Bacolod City Capitol building at night
Street dancing parade of colorful mask and costume during the celebration of Masskara Festival at Bacolod City, Philippines
Parade of colorful smiling mask at Masskara Festival, Bacolod City, Philippines
Bacolod City – known for its delicious Chicken Inasal and the colorful and lively Maskarra Festival. Bacolod, the capital of Negros Occidental, is the country’s City of Smile and there’s no doubt why – the city is blessed with wonderful tourist spots, delicious cheap eats, thrifty shops, and is densely populated with happy and humble people.
There are lots of reasons to visit and wander the magnificent city of Bacolod. The 10 best places listed below will tell you why Bacolod is a must-visit place!
Old Pala-Pala Market
Old Pala-Pala Market – image credit
The Old Pala-Pala Market is the perfect place to be to fuel your tummy before taking your soul to the adventurous sites of Bacolod (because you might just need it)! The entire wet market is occupied by seafood vendors. You can buy Lapu-Lapu, Milk Fish, Tilapia, Scallops, Squids, Shrimps, along with other fresh seafood at affordable prices. Add Php200 ($4 to $5), and the vendor will cook your handpicked seafood for you. The Old Pala-Pala Market is best visited at night. So, here’s a shout-out for the seafood lovers and the food crawlers, visit Old Pala-Pala Market to taste the delectable Filipino seafood dishes!
Campuestohan Highlands Resort
Campuestohan Highland Resort, Bacolod Philippines
Sunset at Campuestohan Highland Resort
Campuestohan Highlands Resort is the best place for the holidaymakers. The 5-hectare resort features fun activities and a scenic view of Mount Makawili. You will also enjoy the Cable Hamster Wheel – a ride you can only experience in the resort – along with other enjoyable rides such as the Sky Bike and zip line. Kids will enjoy running and playing in the spacious ground of the resort. There you will also find the country’s biggest statue of Gorilla where you will snap your obligatory jump shot and #wishyouwerehere photo. The Campuestohan Highlands Resort is perfect for the family, for diversion, and for relaxation.
Mambukal Resort
Mambukal Resort – image credit
Mambukal Mountain Resort in Murcia, Bacolod located at Negros Occidental, Philippines
Mambukal Resort offers serenity and relaxation. The resort has a hot spring where you can have a warm dip to relax your muscles and joints. Within the area, you will also find the butterfly sanctuary, a haven of a colorful and fluttering colony of delicate butterflies that will fascinate you. Aside from that, you will also be charmed in the Bat Sanctuary. The resort is surrounded by green and luscious plants and trees. It’s the perfect place to commune with nature and escape from the city.
Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center
If you’re tired of seeing tall buildings and gigantic shopping malls, you may want to visit Negros Forest Conservation Center. There you will find protected rare and extinct wild animals. This is not a zoo – the place is meant primarily to raise awareness that we need to conserve the wildlife. This wildlife refuge is located in the heart of the city.
Negros Museum
The Negros Museum exhibits beautiful paintings and a collection of rare collectibles that show the local culture and arts of the Negros region. The museum is child-friendly and isideal for youths and students. Sauntering the museum, you will get to know more about the island of Negros. The museum focuses on displaying the masterpieces of local artists. If you want to flood your eyes with beautiful and inspiring canvas, the Negros Museum is the place to be!
North Negros Natural Park
North Negros Natural Park is a spot for outdoorsy kind of people. You will be refreshed with the cold and natural air of the park from the tall trees and green plants. The park has alluring trails for hiking to keep your feet busy and your heart pounding. You can also plunge to the clear and cold pool of the waterfalls. The North Negros Natural Park is a natural wonder worth a visit!
Capitol Lagoon Park
A park for strolling and promenading, the Capitol Lagoon Park features an elongated and shallow lagoon in the middle of the park with live tilapia fishes. The park has old and tall trees that give shades. In the pool stands two giant Carabaos. The park is frequented by families, lovers, and solo walkers. A great place to have a stroll and coffee.
The Ruins
Bacolod The Ruins – Night View – image credit
The Ruins is said to be the replica of the famous landmark Taj Mahal. Built in 1912, the lavish mansion was a home of a wealthy family. With columns and concrete walls, the mansion has an interesting story of love and betrayal. Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, the pop of the mansion, built the house for his dear Maria and their 10 children. The love ended too soon when Maria slept to death due to miscarriage. Don Lacson was left with grieve and sadness. At that time, the havoc between the Japanese and American militaries have surged. The Americans had razed the mansion to the ground before the Japanese troops could use it as a headquarter. Now, the skeleton of the mansion stands still and continues to give awe to local and foreign travelers.
Balaring Mangrove Canopy
Get your feet ready for a 1.2-kilometer walk in the country’s longest bamboo bridge in Balaring Mangrove Canopy. The narrow bamboo bridge serves as your trail to the three-story bamboo tower. You will get to walk amongst the 20,000 towering mangroves. There you will enjoy breathing in the fresh air and the serene ambiance of the place.
Merczi Pasalubong Center
Pasalubong is a Filipino word that pertains to something you bring to someone from your destination (a homecoming treat). It could be something like food or souvenir items. And when you are in Bacolod, the best place to buy pasalubong is in Merczi’s. Merczi Pasalubong Center is known for the delicious and top-quality pasalubong treats and items such as Piaya, Biscocho, Butterscotch, and peanut brittle. You can gain a 10% discount when you show your plane ticket (serves as proof that you are a traveler). Even without the discount, you will still enjoy buying treats because they are affordable. So, before you leave Bacolod, make sure to halt in Merczi’s and shop for pasalubong.
Colorful mask display during the parade in Masskara Festival at Bacolod City , Philippines
Typical jeepney of colors still circulating on the roads of Bacolod city