Bacolod, Philippines 🇵🇭
Nomad Score:
61%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bacolod is the capital city of the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines, known for its sugar industry and the MassKara Festival. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 600,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD is approximately 56 PHP. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is advised. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity standard is 220V, 60Hz, with Type A, B, and C sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Globe Telecom and Smart Communications. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include BDO, BPI, and Metrobank; international cards widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include apartments, local hotels, and B&Bs; Airbnbs are available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; cards accepted in many places, but cash is still prevalent. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local rental agencies offer short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like El Dorado Pines Inn or O Hotel are budget-friendly. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | InnoHub is a popular coworking space with fast internet and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Bob's is known for its cozy atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups, organized through social media groups or Eventbrite. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Bacolod, a Facebook group where members share events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most widely used ride-hailing app in Bacolod. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals are available through local shops, typically around PHP 400/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Sipalay Beach, approximately 2-3 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Philippine Airlines operates flights from Bacolod to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Cebu Pacific Airlines provides international flights from Bacolod. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is connected by the Negros Occidental Coastal Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bacolod-Silay Airport is the main transit hub for flights. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transit passes; jeepneys and tricycles are commonly used for short trips. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses connect Bacolod to nearby cities and towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Bacolod Adventist Medical Center is a top healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Haven offers classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Bacolod is a popular fitness center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundries offer pickup and delivery services, e.g., Laundry Hub. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood is the most popular food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the famous Inasal (grilled chicken marinated in vinegar). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Cafe offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Calea is renowned for its delicious cakes and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bacolod Public Market offers fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shopee and Lazada are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online grocery delivery services like Metro Grocery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Food alley in Lacson Street has various bars and restaurants. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The Negros Island Brewing Company offers craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | There are limited wine bars; check local restaurants for selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls in the market offer local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian restaurants such as Trattoria Uma provide excellent pizza. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Ruins is a historic mansion with stunning architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bacolod Arts and Youth Sports Center hosts various events. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | San Sebastian Church is a notable historical site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Bacolod Cathedral is a prominent place of worship. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | MassKara Festival is celebrated in October, showcasing vibrant street dancing. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Downtown area features local shops and cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Bacolod Cultural and Sports Center hosts musical and theatrical performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bacolod Public Market is great for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music and bands, especially during weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various mural arts can be found around the downtown area. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary classes at local cooking schools feature local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Kamingo Gallery showcases local artists and their works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Negros Museum highlights the region's rich heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city celebrates its sugar industry history and local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mambukal Mountain Resort offers hiking and natural hot springs. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mount Kanlaon Natural Park is one of the country's most visited parks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront offers paths for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mount Panas views are breathtaking and ideal for photography. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Balanan is a notable spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Mambukal Resort for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | LBC and JRS Express offer parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like iRepair offer device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Various community centers have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like C.I.T.Center offer English and Filipino lessons. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bacolod City Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural activities happen at the local community center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming cafes are available for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Filipino offers gaming entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 70,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 2,800,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 50,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = PHP 2,000,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 60,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 3,600,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 45,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = PHP 2,700,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. PHP 55,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 4,400,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. PHP 40,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = PHP 3,200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% tax rate on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax rates for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax can go up to 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate on property transactions. |