By Janice V. Busil
The noisy and the busy metropolitan is undeniably eye-straining. The deafening horns of the gigantic buses and pooling cars cause stress to our body. The seemingly unending traffic jam on the major streets of the metro is an added burden that one has to go through everyday. Now that the breeze of summer is finally here, I am sure that most of us dream of taking a break from our usual daily activities. Well, what more can be perfect than being united with mother nature. Why not escape from the fast-paced life of the city? There's a place that matches perfectly with what you exactly need.
In a 35-minute drive from the regal City of Bacolod, home of the Masskara Festival, lies a secret hideaway that offers not just comfort but invigoration as well. On the foot of the illustrious Mt. Kanlaon Volcano is a pseudoheaven for the ecological enthusiasts - the Mambukal Resort. For just PhP 10.00, a jeepney will take you to the humble barangay (village) of Minoyan in the town of Murcia. Mambukal Resort, a government-owned piece of paradise, rises 1,200 feet above sea level. It was developed by a Japanese architect named Ishiwata in 1927 as a bath house and a picnic garden.
Today, the over 23.6 hectares vast of land on the slopes of Mambukal serve as a cool tourist destination with unparalleled scenic features.
The duplex-type airconditioned cottages provide the comfort of a home to the guests. The choice of either four or more beds in each cottage equipped with shower, toilet, lavatory counter and cabinets are designed perfectly to fit the needs of a family or a group of friends. A Tourist Lodge is also available in either standard or suite rooms. Picnic halls lie side by side with each other occupying the area between the swimming pool and the boating lagoon. A rocky creek,where the cold water from the seven falls on the top of the mountain flows, offers serenity. Amidst the towering trees of different species and genus including pines and orchids is a boating lagoon that creates a peaceful aura for those who want to relax and reflect at the same time. A huge elliptical swimming pool functions as an aquatic playground for the young and the old alike. A warm sulfur dipping pool on the upper portion of the resort is also available to those pool lovers who love warm water. Though quite hidden, the soothing warmth of the hot spring relaxes the senses and eases the soul.
The wide and smooth driveways of Mambukal are just irresistible for the mountain bike lovers. The alluring butterfly garden with the delicately designed interior is a must-see. It is where fantasy and reality meet.
The adventure-seekers must reserve their adrenalin for wall climbing and Slide for Life. Slide for Life is an exciting Tarzan-like trip to the woods with the aid of harness and cables.
The Mambukal adventure will not be complete unless one visits the seven majestic falls, named as First Falls, Second Falls, and so on. The scenic view of the lavishly pouring water from the top falling into the surface is worth every sweat and calorie. The knee-weakening canopy walk along with its hanging bridges allow the visitors to be one with nature as they pass through the tropical nirvana springing from the rich soil known as the Mambukal clay.
A spacious Ishiwata Bathhouse, named after the developer, is currently being renovated. The provincial government ordered to place three bathtubs for women and another two for men within the seemingly archaic edifice. The Bathhouse lies adjacent to the spacious Ishiwata Camping Ground.
Other activities like bat, bird and firefly watching are indeed fascinating. One can view from afar huge bats sleeping on tree branches. Some swiftly soar from one tree to another.
Native dishes like chicken and pork barbeque, grilled fish and squid, vegetables and the all-time favorite soups like tinolang manok and fish sinigang are available at very affordable prices in their foodcourt. Slippers, toothpaste, soaps, and other personal needs can be purchased at the convenient stores within Mambukal.
Mambukal is also popular to the artists and tourists for its rapidly known Mudpack Festival.
Truly, nothing beats the mystical and enchanting beauty of Mambukal. Its tranquility heals the ailing mind and the sagging soul.
Discover the gift of eternal peace. For inquiries, call the Provincial Tourism Office of Negros Occidental at (034) 7100-800 and discover Mambukal now!
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Relaxing moments at Mambukal Resort, Negros Occidental, Philippines...
Entrance to the famous Mambukal Resort, Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental...1,200 feet above sea level!
In front of the spacious Ishiwata Bathhouse named after its japanese developer Ishiwata
The boating lagoon at Mambukal Resort will really give you an experience you'll always love to tell again and again...
You will love the natural setting of Mambukal Resort and you will always dream of going back to the beautiful place again and again...
Mambukal Resort, Negros Occidental, Philippines - one of the best places in Negros Occidental!
