The How’s of a Negrense Adventure Part 2: A Guide Before and During Your Trip

Everyone loves traveling, but not everyone loves planning it. It entails doing research, making several calls for reservations, listing down to-do things, and basically organizing a lot of information. There’s even a general stigma that carefully planned and curated trips are less fun than spontaneous, spur-of-the-moment travels. My take is this – we can always have a bit of both. We can plan the essential aspects of our trip while also leaving room for some spontaneous fun. Planning will save us a lot of time, money, and headaches while traveling. Can you imagine discovering you forgot your passport at home just when you are about to check-in for your flight? Or realizing you didn’t pack a change of underwear for a 3-day hiking trip? These are all fun stories to tell in hindsight, but definitely not enjoyable at the moment. For a smooth-sailing trip, planning is vital.

Lucky for you, I put together routine reminders and things to do before a trip. Feel free to personalize this list according to your needs and preferences.

Things to Do Before Your Trip

Go over your travel documents and reservations

Have you experienced packing your bags and rushing to the airport, only to find out that you misread the travel date on your ticket and came one day earlier? Or have you tried checking-in to a hotel reservation you forgot to confirm? These are significant booboos that will definitely ruin the rest of your trip. This is why it is crucial to double-check one’s travel documents.

A day or two before departure, review your flight details again and confirm with the airline that your flight isn’t canceled.
Remind your hotel of your date and time of arrival. Regularly check your email inbox in case of changes made by the hotel.
Call your transport service to confirm your booking. Get your driver’s contact information if applicable. Personally, remind your driver of your date and time of travel.

Check if you have enough cash

ATMs are everywhere, and almost all establishments now accept credit cards and virtual pay. Still, it is always better and safer to have enough cash with you. This is most applicable to those traveling in smaller cities where stores and services only accept cash and those who will use public transportation. Having readily available cash in small amounts will be convenient. If you’re traveling abroad, it is advised to call your bank to inform them that you would be making international transactions on your given travel dates. Most importantly, have your money exchanged for the local currency.

Make necessary personal arrangements while you’re gone

Sometimes, when we’re making a to-do list for a trip, we get caught up on the itinerary and logistics that we forget we also have personal errands to take care of. Most of us will be leaving plants, pets, jobs, and houses while we’re on holiday, so here are general things to keep in mind before we leave.

Inform your family and friends that you will be away. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget. Let them know your hotel’s address and contact number so they can easily reach you, if not on your mobile phone, in case of an emergency.
Make sure that your vacation leave is signed by your boss and adequately filed with HR. Don’t accept any more projects or workload days at least 2-3 days before you leave. Leaving unfinished work, or worse, doing work while on your trip defeats the purpose of your vacation.
Find a pet-sitter and plant-sitter for your fur babies and plants. Write down feeding, grooming, and watering instructions for the sitter.
Do your laundry, especially the ones you plan to wear on the trip. You wouldn’t want to blow dry your favorite shirt hours before leaving just so you can pack it with you.
Consume all perishables in the fridge. Going home to some moldy food in the fridge after a three-day trip is definitely not a nice homecoming.
Have your personal care done before leaving. This means taking a trip to the hair parlor, waxing salon, or nail salon. It’s always lovely to look and feel your best while on holiday!

Pack according to your needs

The general rule is to pack lightly, but I say – pack according to the traveler you are. However, bear in mind the weather conditions and duration of your travel while packing. Remember, excess baggage is quite expensive! Here are a few tips to help you pack efficiently.

Make a list of items that you can’t travel without. These usually include toiletries, underwear, particular medications (e.g., meds for allergies, sleeping pills, contact lens solution, etc.). And also, any specific valuable thing that will make you feel more at home during your trip (e.g., your favorite blanket, night light, etc.). Once you’re done with the list, pack the items first and make sure you cross out everything on the list.

To save time on deciding what to wear in the morning, plan your outfits beforehand and pack them together. This way, you can also avoid wasting space on your luggage by bringing clothes you won’t even wear. Don’t forget to bring staples like a jacket or a scarf, just if the weather gets erratic.

Set aside the items for your carry-on bag. These are essential and must-have things that should be readily available to you anytime. These usually include your wallet, passport, IDs, house keys, water bottle, and devices to keep you entertained during the flight. On that note, be sure to have your devices and battery pack fully charged before leaving.

Make a list of last-minute things to do on the day of your trip

No matter how much you prepare and pack early, there are still some things you can only accomplish on the day of your trip. Here are some things to double-check before leaving the door.

Pack your toothbrush, slippers, make-up kit, chargers and any other frequently used household items you may have used while getting ready.
Finish all necessary house chores like taking out the trash, washing the dishes, and unplugging all electric devices.
Water your plants and feed your fur babies in case the sitter runs late.

A Simple Introduction to Bacolod City

Now that your travel needs are in order, ready your senses (and your sweet tooth) for this simple itinerary tailor-made for first-time visitors in Bacolod City. This 4-days-and-3-nights trip is curated to introduce you to the best facets of this beautiful city in a way that even a local would be made to rediscover Bacolod like it’s the first time. Feel free to build on this itinerary to make it your own.

Day 1 – A walk down memory lane

Learn the story of how Bacolod came to be during your visit to historical sites and a museum. Afterward, get a crash course on Negrense cuisine in Bacolod-famous restaurants and cafés. Walk off the sugar fix in a night walk at the lagoon.

Morning

New Government Center

This is one of the most picturesque government buildings in the country. You can catch folks and dogs catching up on some exercise and vitamin D in the early morning.

Bacolod Public Plaza

A famous historical landmark that also serves as a park in the city. Also known as “Plaza del 6 de Noviembre,” named after the day the Spaniards surrendered to Negros revolutionaries.

San Sebastian Cathedral

The original church was constructed in 1825, but the present stone church was built in 1876 with materials like coral stone and hardwood from Guimaras and Palawan.

Afternoon

Lunch at Manokan Country

Enjoy a savory lunch of chicken inasal.

For dessert, pack a dozen of napoleones and treat yourself on the road.
Negros Museum

This is a privately owned museum that houses exhibits on Negrense culture and society.

The Ruins

One of the most talked-about tourist spots in the city for its rustic and romantic vibes. The cherry on top is watching the skies change colors as the sun sets on the horizon. It almost looks like a scene from a period film.

Evening

Dinner at 18^th St. Palapala Restaurant

Bacolod has some of the best seafood restaurants that serve various fresh produce from nearby seaside towns.

Capitol Park and Lagoon

In the daytime, Capitol Park is a recreational area for picnics. You can even feed the live tilapias in the lagoon. But at night, it transforms into a different experience. The lights bouncing off the waters of the lagoon set a moody ambiance as you stroll past the sculptures surrounding the park.

Day 2 – Beach Day

First-timers in the city can’t miss out on a visit to the well-loved beaches in neighboring towns. Negros boasts of many fine sand beaches and island resorts with the most vibrant marine life. In fact, an overnight trip is enough to turn you into a beach bum. But if you’re still undecided about which beach to visit, here are a few top suggestions.

Lakawon Island Resort

Lakawon is located in Cadiz City, around 1 hour and a half from Bacolod City. This is probably the most popular among tourists because it features a floating bar where guests can chug a beer in the middle of the sea. On your way back, you can drop by the Balay Negrense, another well-known historical museum, and El Ideal Bakery that serves the eccentric guapple pie.

Danjugan Island

Suppose you’re up for a more extended land trip. In that case, you might want to check Danjugan Island, which is located in Cauayan, 4-5 hours away from Bacolod. This sanctuary is a remote island brimming with lush marine and forest life. The island has five lagoons, several diving spots, and solar-powered. However, since this is not a resort, reservations have to be made weeks before.

Sugar Beach

If you prefer a chill and laidback day, sipping mango juice while strolling a kilometer-long beach of brown sugar-like sand, then Sugar Beach is your choice. Sugar Beach is in Sipalay, which is 4 hours away from Bacolod. Compared to Lakawon, there is usually a smaller crowd here since there’s not much to do. However, this beach boasts the most breathtaking views of the sunset that y our memory card would quickly get full.

Day 3 – Food Trip

The only agendum of this day is to pig out, so bring out your loose and baggy clothes for this mouth-watering and indulgent kind of day.

Morning

Coffee at Negros Museum Café

Coffee first before anything. Begin your day with a cup of freshly brewed Negrense coffee sourced from local communities. Pair it with a generous serving of flaky and creamy napoleones. The semblance of sweet and bitter is the perfect way to jumpstart your taste buds for this gastronomic tour.

Afternoon

Lunch at Eron’s Cansi House

Make room for a hearty meal of bone marrow soup with beef and batwan (a kind of sour fruit mostly used in Negrense food). Don’t be shy with your second cup of rice.

Dessert at Calea

You can’t visit Bacolod without dropping by at Calea. This well-loved pastry shop serves the sweetest variety of cakes, cheesecakes, and pies. Everything they bake is so good that there has been some debate on their best offering. If you want to decide for yourself, you can order a three slices platter from three different cakes. Didn’t I tell you that this will be an indulgent day?

Sunset at Bantug Lake Ranch

While you’re digesting those three slices of cake, stroll around this 7-hectare ranch with a man-made lake. You can have front-row seats at the picnic tables at sundown and watch the colors turn from yellow and orange to hues of pink and blue.

Evening

Dinner at 21 Restaurant

There are many great restaurants in the city, but 21 Restaurant is worth a visit because it is one of the oldest homegrown restaurants in Bacolod. They have a wide selection of Negrense cuisine, ranging from the classics to fusions. They also have a charming ambiance that is conducive to good conversations with friends and family.

Nightcap at Delicioso

To perfectly cap the trip, treat yourself to some fine wine, cold cuts, and cheeses at Delicioso. This place is a favorite among locals for its laidback and casual atmosphere, reflecting the slow-paced, idyllic lifestyle of Bacolodnons. They know how to have a good time. So, relax and drink like a local.

Getting Around the City

The most recommended, convenient, and cost-efficient transportation mode for first-timers is to ride a cab, especially if you’re traveling with companions. Almost all cab drivers are friendly locals, so they can quickly help you navigate around the city. Except for out-of-town beaches, locations within Bacolod are mostly just 10-15 minutes away, so you don’t have to worry so much about paying a high fare. If you want to splurge a little for more mobility and comfort, you can hire a private van or rent a car.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, riding the jeepney is your best option to get around the city. Don’t be afraid to ask the driver or other locals for directions. Bacolod is the city of smiles for a reason.

Lucky for you, I put together routine reminders and things to do before a trip. Feel free to personalize this list according to your needs and preferences.

Things to Do Before Your Trip

Go over your travel documents and reservations

A day or two before departure, review your flight details again and confirm with the airline that your flight isn’t canceled.
Remind your hotel of your date and time of arrival. Regularly check your email inbox in case of changes made by the hotel.
Call your transport service to confirm your booking. Get your driver’s contact information if applicable. Personally, remind your driver of your date and time of travel.

Check if you have enough cash

Make necessary personal arrangements while you’re gone

Inform your family and friends that you will be away. This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to forget. Let them know your hotel’s address and contact number so they can easily reach you, if not on your mobile phone, in case of an emergency.
Make sure that your vacation leave is signed by your boss and adequately filed with HR. Don’t accept any more projects or workload days at least 2-3 days before you leave. Leaving unfinished work, or worse, doing work while on your trip defeats the purpose of your vacation.
Find a pet-sitter and plant-sitter for your fur babies and plants. Write down feeding, grooming, and watering instructions for the sitter.
Do your laundry, especially the ones you plan to wear on the trip. You wouldn’t want to blow dry your favorite shirt hours before leaving just so you can pack it with you.
Consume all perishables in the fridge. Going home to some moldy food in the fridge after a three-day trip is definitely not a nice homecoming.
Have your personal care done before leaving. This means taking a trip to the hair parlor, waxing salon, or nail salon. It’s always lovely to look and feel your best while on holiday!

Pack according to your needs

Make a list of items that you can’t travel without. These usually include toiletries, underwear, particular medications (e.g., meds for allergies, sleeping pills, contact lens solution, etc.). And also, any specific valuable thing that will make you feel more at home during your trip (e.g., your favorite blanket, night light, etc.). Once you’re done with the list, pack the items first and make sure you cross out everything on the list.

To save time on deciding what to wear in the morning, plan your outfits beforehand and pack them together. This way, you can also avoid wasting space on your luggage by bringing clothes you won’t even wear. Don’t forget to bring staples like a jacket or a scarf, just if the weather gets erratic.

Set aside the items for your carry-on bag. These are essential and must-have things that should be readily available to you anytime. These usually include your wallet, passport, IDs, house keys, water bottle, and devices to keep you entertained during the flight. On that note, be sure to have your devices and battery pack fully charged before leaving.

Make a list of last-minute things to do on the day of your trip

No matter how much you prepare and pack early, there are still some things you can only accomplish on the day of your trip. Here are some things to double-check before leaving the door.

Pack your toothbrush, slippers, make-up kit, chargers and any other frequently used household items you may have used while getting ready.
Finish all necessary house chores like taking out the trash, washing the dishes, and unplugging all electric devices.
Water your plants and feed your fur babies in case the sitter runs late.

A Simple Introduction to Bacolod City

Day 1 – A walk down memory lane

Morning

New Government Center

This is one of the most picturesque government buildings in the country. You can catch folks and dogs catching up on some exercise and vitamin D in the early morning.

Bacolod Public Plaza

A famous historical landmark that also serves as a park in the city. Also known as “Plaza del 6 de Noviembre,” named after the day the Spaniards surrendered to Negros revolutionaries.

San Sebastian Cathedral

The original church was constructed in 1825, but the present stone church was built in 1876 with materials like coral stone and hardwood from Guimaras and Palawan.

Afternoon

Lunch at Manokan Country

Enjoy a savory lunch of chicken inasal.

For dessert, pack a dozen of napoleones and treat yourself on the road.
Negros Museum

This is a privately owned museum that houses exhibits on Negrense culture and society.

The Ruins

One of the most talked-about tourist spots in the city for its rustic and romantic vibes. The cherry on top is watching the skies change colors as the sun sets on the horizon. It almost looks like a scene from a period film.

Evening

Dinner at 18^th St. Palapala Restaurant

Bacolod has some of the best seafood restaurants that serve various fresh produce from nearby seaside towns.

Capitol Park and Lagoon

In the daytime, Capitol Park is a recreational area for picnics. You can even feed the live tilapias in the lagoon. But at night, it transforms into a different experience. The lights bouncing off the waters of the lagoon set a moody ambiance as you stroll past the sculptures surrounding the park.

Day 2 – Beach Day

Lakawon Island Resort

Lakawon is located in Cadiz City, around 1 hour and a half from Bacolod City. This is probably the most popular among tourists because it features a floating bar where guests can chug a beer in the middle of the sea. On your way back, you can drop by the Balay Negrense, another well-known historical museum, and El Ideal Bakery that serves the eccentric guapple pie.

Danjugan Island

Suppose you’re up for a more extended land trip. In that case, you might want to check Danjugan Island, which is located in Cauayan, 4-5 hours away from Bacolod. This sanctuary is a remote island brimming with lush marine and forest life. The island has five lagoons, several diving spots, and solar-powered. However, since this is not a resort, reservations have to be made weeks before.

Sugar Beach

If you prefer a chill and laidback day, sipping mango juice while strolling a kilometer-long beach of brown sugar-like sand, then Sugar Beach is your choice. Sugar Beach is in Sipalay, which is 4 hours away from Bacolod. Compared to Lakawon, there is usually a smaller crowd here since there’s not much to do. However, this beach boasts the most breathtaking views of the sunset that y our memory card would quickly get full.

Day 3 – Food Trip

The only agendum of this day is to pig out, so bring out your loose and baggy clothes for this mouth-watering and indulgent kind of day.

Morning

Coffee at Negros Museum Café

Coffee first before anything. Begin your day with a cup of freshly brewed Negrense coffee sourced from local communities. Pair it with a generous serving of flaky and creamy napoleones. The semblance of sweet and bitter is the perfect way to jumpstart your taste buds for this gastronomic tour.

Afternoon

Lunch at Eron’s Cansi House

Make room for a hearty meal of bone marrow soup with beef and batwan (a kind of sour fruit mostly used in Negrense food). Don’t be shy with your second cup of rice.

Dessert at Calea

You can’t visit Bacolod without dropping by at Calea. This well-loved pastry shop serves the sweetest variety of cakes, cheesecakes, and pies. Everything they bake is so good that there has been some debate on their best offering. If you want to decide for yourself, you can order a three slices platter from three different cakes. Didn’t I tell you that this will be an indulgent day?

Sunset at Bantug Lake Ranch

While you’re digesting those three slices of cake, stroll around this 7-hectare ranch with a man-made lake. You can have front-row seats at the picnic tables at sundown and watch the colors turn from yellow and orange to hues of pink and blue.

Evening

Dinner at 21 Restaurant

There are many great restaurants in the city, but 21 Restaurant is worth a visit because it is one of the oldest homegrown restaurants in Bacolod. They have a wide selection of Negrense cuisine, ranging from the classics to fusions. They also have a charming ambiance that is conducive to good conversations with friends and family.

Nightcap at Delicioso

To perfectly cap the trip, treat yourself to some fine wine, cold cuts, and cheeses at Delicioso. This place is a favorite among locals for its laidback and casual atmosphere, reflecting the slow-paced, idyllic lifestyle of Bacolodnons. They know how to have a good time. So, relax and drink like a local.