Bacolod City Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Philippines at the incredible port of Bacolod City! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Bacolod City boasts an impressive 4 ferry routes operated by 1 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Bacolod City, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Bacolod City offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Manila - Bacolod City, Cagayan De Oro - Bacolod City. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Bacolod City. You'll find companies like 2GO Travel ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Bacolod City.

Travelers can reach Bacolod City via several transportation options, with ferry services connecting it to major Philippine cities like Iloilo (approximately 1-2 hours), Manila (11-15 hours overnight trip), and Cebu (4-6 hours). The city is accessible by road from other parts of Negros Island, with buses connecting to the ferry terminal from neighboring municipalities. For international visitors, the nearest major airport is Bacolod-Silay Airport, about 25 minutes from the city center, with shuttle services and taxis readily available to the ferry port. If arriving by private vehicle, the ferry terminal offers secure parking facilities, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak travel seasons.

Nestled on the northwestern coast of Negros Island in the Philippines, Bacolod City charms visitors with its warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. Known affectionately as the 'City of Smiles,' Bacolod blends colonial history with modern urban living, creating a vibrant atmosphere that welcomes travelers arriving by sea. The city serves as an important ferry gateway to the Visayas region, offering visitors a taste of authentic Filipino culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and colorful festivals just steps from the harbor.

Bacolod enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry (November to May) and wet (June to October). The ideal months to visit are January through May when days are sunny with minimal rainfall, perfect for exploring the city and taking ferry excursions to nearby islands. October marks the spectacular MassKara Festival, when the city erupts in a riot of colorful masks, street dancing, and celebrations – a prime time to visit despite occasional showers. Ferry services operate year-round but offer more frequent departures during the dry season when sea conditions are calmer. Consider visiting in February or March for pleasant weather without the holiday crowds, allowing for more comfortable ferry journeys and better accommodation rates.

Bacolod serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the central Philippines by sea. Hop on a ferry to Iloilo City (1-2 hours), where Spanish colonial architecture and delectable seafood await in this historic river city. The island paradise of Guimaras is accessible via Iloilo, famous for having the world's sweetest mangoes and pristine beaches perfect for day trips. For those seeking urban excitement, Cebu City can be reached by a 4-6 hour ferry journey, offering metropolitan attractions alongside historical sites dating back to the Spanish era. The scenic route to Dumaguete (3-4 hours) rewards travelers with views of volcanic mountains and provides access to world-class diving spots and marine sanctuaries in Negros Oriental.

Within minutes of stepping off the ferry, visitors can immerse themselves in Bacolod's unique offerings. The iconic San Sebastian Cathedral and nearby public plaza showcase the city's Spanish influences and serve as cultural hubs for locals. Food enthusiasts shouldn't miss sampling chicken inasal (grilled chicken marinated in local spices) at Manokan Country food center, or indulging in sweet treats like napoleones (layered pastries) at local bakeries. The Negros Museum offers insights into the island's sugar industry heritage that shaped the region's history and culture. For an authentic local experience, explore the Lacson Street area (locally known as 'The Strip'), lined with restaurants, bars, and cafes that come alive in the evening with locals and visitors alike.

Bacolod earned its 'City of Smiles' nickname not just for its friendly locals but because of the MassKara Festival, created in 1980 to lift spirits during an economic crisis and tragic maritime disaster. The city's ferry port played a crucial role in the once-booming sugar trade, with Bacolod becoming known as the 'Sugar Bowl of the Philippines' – a heritage still visible in the grand ancestral houses built by sugar barons scattered throughout the city. Interestingly, Bacolod is home to the first golf course in the Philippines, established in 1907 by British and American sugar planters. The city also claims to serve the original chicken inasal, a dish now beloved nationwide but whose authentic preparation remains a closely guarded secret among Bacolod's local grill masters.