Aside from the perfect summer getaways in Bacolod, it also boasts with its rich cultural heritage that can be seen in the historical structures along the corners of the city. 

The Ruins in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, Philippines was built more than a century ago and was eventually preserved for tourist attraction.  It was formerly owned by a rich family in Negros but was burnt down during the Japanese-American War in the Philippines. 

The Ruins is by far the largest mansion built in the 1900s that exhibit a grandiose engineering. Its vintage design is what makes The Ruins awe-inspiring!

Inside The Ruins

 A little cafe for the tourists who  want to unwind while sight-seeing. 

 

Because of its antiquated aura, it complemented the setting of a local TV drama series, Ikaw Lamang (Only You) starred by Kim Chiu and Coco Martin. 

 This is the part of the garden where Isabel (played by Kim Chiu) dropped her diary)

Till our next laag!

It's my second time here and I'd still want to come back to this soothing and esoteric abode of nature. I'd love to feel its refreshing breeze again. The fascinating beauty of the earth's flora and fauna is what I'd yearn to see once more.

It's an hour drive from where we (my friends/colleagues) stayed in Silay, Negros Occidental (only in the Philippines!) but the hour would seem minutes as you get to enjoy the scenery on your way to Mambukal Mountain Resort. Entrance fee is at Php50. As you arrive, you'd get to have that mystical feeling seeing the long unwinding road going to the resort. You can just get down from your car and take that relaxing walk and discover nature's diverse biome. You'd be surprised with the different plant species that spring like wild grass on a cliff or a rock. A few stalls which display flowering and ornamental plants can be found there for affordable prices. You can haggle if your want to.  :)

Every corner of this resort can be perfect for photo shoots. Best for selfies too! LOL. Now, you've noticed its bountiful flora. Take a 'look-up' and you'd see dark withered leaves. What-seemed-to-be-withered-leaves are actually BATS! Yep, hundreds or even thousands of bats. Too difficult to get the statistics but I saw a camp of baaaatsss! Kinda creepy though but it isn't terrifying at all.

Now you wouldn't want to stop exploring the place. Finding a cabin or a lodge for sleeping is not something you'd probably want to do now but there are cottages/cabins and even camping tents for rent. But if you wish to just stay for the day, you may choose the trellis/picnic huts near the pool which costs Php300 - Php600.

Mambukal Mt Resort is like a one-stop  place for nature-lovers. There are lots of features/facilities which you and your family can enjoy.Two features I couldn't just forego are its incredible massage service and the warm dipping pool.

Swimming has always been my thing. I love pools and beaches but what is really remarkable with this place is its warm sulfur dipping pool. Swimming in Mambukal takes one up into a new level because of its soothing and therapeutic effect. Just a personal testimony here, I felt relieved from all the muscle cramps I got from the rope course adventure. You just have to follow a few steps before and after dipping into the pool to avoid nauseating effects.While strolling around, you'd be amazed to see smaller pools of warm sulfur that's near to boiling point. I've seen an old woman, probably in her 90s, bathing in one of those little pools. I was thinking the pools there could somehow cure certain body discomforts.

If you're not into the warm bath, you can have the swimming pool. Entrance fee is at P50. Proper swimming attire should be worn. The depth of the pool was perfect for me because I'm not that tall anyway. LOL. Late afternoon or night swimming would be ideal for those who want to relax and feel the soothing breeze of the resort plus the pool isn't too crowded in the evening.

Mambukal can also be a rendezvous with its romantic lagoon where you can have boating, that's Php30/head for 30 minutes. Their zipline adventure is not that dreadful but it's worth the try. It costs only Php 50. If you'd like some more nature tripping, you can go for waterfall trekking, canopy walks, outdoor camping and wall climbing. You can also visit their spa or watch butterflies in the sanctuary.

Resort's Features:

Waterfall Trekking

One of the Seven Falls

Boating

Till our next laag!

 I and my co-teachers had planned to visit one of our colleagues' hometown a month ago. Just a week after the closing ceremonies and the hectic days of complying with clearance requirements and furnishing all school forms, I crammed for our trip. I had a last minute preparation for the stuff we need for the short vacation. Despite all these, the trip was worthwhile.

The first place we visited was the famous Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City. I guess it was an hour (or less) drive from Silay Airport. Entrance fee was at P150 which entitles you to swimming pool and playground usage.We rented an umbrella hut near the pool. The view from there was perfect! We bought our own food which was perfectly fine. No corkage whatsoever!

I didn't get to enjoy the pool because I was so excited to try the seemingly adventurous rope course. According to its developer, it is the longest and toughest rope course in the Philippines. It seems easy and passable but first impressions never really last. HAHAHA! 

We tried the rope course as a group, three gave up, one faltered and tried again, and the rest were able to surpass the obstacles without failing. 

Other features which you may not find elsewhere: 

Movie and Anime Characters 
Perfect for photo buffs and bombers! Get wacky :P *Selfie! selfie!

Wish I could go back to this place for a relaxing getaway. I'd love to have an overnight stay in one of its igloos but I'd probably have a chance next time. I can just imagine the soft cold breeze during the night. It would be perfect for a honeymoon (Yaykss!!) or simply for a family  vacation.



x0x0,
Travelsome Chic