Lagawan

Who would have thought that in this sleepy municipality one can find a hidden paradise? Yes, you heard it right. There is such a thing as paradise in this mountainous Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental.

Since I was in school I heard a lot of things about the place from friends and classmates but I never really thought that this place has something to boost about. Well, I was wrong for one could say that this is the little Baguio of Negros – the pine trees, the flowers and the climate. But unlike Baguio, Don Salvador Benedicto is really a laid back town – No night life, no buildings, no crowded places and most of all no tourist traps.

So, when my cousin invited me a few years ago to go with them at the Nursery in Don Salvador Benedicto I immediately said yes and I was really amazed by the place. So, when I was in Bacolod last march we decided to visit the place again for another family vacation. My cousin then called the caretaker to let her know in advance and to make the necessary arrangement. The place is a privately owned resort that has a small falls, a pool filled with fresh water from the falls, a lot of beautiful flowers and a small zoo in the near future. Actually, they already have 2 beautiful spotted deers in the place.

Well, if one is not satisfied with the small falls in the resort they could also go to the viewing deck located just a few meters away to see the big Falls ([edited]: Malatan-og Falls) and take their photos. Yea, let’s call it the big falls ‘coz I forgot the falls name – sorry! my bad! One could also trek for 30mins. to an hour to the big falls if they want too. Yea, tiring but trust me, it’s worth it! I just can’t guarantee that it would also take you 30mins. to an hour to trek the place for we used a different trail. Our helper who’s also from Don Salvador Benedicto guided us to the big falls using the fastest but more difficult way. As in! It was really difficult. The only thing where we could hang on is a small branch that would just snap any time. We don’t have a rope, we don’t have a water and we’re not even dress for trekking. Gosh! We even saw snakes crossing our paths. But I’m proud to say I MADE IT!

Resort Small Falls

Aside from that, one could also conquer the two mountains on both sides of the resort. Oops! Sorry! Did I forget to tell you that the resort is located between the two mountains? Well, yes it is and one could try trekking the 300 or so steps to reach the top (1st mountain) and see the scenic view of Don Salvador Benedicto and the neighboring towns. While to the more adventurous one they could trek the other mountain and go to another falls if they want too. This one is more difficult to reach though.

And to those who doesn’t want any trekking they can relax on the pool or the hammock, play basketball, take photos with the spotted deers or just enjoy the beauty of nature. While at night one could enjoy watching the fireflies. It was really beautiful.

[Edited 5/25/09] : Big Falls name is Malatan-og Falls

Bonfire Site

The Resort

At the top. I MADE IT!!!!

The spotted deer….

the flowers…