MAMBUKAL RESORT & THE 7 FALLS: Nature Tripping Beyond Bacolod City

When we speak of Bacolod, people would always be reminded of the iconic The Ruins and the lively Masskara Festival. However, beyond the intricacy of this lovely city’s century old architectural landmarks and beautiful smiles lies a spot just at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon where nature abounds. Luscious forest, hot spring pools, gushing river and a gorgeous scenery is what this place promises. And it could never be more perfect without its 7 stunning waterfalls that is sure to take the adventure to the next level. It is no secret but only few people know of the treasures found in Mambukal Resort.

MY THOUGHTS OF MAMBUKAL RESORT

The View & Feel

• Mambukal Resort is breathtaking at every turn. The entire resort is engulfed within a thick rain forest with a pristine river flowing relentlessly to a stunning lake.
• The resort is so serene with only the flow of the river and the chirping of birds as its own melody played in repeat.
• Since it is situated just at the foot of an active volcano, Mt. Kanlaon and is surrounded by natural hot springs, the strong odor of sulfur is like the resort’s natural perfume.
• Since the entire resort is within a lush rainforest, one of its most precious gifts is the cool temperature which could be felt even under the midday sun.

Day Tour Cottages & Other Facilities

• There are plenty of cottages scattered around the resort where visitors on a daytour can stay. They are big and spacious enough to fit large groups.
• Grilling stations and lavatories are also available in many areas which visitors can use to prepare their food.

Rooms & Overnight Accommodations

• Rooms are spacious and could fit up to 6-8 people for a minimal price. However, I think they need to renovate some rooms and do better at housekeeping and maintenance works. Our room during our visit was full of dust and has to it a stench of old clothes and cockroaches. They obviously have to do some plumbing works as well.

The Pools

• Pools of different sizes and depth are scattered all over the resort. There are hotspring and coldspring pools that you can choose from. They are clean and big enough to accommodate many visitors.
• Hotspring pool is a must try. It is soothing and relaxing ender to a tiresome day. Best to experience it in the evening before getting a massage.

Food Choices

• Within the resort are several eateries with various offerings so you are guaranteed of a wide range of choices. I especially loved the fruit shakes sold in one of the stalls. They also have different Pinoy staples such as the famous Bacolod Chicken Inasal sold at affordable prices.

Activities

• Mambukal Resort is not at all boring as there is tons of things you can do that are both fun and nurturing. Other than a dip on a pool, there’s the spa. Release all the stress and treat yourself for a massage. You can go butterfly and bat watching if you are a curious one. Another fun activity is boating at the resort’s lagoon. And if you crave more adventures, then go trekking to the 7 falls.

VISITING THE 7 FALLS

Getting to the falls is no easy feat. After all, there’s 7 of them. And considering they’re situated at the foot of one of the country’s toughest mountains, it is not at all surprising. There are two ways to get to the waterfalls. First is to trek your way up from the resort tracing the trail that leads to each one of them. This requires a guide which are only available at the resort until 7AM. If you are not much of an early riser and 7AM is too early for you to get started, the other option is to hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) to drive you to each one of the waterfalls. It may seem so but don’t go jumping into conclusion yet that the 2nd option is the easier way to go as it will also require 20-30 minutes of trek along rough, slippery and rugged terrains to get to each waterfalls.

When we visited Mambukal Falls, Ian (the moody boyfie) and I were with two of our friends who were not much of a trekker so we chose to hire motorcycle drivers. One for each of us. We started the journey at 8AM. At first the ride was pretty smooth as we drove along uphills. But the hassle free journey started to get ugly once we reached the unpaved area leading to the 7th Falls. It was like a hell ride considering how rugged was the road which our poor motorcycle could barely passed through. It felt like horseback riding or that our motorcycle was being tossed on a trampoline. The topsy turvy ride lasted for about 15 minutes until we reached the trailhead.

We started the trek with a descent along a rugged road leading to a small stream. Upon crossing the stream with ease, the trail led to an easy uphill. Moderate up and downhills then followed. The trail was along local houses which are pretty distant from one another. It was consist mostly of soft earth. The final stretch near the 7th falls was the most difficult as it consisted of some slippery descents along rocks and a couple of river crossing. A few more ascents and the 7th falls finally revealed itself.

The 7th Falls is of a 20-25 feet drop to a small basin surrounded by huge rocks. It’s natural pool was only 4-5 feet deep of cold spring water. What’s most fascinating for me were the lush curtain-like vegetation hugging the intricate rock formations. We took a few minutes snapping us some photos of the stunning waterfalls then went to take a refreshing dip before heading out to see the other 6 waterfalls.

Back at the trailhead, our group agreed to pass on the other 6 falls. As much as I love this adventure so bad, I also have to take the group’s decision into consideration. Given the difficulty of the trek, I knew it would be best to leave it for next time. As much as it breaks my heart, we headed out early to see Lakawon Island.

USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS

• Mambukal Resort is one of the most overlooked spots in Bacolod. Most people when visiting the city would head straight to the more famous spots and miss to experience all there is to this place. If you love nature and would like to witness its serene and pristine beauty, I suggest you spend at least a night here.
• Going to the resort is really simple. Public transpo is available from 5AM to 8PM. Although the rooms need maintenance works, rates still are very affordable especially if you’re with a group.
• Reservation is not necessary. You can simply make your way to the resort and book your accommodation at the reception/receiving area.
• Food is not problem. Not sure whether there’s corkage food and beverage brought into the resort but to be honest, bringing of food is not at all that necessary due to the range of eateries within the resort.

HOW TO GET THERE

From anywhere you are in Bacolod City, ride a jeepney going to Libertad Public Market where jeepneys and buses going to Mambukal awaits. From there, ride a jeepney bus going to Mambukal. Alight at the last stop. The resort should be a short walk away. Total travel time should more or less be an hour and should set you back P50/way in total.

RESORT RATES

BUDGET & OTHER ESSENTIALS

Our visit to Mambukal Resort was part of our 5-Day BIG Adventures which started in Iloilo City followed by a visit to the awesome Islas De Gigantes and a tropical stay in the beautiful Lakawon Island and wrapping it up with a day trip in Guimaras.. Stay tuned for or check out my other posts. Meantime, here are the nitty gritty of our Mambukal Resort visit.

There you have it lovelies. I hope you enjoy this post. I will definitely go back to see the other 6 waterfalls. Follow my adventures on Instagram and Facebook. For questions and to show me love, drop them on the comments. Until next time! Ciao.