PHILIPPINES

Embrace Slow Travel in Bacolod

Slow travel is a response to the fast-paced nature of modern tourism, offering more enriching and leisurely travel experiences. These concepts encourage travelers to connect deeply with their destinations, fostering a greater appreciation for the diversity and beauty of the world. By taking the time to appreciate local culture, environment and heritage, slow tourism aims to minimize carbon footprints and the negative impacts of tourism. It promotes sustainability and authenticity, creating mutually beneficial exchanges between visitors and local communities.

Bacolod, a city in the Philippines, exemplifies the principles of slow tourism through its unique culinary and cultural offerings. Known for its rich food culture, Bacolod invites travelers to join TeamTikim for a day and sample its famous dishes. One highlight is cansi, a savory beef dish cooked with spices and batwan, recognized as one of the best street foods in Asia by the World Street Food Congress. Bacolod’s strong sugar industry influences its local cuisine, offering sweet treats like napoleones, ensaimadas and piaya, which reflect the region’s penchant for sweets.

A slow tourism itinerary in Bacolod might include a lunch degustation at Lanai, where visitors can enjoy good, clean and fair food, enhancing their appreciation for local culinary traditions. In the afternoon, a visit to the Hand Made Gallery provides an opportunity to learn and engage with local crafts by assembling a wind chime, offering a tangible and memorable souvenir.

Overall, slow tourism in Bacolod emphasizes sustainability, cultural immersion and meaningful interactions, providing a richer travel experience that benefits both the travelers and the local community. This approach to travel not only supports environmental and cultural preservation but also ensures that tourism has a positive impact on the destinations and people involved.