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 phenomenon 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
The Actual Hike 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.
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
1. By CEBRO Bus
In Bacolod, go to the Mambukal-Bacolod Bus Terminal in Libertad (facing Jollibee) and near UNO-R school. The bus stops at the gate of Mambukal resort
2. By Private Car
From Bacolod, drive to via the new Economic highway or via Bangga Cory and pass by Mansilingan-Murcia border. Once you reach Murcia town, just go straight towards Brgy. San Miguel and finally, Brgy. Minoyan, where Mambukal is located.