Bacolod: Mambukal Resort- Ascending the 7 Falls

After a heavy-snack (rice with chicken inasal), I was ready to go up to the 7 falls. It was already past 5 pm. There was a guide who volunteered to accompany me. I wrote my name in the manifest and so we started to climb.

We passed by a hanging bridge and after a few minutes we found the first waterfalls.

First Waterfalls

The 7th Falls

It was already past 6pm when we reached the 7th falls thru uphill and downhill trek. My Flash did not work out. Low-batt. Since it was more than an hour of uphill trek on rocky terrain, I was no longer willing to go down walking. Glad there were plenty of habal-habal near the 7th falls. I took one and my guide rode on another. it was really so rocky that it took almost half an hour to go down.

I changed clothes since I was soaked wet with perspiration. After a few minutes I took dinner at the cafeteria and went to the dipping pool. The hot spring water was so inviting that I dipped in for 30 minutes. Entrance fee was php 50.

It was about 8pm and I went back to my tent. I roamed around with fellow campers and a few minutes I laid flat on my back asleep.

JAPAN: First Time in Osaka

Booking a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to Osaka and return  was one of the requirements for a Japanese Visa. Got a Visa thru Universal Holiday Tours- the only Japan Visa accredited agency in Cebu. After getting my Visa, I read from the internet that it was practical to get an unlimited Railway pass - JR Pass for your train travel since transportation are quite expensive in Japan. After having got the pass, I was ready to fly.

Arrived at Kansai International Airport at around 10PM. Since it was my first time to Osaka, picked up an Osaka Railway Map and asked where is the JR Train to Osaka. Using my JR Pass I was directed to a train wth Japan Railways logo from the airport. I had no hotel booking yet. Days before I left,  I searched in the internet for a hotel and the cheapest was near  Shin-Imamiya Station. (JPY 1500/ 750 php per night non-aircon, since it was almost winter time-December 2011 there was no need for air-con).  With only the hotel address and direction, I boarded the train and change trains in one intersection. Trains in Osaka are quite complicated. There are plenty of train companies and most have the same color. It took me about 2 days to get the hang of changing trains. I would always ask which train would leave in the Customer service.

4 day All Day pass

The very useful Osaka guide map

The JR Airport Train

After about 45 minutes I stopped at Shin-Imamiya Station.

A few minutes from the station , I found the hotel. It's a Japanese style Tatami-room (mattress on floor with TV and heater with shared bathroom options for Western or Japanese style). It also has a Japanese bath.

Japan: Osaka- First day, trip to Ancient City of Nara

Woke up at around 8am, the weather was already very cold . Had a hot shower. Bought a cup noodles and rice with tuna from a 24 hour store. Microwaved it and ate. I was ready to go to Nara. They said it was a 2 hour trip from the place I stayed. Since I was just near the train station, I boarded the train in 5 minutes.

JR Nara Station

Bacolod: A Night in Mambukal Resort

From the ruins I went straight to the Capitol. From the Capitol I took a jeep to Libertad Street (php 7). I boarded the minibus bound for Mambukal Resort (php 35)

At Mambukal Resort, I paid entrance fee (php 50). I asked for available room but it was a Saturday and all rooms were full. I asked what option could I take since going back to Bacolod City for sleeping is about 1 1/2 hour. The staff told me if it was okay to stay on a TENT. I said I would try.

Rent of the tent was php 400. Literally you are sleeping on the ground. Just a thin sheet of clothing covered the ground. Good if ground was flat surface but it was not.

I was not alone actually using a tent. There were several others also camping out.After setting up my tent in the woods, I explored the resort. I was interested in going to the 7 waterfalls. Before I climbed up to the falls I felt hungry so I passed by the cafeteria.

Chicken Inasal with pineapple juice @Enting's ( php135)

Bacolod: A tour at the Ruins

After touring Balay Negrense, I walked a few meters and went to Hofilena Ancestral House. It was opened but guests were not allowed to enter because they were cleaning the surroundings. I was told to come back in the afternoon. Since I had some other itineraries, I just took a picture of the facade.

At the other end of the street from Hofilena House is the Cinco de Noviembre Marker.

From Rizal Street, I took a jeep to Bata. (php 10) From Bata Terminal I took a tricyle to the Ruins (php 80). I paid entrance fee of ( php 60). Since it was almost lunch time I just took my lunch there too.

Fish fillet with salad and pineapple juice for (php 250)

I stayed in the ruins for about 15 minutes before taking a trcycle out (40 php) to
the jeep terminal  (php 10) going to Bacolod City Capitol.

Backpacking Philippines: Bacolod- A tour at Balay Negrense

After breakfast, I strolled around before going back to the Balay Negrense. It opens at 9 am. I passed by the City Hall and saw some people having dance-exercise at the Gym.

An old Ford at the Old Locsin House

The Old Locsin House now occupied by business establishments

 An old chandelier welcomes you at the Gaston Ancestral House

 The old piano

Backpacking Philippines:It's More Fun in Bacolod City

With Cebu Pacific's Piso Fare last January 1, I booked all its Cebu hub flights. Around 12 Provinces during weekends only which started in February. It was really a bargain. I started with Cebu to Bacolod.

Leaving Mactan at 545am , I arrived at New Silay-Bacolod International Airport at around 630 am.

Front Facade of Airport

Upon arrival at the airport, I took a tricycle going to the Silay City Proper (Php 10). I stopped at the corner of Rizal Street. I looked for the Balay Negrense. Along the way I found several old houses and took pictures.

The Famous El Ideal House of Delicacies in Silay

 

I tuned right to Ledesma Street and went to Balay Negrense. It was still around 7 am and was still  closed. I went further and saw San Diego Cathedral. I went inside and prayed . The structure was magnificent. 

I walked a little further and saw Maria Goloez Ancestral House now occupied by RCBC Bank.

I went to a nearby MERCI restaurant for breakfast. I had rice topped with mixed vegetables(Php 43)