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Day 2
All packed, I headed towards the
government-managed Mambukal
Resort. Located at the foothills of Mt.
Kanlaon, it is famous for the Seven
Waterfalls inside it. But before that,
I needed to satisfy my soup craving.
Today I decided to sip hot
batchoy
for breakfast. I took the tricycle to the
Super Batchoy Public Market (PHP10)
and ordered the special
batchoy
and
bread for only PHP70. I hate to say it,
but this sure is better than the ones I
tried in Iloilo City.
I went to Libertad Terminal
and boarded the minibus going to
Mambukal (PHP50). The road trip
was scenic, the Kanlaon mountain
ranges the perfect backdrop to the wide
array of sugarcane fields. Oh, what a
refreshing sight. It’s a nice break from
the hustle and bustle of city life.
After the 45-minute trip, I entered
Mambukal Resort (PHP30). Tucked
inside the forest, I felt right at home and
the nature lover in me was jumping for
joy. I rented the ordinary tourist lodge
for PHP600.
I proceeded right away to the
waterfalls. It is a somewhat easy trek
as there are trails leading from one falls
to the next. Just be careful especially
during the rainy season. If you are
afraid to get lost, you can hire a guide
for PHP150; but I went there on my
own and reached the seventh waterfalls
after an hour and a half. I took a quick
and refreshing dip before I went back to
the resort.
I ordered lunch in one of the resort’s
many concessionaires. Don’t worry
about the food — Negrense cuisine
happens to be one of the best in the
country. I ordered chicken
inasal
(char-
grilled chicken) for PHP80.
I was so full that I went inside
my room to lay my head. This is a
The road trip was scenic, the Kanlaon
mountain ranges the perfect backdrop to
the wide array of sugarcane fields
I enjoyed another sumptuous dinner
at the cafeteria (PHP65). Glad I met
two backpackers, so we had a chat over
some booze (PHP70). It was getting
late so we called it a night. And by
9pm, it’s really dark in the forest. The
sounds of the crickets and bugs added
to the “camp” feel. I just love it!
Shoestring budget for
Day 2:
PHP1,325
vacation so I wanted to relax, and
relax some more. But I remembered
seeing a dipping pool on my way to the
waterfalls, so I returned and paid an
entrance fee of PHP50. It was steamy
and inviting — a natural hot spring from
Kanlaon volcano. They say that the
natural minerals are good for the skin.
To make the experience extra special,
I paid PHP300 for a good massage at
the Blade Spa beside the pool.
From top: Swim, row a boat,
or see all seven waterfalls at
Mambukal Resort; the resort is
surrounded by forests.
09LKH Smile
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