ATTRACTIONS IN BACOLOD

The capital of the Province of Negros Occidental. Bacolod City serves as the entrance of the sugar-rich cities and towns of the Province. Deemed the City of Smiles, Bacolod will charm you with the genuine warmth and hospitality of her people in harmony with their lilting melodious accent.

The city is gifted with natural attractions such as the Mambucal Sulfur Springs and Waterfalls, Mt. Kanlaon, the Inampulungan Ancestral Mansions and the historical monuments and churches built during the Spanish era.

Every month of October, the Bacoleños celebrate their own version of a Mardi Gras called the Masskara Festival. Coming from the words "mass" meaning people, and "kara" meaning face, Masskara means face of the masses. Highlighted by a dance parade of masked people stomping to the frenzied beat of Latin sambas, this festivity depicts the Negrenses' happy disposition despite adversities in life.

Geography:

Bacolod City is in the north-western coast of the Province of Negros Occidental which is in the Visayan Islands, Philippines. It is bordered in the northwest by the cities of Talisay; in the northeast by Silay and Victorias; in the east and southwest by the town of Murcia; in the southwest by the City of Bago; and in the west by Guimaras Strait.

It has the total land area of 16,171,007 hectares or 161.45 sq. km excluding straits and bodies of water. It is accessible by sea through the ports of Banago, the Reclamation area and the port of Pulupandan.

CLIMATE:

Bacolod City has 2 pronounced seasons, wet and dry. The rainy season starts from May to January with heavy rains occurring during the months of August and September. Dry season starts from the month of February up to the last week of April. December and January are the coldest months while April is the warmest.

LANGUAGES & DIALECTS:

Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) is the major dialect spoken in Bacolod City. English and Tagalog are also widely spoken and understood especially in the urban areas.