TREK TO MAMBUKAL RESORT'S MAGNIFICENT 7 

(Did We Reach All Seven Waterfalls?)

   NATURE WITH HIKING TIPS and VIDEO BELOW   

THE FOREST PATH TO THE WATERFALLS

Negros Occidental is home to the mystic Mt. Kanlaon and other neighboring volcanoes. In these mountain ranges, thousands of waterfalls abound. And in Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, you can find seven power waterfalls feeding the resorts' man-made lake and swimming pool with its cool waters. 

Hiking to these 7 falls, however, takes time, patience and energy plus a lot of safety nets should be considered as there are occasional landslides and, of course, the terrain can get  muddy and slippery on rainy season. Flashfloods are also a given phemonenon as the North Negros Forest is catch basin and can bring high levels of water. That's why the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, the institution that owns and maintains Mambukal, closed down the hiking trail, for the meantime, for the safety of tourists. 

It is advised to do the trail during summer to avoid these muddy paths. Of course, water is much more clean and bluer. 

WATCH THIS VIDEO FEATURE

As you can see in the video above, we only reached the 3rd falls as we were saving our energy back to the main resort plus for another adventure to Don Salvador Benedicto in the afternoon. We ate a light breakfast at the resort before we trekked so it gave a extra jolt for our us to walk around the forest. The stairs to the 2nd falls was so steep and slippery, you need more energy to go up safely. The 3rd waterfalls was even more challenging to reach. The sheer power of the falls blow off the dew drops to the stairs, making it slippery.

BRIDGE OVER SERENE WATERS

Going back, we took some group and selfie photos. But, one can wonder how such picturesque place exist. There's a speechless wonderment while we were taking photos of the ecology that overpowers us. Our nature photographs and videos for MANG INTERESADO youtube channel can tell it vividly and these images included some stick insects that are seemingly saying hello to us. These little creatures are indeed amazing to look at as it blends well with the flora of the place. On top of it all, you will be awe-struck with Mother Nature's bounty: stunning scenery, clear waters, the living flora and refreshing environment.

Indeed, hiking to these natural wonders is worth it.

HIKING TIPS
If you have the energy, determination and passion to hike to these 7 falls, we have some tips for you to keep in mind: 

1. You need to ask for a personal guide (comes with a fee) 
2. You have to list your full names on a manifest at the gate
3. If you hike in groups, you need to check each other 
4. Wear non-slippery shoes (hiking shoes are ideal). Don't wear slippers 
5. Watch out for falling rocks 
6. Be aware of the cliffs and zigzaging pathway (you might fall down if you don't check the mountainside pathway 
7. Wear comfortable shorts 
8. Bring canteen of container of water 
9. Careful in moving up the steep cemented stairs to the other falls 
10. Don't throw garbage in the forest. Take pictures only 
11. Appreciate nature but don't disturb their habitats 
12. Just in case, put some sunscreen and anti-mosquito lotion  
13. During rainy season, be careful as the water stream is stronger and deadly 
14. When hiking avoid making pranks and jokes 
15. Watch out for venomous snakes 
16. Don't eat too much before hiking 
17. Bring first aid kit 
18. Bring some reflective materials for easy detection (you can this when get stranded or lost in the forest.
19. Don't cook, don't smoke or bring materials that can cause fire in the forest
20. Always Remember: Safety First! (Hold on to Railings, Don't Run, Don't Jump esp on wet stones,  Walk slowly in slippery cliffs and don't swim during a rainy day (Flashflood might be happen) 

LONG EXPOSURE SHOT MAKES WATERFALL PHOTOS MAGICAL