Discover Don Salvador Benedicto: Malatan-og Falls

So after we had our breakfast at La Vista Highlands, we rode another bus to Don Salvador, this time paying another for Don Salvador. But along the way we passed by a spring resort, I forgot the name, but we decided to drop at the place when we saw the sign Malatan-og Falls. I've never heard of this place and we just let things happen on their own. So my friends, this is Malatan-og Falls:

This is a shot taken by my S6, the best that I can take and the farthest that we can reach. The road to the falls was slippery and steep and we we're not ready for that kind of undertaking yet. Plus we were carrying heavy bags and we are running out of time.

Look at Finny struggling. Hehe!

We passed by this spring. I tried drinking its water and washed my face. The water was clear, cool and refreshing. 

This picture was taken before we even tried to reach the falls. Don Salvador Benedicto is said to be the "Little Baguio" of Negros due to its high elevation and winding roads. We passed by the capital proper of the municipality and certainly there were plenty of pine trees. I guess we'll be back for the spring resort we passed by.

The next entry might take a little while since I have started working at an audit firm already. But keep on checking for more updates. I sure do wish I get to be assigned at some awesome place to blog.

Discover San Carlos: La Vista Highlands Mountain Resort

We left Dumaguete early in the morning, about 4 am. The bus to San Carlos will leave by 5 am and we do not have time to wait for that. So instead, we rode the bus to Canlaon which will leave in a few minutes. We reached San Carlos about 7 am and we were dropped by the "crossing" which separates the road to San Carlos and Canlaon. So our next ride will either be the bus from Canlaon to San Carlos or any public utility vehicle which will bring us to the bus terminal of San Carlos City. It was a long wait, but finally something to ride on passed by. The picture shows it. Hahaha! That was a fun experience, remembering the fast speed of driving and bumpy roads while sitting next to these fishes. Certainly I would not want to reek of fish smell on the way to Don Salvador till I get home. 

We reached the terminal safe, well, coz we did not smell like fishes. The bus leaves every thirty minutes so we decided to ride on one instead of the van. We paid for Don Salvador but we actually dropped at La Vista. We did not have any plans of dropping by at this place but it would be such a waste to miss it. Therefore, we paid more than what we should. So we had breakfast at this place. It was a cool place. We decided not to come inside because it would be a waste of 150 pesos which already includes a tour of the premises and swimming at the pool. Certainly we had no time for that and more importantly money. The breakfast was pricey though and it wasn't satisfying but we're hungry so we ate all of it. It cost about 150 each or so.  The view though, compensated for the pricey breakfast. 

I have no idea what mountain is that but the view was breathtaking. I don't know if we'll be back here to explore the resort. Maybe when we have more time and money, more of money to be exact.  Till our next destination.

Discover Siquijor: Coastal Tour at Isla de Fuego

After we had our brunch at Gabby's B&B, Nutz brought us to the port where we can ride a boat to Siquijor. It was about 11:30 am already and we had to ride the earliest boat to Dumaguete. We paid 250 pesos for two boat tickets and 15 pesos each for the terminal fee. The boat ride lasted for almost an hour and there are also lots of tourists, especially backpacker foreigners who wanted to explore the mysterious island. Unlike on other ports I have seen so far, the one in Siquijor was clear and clean that you can immediately jump down and enjoy a nice leisurely swim. When we have arrived, we logged in in their tourist log book and we were given a map of the island. There different ways of exploring the island and since we have a limited amount of time, we chose the coastal tour, which as our tour guide and driver had said, we can cover in about 3 hours. We hired a tricycle for the tour which cost us 1000 pesos, it could have been less painful for our wallet if we have more friends with us.

This is our first stop, Capilay's Spring Park. There's this huge swimming pool like filled with greenish water inside the park. 

This is our second stop, Siquijor's centuries old Balete Tree. We paid 5 pesos each for the entrance fee. By the way, it is convenient if you combine your travel funds and let one person handle all funds and pay the expenses. There are a lot of inns and resorts along the coast where you can stay if you plan on staying on the island for days. There are also motorbikes for rent which as my friend, Monica, had said costs 200 pesos for a day, excluding gasoline of course. This way of exploring the island is cheaper if you know how to drive a motorbike of course. 

This is our third stop, Lazi Church. This is a really old church which was opened in 1884. I do love exploring old churches. There is also an old church near the port but we skipped that part. 

The interior. The floor is still made of wood tiles and they're still safe to walk on. 

This is the convent located on the opposite side of the church. 

Our fourth stop, Cambugahay Falls. The most majestic falls I have seen in person so far. It may not be the tallest falls, but it's water is pastel like color. There's a swing like thing here, if you want to experience jumping on water from the swing. 

I recommend you plan your trips on off seasons since you can have plenty of time and space to take photos.

This picture was taken on our way to Maria Church. 

Maria Church. We weren't able to come inside because we were on a hurry to catch the last trip back to Dumaguete. More reasons for us to come back to Siquijor. 

Maria Church's Bell Tower. 

Salagdoong Beach

We were not also able to try jumping off from the cliff since there was a long line for it. And again, we we're in a hurry. Another reason to come back. 

There were still other places we haven't covered in the coastal tour but luckily for us we were able to catch the RORO back to Dumaguete. We did not have the time or money to stay in the island for longer period of time, even for just a night actually. The terminal fee is 14 pesos each and I think there was another 2 pesos each for donation to some kind of organization. But all was well. We'll be back for more Land of Fire!