I’m sharing my experiences about the top things to do in Bacolod and other tourist spots in Negros Occidental.  

My visits to Negros Occidental always begin in Bacolod City, the capital of the province, which was once a hub for the Philippines’ sugar industry. I know that Bacolod is best known for the MassKara Festival, one of the country’s largest traditional festivals in the Philippines and one of its most renowned festivals. This gastronomic paradise is worth tasting Negros specialities like chicken inasal, cansi, and piaya. 

Although I don’t find Bacolod particularly attractive, I view it as a solid base and entry point for exploring the top tourist attractions in Negros Occidental. Bacolod offers a variety of fun activities to enjoy with family, friends, or on your own. There are beautiful beaches, mountain views, and historic houses to see. 

I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best things to do in Bacolod. 

Things to do in Bacolod 

See The Ruins 

The Ruins are a must-see for first-time visitors to Bacolod. Negrense’s Ruins are famous. Its tragic love story makes it the Philippines’ Taj Mahal. To honour his wife, who died giving birth, sugar baron Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson erected the home in 1920. Unfortunately, it burned down in the 1940s to defend against the Japanese onslaught. The mansion’s walls and roof are gone, but its frame remains proudly in a 440-hectare sugar estate. Exploring The Ruins is one of the top things to do in Bacolod, offering a mix of history, romance, and breathtaking views. A restaurant is close for those who want to remain longer at the gorgeous spot.

You can learn more about The Ruins here.   

Experience Spanish colonialism at Balay Negrense 

Recognised by the National Historical Commission Balay Negrense is a great destination for history buffs in Bacolod and the surrounding areas. The National Historical Institute recognises it as one of Negros Occidental’s few Heritage Houses, built in 1897. The ancestral house has been standing for nearly 120 years and was renovated into Negros’ first museum in the 1990s, revealing the lifestyle of wealthy sugar barons during Spanish colonial rule. The property is 10 minutes from the Bacolod-Silay International Airport in Silay City, known as “The Paris of Negros” for its arts and culture. Spanish and American-inspired Balay Negrense has old furnishings and collectables. 

Inasal chicken at Manokan County 

The famous Bacolod chicken inasal is well-known. Manokan Country, a stretch of kiosks and small restaurants serving grilled chicken, is located across from SM City Bacolod on Father M. Ferrero Street. The inasal dwellings are customisable—homes belong to Aida, Nena, Beth, Carmen, etc. Menus are usually posted at the front door, allowing you to choose one. The city’s best chicken inasal, such as Aida’s Manokan, is both affordable and delicious. All the shops are located outside and modest, giving them a roadside feel. If you’re looking for authentic local food experiences, this is one of the must-try things to do in Bacolod. Bring food and company.

Shopping at 888 Chinatown Square 

Locals and tourists shop in Chinatowns in various Philippine cities. Bacolod’s Chinatown follows suit. Residents and visitors flock to 888 Chinatown Square for affordable items. Two-story thrift stores stand out. They feature vintage designer outfits, street style, and early 2000s accessories to improve any ensemble. Prices range from ₱20 to ₱200, depending on the brand and quality. You may always appeal for less. You and your travel buddies will enjoy discussing the deals you locate. You might compete for the best discounts or the least amount spent after your shopping binge. 

Check out Negros Forest Park 

Negros Forest Park, formerly Negros Forest and Ecological Foundation Inc., is the greatest place to see Bacolod’s fauna. This wildlife refuge and conservation centre protects some of Negros’ endangered species. The park educates visitors about wildlife and the conservation of natural resources. Still, meeting animals is the best way to get to know and adore them. Negros Forest Park is home to the Visayan Leopard Cat, Rufous-headed Hornbill, and Negros Bleeding-Heart Pigeon. Villagers and tourists can meet these creatures. You can explore the park, hear caretakers’ stories, and touch these unusual animals. 

Visit Mambukal Resort to enjoy nature 

For an outdoor experience in Bacolod, drive 45 minutes to  Mambukal Resort and appreciate Negros’ natural beauty. The resort is situated at the base of Mount Kanlaon, an active volcano in the Philippines, surrounded by hot springs and streams. Swimming in earth-warm puddles and eating while the river’s water rushes past are common. The accommodation’s proximity to the forest may allow you to glimpse rare animals. Visit Mambukal Resort for an unforgettable experience. 

Go to Bantug Lake Ranch 

The former private farm and garden at Bantug Lake Ranch has been transformed into a safe outdoor recreation area. Bacolod residents can unwind in nature, surrounded by its natural vegetation and artificial amenities. During your visit, enjoy horseback rides, swimming, fishing in the artificial lake, walking along the pathways, and eating at their rustic restaurant with family or friends. For long-term visitors, residences were erected recently. 

Relax on Lakawon Island 

Another adjacent city, Cadiz, is over an hour from Bacolod. Small Lakawon Island is off Cadiz. Lakawon attracts locals and tourists with white sand, sparkling sea and Asia’s first floating bar. Lakawon isn’t a popular holiday area, but visitors claim it’s well-kept and can compete with Boracay and Palawan resorts. Visitors to Bacolod should visit this beach. For the best island in the Philippines experience, stay at Lakawon Island Resort and Spa for one or two nights. Visit the TawHai floating bar. You and your friends and family can party or relax while viewing the ocean from every angle. 

Go on a walk to Mag-aso Falls 

You have to take a two-hour drive from Bacolod City to Kabankalan’s Barangay Oringao to see Mag-aso Falls. Signs that say “Mag-Aso Falls” show you where to begin your tour. The hike to the falls involves 108 stairs, so be prepared to work up a sweat. You and your travelling companions can enjoy the 120-foot cascade and azure water at the falls. You can swim in the surrounding pools or falls. 

Get to the top of Don Salvador Benedicto 

Another interesting spot to visit near Bacolod is Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) in the northern part of Negros Occidental’s mountains. From Bacolod, it takes over an hour to get there. Many mountain-view restaurants and cafes serve delicious, locally sourced food. Kusinata, which serves home-cooked Filipino food, and Terraza Cafe, known for its local coffee and Instagram-worthy spots, are popular. If you wish to stay longer to rest and prepare for your travel back to the city, Rapha Valley, Amari, and Vista Villa DSB are nearby motels and bed & breakfasts. It’s a relaxing way to end your Bacolod holiday with family. For a seamless travel experience from the UK to the Philippines, book your trip with World Pinoy Flights.