THE BORACAY THAT WE USED TO KNOW (Nature and More Modernity) WITH TIPS for Tourists
No doubt, Boracay is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. With its long white beach and strings of leisure hotels, travelers love to spend their vacation because they wanted to enjoy the best of both worlds. The picturesque places of Boracay indeed are worth a thousand words.
However, there's always an endless debate if the modernization of the island did harm than good. If compared to decades ago, the Boracay that few knew esp the locals, is a virgin island where the only shelter you'll see is a kubo surrounded by tropical forests. Then massive development began due to influx of tourists thanks to a 70s Hollywood film. International hotels (some with gold courses), stores and brands sprouted like mushrooms, changing the island's landscape. (See videos below)
Walking Tour video at Boracay's Station 2 and D*Mall
Road Trip video at Boracay's Station 2
Also, there was only D*Mall, an array of stores lined up beside the shore, selling stuff from shirt to bikinis to sandals and souvenir.
It was just the beginning. Now, the streets of Boracay is mostly establishments ranging from banks to hotels to pop up stores to restaurants, one can be surprised of new developments each year. you'll see this if you look around. Ride a motorcyle or e-bike, if you will.
TIPS for VISITORS IN BORACAY: 1. Travel light (there are lots of stores in Boracay)
2. Bring enough cash but be wary of the prices (Before you buy, check if you are buying or paying an overpriced food, goods, souvenirs or services like tattoos or massage.
3. Observe safety when riding risky rides like parasailing and banana boat (Unfortunately, these exciting fun rides caused deaths to some of tourists in the past due to accidents and the lack of checking or following safety nets). Don't make pranks when you're riding.
4. Observe safety when swimming. Use a floating device if you must. Always check the head counts if you are a group.
5. If you have a drone, check out for places that are ok for flying one. Most of the places in Boracay have a strict ordinance on drone use as crashes can hit tourists.
6. Don't drink too much and get crazy during a party. Just enjoy! Check your phone always. It could slip through and lost in the sand.
7. No lovemaking on the beach (It's illegal).
8. Be aware of people forcing visitors to join their dinner seminars in the guise of free good, fast profitable returns or a famous star (their endorser) Usually, you can't get out easily once you ate the free food and they will force you to invest spot on. Just say No! to them and the free food.
9. Keep your phones and laptops safe always. Some hostels have reports of burglars and thievery. Report your missing items by filing a blotter report at the island police station.
10. Throw garbage on the proper bin. Make Boracay's beach clean always.
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 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
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
HOW TO GET HERE: 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.
