Located on the bay, the capital of the Philippines is a charming mix of modern and ancient, with something to offer everyone. Manila boasts Spanish colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century, including the Santiago Fort and the Baroque San Agustin Church. Around Intramuros (the historic center of the city) you will find more historical treasures. The modern part of the city is bustling with life, with non-stop traffic day and night, with skyscrapers, shopping malls, restaurants, museums and much more.
Hundreds of kilometers south, the city of Bacolod is a scaled-down version of Manila. At first glance, this sugar town doesn’t have much to offer to tourism. It’s a good hub for the area, but the truth is that Bacolod also has historic sites, museums, and parks, and it’s also the perfect place to explore Mount Canlaon National Park. Bacolod is also a city known for its delicious food, so it’s the perfect place for those who enjoy local cuisine. If you want to get from Manila to Bacolod, read on for the best transportation options.
Options to go from Manila to Bacolod
As with any trip to the Philippines, getting from Manila to Bacolod involves passing through several islands and waters, so the trip can be very interesting. There are many flights that operate from Manila to Bacolod and this is the fastest option to travel between the two cities. The distance traveled by plane is approximately 480 kilometers. However, if you choose to travel by land or ferry, the total distance will be much longer. Traveling by road is a viable option but we don’t consider it advisable as it requires you to cross several islands and take a ferry every time you need to cross to the next one. If you’re renting a car and want to explore the Philippines slowly, this can be a fun way to travel, but the best options are plane and ferry, which provides a direct route. Compared to the plane, the ferry takes much longer to get to Bacolod, but the experience is completely different. Read on to decide how you prefer to get from Manila to Bacolod.
Flights from Manila to Bacolod
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Cebu Pacific on the runway © Rainier Martin Ampongan / Shutterstock.com
It’s easy to see why the Manila to Bacolod flight option is so attractive. The plane is very fast compared to the ferry and although the tickets are usually more expensive, the truth is that you can find affordable prices on this route. Given that the cost is reasonable, flying seems like the best option when you consider all the time saved.
When comparing travel options, keep in mind that you need to allocate more time than the duration of the flight. You will need to go from Manila to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which is close to the center but takes some time to get there by public transport. You can also choose jeepney or taxi. Add to that the time it takes to check in, go through security and wait for boarding. The flight itself takes just over an hour. This route is served by several airlines, so it’s easier to find cheap tickets. Book in advance to find the best deals. If you can be flexible about the time and day of departure, you can save a little more.
Flights from Manila to Bacolod can be booked on the travel website 12Go.asia. Search for a route from Manila to Bacolod and you will see all available flights on the date of your choice. Ferry options will also appear, so you can compare both modes and make your decision after reading reviews from other travelers who have already used these services.
Airlines serving the Manila to Bacolod route include Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Philippines AirAsia. There are several flights every day of the week.
In Bacolod, you will land at Bacolod-Silay Airport, which is 15 kilometers from the city. Bacolod is easy to get to using public transport vehicles, shuttle buses which are cheaper than taxis.
Taking into account transfers and waiting at airports, the journey from Manila to Bacolod should take a maximum of half a day. If you have an early morning flight, you will arrive in Bacolod with plenty of time to check in at your hotel and find a good place for dinner.
Ferry from Manila to Bacolod
The ferry ride from Manila to Bacolod takes longer, but it is a common way to travel between the two cities. Many locals always take these ferries because it’s a cheaper option than flying, but it’s also easy to find tourists who like to travel by ferry in the Philippines or want to save some money. In addition to these savings, the ferry offers a completely different experience, perfect for leisure travelers who want to enjoy their journey the same way as any destination.
2GOTravel operates direct ferries from Manila to Bacolod three times a week. With a capacity for hundreds of passengers, the ferries have different accommodation areas. There are several types of tickets depending on the class you want to travel in. As we said earlier, ferry tickets, like plane tickets, can also be booked online through the 12Go website. Here you can see the types of tickets available and compare prices before making your decision. It is worth buying tickets in advance, especially in the peak season, as ferries can fill up relatively quickly. If you leave it to the last minute, you may not have much choice or even tickets.
Super economy class on the 2GO Travel ferry © Happy Auer / Shutterstock.com
The ferry crossing from Manila to Bacolod takes around 20 hours from port to port, so it also travels overnight. Traveling by ferry is a great way to experience the Philippines from a different perspective, meet the locals and soak up the culture. Ferries offer all kinds of dining and entertainment services. It’s hard to get bored, but make sure you choose your ticket type well, especially if you want to travel in privacy, as many tickets give you access to shared cabins with other passengers.
As you can see, getting from Manila to Bacolod is very easy. You just have to decide if you want to spend a little more to reach your destination in a short time or if you prefer to relax and admire the scenery from the ferry.