BACOLOD ITINERARY: 10 Best BACOLOD TOURIST SPOTS and Things to Do (Travel Guide Blog for First-timers)

Traveling to Bacolod City for the first time? Let this detailed Bacolod Travel Guide Blog with sample DIY Itinerary, top things to do in Bacolod, tourist spots, recommended tours and transports, budget-friendly accommodations, and travel tips help you plan an amazing and memorable getaway in the City of Smiles!

This Bacolod travel guide is your ultimate resource for discovering top tourist spots and the best things to do in Bacolod City. From heritage landmarks and vibrant festivals to mouthwatering food experiences, Bacolod City offers a unique blend of culture, history, and local charm. Whether you’re creating a practical Bacolod DIY itinerary or looking for ways to manage your budget and expenses, this guide helps you make the most of your trip without overspending. With its friendly atmosphere, affordable attractions, and rich culinary scene, Bacolod City stands out as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both value and authentic experiences.

The charming City of Bacolod is one of the most progressive cities in the country and also listed as one of the most livable cities in the Philippines. It is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental. Also known as the "City of Smiles", it is most notable for its annual Masskara Festival held during the 3rd week of October. It boasts of rich history, good food, stunning sights, monumental attractions and other man-made and natural wonders.

You can find many interesting places to visit and do many things in Bacolod City, as well as its nearby towns and cities. In this Bacolod travel guide blog, I've listed some of Bacolod City's tourist spots, attractions and top things to do and to experience that you should include in your itinerary. I also shared some of my recommended hotels for you to stay at and a sample Bacolod itinerary that you could follow for your trip to the "City of Smiles", soon.

SAMPLE BACOLOD ITINERARIES for 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour or More + Tourist Spots to Visit!

Looking for a detailed Bacolod Itinerary? Scroll down and take note of these sample Bacolod itineraries that you could use for your trip to Bacolod!

This Bacolod travel guide features easy-to-follow sample itineraries to help you experience the best of the "City of Smiles" in just a few days. From visiting the iconic ruins of Talisay and exploring historic heritage houses of Silay to enjoying Bacolod’s famous chicken inasal and vibrant local culture, these step-by-step itineraries are designed to maximize your time. Whether you have 2, 3, 4, or 5 days, this guide will help you plan the perfect Bacolod itinerary with best things to do, top attractions, food spots, and travel tips for a memorable visit to Negros Occidental.

Dubbed as the "City of Smiles," Bacolod City is the capital of Negros Occidental and home of the annual Masskara Festival. As the gateway to the province, most travelers start their journey in Bacolod City and explore other parts of the province. While there's really not too many things to do in Bacolod, the city is also known for its cultural heritage and delectable culinary offerings such as the Chicken Inasal, Kansi, Piaya and many other sweet treats. If you're a mountaineer, Bacolod City also makes for a good base for hiking Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park - an active stratovolcano on Negros Island.

I've been to Bacolod City, 3 times, and I really had a memorable experience. In this blog post, I will help you in planning your trip to Bacolod with easy-to-follow and detailed sample itineraries that you can use in creating your own Bacolod itinerary. This travel guide covers not only Bacolod City, but also other cities and municipalities nearby, such as Talisay, Silay and Murcia. If you have more time, you could also visit Cadiz, Sagay, Don Salvador Benedicto and Sipalay City, along with other many popular tourist destinations in Negros Occidental.

BACOLOD TO ILOILO TO BACOLOD: Ferry Schedule, Fare Rates, Sample Itinerary and More!

How to get to Iloilo from Bacolod by ferry and vice versa? What are the updated ferry schedules and how much are the fare rates?

Bacolod and Iloilo are two of the most visited tourist destinations in the Visayas group of islands in the Philippines. You can travel from Bacolod City to Iloilo City and vice versa by taking a ferry via OceanJet, one of the most reputable ferry operators in the Philippines. With its wide selection of departure times, you can get to choose what schedule best suit your itinerary. Travel time from Bacolod to Iloilo or Iloilo to Bacolod is just one hour. So, if you're planning a side trip or a day tour, it's definitely possible!

In this travel guide blog, let me share to you the Bacolod to Iloilo ferry schedule, fare rates, and sample itinerary to help you plan your trip. I'll also include here the Iloilo to Bacolod ferry schedule, fare rates, and recommended tours & activities to do in Bacolod and Iloilo province.

BACOLOD CITY AND NEGROS OCCIDENTAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Traveling to Bacolod City and Negros Occidental this 2022? Here are the latest Bacolod City travel requirements, entry protocols, and travel guidelines for travelers going to Negros Occidental!

Known as the "City of Smiles" because of its colorful Masskara Festival, Bacolod City is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. Currently, the entire Province of Negros Occidental is under Alert Level 2 from February 1-15, 2022, while Bacolod City is under Alert Level 3, also from Februart 1-15, 2022. If you are planning a trip to Bacolod and Negros Occidental, here are the entry protocols and travel requirements for fully-vaccinated, partially-vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

Take the Beach with you with VIANELLAS!

Summer is almost over! But for me, it doesn’t need to be summer for you to enjoy the beach. With so many beautiful and stunning islands and beaches to discover, explore, and to experience in the Philippines, you should go to the beaches any time of the year. And one item that should not be missed when going to the beach is a nice and comfy pair of slippers.

CARBIN REEF TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG 2023: How to Get There, DIY Itinerary, Budget, Expenses, and More!

Carbin Reef in Sagay Negros Occidental

Carbin Reef is a huge sand bar in the middle of a 200-hectares marine reserve off the coast of the municipality of Sagay in Negros Occidental - just 1.5 to 2 hours away north of Bacolod City. Established in 1983, it is part of the 32,000 hectare protected area of what is called Sagay Marine Reserve. Carbin Reef has clear, pristine and turquoise water that is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and a perfect spot to get some tan.

7 Reasons Why You Should Witness the Panaad sa Negros Festival

Festivals or Fiestas have become a major part of life in the many provinces of the Philippines. These revelries not only showcases local traditions, it also provides an avenue for local residents to display their skills in cultural performances. Festivals also bind together; residents and visitors from all corners of the world, to join in the celebration of life and promotion of local culture. The Panaad sa Negros – which started in 1993, is one such festival that should be witnessed by everyone.

RESORT REVIEW: Melba's Farm Guest House in Talisay City, Negros Occidental

Melba's Farm Guest House is a place where one could relish nature, enjoy the quietness of the surroundings, and savor fresh and cold air. That exactly what we did during our 3-nights stay at this resort located at the woodlands of Talisay City, Negros Occidental. A peaceful and relaxing vacation. Four days of pure bliss where we did nothing but enjoy nature, and have some quiet time away from the city.

TOP PICKS: My Top 5 Best Beaches in the Philippines

Photo from Henann Resort Alona Beach Bohol

When most people think of the Philippines best beaches, they naturally think of places like Boracay and Palawan. While I agree that Boracay and Palawan showcase some of the best beaches you will ever see, there are plenty of lesser known places that to me, have beaches just as good, if not better. Following are my Top 5 favourite beaches in the Philippines, in no particular order.

BACOLOD MASSKARA FESTIVAL Schedule of Events, Winners, How To Get There, Things To Do, Where To Stay and More!

Bacolod Masskara Festival 2017

Bacolod City's Masskara Festival is one of my favorite festivals in the Philippines. Held every October, it is Bacolod City's annual "festival of smile"s where colorful masks are worn to show the happy spirit and the positive approach towards life of the Negrenses. Are you ready for Masskara Festival 2017?! Check out this year's schedule of activities! I also shared some things to do in Bacolod, DIY itinerary, where to stay, list of winners, and more!

Kari sa na sa Bacolod kag mag sinadya sa Masskara Festival 2017!

Get Notified about Cheap Airfares with Traveloka Price Alerts

In 2012, I traveled to Bacolod City to witness the annual Masskara Festival. It's my first time to experience the festival, and I truly enjoyed my 4-day stay in the "City of Smiles" with all the events and festivities happening around the city. It's definitely one of the best festivals I've been to and I really want to experience it again.

A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO BACOLOD CITY: 8 Tips and Tricks for First-time Travelers

The best time to visit Bacolod City is every October when the city becomes festive with the celebration of the yearly Masskara Festival. If you're visiting Bacolod City for the first time, keep this handy travel guide on what to do, where to eat and what not to miss in the "City of Smiles! Indeed, there are a lot of tourist spots and attractions to enjoy and activities to do in the Bacolod City. Check out this interview we had with Danilo Ong from Bacolod City. He shared to us some of the must-do activities, best hotels to stay, best places to eat and some useful travel tips that will surely be very helpful if you're traveling to Bacolod City for the first time.

Bacolod City's MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2016 Schedule of Activities, How To Get There, Things To Do and Where To Stay

Kari sa na sa Bacolod kag mag sinadya sa Masskara Festival 2016!

Are you ready for Bacolod's Masskara Festival 2016?! One of the much-awaited and most-attended festivals in the country, MASSKARA FESTIVAL is held every October in the "City of Smiles," Bacolod City! Masskara Festival is an annual festival of smiles where colorful masks are worn to show the happy spirit and the positive approach towards life of the Negrenses.

SIPALAY TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG: Exploring the Hidden Jewels of Sipalay, Negros Occidental (with How To Get There, Things To Do, Where To Stay, Expenses and More!)

Few months ago, I've been inviting friends to check this place called Sipalay in Negros Occidental. Because of our conflicts in schedule we kept on canceling and rescheduling the trip. But since it's a long weekend for me, I just decided to do it solo and hit the road way to PARADISE!

Nikon School on-Board Goes to Masskara Festival 2015 in Bacolod City

It's Masskara Festival again! Join the next Nikon School on Board in Bacolod, City of Smiles, featuring the Masskara Festival 2015.

Bacolod City's MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2015 Schedule of Activities, How To Get There, Where To Stay and Things To Do

Happy Masskara Festival 2015!

It's time again for the "happiest festival" in the Philippines! Bacolod City's Masskara Festival is one of the much-awaited and most-attended festivals in the country held every 3rd week of October in the "City of Smiles!" MASSKARA FESTIVAL is a festival of smiles where colorful masks are worn to show the happy spirit of the Negrenses.

Bacolod City's MASSKARA FESTIVAL 2014 Schedule of Activities, How To Get There, Things To Do and Where To Stay

Masskara Festival

Are you ready for Masskara Festival 2014? Once again, the happiest festival in the country is happening this October! Bacolod City's Masskara Festival is the much-awaited festival in the country held every 3rd week of October in the "City of Smiles." MASSKARA FESTIVAL is a festival of smiles where colorful masks are worn to show the happy spirit of the Negrenses. This year's Masskara Festival's highlights are expected to happen on October 17-19, 2014 with the street and arena dance competitions for the school and barangay categories and the celebration of Bacolod City Charter day anniversary. Happy Masskara Festival 2014!

BACOLOD HOTELS: Cheap Lodges, Rooms, Homestay, Pension Houses, Hotels and Resorts

This accommodation travel guide provides with useful information, reviews, and recommendations on Hotels, Cheap Lodges, Inns, Rooms, Hostels, Lodges, and Pension Houses in Bacolod City. Soon, this will also be updated with more accommodation options in Bacolod such as Resorts, Homestays, Transient Houses, and more!

Bacolod City has a wide array of affordable and high quality hotels, guest/pension houses and inns for you to stay in. Be it a high-end hotel, a mid-range pension house or a backpacker's inn, you'll definitely find one that will suit your budget and specific needs. So if you're looking for where to stay in Bacolod City, check out these accommodation options that I've personally tried.

Pinoy Festivals: Masskara Festival 2013 Schedule of Activities, How To Get There, Things To Do and Where To Stay

Masskara Festival

Masskara Festival is the most anticipated festival in the country held every 3rd week of October in the "City of Smiles" Bacolod City. The festival's highlights are expected to happen on October 19-20, 2013 with the street and arena dance competitions for the school and barangay categories respectively. Just like the previous years, the Masskara Festival's street dancing competition will be performed at Araneta Avenue.

Negros Occidental - Revisiting Silay's Ancestral Houses

I love heritage houses! It brings me back to the olden times and let me feel a certain awe when I see these houses - especially when they are well preserved. Of all the places with heritage houses I've been to, Silay City in Negros Occidental is one of my favorites. It boasts to have 29 declared heritage houses by the National Historical Institute as National Treasures.