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Bacolod [1] is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental. Visit for the warm atmosphere, climate-wise and people-wise (the city's catch phrase is "city of smiles"), and also for beaches, great food and history.

[edit] Get in

Bacolod is located 45 minutes South of Manila by plane. Commercial flights are available daily from Manila and Cebu. If flying in to the Ninoy Aquino international airport in Manila you will have to change planes for the 45 minute hop to Bacolod. You will land at the new Bacolod-Silay Airport of international standards, and could use the bus to get to the city proper. The New Bacolod-Silay International airport serves domestic airlines:-

• Cebu Pacific (Cebu,Manila)
• PAL Express (Cebu)
• Philippine Airlines (Manila)
• Zest Airways (Manila)
• Air philippines (Cebu)

New Bacolod-Silay International airport witnessed the arrival of a charter flight from Kazakhstan which is the first International flight to land in the airport. The Airport plans further to handle more flights either of which international and domestic and either cargo or passenger flight.

[edit] Get around

Transportation within the city and to adjacent towns is by taxi or jeepney (local equivalent of a bus). Bus liners as well as rental cars are also available for travel.

Budget on Tranport

JEEPNEY: On a jeepney while paying a SENIOR Citizen and a STUDENT gets a discount.

TAXI: Around Bacolod and The Philippines the taxis have agreed in Php10+ for metered taxis the amount added is between Php10-20 Actual Meter price is PHP30+10= PHP40 for Requirement of Taxi please call: San Nicolas Taxi Service 434-2206 or 434-3834

for requirement of Bus please call: Ceres Liner 433-4992 or 446-0681

for requirement of Airline outbound ticket bookings please call: Air Philippines 433-9210, 433-9204 Cebu Pacific 434-9064, 434-2021 Philippines Airlines 434-1595 to 96

[edit] Places of Interest

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• Negros Museum. Located in the old agriculture building close to the capitol building. View artifacts related to the sugar industry that began as the the main industry of the province in the 1800s. It also houses an international doll collection. The building is close to a large park, locally referred to as the "lagoon" because of an artificial pool within the park, on Lacson street.

• Orange Gallery along Lacson St. (just before Lopue's Mandalagan) showcases the work of local artists.

• Garden Ploys and Landscapes (Cleanest and Greenest Highly Urbanized City in the Philippines, 1997, 1998, 2000)

• Provincial Capitol Building

• Eco-Garden (Eroreco)

• Biodiversity Conservation Center for Negros Forests and Ecological Foundations, Inc.

• Casino Filipino Hotel

• Sta. Fe Resort and Restaurant

• Palmas Del Mar Village and Beach Club

• Bacolod Pavillon Resort and Restaurant

• Kindlecraft Candles and Ceramics, Brgy. Mandalagan

• Bacolod Shellcraft and Artwares, Brgy. Singcang

• Pottery Village, Brgy. Pahanocoy

• Anaware Ceramics, Hilado Extension

• The Negros Showroom, Association of Negros Producers, Lacson Street

• San Antonio Abad Church

• St. Jude Thaddeus Shrine, Brgy. Alijis

• Barangay sang Virgen Chapel, Sta. Clara Subd

• Centennial Bells, San Sebastian Cathedral

• Palacio Episcopal

• San Sebastian Cathedral

• Theodore Vinther Monument / Unknown Soldiers Monument, Bacolod Public Plaza

• Bacolod Plaza Bandstand

• Rizal Elementary School Park

• Fort San Juan, Gatuslao-Burgos Sts.

• "Ang Paghimud-os" statues, Capitol Lagoon

• Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon

• The Negros Museum, Old Capitol Building

• Old Provincial Capitol Building

• Buro-Buro and Bucal-bucal Springs

• Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park

• Negros Occidental Sports and Recreational Park (Panaad Stadium) Brgy. Mansilingan

• Iron Dinosaurs (vintage stream locomotives), La Herencia Entrance and Bacolod Murcia Milling Co. compound

• Bacolod Golf and Country Club and (Marapara), Brgy. Bata

• Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club (Hacienda Binitin), Murcia

• Cockbreeding farms and cockfighting arenas
• University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos.  edit
• University of St. La Salle, [2]. was established in 1952 by seven American Brothers under the umbrella of the Philippine Province of the Brothers of the Christian Schools which is an international institute of religious dedicated to the service of mankind with special concern for the poor, through education. As a Catholic institution of learning offering to both men and women an educational program designed to develop their talents and abilities towards becoming truly contributing members of society, the University Of St. La Salle is committed to a curriculum that emphasizes person-development as an integrated and wholistic process of spiritual, social, intellectual and physical growth. The institution was elevated to university status on July 5, 1988, with the College of Engineering, College of Education, College of Nursing, College of Law and the Graduate School. The Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business and Accountancy and Education obtained PAASCU Level 3v accreditation. The following programs have been designed as CHED Centers of Development: Business and Accountancy, Chemical Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Computer Engineering. In SY 1993, the College of Law was opened in inauguration rites. On March 2, 1996, a new campus was christened in ground breaking rites at Granada, the future site of a Science and Ecological Park. In SY 2002, the University of St. La Salle opened the College of Medicine. Throughout its existence, the University has produced topnotchers in board and bar examinations, and maintained superior passing rates. The University has produced leaders in the field of business and industry, art and culture sports and education, the various professions, and public service. In its 50 years of service, the University continues to keep faith with the with the vision and mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle, proclaimed by the Catholic Church as the Patron Saint of Teachers.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

participate in the festivities during the Masskara Festival (masskara, the Ilonggo word for mask). A big annual Mardi Gras like event celebrated every 3rd week of October. Each of the city's barangays (districts) joins the competition for the fiercely competitive best costumed group. Lots of food and handicraft stalls, street dancing and beer at the Bacolod city plaza area.

Go bowling or play billiards at Negros Superlanes and Entertainment Center at the Goldenfield Commercial Complex.

Join the fun in all the monthly activities at Colegio San Agustin-Baclod and experience the Augustinian way of life...

• DIZON RAMOS M USEUM, #42 Lacson - Burgos St. Bacolod City (Near the Corazon Locsin Montelibano, Memorial Hospital), ☎ (034) 434 8512, [3]. Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon, and 1:30 to 4:00 PM. The first 195o lifestyle museum in the Philippines, formerly the house of the couple Raymundo L. Dizon Sr. and Hermelinda V. Ramos. The main lifestyle exhibit is on the second floor and on the ground floor are compose of seven (7) galleries. Composed of the Vintage family photo as well Bacolod how it looks before, The National Artist gallery, The Holy Land Collection, The Alunan - Puentebella Dolls Collection, Rudy Dizon horse figures, Bro. Roly's crytal collection and the Masskara collection of ABS CBN that was turn over to the museum. Adult - Php 30.00, Students with Identification card - Php 10.00.  edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Handicraft stores sell locally crafted goods. The ANP Showroom on 9th, corner Lacson Streets has a large selection and is conveniently located.

• Local artwork; paintings, etc. See "The Monk" by local artist Dennis Ascalon.

• Check out the fresh flower stalls. Vendors are clustered in front of the San Sebastian cathedral at the Bacolod city plaza.

• Check out the Robinson's, Gaisano City and SM City Malls. Most of the merchandise there is cheap or the same price in the US.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• A must-eat dish is the fresh lumpia (fresh spring roll; not fried). A delicately exquisite treat wrapped in a paper thin translucent crepe filled with fresh coconut tree heart (ubod), pork and shrimp with a garnish of scallion.

• Other local delicacies batchoy, piyaya and pinasugbo are all worth sampling. Check out the Virgie's, Mercy and Bongbong's shops.

• Bob's on North Drive for the friendly service and local fare. One of the oldest family-favorite restaurants.

• Carlo Restaurante Italiano (at the Goldenfield's complex). Italian, steak. Try the garlic smothered steak.

• Mu Shu Bar & Restaurant serves a fusion of asian cuisine. Try their Pritchon or pritong lechon (prito means "fried" and "lechon" means roast - usually the whole pig) and a good sampling of southeast asian dishes like Pad Thai, Hainanese Chicken, Nasi Goreng and drinks to match.

• Also try the famous local barbecue chicken called inasal (literal translation "cooked over the fire"). Lots of good local restaurants specialize in local fare. ;one of the most local area that has been the most oldest restaurants is the "manokan coutry" Try Aboy's for its inasal. Imay's for a wide variety and open-air dining.

• Jo's Chicken Inato is a great choice for fantastic chicken inasal served in a very "native" style. The food is served on a large banana leaf and typically silverware is not provided unless requested. This is truly a great place to eat for someone who doesn't want to eat something too exotic, but wants to try a native flare.

• For the non-gastronome, there's always the local McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts or Try the delicious "Chicken Joy" in Jollibee

• For a western taste locals, expats and tourists visit "IMBISS" near Lopues east mall. Famous for German sausages, Fish n chips and other local and international specialities.

• Seafood is good at Ting-Ting's North Drive and Pala-pala at 18th Street Lacson.

• Take Inasal to-go at Bacolod Chicken House Singcang. You can call them ahead and specify to have them wrap it good especially if you plan to take food on the plane. They're inasal doesn't lose its juiciness and is not that oily. Reheating using microwave for inasal is not recommended, instead use a steamer.

• Favorite Japanese restaurant is Kaisei along Lacson Street. The prices are reasonable and has a relaxed atmosphere. But if you want to go with Japanese Buffet, try out Inaka, Lacson Street. The food is good, has a wide variety of choice and priced favorably.

• For local native delicacies, Quan is a must with their famous Cuchinta and Puto

Famous Fast Food stores:

Jollibee: Gaisano City

Gatuslao

La Salle

Lacson

Libertad

Lopue's East

Luzuriaga

Robinson's Place Bacolod

SM City South Wing

Mcdonald's: SM City North Wing

Lopue's East

Cent. Market

• Marby Plaza. is a great choice for people who wants to save money. It is located near Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod.  edit
• Uga. or dried fish is one of the best and most appetizing food for most of the bacoleños. Its salty taste makes it delectable, not only for the mouth but also for the smell and for the eyes.  edit
• Imbiss, Lopues East. A place where locals get verbal abuse from Manchester owner Greg, and he waters down the beer  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

• the preferred beer is San Mig Light which is served at almost any restaurant.
• You might also try Tanduay, a very famous rum. Nice to pair with coke and ice.
• The local tuba would give you the best of a local exotic drink from fermented coconut juice.
• Bar hop at Goldenfield Commercial Complex and party at MO2 Restobar!
• Classier bars are at Breizh along Lacson St., Mandalagan and Moravia beside Riverside Hospital.
• Great Bacolod sisig can be found at KSL or Kubo Sa Lawn where they serve ice cold SanMig Light.
• Zagu. is one of the most popular cold drinks in the city. This can be bought in different outlets, in SM, Robinsons, or during their sponsorship at various schools and events.  edit

[edit][add listing] Sleep

The following are 2 to 3 star type hotels by Western standards ($25-75):

• * Casino Filipino Hotel Bacolod, Casino Filipino Hotel and Casino Goldenfield Commercial Complex,Singcang, Bacolod City, Philippines, ☎ +63(034)434-8901 up to 10 (chf@info.com.ph, fax: +63(34)434-4433), [4]. Rooms are airconditioned, with cable television, private bath, and refrigerator Average rate is $73.  edit

• Grand Regal :

Araneta St., Singcang, Bacolod City Tel No. 708-5888 / 708-5588 Website: www.flicker.com/grandregalhotel_bacolod Manager: Maybell Perez

• Kundutel

• Sugarland :

Araneta-Singcang Sts., Bacolod City
Tel No.435-2690
Fax: (034) 433-2645 ; Fax: 435-2645
E-mail: sugarland@mozcom.com 
Manager: Augusto D.  Sison

• Planta Centro: Corner Araneta- Rojas Sts

Tel No.468-0400, 468-0408
Email: reservations@bacolodplantahotel.com 
Website: www.bacolodplantahotel.com 
Manager: Daryline Sumalangcay

• Business Inn:

1. 28 Lacson St., Bacolod City

Tel No. 433-8877;  Fax: (034) 434-2114
E-mail: info@bacolodbusinessinn.com 
website: www.bacolodbusinessinn.com  
Manager: Leanni D. Ching 

• Royal Am Rei :

13th Lacson Street, Bacolod City

Tel No.433-8881/ Fax: 4330222
Manager: Vernadeth C. Junio
E-mail: farrahpiccio@yahoo.com

• Luxur Place (formerly Bacolod Convention Plaza) :

Magsaysay Avenue, Bacolod City

Tel No.434-4551
Fax: (034) 433-3757
Email: bcp@mozcom.com 
Website: www.luxurplace.com  Manager: Rafael Lizares

• L'Fisher, the old reliable. :

14th Lacson Street, Bacolod City

Tel No.433-3731 to 39; Fax (034) 433-0951
E-mail: lfisher@globelines.com.ph  
Manager: Robert Baide

• The Sea Breeze, closer to the main city area.

• The Sylvia Manor[5]. The Sylvia Manor is a 52 room boutique hotel located in Bacolod's throbbing business district with the SM Shopping Mall and Bacolod City Hall just around the corner. They have excellent Wi-Fi coverage within the premises.

Economy Hotels:

Circle Inn[6]. Along Lopez Jaena Street in a quiet compound, the hotel is clean, modest and near the bus terminals. The prices are competitive to Business Inn rates and the first hotel to have complimentary in-room high-speed internet connection as well as Wi-Fi access in the lobby and coffeeshop. Its Executive Wing rooms are comparable to higher star hotels.

• Check Inn. Adjacent to the Bacolod City Hall and is also very close to the SM Shopping Mall.

[edit] Contact

For local news while in Bacolod, buy a copy of the English daily paper, the Visayan Daily Star [7].

Hundreds of internet cafes sprawl all over the city. Full-service cybercafes like net.aXs (433-5248/709-1314) along La Salle Avenue are open 24 hours and offer domestic and international calls/fax in addition to internet access, scanning, printing, photo-uploading (and CD-Burning) along with other cybercafe-related services.

[edit] Stay safe

Bacolod is a lot safer compared to Manila. As always common sense is the rule when travelling. Taking the taxi or renting cars or vans daily is better and quicker.

[edit] Get out

• Visit Balay Negrense in neighboring Silay city for a tour of a 19th century house, now a museum. While in Silay check out the local Catholic church building circa early 1900s and old ancestral homes. Also the great local pastry shop, El Ideal, that has been around since the 50's.

• Mambucal resort located in adjoining Murcia town. The resort is on a higher elevation that the city hence having a cooler average temperature. It's main attraction are its natural hot springs

• Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

• Jomabo Island Paradise Beach Resort in Escalante.

• Lakawon Beach Resort in Cadiz.

• Trek/Hike at Patag, Silay City or at Guintubdan in La Carlota/Bago.

• Punta Bulata White Beach Resort & Spa. Secluded resort with long stretch of white sand beach, abounding marine life, native and modern asian inspired guest rooms. Beautiful. Tel. +63 (0) 34 4335160 Mobile. +63 (0) 920 900 3558

• Salas Park located a few minutes from Mambucal Resort. Best to see during the night, where it overlooks the City of Smiles. The trip to the park is what locals call, little Baguio with all the zig-zag and steep roads. You would also be surrounded with old pines, mahogany and the cool air. Best for hikers too. A local guide is available to bring you to various springs and falls. Come to discover.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!

122.2.252.90 11:45, 11 October 2008 (EDT)

11:45, 11 October 2008 (EDT)11:45, 11 October 2008 (EDT)11:45, 11 October 2008 (EDT)~