When it comes to local tourism in the Philippines, Boracay, and Palawan beaches are the most common destinations being visited. But did you know that there’s a city worth visiting as well aside from these popular tourist spots in the Philippines? We know that you will love these Top 6 Tourist Spots in Bacolod Philippines
You will love this city even more from various historical sites to a culinary destination, Bacolod never fails to disappoint! The rich history of the city contributes to the various IG-worthy tourist spots in the city. Let us talk about it even further in this blog post.
Quick Facts
Bacolod is a city in the coastal area of Negros Occidenta Visayas. It is dubbed to be the City of Smiles due to the innate friendliness and warm smiles of its local residents. Aside from this, Bacolod gained popularity due to its very well-known festival called “Masskara Festival” which is held on the 4th Sunday of October, this is one of the best tourist spots in Bacolod Philippines.
Most of all, Bacolod is known for its contribution to Filipino cuisine. Their famous Chicken Inasal (Grilled Chicken) bursts with authentic and unique flavors is a meal of choice to several Filipinos, whether they’re local or not. The city also gained popularity for making delicious desserts being loved by Filipinos the world over. Their Piayaya, Biscocho, and other sweet treats are a must-try for every visitor.
Now let’s move on and discuss popular tourist spots in Bacolod Philippines that you can visit on your next trip!
The Ruins
Once known as the most beautiful home in the whole of Bacolod, the ruins were indeed a beauty back in its hay days. The opulent home is owned by a Spanish Filipino mestizo sugar baron Mariano Ledesma Lacson. It is how he showed his undying love for his Portuguese wife Cora Maria Osorio Rosa-Braga after she passed away in 1911.
The opulent architecture attracts eyes even 100 years later after it was originally built. Making this a must-visit for every Filipino or foreign traveler who wants to learn more about the history of Bacolod. To this day, obvious destruction and damages are visible. It was said that Filipino guerillas burnt the house down in order to combat the Japanese forces invading their hometown. The house was believed to be burning for 3 days.
Today tourists can visit this picturesque ruin of what once was a symbol of prosperity and elegance. Tourists need to pay an entrance fee of P100 (USD 2) to marvel at this historical wonder.
Hacienda Rosalia
If you’re a film buff you might have been familiar with the film called “Oro Plata Mata” which is a Filipino historical drama film that depicted the life of a rich family during WW2. This film was shot in this home. Also known as the Gaston Mansion, this is home to the Gaston family, a French sugar industrialist.
The beautiful Gaston Mansion is just an hour’s away drive from Bacolod. If you have some spare time, and are a fan of history, step back in time and experience nostalgia in a home of a Sugar Baron in a real hacienda.
The intricate details of the mansion can be seen from its facade to its floors, and even its furniture which features influences of French Creole architecture and design. It is preserved to keep the authentic feels of the home and keep it close to the original home as as possible. Unlike the ruins, this home didn’t suffer the same fate from guerillas or the Japanese.
The mansion is a symbol of the lost glitz and glamour of the 20th Century. Now, it is accessible to tourists who want to experience it for themselves.
Mambukal Mountain Resort
Roughly around 30-45 minutes away from Bacolod City, Mambukal Mountain Resort is a government-owned resort located in Mambukal, Negros Occidental. The resort is very much suitable to nature-lovers, and even travelers who aren’t that fond of the outdoors will find visiting this resort a delight.
Enjoy lush greeneries around, a lagoon where you can kayak, a pool for kids and adults, and of course a hike to see the waterfalls. The entire resort is family-friendly, with an entrance fee of P120 for adults and P60 for children.
Travelers may even opt to camp in their camping area, or stay in their hotel. Although it is always best to book a room before your visit to avoid any hassle.
Bong Bong’s Piaya
Want to experience a unique activity while traveling? Bong Bong’s Piaya and Barquillos is open for you! Piaya is one of the most popular delicacies of Bacolod. When a friend or a family member visited Bacolod, they will have Piaya for sure. Several flavors of Piaya are available today. But their Ube Piaya is an exciting flavor to try!
Piaya making is a fun activity to do for tourists! In this experience you will be placing piaya flat dough on a large hot pan that is similar with the ones used for flipping burgers. Then you will stuff it with a sweet filling and seal it up like a dumpling. Then you’re done! You’ve made your very own Piaya!
To try this fun activity, you can message their FB Page to schedule a visit. Bong Bong Piaya Factory is located at Bangga Pauline, Brgy Alijis, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.
Manokan Country
A favorite of local Negrense and Filipinos across the country, Chicken Inasal is a classic comfort food. Chicken Inasal (Grilled Chicken) started to be popular around Bacolod in the 1980s. Several Chicken Inasal stalls are around the city. Then the local government of Bacolod decided to put them all together in one place, hence Manokan Country. You can choose from a wide variety of stalls serving this Bacolod delicacy.
While you’re at it, you must also try other grilled meats such as pork barbeque, and something more exotic like isaw (chicken stomach) to experience the best barbeque that Bacolod has to offer.
San Sebastian Church
The Philippines is a pre-dominantly Catholic country. For that reason, churches are widespread across the country. San Sebastian is no exemption. The old church is a must-visit for every Catholic tourist who aims to visit various churches across the Philippines.
San Sebastian Church Bacolod features old-world Spanish Baroque architecture that is quite common during colonial times. It was built in 1882, and ever since, the church became a part of the Negrense families. Today, local residents of Bacolod and Filipino Catholics across the country visit the church to pray and ask for blessings.
The Top 6 Tourist Spots we’ve listed are just some of the things that you can do in Bacolod City. Perfect for when you’re planning a short trip for a weekend in the City of Smiles. There are other nearby destinations like Sipalay that you can visit if you want to visit an underrated beach that competes with the beauty of other popular beaches in the country. You may check out our vlogumentary to learn more about the nearby municipality of Sipalay and its beautiful beaches.
Want to go back to the beach? Why don’t you check out these Maldives-inspired resorts in the Philippines! Or perhaps visit a more nearby beach destination in Elyu or La Union?
