This trip was originally scheduled for 9 straight days from the province of Iloilo going south to Siquijor. Since I am a corporate slave and I needed to report on work, the planned leaves weren’t approved and ended up booking a Bacolod-Manila seat sale midway of the intended trip. I left home on a rainy Saturday morning with a southwest monsoon affecting Metro Manila. The monsoon intensified in Luzon while I’m exploring the three provinces of the Visayas. You can check out my Iloilo-Guimaras-Bacolod itinerary and expenses below:
Iloilo, Guimaras, Bacolod Itinerary
Day 1
Island hopped around Guimaras, swimming in crystal-clear waters, lounging on sandy beaches, and tasting fresh mangoes. Later, explored the island’s scenic viewpoints, and local farms.
Day 2
Marveled at Iloilo’s historic churches with their Spanish-era architecture and intricate interiors. Walked through Iloilo City Proper and Jaro City, discovering heritage buildings, quaint cafes, and bustling local markets.
Day 3
Traveled from Iloilo to Bacolod by ferry and bus, enjoying the scenic Visayan seas. Visited The Ruins in Talisay City, capturing the romantic, haunting beauty of the sugar baron mansion and its lush gardens.
Day 4
Hiked through lush trails to the 7 Falls of Mambukal, enjoying natural pools and scenic waterfalls. Finished the day with a Bacolod city tour, exploring landmarks, vibrant streets, and local eateries.
Day 5
Went on a food trip in Silay City, sampling local delicacies like piaya and batchoy. Concluded with a heritage tour, visiting ancestral houses and museums to learn about the city’s rich history.
Museums
Museo Iloilo
Dizon-Ramos Museum
Balay Negrense
Natural Attractions
Guimaras: Island Hopping
Seven Falls of Mambukal Resort
City/Heritage Tours
Guimaras
Church Hopping in Iloilo
Jaro City, Iloilo
Iloilo City, Iloilo
Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
Silay City, Negros Occidental
Food Trip
Pitstop, Guimaras
Old Pala-pala Market, Bacolod City
Calea Pastries and Coffee
Where to Eat in Bacolod City
Where to Eat in Silay City
SAMPLE EXPENSES
Note: Airfare from Manila to Iloilo and Bacolod to Manila not included.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
How to get to Guimaras from Iloilo: You can check my travel guide here.
How to get to Bacolod City from Iloilo: Make your way to Loney Port where different ferries are available catering the Iloilo to Bacolod City route. Travel time is around 1.5 hours and one-way fare is Php 315 (via 2GO).
Bacolod is one of my favorite places when traveling in Visayas.