Known as the City of Smiles, Bacolod is also home to several temples that allow meditations and offers Buddhism and Taoism opportunities for the intrigued spirit.
But, before we get into the top 3 temples to visit, here are some rules to keep in mind prior to entering the temples:
- Be decent – Remember that the temple is a sacred place, so wear pants or skirts that go below your knees and avoid revealing tops. Respecting the culture of a certain place is vital, whether you’re a visitor or not.
- Hush – There may be monks praying within the temple so lower your voices when entering the premises and just observe.
- Leave meat outside – Never bring any type of meat inside the temple gates. Most temples sell vegetarian food and snacks inside, especially during festivals so enjoy a healthy break while you’re visiting each temple.
- Ask permission – Temple architectures are beautiful and can be refreshing to look at, making the place an automatic Instagrammable wonder, however, before snapping photos, always make sure to ask permission from the nearby guards to make sure that you can indeed take photos in that area.
- Don’t litter – This should be a no-brainer but as a reminder, throw your trash at the bins or stash it with you; be a responsible laagan!
Top Temples to Visit In Bacolod
So, now, let’s check out the temples that we can add to our spiritual vacation bucket list in Bacolod:
Fo Guang Shang Yuan Thong Temple
The Fo Guang Shang Yuan Thong Temple is one of the temples founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Monastic Order. The temple is not only a place of spiritual monastic practices but also a place filled with culture and arts. Tons of events and activities are held at the temple each year such as the upcoming Lantern Painting activities for the Mooncake Festival and the Lantern Making Competition for year 2025.
HOW TO GET THERE?
- Exact Location: Fo Guang Shan Bacolod Yuan Thong Temple, 2876 Burgos Street, 6th Road, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Fo Guang Shan Bacolod Yuan Thong Temple” as your destination. It is located nearby Landers Superstore so you can also use that establishment as your landmark.
Fa Tzang Temple
Hailed as the biggest temple in Bacolod City, the Fa Tzang Temple houses not only a Golden Buddha but also a garden shed with paintings of Chinese deities. The area is filled with lush green trees and has two main lion statues known as the Yin and Yang of the place, guarding the temple from evil entities.
HOW TO GET THERE?
- Exact Location: Fa Tzang temple, MXF7+CFG, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
- By Car: The temple is located just a street away from the Barangay Hall of Villamonte, Bacolod; so, just navigate via Waze or Google Maps upon arrival at the area to find your way to the temple.
Yong Tho Taoist Temple
A quaint but beautifully crafted place is the Yong Tho Taoist Temple. Its highlight includes the small lotus pond and the dragons adorned at the temple’s roof. It is a colorful temple open to the public; but, as always, be sure to be respectful when visiting the place as it is a sacred space for Taoist believers.
HOW TO GET THERE?
- Exact Location: MXG7+9CM, Camunsil St., La Salle Village, Villamonte, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental
- By Car: Navigate via Waze or Google Maps and pin “Yong Tho Taoist Temple” as your destination once you arrive at Villamonte, Bacolod. The place is nearby the University of St. La Salle.
So, what are you waiting for? Set the dates for when you’ll be visiting these temples and enjoy a day of peace, calm, serenity, and meditation now!
