Sunday, September 18, 2011

Inland Resorts: Best Places in Negros Occidental


The Quiet Place Farm Resort located at Brgy. Tabunan, Bago City is 20-minute drive south east between the border of Bago and Bacolod City, set on 20 hectares of sloping terrain fringed with trees. The Quiet Place Farm Resort is fully functioning agricultural estate offering a unique experience of rural life in the tropics without the sacrifice of comfort.

It has 26 deluxe rooms and full service restaurant with a swimming pool, pavilions for parties and events up to 200, air-conditioned meeting room for 40, a library, billiard, table tennis and other board games, a children’s play park, a camping ground, a hiking trail, barbecue pits for outdoor picnics, and a tropical spa offering traditional local wellness practices with herbs and oils produced on site. For more information, please visit the booking office at 2/F DC Cruz Building, Magsaysay Avenue. Bacolod City or call Tel. No. (034) 731-0100.

Natures Village Resort & Hotel is located along the highway of Talisay City, just 10 to 15 minutes from Bacolod City. The resort has a driving range, tennis court, restaurant, resort swimming pool, kiddie pool, children’s park, gazebos and picnic grove, function hall, and standard hotel. For reservation or bookings the resort can be reached through Tel. Nos. (034) 495-3368, 712-1272, Fax No. (034) 495-0808, Website www.naturesvillageresort. net.

Sta. Fe Resort is a 20-minute drive from downtown Bacolod to the east at Brgy. Granada, Bacolod City. The resort is accessible by taxi or jeepneys and is equipped with 50 and 25 meters swimming pool, a kiddie pool, a tennis court, air-conditioned rooms, and dormitory type facilities with bowling lanes, open field for basketball and volleyball, a mini zoo, a restaurant, shed houses and function rooms for weddings, meetings and family reunions & TS Home to the only accredited shooting range Central Negros Shooters Association in Bacolod. For reservations please call 432-1473, Fax No. 434-1456.

Carribean Waterpark Resotel, Goldenfields Commercial Complex, Bacolod City,Tel. No. 7096059

Palmas del Mar Conference Resort Hotel, J.R. Torres Avenue, Tangub, Bacolod City, Tel. No.435-3527 434-7971

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Mountain Resorts: Best Places in Negros Occidental


Mambukal Resort 31 kilometers east of Bacolod is surrounded by therapeutic sulfur springs, leisure traits leading to the three waterfalls, mountain streams, lush valleys and hiking trails leading up to Mount Kanlaon. A perfect place for eco-tourist, the resort has accommodation facilities, swimming pools and therapeutic warm dipping pools, picnic huts, bat watching, boating facilities, wall climbing, slide for life, canopy walk, and camping ground, overnight cottages and food court. For reservation or inquiries please call 709-0990, 433-8516 or (fax) 7100-800.

Guintubdan Nature Camp located at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon is a cool place where one can unwind and trek down to the falls. There are accommodation facilities available, food can be cooked at the camp, reservations can be made thru the City Tourism Office at Tel. No. (034) 460-2459.

Buenos Aires Mountain Resort is a government-run resort located at Brgy. Ilijan, Bago City about 45 minutes drive from Bacolod to the south-east. The resort is equipped with hotel rooms, cottages, pavilions, booths, shed houses, function rooms, a restaurant and swimming pool. Contact # 4610-164 or fax to 4610-199 or e-mail to bago@lasaltech. com.

Balicaocao Highland Resort. Gently nestled on the hill more 500 feet above sea level, Balicaocao offers perfect ambiance for leisure while taking a breathtaking view and panorama of the coastal towns of southern Negros, the blue waters of Panay Gulf and the Island of Guimaras. It has two pavilions, four cottages, shed houses, swimming pool and cooking area perfect for family picnics, located at Brgy. Orong, Kabankalan is two hours and a .half drive from Bacolod to the south. The resort has swimming pool, a pavilion and four cottages for overnight accommodation. Reservation can be arranged thru the Kabankalan City Tourism at (034) 4712-291.

Pandanon Valley Resort is 45-minute drive from Bacolod City. Located at Brgy. Pandanon Silos, Murcia, this river resort has function halls,day cottages and accommodation facilities with a swimming pool, plus packages are offered for the adventurous who wants to explore the river. For reservation and information, please visit the booking office at Hang-Hang & Mayon Sts.,Villamonte,Bacolod City or call (034) 433-5527 and (034) 455-0550.

Kipot Summer Resort is located at Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City, the resort is ten minutes away from Buenos Aires Mountain Resort which is also run by City Government of Bago, the resort has cottages for overnight accommodation, and shed houses for family picnics, with 300 steps going to and from the waterfalls, Reservations can be made through the City Tourism Office tel. 4610-540 or fax thru 732-8036.

Rafael Salas Nature Park is located at the foot of Mi. Kanlaon which has accommodation facilities for retreats and seminars, Tel. 0927-2767937.

Mag-aso Falls is a 20-minute drive from the city proper. With large mountain as backdrop, Mag-aso Falls releases a smoke-like shower of mist as it cascade down the natural pool with its turquoise green water.

Baji-Baji Spring Resort. The resort features a big swimming pool and two kiddie pools of fresh spring waters and a nearly waterfall for the more adventurous activity. The resort is suited for overnight camping activities. It is located in the municipality of La Castellana, Tel.No. (034) 485-0209.

Tikoy-tikoy Spring Resort. Twin pools and lush greeneries can be seen in the area. Species of Hibiscus, euphorbia, monkeys, bat haven and birds are among the attractions of the resort. The power supply is sourced from the micro-hydro electric power based in the resort. An eco trail featuring endemic tree species is also the attraction of the place.

Gawahon Eco-tourism Development Project is another tourist attraction int the city of Victorias. It has seven natural waterfalls that nature lovers and trekkers would love to explore. Various facilities and other infrastructure projects are being implemented through the Gawahon Eco-tourism Development Project. Today, existing facilities included include a two-room staff house, a one-room cottage and open shed house/picnic cabanas. Ongoing projects include road improvement; construction of additional open shed houses/ picnic cabanas, boating lagoon and staff quarters.

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Beach Resorts: Best Places in Negros Occidental


Campomanes Bay is a favorite dive site for safari divers with its beautiful coral gardens and sunken warships. It has an enticing pristine waters and white sand beach.

Sugar Beach formerly called Langub Beach is a long stretch of sugary light brown sand with pristine blue waters. There are high quality standard resorts in this fine stretch of sand. They are the Taka Tuka Beach and Diving Resort, Bermuda Beach Resort, Driftwood Village Resort, Sulu Sunset Resort and Langub Beach Resort. Sugar Beach is a 20-minute boat ride from the town proper.

Punta Ballo Beach is found on the other side of the Sugar Beach. This place boasts of first class diving resorts like Artistic Diving and Beach Resort and Easy Diving Resort. Nataasan Beach Front is also found in this side. This area is blessed with white sand and cool blue waters

Palau Beach Resort offers overnight accommodations. It has a restaurant and it is accessible anytime of the day.

Sagay Marine Reserve that is well-managed protected area and a balanced marine and terrestrial ecosystems with abundant resources that caters to the needs of the stakeholders towards sustainable development and progress and is considered as one of the prime eco-tourism destinations in the country.

Carbin Reef is a marine sanctuary with its huge, tongue-shaped, creamy white sandbar and its clear water offers the freshest option for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, picnic, boating or just frolicking in the sand.

Panal Reef is another marine sanctuary which offers the best snorkeling area for tourists to enjoy the colorful corals and marine life.

Macahulom Reef is a beautiful sight with its migratory birds flocking to its shore during certain months. Its crystalline waters and pure sea breeze make boat cruise in the area a soulful experience.

Molocaboc Island home to fisherfolk where big jars, mangrove reforestation and a miracle hole “amatong” fishing are found.

Lakawon Island Resort is a white sand island paradise amid clear blue waters. The resort has a magnificent view of the sunset. It is a peaceful haven that offers diving, surfing and jet skiing.

Laura’s Seafront Beach Resort. This seafront beach resort prides itself with its magnificent Olympic-size swimming pool. It’s ideal for night swimming and family outing. Its stylish and neat beach houses and cottages add charm to its already-stunning view.

Sicaba Beach Resort is 7 kilometers from crossing Martisan. It has rooms for overnight stay and open cottages for day excursionists. Fishing is also available in the resort. It has two 200 meters bamboo bridges ideal for watching fishes shaded under the mangroves.

Sipaway Island is geographically known as Refugio Island. A favorite rendezvous of local and foreign guests. It has beautiful century-old Balete tree, white sand beach resorts and natural reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving. Travel time is only 15 minutes from the pier by local outrigger.

Whispering Palm Island Resort in Sipaway is a white sand beach resort and a 15-minute boat ride from the city proper. It has air conditioned cottages, cocktail bar, multi-purpose hall, restaurant, gym, seafood grill house, mini-zoo, swimming pool, tropical garden and children’s playground.

Danjugan Island is the largest of the Bulata Islands in Cauayan whose white sand beaches and underwater world rich in marine life makes it a favorite destination of foreign diving enthusiasts and conservationists, particularly coming from the United Kingdom, among them the Coral Cay Conservation volunteers.

Managed by the Philippine Reefs and Rainforests Conservation Foundation, Inc, this 15 kilometers long and half kilometer wide island is comprised of lush tropical forest, five lagoons, beach and mangrove forests, seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Hulao-Hulao Reef is a coral reef situated in Brgy. Caliling. It is a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland. Special interests include different coral species, fishes and other marine life.

Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa. Enjoy life through nature and wellness in comfort. Wake up to the call of Kingfishers and Orioles. Take in the fresh sea air on your early morning walk on the sandy white beach. Swim in the clear blue waters of the Sulu Sea.

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Punta Bulata, Sipalay, Negros Occidental: One of the Best Places in Negros Occidental


Nestled 154 kilometers south of Bacolod City lies one of Negros Island’s best-kept secrets. Punta Bulata White Beach Resort and Spa is a tropical hidden paradise that truly reflects the laid back lifestyle of the opulent sugar barons of Negros Island. Enjoy one whole kilometer stretch of white sand beach in privacy and exclusivity as you spend quality time with your friends and family.

From native Filipino nipa-hut cottages to luxurious spa rooms, guests at Punta Bulata Resort are able to choose from a wide variety of accommodations that are all just a few steps away from the beach. Step into Capiz-shell doors and garden bathrooms, take in the fresh ocean breeze, and wake to the call of orioles at The Ayu Spa at Punta Bulata, where twelve unique spa guest rooms await the weary traveler in search of a comforting temple of relaxation.

Punta Bulata Resort is known to have one of the finest and whitest beaches in Negros Island, comparable to those of the popular island destinations of Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and Palawan, and its waters are teeming with marine and coral life. A mere 10-minute boat ride from Punta Bulata Resort, Danjugan Island Marine and Wildlife Reserve is a small island surrounded by coral reefs as diverse as the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. Aside from having some of the best diving sites in the Philippines, day trips to Danjugan Island also allow you to enjoy several other outdoor adventures and activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, and bird-watching.


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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Geography of Negros Occidental Where Best Places can be found

Negros Occidental is located in the western side of Negros Island, the fourth largest island in the Philippines with a total land area of 972,607 hectares or 9,726.06 sq. kms.

The province is approximately 375 kilometers long from north to south. It is bounded by the Visayan Sea in the north, Panay Gulf on the west, Tanon Strait and Negros Oriental province on the east and Sulu Sea on the south. Negros is basically volcanic, making its soil ideal for agriculture. Eighty percent of all arable land is cultivated.

Mount Kanlaon is one of the mountain ranges found in the heart of Negros Island. One of the country’s 13 most active volcanoes, Kanlaon is the highest peak in Central Philippines. At an elevation of 2,465 meters above sea level, the most dominant and attractive feature of which is its active summit-crater. Mt. Kanlaon has a land area of 24,577.6 hectares, with rainforest and verdant vegetation sliced from the cities of Bago, La Carlota, San Carlos and Canlaon (in Negros Oriental) and the towns of Murcia and La Castellana.

The trek trough ridges and deep gorges for 14.5 kilometers shows a panorama of lowlands and carved mountains. An 8.5 kilometer ascent along sights of refreshing waterfalls and treacherous trails best capture the moods of this unpredictable volcano. Rare endemic species such as the Bleeding Heart Pigeon and the Negros Fruit Dove are protected in this park, which makes bird watching a prime attraction. Other birds include woodpeckers, bulbuls, babblers, warblers and flycatchers. The Guintubdan Nature Camp in La Carlota City is one of the best take-off points in climbing Mt. Kanlaon.

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What Makes Towns and Cities of Negros the Best Places in Negros Occidental

Here's what makes towns and cities of Negros the best places in Negros Occidental:


Sugar is central to the evolution of the Negrense culture. The affluence and the prosperity that the industry brought to the province nourished a charming, genteel, sometimes lavish spirit that sets the Negrense apart from his Ilonggo kinsman. Negrense are regarded as affectionate, generous, fun loving people who enjoy the finer things in life. As a labor force, however, Negrenses are highly motivated, educated, skilled, trainable and entrepreneurial individuals.

Negros pastries and confectionary are equally renowned, with guapple pie, piaya, barquillos, pinasugbo, pastel de mangga, panyo-panyo, butong-butong and dulce gatas ranked among the favorites. Negros is also presently giving Davao and Bicol Region a run for their pastilles de durian and pili nuts, respectively.


Chicken Inasal
Negrenses celebrate in style. Negros cuisine developed from this eagerness for festivity, though much of this remarkable cuisine is guarded jealously in family kitchens. Aside from dishes cooked with Spanish influences, probably the most famous dish Negros Occidental is remembered for is Inasal (barbecued marinated chicken).
Negrense Sports

Negrenses are noted for their artistic abilities as well as for their love for sports. Many Negrense artists-designers/architects, cartoonists/visual artists have gained national and international distinction in their fields. The province is also noted for its world-class athletes in track and field, swimming, football, softball, golf and boxing among others. Even in the field of cock-fighting, it is known as the home of the best handlers and gamefowl breeders.


Festivals
The Negrenses’ joie de vivre is manifested in the various festivals all over the province, foremost among which are famous MassKara Festival of Bacolod, Pasalamat Festival of La Carlota, Bailes de Luces of La Castellana and Pintaflores Festival of San Carlos. These and other interesting local festivals are featured during the Pana-ad sa Negros Festival staged every April at the 25-hectare tree-lined Pana-ad Stadium in Bacolod City. Dubbed as the “Festival of Festivals”, Pana-ad brings together the 13 cities and 19 towns in a showcase of history, arts and culture, tourism, trade, commerce and industry, beauty and talent as well as games and sports.


“Man and Beast” sculpture at the Capitol Lagoon
Negros Occidental is rich in structures and buildings that are remnants of a once affluent lifestyle. The Palacio Episcopal (1930), San Sebastian Cathedral (1876) and the Capitol Building (1931), are popular landmarks. Silay City has fine examples of sugar barons’ palatial homes. In other towns, steam locomotives that used to cart sugarcane from the fields to refineries attract steam-engine enthusiasts from all over the world. There are also impressive churches all over the province, both built recently and during the Spanish era.

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Monday, August 8, 2011

New Government Center at Bacolod City: Best Places in Negros Occidental


The New Government Center of Bacolod City at night...one of the best places in Negros Occidental...


A closer view of the New Government Center, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental...


What makes the New Government Center alive and refreshing all day and night is its fountain and the spacious ground. It is a haven for leisurely walk and simple family evenings...truly one of the best places in Negros Occidental!



Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Chalet Restaurant: Best Places in Negros Occidental, Bacolod City


At Chalet Restaurant at the roof top of L'Fisher Hotel gives everyone a clear view of the cool blue skies of Bacolod City, making it one of the best places in Negros Occidental!


What makes Chalet Restaurant one of the best places in Negros Occidental is its refreshing pool at the roof top of L'Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City...



The cool, blue waters of the swimming pool while waiting for your delicious food and chatting the hours away truly makes Chalet Restaurant at L'Fisher Hotel one of the best places in Negros Occidental...





And the bar right beside the pool makes your stay at the cool waters hot, enjoyable and refreshing...



Chalet Restaurant at the rooftop of L'Fisher Hotel, Bacolod City, as one of the best places in Negros Occidental, truly makes your family bonding great and memorable!

Friday, July 15, 2011

New Best Places in Negros Occidental


The Water Garden at Forest Park, Taculing, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. Welcome to one of the new best places in Negros Occidental! The Water Garden at Forest Park Resort is bigger, better and more relaxing, recreational, enjoyable and educational resort. It is the ultimate destination for the whole family– be it a weekday or a weekend. The resort, surrounded by canopy trees, has a “lazy river”- with water current pushing one around the bend, a 2,000 sq. m. wide “big pool”, a “play fountain”, and a mini zoo. It has Mini Gazebos for 30 to 70-person gatherings.


Three coins in a fountain - found right before you enter the Water Garden at the Forest Park




The Water Garden at the Forest Park...truly one of the best places in Negros Occidental!














Huge rock fortress meets you at the entrance of the Water Garden at the Forest Park, Taculing, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental




The biggest swimming pool in Western Visayas can be found here at the Water Garden, Forest Park, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental...

The splashing wishing well and the bridge over troubled waters below make the Water Garden at the Forest Park truly one the best places in Negros Occidental!




The water is so clear, so cool and refreshing at the Water Garden. You can spend the whole day swimming and enjoying the moments as it pass...












Swimming at night time is so fascinating at the Water Garden with under water lights changing colors every now and then....




Giant splashing mushrooms at the middle of the pool makes swimming enjoyable at the Water Garden...



Outside the Water Park are tall shady trees creating a cool and relaxing atmosphere to the Water Garden at the Forest Park at Taculing, Bacolod City, and making it as one of the best places in Negros Occidental!

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Best Places in Negros Occidental

Negros Occidental's wealth has always been in its land, its natural resources, its tourist attractions, charm in its people, and pride in its cuisine. Hereunder are some of the best places in Negros Occidental:

1. Sipalay, Negros Occidental

Sipalay is located at the southern portion of Negros Occidental. It is approximately 3 hours from Bacolod City by private car and about 4 hours when you ride a bus. Sipalay has many beautiful, clean, quiet and white sand beaches which everyone can enjoy swimming. The last time i went to Sipalay, Negros Occidental was May 2007. Read more...


2. Mambukal Resort, Negros Occidental


About 30 minutes drive away from Bacolod City lies a picturesque mountain resort managed by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental. The Mambukal Mountain Resort located in the town of Murcia, Negros Occidental lies 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as gateway to Mt. kanlaon.

The resort was originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927. The resort started as a bath house and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses and their guests. Read more...


3. Lakawon Beach, Cadiz, Negros Occidental

At the northern part of Negros Occidental, about 1 and a half ride from Bacolod City is Cadiz City where Lakawon Beach is located. From Cadiz City, you have to take a 20 minute pumpboat ride to the beautiful Lakawon Island of Cadiz, one of the best places in Negros Occidental...Read more...


4. Caribbean Waterpark and Resortel


At the heart of Bacolod City, one can find the Caribbean Waterpark and Resortel. It is located at Goldenfield Commercial Complex, about 5 minutes ride from downtown Bacolod. Caribbean Waterpark and Resortel is one of the best places in Negros Occidental! More pics...


5. Sea Mystic Beach Resort - Cauayan, Negros Occidental


Sea Mystic Beach Resort at Cauayan, Negros Occidental is about 2 and a half hours from Bacolod City when you drive a private car. The place is cool, quiet and relaxing...truly one of the best places in Negros Occidental. Read more...

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Mambukal Mountain Resort: Best Places in Negros Occidental


After years of seeming hibernation, Mambukal Mountain Resort is once again emerging as Negros Occidental’s premier resort and tourist destination. The improvement of the tourism flagship of the province continues with the inauguration of the 300-person capacity Convention Center and the operation of the newly renovated Ishiwata Bath House.

Mambukal Resort lies 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as a gateway to the Mt. Kanlaon Volcano. Originally developed by a Japanese architect named Ishiwata in 1927, the resort started as a bath house and picnic garden and has provided cool haven for Negrenses and their guests. Spread over 23.6 hectares, Mambukal is blessed with exceptionally beautiful natural resources.

The Boating Lagoon


A big mountain stream, fed by several tributaries, descends in a series of seven falls and cuts through the center of the resort, feeding the swimming pools and boating lagoon. Mambukal also boasts a number of hot sulfur springs whose medicinal waters are a balm for the weary flesh and continually feeds the warm dipping pool.

The Sulfur Spring

Its slopes and dips house interesting rock formations and lush forests of tropical and semi-tropical trees as well as a variety of pines, ferns and orchids that thrive on its cool climate and rich soil, known as Mambukal clay. The resort has strategically located viewing decks or, for more intimate encounters with nature, the Canopy Walk, with its hanging bridges. Or go all-out and challenge yourself on the Rock Climbing Wall or the Slide for Life.

For visitors who wish to take time, the Tourist Lodge offers standard rooms and suites. There are single airconditioned cottages or camp sites to choose from as well as picnic sheds for day visitors.

The Tourist Lodge

Mambukal is also ideal for those inclined mix business with pleasure, with a conference room and various function rooms available. To rejuvenate one’s spirits and touch base with Mother Earth, there is nothing like Mambukal’s regular programs and special events such as bat, bird and firefly watching and the annual Mudpack Festival, fast becoming a rave among artists and tourists from all over the world.

Mudpack Festival



The improvement of Negros Occidental’s tourism flagship, the Mambukal Resort, continued with the construction of the 300-person capacity Convention Hall, assisted by the Department of Tourism, which was recently inaugurated during the 9th Mudpack Festival.

No other resort in the Visayas gives one a holistic experience of nature that invigorates the mind and soul, transporting visitors to the realm of peace and tranquility – and the journey starts from the gateways of Mambukal, Negros Occidental.

Contacts
Mambukal Mountain Resort
Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia
Province of Negros Occidental, Philippines
Tel. No. (034) 7100-800/TeleFax (034) 7100-801

Mambukal Reservation Office
Provincial Capitol Building
Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City
Tel. No. (034) 709-0990/TeleFax (034) 433-8516

Negros Occidental Tourism Center
Provincial Capitol Building
Gatuslao Street, Bacolod City
TeleFax (034) 709-8755/Tel. No. (034) 433-2515
E-Mail: tourism@negros-occ.gov.ph

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Best Places in Negros Occidental: Mambukal Resort

Here is a Tariff Sheet that may serve as a guide if you want to go to Mambukal Resort, one of the best places in Negros Occidental:

Entrance
• Adult 30.00php/head
• Children 10.00php/head
Entrance with parking
• Light vehicles 15.00php
• Truck/Bus 30.00php
Swimming Pools (New Pool, Mambo Pool, Dipping Pool)
• 12 years old up 50.00php/head
• 11 years old and below 20.00php/head
PICNIC HUTS
• Small 300.00php
• Big 600.00php




WALL CLIMBING 25.00php
SLIDE FOR LIFE 100.00php/2 trips
CANOPY WALK 50.00php
BOATING 30.00php/head
BUTTERFLY GARDEN 20.00php/head

ACCOMMODATIONS

LGU COTTAGES 900.00php/2 single beds
1200.00php/4 single beds
1500.00php/6 single beds

TOURIST LODGE
• Ordinary 600.00php
• Deluxe 750.00php
• Suite 1,000.00php

DORMITORY
• Exclusive 2,000.00php, 100.00php/head
Check in 2:00 p.m.
Check out 12:00 noon

TABLES WITH 4 CHAIRS 100.00php
ADDITIONAL FOAM 100.00php
CANOPY W/ 1 TABLE 300.00php
AND 6 CHAIRS CONFERENCE HALL
Entirely versatile, configured with audio visual, lighting and meeting equipment for seminars conferences and banquets:
The entire hall is divisible into 3 sections.
Accommodates up tp 300 persons.

*CATERING IS AVAILABLE*
FOR RESERVATIONS:
(034) 709-0990 / (034) 433-8516
Mambukal Reservation Office
(034) 7100-800/7100-801
Mambukal Office

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Mambukal Resort - one of the best places in Negros Occidental


There are many reasons why Mambukal Resort is considered one of the best places in Negros Occidental. It has many beautiful sites, both made by man and by Mother Nature. The Hot Springs with sulfuric soda water is one of them. A bath house with spa, famous to the Asian people, particularly the Japanese tourists, is supplied with hot and cold water from the springs coming from the mountain.

Known for its therapeutic treatment, people with body fatigue dip into it to relieved their stress and have relaxed. The Mambukal Resort lies 1,200 feet or about 366 meters above sea level and serves as a gateway to the Mount Kanlaon Volcano.
The Mount Kanlaon Volcano is one of the prides of the Visayans because of its exceptional beauty. The Mount Kanlaon is the highest mountain peak in Visayas or the Central Philippines. It has a height of 8,088 feet or about 2,465 meters and a base diameter of 30,000 meters. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the country and is part of the Negros Volcanic Belt.




Mount Kanlaon is surrounded by volcanic peaks and several craters. It is also the host of many waterfalls such as the two waterfalls of Quipot and the Sudlon Falls.
Its Land Area is over 23.6 hectares, Mambukal is blessed with numerous beautiful natural resources. A huge mountain stream, fed by several water channels, flows down in a series of seven falls and flows through the center of the resort, feeding the swimming pools and boating lagoon.

The resort has an ideal location for viewing decks or, for more great encounters with nature, the Canopy Walk with its hanging bridges. You can also challenge yourself on the Rock Climbing Wall or the Slide for Life. Its slopes are full of rock formations and green forests. Truly, beautiful and very inviting to everyone who saw these place.

It is abundant of different types of tropical trees together with many variety of pines, ferns and orchids that thrive on its low-temperature climate and rich soil also known as Mambukal clay.

Mambukal Resort is truly one of the best places in Negros Occidental.

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Friday, August 6, 2010

Sipalay: the place to be in


Sipalay has various natural fascinations that one can see & experience. The 3-hour land trip to the city is truly rewarding as you start exploring the bounties that abound the place.

Beach Resorts

15-minute boat ride from the city proper is the Sugar Beach - German, Swiss and Filipino-owned resorts line this sugary beach, which offers an excellent place for swimming, and various water sports activities.

Not far from the Sugar Beach is the Tinagong Dagat - a hidden sea sprinkled with a dozen islets covered with lush vegetation. The sea bottom is covered with patches of sea grass beds, with the shoreline lined by old-growth mangroves.

Punta Ballo Beach is located in close proximity to Tinagong Dagat- This fine white sandy beach is more than a kilometer stretch. It's the nearest jump off point towards the sea ideal for snorkeling & diving due to the rich marine life.

Going more or less 10 minutes from the Punta Ballo Beach is Campomanes Bay - The bay is excellent not only for diving but for jet skiing, kayaking, and all sorts of water sports. It has an existing port that caters to medium-sized sea craft. The enclosed shape of the bay and islets in its opening provide calm waters even in harsh weather conditions. Entrance to the bay is a wide expanse of coral garden with various species of corals and fish.

Sipalay is truly one of the best places in Negros Occidental!

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Sipalay City: one of the best places in Negros Occidental


Formerly a barrio of Cauayan, Sipalay had the distinction of having been used as a garrison for Spanish soldiers guarding the southern corridor of Negros Island. Original immigrants of the place came from the island of Panay, the town being just across a short sea span from what is now Iloilo. When the new settlers arrived, they drove away the natives to the mountains. No roads existed during the time, and trading was easier with Iloilo and Panay through sailboats. When the Americans came development was introduced with the putting up of schools and roads. Literacy among residents was improved.


Sipalay became a lookout point when the Japanese occupied the country, with the town being used as an outpost by the guerillas . It was also in Sipalay, in Campomanes or Maricalum Bay, where the first American submarine landed to deliver arms and supplies for the forces commanded by airman-hero Col. Jesus Villamor.

The staging of the final fight with the Japanese jumped from this point when sufficient supplies shipped from Australia arrived.


Festivals

Pasaway Festival Sipalay City has been the copper belt of southern Philippines for more than five decades. The first industrial mining of copper transformed Sipalay into a booming town and eventually into a city. Pasaway Festival is a copper worship celebrated every March 31. Participants depict the tribes in ethnic costumes with copper ornaments dancing to the beat of Pasaway music.

Sipalay City is one of the best places in Negros Occidental!

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New Governor's Message on Negros Occidental


Negros Occidental has been popularly known as “Sugarland” for producing almost 60 percent of our country’s sugar supply. However, there is more to Negros Occidental than just sugar – from the flashing smiles, the lilting singsong dialect, the opulent heritage, world famous arts and crafts, interesting churches, sparkling white beaches, mountain resorts and many more.

All these and more makes the province one of the prime destinations of both local and international tourists. It is fast earning its niche as one of the most sought after convention centers, offering its guests, comfort and convenience found in a bustling city, at the same time, the beauty of its surrounding mountains and white sand beaches just an hour or so away.



Negros Occidental is a fascinating place to choose when one wants to get away from the hectic life in the metropolis. And with the inexpensive accommodations and food, the primitive beauty of the forests and the white beaches just a stone’s throw away from the luxury of modern facilities, a visit will definitely leave a deep impression and would want one to come back for more and discover this paradise.

We hope that you too would be tempted to come and discover that there is indeed more to Negros Occidental than just sugar.

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Friday, April 9, 2010

The Ruins, Talisay City: A Gem from the Rubble, one of the best places in Negros Occidental!

The Ruins showcases what is left of the Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson Ancestral Home in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. During its heyday, the mansion was the largest residential structure ever built. It boasted of its garden of lilies in and around the four-tiered fountain on the mansion’s front lawn and the finest furniture, chinaware and decorative items that its owners brought from their travels across Europe and Asia.



The mansion dates back to the 1900s when it was built by the sugar baron, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson for his first wife, Maria Braga, a Portuguese from Macau whom he met in his vacations in Hongkong. The mansion’s structure is of Italianate architecture enhanced by a belvedere complete with renaissance-type ballustrading typical of the homes of English ship captains.


One of Don Mariano’s sons supervised the construction of the mansion making certain that the A-grade mixture of concrete and its pouring mixture was precisely followed. Thus perhaps, the marble-smooth finished walls’ sturdy response to the damage caused by fire when the mansion was torched during World War II by the USAFFE (United States Armed Forces in the Far East), then guerilla fighters in the Philippines, to prevent the Japanese Forces from utilizing it as their headquarters. The fire lasted for three days annihilating the mansion’s woodwork and bringing down its roof but the concrete structure was able to survive and persist.



Today, the 903 square meter skeletal structure stand proud, amazing local and foreign tourists. From the time that it was opened to the public in January 2008, it has become a favorite venue for wedding receptions, debuts and birthday parties (the rains could really be a downer, though). For a minimal fee of PHP25.00, one could take pictures around the mansion. Its owners, the Javellanas, are continually adding improvements in the place, even setting up a cafe which serves light drinks and snacks (for a fee, or course. And they are going to add some exciting stuff in their menu in the months to come.)


The ruins at Talisay City, Negros Occidental, truly, is one of the best places in Negros Occidental and one of the best places in the world to visit!

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