PATA-AN MOUNTAIN RESORT

I'm lucky to finally reached the infamous Pata-an Mountain Resort. Located at the mountains of Ma-ao, Bago City, this year's (2013) company outing was held there and we had a blast taking pictures at the scenic waterfalls inside the resort. I am just in awe to discover that a small resort such as Pata-an have a waterfall and very accessible to resort goers. The place is like a mini-Mambucal. To locals, Mambucal is a big mountain resort in Negros Occidental with seven waterfalls to boast. 

the entrance to the resort

this is the view that greeted us in the 
morning of our overnight stay there

the view of the ice cold water 
swimming pool and overnight cottage

one of the day accommodations 
that one can rent at the resort

day cottages for rent at P500 

my kids enjoying the scenic waterfalls, 
not dangerous for kids since the  pool is shallow, 
just be careful not to slide though stones 
are slippery and there's mud all over

the resort's canteen

the overnight cottage where we slept in, it has an
amazing view of the resort and the surrounding areas

the pavillion that can be rented at P1,500 per day

the pathway going in and out of the resort
great landscape design

the resort sign with their contact numbers

Entrance fee for adult and kids is at P50 each. Swimming pool fee is at P50/person. Overnight cottage fee ranges from P1,200 for 4 pax to P2,200 for 10 pax. Public shower and toilet rooms are available all over the resort. The resort's commissary accepts cooking service with a fee. Hot water and ice cubes can be bought there also. The resort has competent staff and are readily available if you need their services. 

One thing I noticed though, being in a mountain and near to nature, the resort has no garbage segregation system nor policies on guest's garbage disposal activities except that oysters or talaba is not allowed. The place is clean though.

All in all, the resort is a great weekend get-away. I won't mind a second or more visit there. It's greatly refreshing just being there with all the greenery, fresh air, cool water and close to nature ambiance. 

To go there, one can take the Murcia route or the Ma-ao route. The Murcia route is more exciting, scenic,  a bit dangerous since there are areas that are steep but the travel is shorter if you're coming from Bacolod City. The Ma-ao route is a lot safer though especially if you have kids with you.

Enjoy!

WHAT'S NEW WITH CAMPUESTOHAN HIGHLAND RESORT?

What's new with Campuestohan Highland Resort? Statues! Statues of Santa Claus, Elvis Presley, Michael Jordan and the super heroes! My kids had a grand time taking their pictures with each of the super heroes. And the resort added a sleigh, a belen and Santa Clause for the christmas season. I wonder what's for summer?

CAMPUESTOHAN HIGHLAND RESORT

I recently joined my friends at Campuestohan Highland Resort. It's a five hectare new inland recreational facility that has two swimming pools, children's playground, day cottages and magnificent view of the Negros mountains and valleys. Rental fee of day cottages range from P500 to P1,000. Entrance fee is P150 per person inclusive of use of the pool.

Going there, one must have his/her own vehicle since public transportation is limited to a tricycle.Just follow the signboards that dot the road from Brgy. Granada to Alangilan in Bacolod City. No problem with parking space.

You have to bring a hat or umbrella on a sunny day since it's on top of a mountain with no trees yet.Sunlight goes straight to your skin, so have plenty of sunblock on hand.  

Bring a camera since the place is a Facebook material. 

ANHAWAN ISLAND

Anhawan Island is located off-the coast of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental. The resort known as Macky 175 Island Beach Resort is owned by its ever hospitable administrator and owner, Mr. Ernany Maban Montenegro. 

Drop off points going to the island would be Sipalay Tourism Office, Langub, Cartagena, Bulata, Inayawan, Ilihan and Sabang with corresponding round-trip boat fare depending on the distance.

On a day-trip, one can go snorkeling, diving, taking photographs and do underwater video. Entrance to the island cost P25 per head. Docking fee is at P250 per pumpboat. Diving is at P1,500.00 per head complete with gear, tank and guide. Snorkeling fee is P50 with gear, without gear is at P25. 

One can also stay overnight. You can bring your own food but you have to buy drinking water and drinks from the owner. Overnight fee is at P1,500 good for 12-15 persons inclusive of entrance fee. If you opt to bring your own tent, that's allowed. The owner can also provide a "trapal" for those who are staying for the night. One can also rent a videoke machine at P1,500 and generator set at P2,000 for 24 hours of use.

The island is also known as Turtle Island since sea turtles regularly nest their eggs at the sands of Anhawan. In addition,  the island boasts of crystal blue waters and rich marine life that abounds the sea of Sipalay.

Anhawan Island is now under a new ownership. No contact numbers available at the moment.

A DAY IN PATAG, SILAY CITY

I was fortunate to join the group outing of my friend Grace in Patag, Silay City. It was my first time to be in Patag and all of us can't help but be amaze on the wonders of nature. The travel time from Bacolod to the foothills of Mt. Mandalagan and Mt. Marapara takes 3 hours more or less. The long and winding road makes you catch your breath as you go up to the mountains.  

You may check this site for more details on Patag - http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.php?wpt=patag

Entrance to the vacation house where we were billeted for the weekend

Beautiful vacation house

View from the pool

This view covers the Negros coastline, main highway
of Silay, nightscape of  the city,  one can also see the
arriving/departing planes of Silay-Bacolod Airport

This garden is maintained by the house caretaker 

The swimming pool overlooking the Negros coastline

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NORTHLAND RESORT HOTEL @ MANAPLA

Every year our company celebrate the summer season through our Annual Summer Splash activity. This year, we discovered a new place to hang out with our co-employees, an hour away from Bacolod City - the Northland Resort Hotel in the town of Manapla. 

Kiddie's Pool

Pool for Adults

The deepest area of the kiddie's pool is at 4 feet

Cottages and slide near the kiddie's pool

Shower Room

Water Falls at the Big Pool

Entrance to the Resort. The entrance fee is inclusive of the
 swimming pool fee which is a relief on the pocket.

The resort is right at the back of the Gustilo Town Center
in the town of Manapla, Negros Occidental

For more information on the resort, you may check out their Facebook account - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Northland-Resort-Hotel-Manapla

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"Little Baguio" of Negros

Don Salvador Benedicto is a town situated at a distance of 47 kilometers from the Provincial Capitol and lies at an average of 2,495 feet above sea level.  It has a very cold temperature ranging from 16 to 27 Celsius and coldest months are December, January and February.

My friend and I went there for a tree planting activity conducted by the Department of Education of Bacolod City and I had a great time enjoying the scenery of this place called the "Little Baguio" of Negros Island.

The Lion's Park along the Translink Highway

Visitors to the town trooped to get their pictures taken at the  
Observation Deck of the Lion's Park

DSB Highway going to the town proper is lined by pine trees

View from the Observation Deck

Smaller version of the rice terraces

Highway going to Don Salvador Benedicto is a
stomach churning event to the first timers

http://www.donsalvadorbenedicto.gov.ph

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