So... where to go first? Here are some options.
1.) Ever heard of Campuestohan?
CAMPUESTOHAN HIGHLAND RESORT
Campuestohan Highland Resort is the brainchild of the visionary couple Ricardo “Cano” Tan and Nita Tan. Its history is as lovely and grand as the present beauty that awaits visitors who take the time out to commune with nature in this glorious haven in Negros Occidental.
FACILITIES & SERVICES:
- Log Cabin
- Cottages
- Playgrounds
- Swimming Pool
- Water Channel
- Gardens
- Tour Shuttle
- Grotto
- Cartoon Character Human Size Statue
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| TEEPEE HUTS |
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| COTTAGES |
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| SWIMMING POOL |
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| FUN CHARACTERS |
2.) A place of natural beauty, MAMBUKAL RESORT!
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| In July 22, 1957, by virtue of Republic Act 1964, Mambukal was established as a town-site for health center and recreational resort purposes. Mambukal Resort is owned and managed by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental under the Economic Enterprise Development Department. |
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| Hike up the 7 falls! |
Mambukal Resort lies 1,200 feet above sea level and serves as a gateway to Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park. Originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927, the resort started as a bathhouse 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 features.
A big mountain stream, fed by several tributaries, descends in a series of seven waterfalls and cuts through the center of the resort, feeding the water holes and boating lagoon.
The resort has strategically located viewing decks. For more intimate encounters with nature, ascend the hanging bridge and bask in the beauty of nature from a different viewpoint from the Canopy of trees. Go all-out and challenge yourself and climb the wall. Experience an exhilarating ride in our 200m zipline or slide for life crossing the boating lagoon.
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| LGU Cottages |
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| Sulfur Dipping Pool |
For visitors who wish to take time, various overnight accommodation facilities are available to suit their needs — family cottages, villas, LGU cottages, standard rooms, dormitories and camp sites. Picnic huts and canopies are strategically situated near the two swimming pools and the warm sulfur dipping pool for excursionists.
3.) The Ruins!
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| The Ruins! Definitley a must-see! |
We all know that one of the most famous heritage landmarks in the Philippines, The Ruins, also known as the “Taj Mahal” of Negros, was built in loving memory of a sugar baron’s wife. The story has a a not-so-happy-ending, but a story that must be told nevertheless.
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| This is the whirlwind romance story of Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson and Maria Braga. |
Quick summary: During the Spanish colonial era, Mariano was an attractive young bachelor who owned a 440-hectare plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Aside from working hard for his estate he also love seeing the world. In one of his travels in Hong Kong, he caught sight of a beautiful Portuguese lady from Macau – Maria Braga. It was love at first sight! Maria's father, who was the captain of the ship, thought it was a match made in heaven. It didn't take long for them to marry.
They were blessed with lots of children. But on her 11th pregnancy, Maria had an accident. She slipped in the bathroom. Too weak to go to the physician, which was a two-day trip, Mariano sent his horseman to fetch the physician. Sadly, both the baby and Maria were dead before they arrived.
Mariano was wracked with grief. In order for him to move on and get his life going for his children, he thought of building a mansion nearby his ancestral house. It would help him heal his broken heart and remind him of Maria for the rest of his life. He made it in honor of his wife and dedicate it to Maria’s great love for him and their children.
He had the full support of his father-in-law. Finished to perfection, Don Mariano told his children that it was theirs to live in for as long as they’re not yet married.
That’s how the beautiful mansion was built before it came into ruins… a story of romance and a family put together in love.
Presently, the family of the grandson of Mercedes, Mr. Raymund Javellana, owns and manages The Ruins. Located at Hacienda Sta. Maria, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, it is open daily from 8:30am to 9:00pm. Contact (+63) 917-832-6003 or (034) 476-4334 for inquiries.
How to Get There
From Manila, you can fly to Bacolod (Php2500++, round trip, 45 minutes). From Bacolod-Silay Airport, you can take a shuttle (Php75-100 per head), or a cab (minimum of Php400) and ask to be dropped off at your destination.From Bacolod City, you can take a jeepney (Bata-Libertad) plying to the north and ask the driver to drop you at the tricycle terminal near Pepsi Cola plant. The tricycle would take you to the entrance of The Ruin at Hacienda Sta. Maria. You can also opt to take a cab for less hassle since roads going to The Ruins were already cemented.
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