Expert Advice: Top 10 Tips for First-Time Travelers to Bacolod

Bacolod, a bustling city in the Philippines, is well known for its delectable cuisine, rich cultural history, and friendly locals. Suppose you're planning a first-time trip to Bacolod. In that case, the following travel advice will make your trip more pleasurable and memorable.

  1. Organize your itinerary and conduct research in advance. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip since Bacolod has a variety of sights and things to do. Check out the top tourist spots like The Ruins, San Sebastian Cathedral, and Negros Museum. Remember to include the MassKara Festival, a colorful October celebration, in your itinerary when traveling in October.
  2. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as you will be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Bacolod is a pedestrian-friendly city, so you'll be doing much walking and exploring. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if you plan to visit attractions like the Mambukal Mountain Resort or hike up to the peak of Mount Kanlaon.
  3. Try local delicacies such as chicken inasal, piaya, and napoleones. Bacolod is known for its mouthwatering local delicacies, so try them out during your visit. Chicken inasal, a grilled chicken marinated in vinegar, calamansi, and other spices, is a must-try. Popular sweets include napoleones, a tiered pastry filled with custard and dusted with sugar, and piaya, a sweet flatbread filled with muscovado sugar.
  4. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Bacolod can get hot and humid, so hydrate well and wear sunscreen. Bringing a refillable water bottle is an excellent idea to stay hydrated and refreshed. And don't forget to reapply that high-SPF sunscreen regularly to keep your skin safe from the sun's rays. Let's take care of ourselves so we can enjoy the day to the fullest!
  5. Be respectful of the local customs and traditions, especially during the MassKara Festival. Bacolod has a rich culture and traditions, so respecting them during your visit is essential. During the MassKara Festival, for example, wearing a mask and a smile is customary to symbolize the city's resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. Char (JK), you don't need to wear a mask! Come as you are and enjoy the street parties :)
  6. Book accommodations and transportation in advance to avoid any hassle. It's best to book your accommodations and transportation in advance. Many hotels and resorts in Bacolod cater to different budgets and preferences. You can also rent a car or hire a driver to get around the city.
  7. Learn some basic phrases in Hiligaynon, the local language, to better communicate with the locals. Learning some basic expressions in Hiligaynon, the local language, can help you better communicate with the locals and immerse yourself in the culture. Some useful phrases include "Kumusta ka?" (How are you?), "Salamat" (Thank you), and "Palihog" (Please).
  8. Keep some cash on hand because some stores might not accept credit or debit cards. Although most businesses in Bacolod take credit or debit cards, it is always advisable to have cash with you, especially in tiny stores or local markets.
  9. Stay alert and be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Like any other tourist site, paying attention and being careful with your possessions is essential, especially in crowded places like public markets, transportation hubs, and well-known tourist attractions. Keep your possessions near you always, and refrain from flashing them in front of others. Examples of this include wallets, iPhones, and cameras.
  10. Enjoy the warm hospitality of Bacolodnons and take home some souvenirs to remember your trip. Finally, every trip is complete with some souvenir shopping. Bacolod has plenty of options for souvenir shopping, including local delicacies, handicrafts, and clothing. You can check out the Bacolod City Public Plaza, the Negros Showroom, and the Panaad sa Negros Festival Pasalubong Center for some great finds to take home.

Summing it up, Bacolod is a city worth visiting. Due to its rich history, culture, and cuisine, this location offers a lot of things to see, do, and experience. Using the suggestions in this travel guide, you can maximize your trip to Bacolod.

Bacolod, a bustling city in the Philippines, is well known for its delectable cuisine, rich cultural history, and friendly locals. Suppose you're planning a first-time trip to Bacolod. In that case, the following travel advice will make your trip more pleasurable and memorable.

  1. Organize your itinerary and conduct research in advance. Plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your trip since Bacolod has a variety of sights and things to do. Check out the top tourist spots like The Ruins, San Sebastian Cathedral, and Negros Museum. Remember to include the MassKara Festival, a colorful October celebration, in your itinerary when traveling in October.
  2. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as you will be doing a lot of walking and exploring. Bacolod is a pedestrian-friendly city, so you'll be doing much walking and exploring. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if you plan to visit attractions like the Mambukal Mountain Resort or hike up to the peak of Mount Kanlaon.
  3. Try local delicacies such as chicken inasal, piaya, and napoleones. Bacolod is known for its mouthwatering local delicacies, so try them out during your visit. Chicken inasal, a grilled chicken marinated in vinegar, calamansi, and other spices, is a must-try. Popular sweets include napoleones, a tiered pastry filled with custard and dusted with sugar, and piaya, a sweet flatbread filled with muscovado sugar.
  4. Drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. Bacolod can get hot and humid, so hydrate well and wear sunscreen. Bringing a refillable water bottle is an excellent idea to stay hydrated and refreshed. And don't forget to reapply that high-SPF sunscreen regularly to keep your skin safe from the sun's rays. Let's take care of ourselves so we can enjoy the day to the fullest!
  5. Be respectful of the local customs and traditions, especially during the MassKara Festival. Bacolod has a rich culture and traditions, so respecting them during your visit is essential. During the MassKara Festival, for example, wearing a mask and a smile is customary to symbolize the city's resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. Char (JK), you don't need to wear a mask! Come as you are and enjoy the street parties :)
  6. Book accommodations and transportation in advance to avoid any hassle. It's best to book your accommodations and transportation in advance. Many hotels and resorts in Bacolod cater to different budgets and preferences. You can also rent a car or hire a driver to get around the city.
  7. Learn some basic phrases in Hiligaynon, the local language, to better communicate with the locals. Learning some basic expressions in Hiligaynon, the local language, can help you better communicate with the locals and immerse yourself in the culture. Some useful phrases include "Kumusta ka?" (How are you?), "Salamat" (Thank you), and "Palihog" (Please).
  8. Keep some cash on hand because some stores might not accept credit or debit cards. Although most businesses in Bacolod take credit or debit cards, it is always advisable to have cash with you, especially in tiny stores or local markets.
  9. Stay alert and be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded areas. Like any other tourist site, paying attention and being careful with your possessions is essential, especially in crowded places like public markets, transportation hubs, and well-known tourist attractions. Keep your possessions near you always, and refrain from flashing them in front of others. Examples of this include wallets, iPhones, and cameras.
  10. Enjoy the warm hospitality of Bacolodnons and take home some souvenirs to remember your trip. Finally, every trip is complete with some souvenir shopping. Bacolod has plenty of options for souvenir shopping, including local delicacies, handicrafts, and clothing. You can check out the Bacolod City Public Plaza, the Negros Showroom, and the Panaad sa Negros Festival Pasalubong Center for some great finds to take home.

Summing it up, Bacolod is a city worth visiting. Due to its rich history, culture, and cuisine, this location offers a lot of things to see, do, and experience. Using the suggestions in this travel guide, you can maximize your trip to Bacolod.