happened on Sept. 19, 2015
Putting some adventure on our trip, I included this place to our 4 days Negros itinerary.
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| at the entrance |
Mambukal is a resort owned and managed by the local government. It's over 23.6 hectares of land and lies 1,200 ft above sea level and serves as a gateway to Mt. Kanlaon. It was originally developed by a Japanese architect, Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927 as a bath house and picnic garden. Today, it houses man made swimming pools, sulfur hot springs, accommodations, picnic grounds, wall climbing and zip lining, boating lagoon and the famous seven falls. (information taken from their official website)
We rode a cab from our hotel to the bus terminal. I'm quite surprise to see that it's not a bus but a non air conditioned mini bus type. One thing for sure, it'll be one hell of a trip.
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| our limousine |
For about one hour we endured the bumpy and windy road. My hair is over my face the whole trip. The only consolation we got is seeing long stretch of sugar cane plantation.
The mini bus stopped right in front of the reception of the resort. From here, you have to pay the entrance fee. Here's a reference for the fees. After paying, the adventure begins by walking to different attractions.
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| there's a fee for everything |
Let's begin with the journey using this map.
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| huge is an under statement |
First stop is for our lunch. Food prices are mid range, more expensive that the usual prices but we're in a secluded resort so it's understandable. There is a number of eateries to choose from, basically offering almost the same options. I love the grilled seafood and fruit shake being served here.
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| the eateries |
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| mostly grilled food |
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| with free Wi-Fi connection |
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| the menu |
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| our ordered food |
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| and our tummies are happy |
After lunch, I persuaded hubby to try the waterfalls. Actually, a guide persuaded us that it is just an easy trail going to the 7th falls via motorcycle ride. So we thought!
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| the foot of the falls |
Motorcycle ride is P50.00 per person (one way) and any heartfelt amount will be given to the tour guide. Our initial plan is to ride a motorcycle going to the 7th falls, then we will just hike going down to the first falls. But fate has another plan for us.
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| our service going up |
After the bumpy and scary ride, we were not told that we still need to hike for about 30 minutes before reaching the 7th falls. Arggg! I though tour guides should be trusted. But in fairness, our guide is just so dependable and reliable. He had no qualms in carrying our heavy baggage. He guided us expertly.
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| our dependable tour guide |
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| just one of the streams to be crossed |
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| lots and lots of boulders along the way |
It's a good instinct to change clothes first before continuing with the journey as it's already beginning to rain and we have to cross streams so eventually we got wet along the way. This hut is the "go to" house for changing clothes. The owners are warm and kind.
and then the rants were all gone upon seeing the falls... we owned it for ourselves for some time...
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| cottage for rent for Php100 |
then it rained so hard and our struggles began, more of fear... we were trapped in there for an hour or so...
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| water became murky |
After two hours of waiting for the rain to stop, our tour guide suggested not to push trough anymore with the hike (in going down to the first falls). I really don't care anymore about the falls, I just wanted to get out of there and be safe. Unfortunately, the only way out is to hike higher. Amidst the heavy downpour, we hiked higher and higher until we reached a spot where we can go down safely and rent a motorcycle in going back to the resort. For about an hour we just walked and walked while praying to be safe. It really scared the hell out of me. Hubby and I were silent the whole hike. I know we were both frightened of the situation. I was thinking about our kids if we will be home dead. Yes, I was already thinking of the worst part.
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| hubby walking on the rice field |
At a glance, I can see that the view is nice but I can't care to look for it anymore since my only focus is getting to a safer ground.
Thank you Lord we made it!
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| safe at last |
We spent the rest of our day enjoying the other tourist attractions here. We started with the sulfur spring. It was fuming hot.
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| no dipping here since it's 98 deg hot |
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| soaking our weary feet |
The only pool that we needed to try is the natural hot spring. We checked the one with warm sulfur dipping pool. It was crowded so we went to the bath house.
Fortunately the Ishiwata Ofuro or bath house is not too crowded as its entrance fee is higher since the water has more sulfur and other minerals content. Our tired muscles were instantly relieved. It's so nice just to soak and hear the birds chirping. It's communing with nature at its best. This bath house has a clean shower and toilet, too.
My original plan was to stay here for an overnight but unfortunately all the villas were booked. If we have spent two days here, I would love to try the other activities being offered.
Will I ever return to the 7th falls again? Never! I would not like to discourage you for taking this adventure. Before doing it though, you must really assess yourself if you are really up for the challenge; both mentally and physically. Of all the blogs I've read, there was never a mention that the hike is quite hard, but honestly speaking it is hard. Period.
I would definitely return for the natural hot spring pools and other activities that this resort is offering.
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