three main ingredients – pigeon peas (or kadyos), pork shoulder (or baboy), and jackfruit (or langka). The pork shoulder is cooked until tender with garlic, bay leaves, onions, and pepper before being simmered with the other ingredients for several hours to create a rich flavor profile and thick texture that will have you coming back for more! The dish is often served with steamed rice as an accompaniment to balance out the richness of the stew.

Try Climbing Mt. Kanlaon in Bacolod 

Get ready to explore Bacolod's great outdoors by scaling Mt. Kanlaon! This challenging climb will take you past stunning views and offer a chance to see some of the city's most beautiful scenery.

Best Time to Climb

The best time to climb Mount Kanlaon is during the summer months from March to May when the weather is dryer. It is advisable to start your trek early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. The hike itself is around 7-11 hours depending on your fitness level with a few rest stops along the way.

Things to Pack

Make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up during the hike. It’s also a good idea to bring a jacket, even if it’s not cold at the start of the hike—the temperature can drop significantly as you get closer to the summit. And finally, don’t forget your camera! You’ll want to document your achievement when you reach the top.

What You Need

You will need to secure a permit before beginning your trek which you can do so at the DENR office in Bacolod City. The guide fee is around PHP 1,500-2,000 per group depending on how many people are in your group. It is a requirement to have a tour guide with you.

Visit the Negros Museum

If you’re looking for a unique way to explore the vibrant culture of Bacolod City, then you should consider visiting the Negros Museum. This museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area for its comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents, and other items that celebrate the rich history of Negros Island

What You Can See

The permanent collection at the Negros Museum includes items such as tribal artifacts, traditional costumes, and antique furniture. There are also displays dedicated to local religious practices and ceremonial instruments used in festivals throughout the island. Additionally, visitors will find an array of paintings by local artists as well as photographs that document life on Negros Island in years past.

Changing Themes

The Negros Museum is constantly rotating its exhibits so there’s always something new to see each time you visit. Past exhibitions have featured themes such as “Heritage Through Time” which showcased artifacts from various eras including Spanish colonization, World War II, and post-war recovery efforts. Another popular exhibit was dedicated to highlighting notable figures from Negros Island who have made significant impacts on national and international scales throughout history.

How You Can Enjoy It

The best way to experience all that the museum has to offer is by taking a guided tour with one of their knowledgeable staff members or volunteers who can provide in-depth information about each item on display. For those looking for more than just sightseeing, there are plenty of interactive elements such as educational activities and workshops designed specifically for kids or those interested in learning more about different aspects of Filipino culture such as weaving and basket-making techniques used by locals over centuries past.

Head to the Beaches Near Bacolod

Bacolod is full of stunning beaches! Spend an afternoon relaxing on a sunny stretch of sand or try some of the beach activities like snorkeling or surfing.

Punta Ballo Beach

If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, Punta Ballo Beach is just what you need. This beach is located on an isolated peninsula near the town of Talisay and it offers incredible views of the surrounding ocean and lush green hillsides. The beach itself is made up of soft white sands and it's very quiet—perfect if you want to get away from it all and enjoy some peace while soaking up the sunshine.

Sugar Beach Resort

If luxury is what you're after, then Sugar Beach Resort should be your go-to destination. This resort overlooks a beautiful stretch of coastline near Talisay City, with stunning views of the bay and nearby islands. The resort features luxurious suites with private balconies, a pool deck with an outdoor Jacuzzi, an onsite spa, and several restaurants serving up delicious local cuisine. It's worth checking out if you're looking for a bit more extravagance during your stay in Bacolod City!  

Lakawon Beach

Also known as "The Secret Beach," Lakawon is located just a few miles from downtown Bacolod City. It's difficult to reach because it's hidden away from public view but worth visiting if you decide to make your way there! This secluded beach features white sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming or relaxing on the shoreline. There are also plenty of local bars serving up drinks throughout the day so you can soak up that laid-back atmosphere!

Discover Nature

Get out of the city and explore some of Bacolod's natural attractions, such as hot springs and waterfalls. You can also find plenty of hiking trails in this area if you're looking for a more active adventure.

Mandalagan Mountain

The Mandalagan Mountain is a 5,000-foot tall mountain that is located in the northern part of Bacolod. The mountain is covered in lush vegetation, and it offers stunning views of the city below. If you're looking for a challenging hike, Mandalagan Mountain is worth checking out.

Danjugan Island Marine Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary

Danjugan Island is a Philippine marine reserve and wildlife sanctuary perfect for those who want to commune with nature. The island, which is located off the coast of Negros Occidental, is home to pristine white beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse marine life.

Mambukal Mountain Resort

The Mambukal Mountain Resort is located in Murcia, which is about 30 minutes away from Bacolod City. The resort covers an area of 730 hectares, and it features hot springs, waterfalls, hiking trails, and a butterfly sanctuary. If you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, the Mambukal Mountain Resort should be at the top of your list.

Celebrate the Festivals

Bacolod is known for its vibrant festivals, so make sure to join in on the fun! From art shows to live music performances, there's always something going on.

MassKara Festival

 The MassKara festival is one of the most well-known events in Bacolod City. It's held every October to mark the city’s Charter Day celebration. The festival features colorful street dances with participants wearing extravagant masks made out of paper mache and vibrant costumes. There are also beauty pageants, parades, live music performances, fireworks displays, and other fun activities that take place during this two-week-long event.

Panaad sa Negros Festival

The Panaad sa Negros Festival is a month-long event celebrated throughout all 13 cities in Negros Occidental Province each April. The festival showcases all aspects of Negrense culture—from agriculture and industry to artistry and cuisine—via exhibits featuring local products such as handicrafts, furniture pieces, processed foods, organic products like grains and vegetables from local farms, and even fresh seafood from nearby fishing villages. Various musical performances from both local artists, as well as international acts, also take place during this time.  

Bacolaodiat Chinese New Year Festival

Every January or February (depending on when Chinese New Year falls), Bacolod celebrates its version of the festival called the Bacolaodiat Chinese New Year Festival. It’s an annual event that honors the city’s large Chinese population with traditional dragon dances accompanied by firecrackers being set off along with parades featuring people dressed up in traditional Chinese costumes while carrying festive lanterns down the streets. The festivities culminate with a Grand Lantern Parade which sees hundreds of brightly lit lanterns carried around town by participants dressed in colorful costumes accompanied by lively music provided by drums and gongs played by members of several marching bands from across Negros Occidental Province.     

Conclusion

No matter what you choose to do in Bacolod, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience. Whether it's exploring the city or simply lounging on the beach, there's something for everyone in this vibrant destination! So pack your bags and get ready for some fun in the sun. Enjoy!