Located on the island of Negros in Western Visayas, Bacolod City is one of the largest in the Philippines with over half a million people as of 2015. The city is most famous for, among other things, the MassKara Festival held every October. Named after the Spanish word for masks, it traces its origins to the 80s as a way to lift the spirits of the locals in a time of economic crisis.
Evidently, it worked, and along with the bright smiles on the colorfully designed masks the festival is known for, gave the city the nickname of the City of Smiles. In addition, the local population has many other reasons to smile as it is regarded as one of the most livable cities in the country, with better air quality and less traffic congestion than many other cities in the country.
Although the city lacks public transportation, many parts are easily accessible by public utility vehicles or jeeps because of its low density. It’s no wonder the City of Smiles has become a model city for the Philippines year after year.
In this Airbnb guide to Bacolod:
- Tourist Attractions
- Is Airbnb legal in Bacolod?
- Where should I stay in Bacolod Airbnb?
- Best Airbnbs in Bacolod
- Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Bacolod?
Tourist Attractions
City Festivities are a big part of Negros culture, and the country as a whole. Besides the aforementioned MassKara festival, the city also has two other festivals. The Panaad Festival held every April is based on local traditions surrounding thanksgiving for blessings. The festival is celebrated by the entire province and is held in Bacolod City, which gives it a reputation of being the “Mother of Festivals” on the island. The city also celebrates Chinese New Year owing to a significant Chinese population with historical ties to the area.
Meanwhile, the city’s claim to fame is The Ruins, which is commonly used to represent it in postcards. Once a turn-of-the-century mansion owned by a sugar baron, the site fell victim to the throes of World War Two as it was burned down amid the threat of Japanese occupation. Now a tourist destination, the site is known as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines and is famous for pictures with its palatial exterior. To the south of the city is Punta Taytay, where most of the public and private beach resorts in the city can be found.
Also available is the Negros Museum housed in the old City Hall. Meanwhile, San Sebastian Cathedral, a European-style church made of limestone and built in the late 1800s features a gorgeous high ceiling interior and is free of charge to enter. The site is designated as national cultural property and has a plaque commemorating its past by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines
Is Airbnb legal in Bacolod?
As of 2020, no regulations prohibit or restrict Airbnb rentals and listings. It is completely legal for locals to rent out their homes and for tourists to rent them. One thing to look out for are rentals in private subdivisions. Rules may vary between homeowners’ associations regarding if tourists are allowed to rent homes without an official lease. It is best to communicate with the host if the local HOA allows for Airbnb rentals and how to go about the private security to let you in the subdivision.
Where should I stay in Bacolod?
Despite the large population, the city is relatively small compared to many others in the Philippines. There are two main streets that bisect the city. First is Lacson Street to the north which is home to the central business district of (1) Capitol Central which includes some great budget choices. If you’re looking for an equally connected but less busy place to stay, the neighboring barangay of (2) Mandalangan or (3) Bata are good places too. For a more higher-end option outside city limits, (4) North Point provides itself as a safe haven. The other street to the south is Araneta Avenue which is where you’ll find the true local hotspot of (5) Downtown.
Capitol Central
- Easy to reach by public transport, food and culture hotspot, well-lit streets
- Can get very crowded at night, and there can be a lot of mosquitoes since there is an eco-park nearby.
Capitol Central, one of the major roads in the city, is home to the Provincial Capitol of Negros Occidental. The area is known for having a vibrant food and business scene and is a hot spot for hotels and Airbnb rentals. Located within close walking distance are several malls including the newly built Ayala Mall and 888 Chinatown Square.
Mandalagan
- The area is quiet with little traffic and private security
- You’ll need a car or a driver as most of the commercial properties are located a drive away.
Mandalagan is a large Barangay (political division akin to a neighborhood) a majority of which consists of newly built private subdivisions. The area is anchored in a section of Lacson Street with Robinsons Place, a major mall and supermarket, as well as the Arts District. All of these can be reached by a short drive.
Bata
- Near the bus terminal, easier to navigate
- You will need a driver, there aren’t a lot of shops or restaurants in the area.
Bata is another Barangay that sits right at the edge of the city limits right beside Mandalagan. Just like its neighbor to the south, Bata consists primarily of private subdivisions much older than those in Mandalagan though not entirely. The area is much easier to navigate though is less secure than in other areas. In Bata is also the City Country Club with facilities for golf and swimming among others.
North Point
- Quiet and secluded, houses are relatively new.
- You will definitely need a car, 20 or so minutes to the city center.
As the name suggests, Northpoint is a collection of subdivisions and developments just outside of city limits to the north. These include places like Ayala Northpoint, an upper-class subdivision with other locations across the country. It is common to find townhouses for rent here. The area has its own mall and grocery store among others
Downtown
- Well lit area, direct access to public transit, many shops and restaurants.
- No Airbnbs in the vicinity, mostly hotels, traffic congestion.
Specifically, the southern part, the downtown area is both the busiest and oldest part of the city. Centered on the public plaza, here you can find the European-style San Sebastian Cathedral. The local public market as well as the largest mall on the island, SM City, can be found here, making for a wide variety of shopping choices.
Best Airbnbs in Bacolod
Best Airbnb House Rental
Modern and Spacious Townhouse
This luxury townhouse is a bit on the pricier side but comes with all the comforts and amenities of a hotel with the added benefit of privacy. With a sleek modern design and spacious layout, this home is perfect for high-end satisfaction. The property comes with air conditioning in every room and free private parking on site. Spot the gorgeous kitchen just waiting for you to cook up a stunning feast.
Best Airbnb Apartment
Cozy & Modern Corner Unit with a View
Complete with a hip urban design, this centrally located condominium is perfect for seaside sunsets and shopping with just a short walk to the nearby Ayala Mall. Take a dip in the rooftop pool and watch the cityscape light up in the night sky. Besides the gorgeous design and attention to detail, this corner unit comes with a fully stocked kitchen and a balcony.
Best Airbnb Budget Rental
Studio at Cityscape Residences
This studio at Cityscape Residences is one of the cheapest on Airbnb in the city with just enough space for two travelers. Featuring a simple sleek style, this property is at the heart of the action being only steps away from the Lacson Tourism Strip, home to the city’s famous food and culture festivals. Be sure to make good use of the in-building pool with a view of the capitol park and the Ayala Mall.
Best Airbnb for Families
Cozy Relaxing Camella Home
This townhouse in Bata offers the idyllic suburban lifestyle many families dream of. With a reasonable price for a space meant for 6, this home comes with a sleek contemporary style and access to many community amenities. Though a fully stocked kitchen is available, the property also comes with provided breakfast for a fee.
Best Airbnb for Large Groups
Spacious Studio with Balcony, Washer, Pool, Gym
Better than adjacent studios, this spacious apartment is the perfect bonding opportunity for friends. Though a bit of a squeeze, the simple style is made better with the flat-screen TV with Netflix available. Enjoy fun in the sun and shopping with a gorgeous pool and the Robinsons Place mall just across the street. The home also comes inclusive of a balcony and access to the in-building gym.
Is Airbnb cheaper than hotels in Bacolod?
The City of Smiles is full of Airbnbs with affordable rates for short term lease exclusive of electricity. Rarely reaching beyond most budgets, Airbnbs are at the same price point, and many times cheaper, than many respectable and famous hotels in the city. Add to that the freedom and privacy that comes with renting your own space, and it’s easy to see how Airbnb listings have been increasing in number and quality year by year.
While some cities offer superhost rates above a mid-price range and some hotels offer the same rates but at lower quality, Airbnb masterfully provides both at a price point that is sure to elevate your trip. With this, not only can it be cheaper, but also beneficial to rent an Airbnb to make the most of the city.
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