Hidden Paradise Found in Don Salvador Benedicto
Who would have thought that in this sleepy municipality one can find a hidden paradise? Yes, you heard it right. There is such 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…
1The Wandering Scotsman
wrote on 29 May 2009 at 3:09
Now that is my sort of place and no tourist traps, truly makes is sound like a true paradise.
2AudreyRose
wrote on 29 May 2009 at 23:12
As in!!! It’s one of the best place I have been. super laid back
3HULIBERT A BELLEZA
wrote on 1 August 2009 at 21:40
so lucky that my hometown slowly recognizes some tourist in our country
im so very thankful that i was native born of Don Salvador benedicto neg. Occ.
4teejay
wrote on 13 August 2009 at 21:08
i’m from bacolod residing in the manila at the moment but it looks like i’m a “foreigner” in my own province. never thought DSB will transform into something as beautiful and awesome as the one i’ve seen on the photos. i’ve been to as far as mambukal and pandanon though. i will visit it soon.
5jayson
wrote on 13 September 2009 at 14:15
wow…don Salvador is a paradise. this is my report in our filipino subject and it is a great honor to explore DSB.
6jonathan saura
wrote on 25 November 2009 at 12:56
Yah..its a great place, I knew it because i grow up there (Brgy. Bunga). Actually the picture here is only the basic view, but if you explore inside you can a true virgin forest w/ very fresh air and minerals. Its amazing, and I assure you that the place is safe except if you’re unlucky to meet w/ anaconda’s…lol.
I love the place and I miss it so much…
7Michael Yap
wrote on 10 March 2011 at 15:03
This place is really great! I’ve never seen such a tall falls before until I found Malatan-og Falls. We really enjoyed hiking the trail.
Here are some of the photos I shot. http://jmyap.x10.bz/malatan-og-falls.html
8kaitots nulada
wrote on 26 April 2011 at 14:03
i have a plan of going there too this summer.. can i inquire if there are guides available or where am i supose2 find them…or any fees included…
and about the other falls on the 2nd mountain, is it accessible? thank you so much.. hope you could respond at my mail…
excited! ♥kai
9elena grino
wrote on 9 July 2011 at 18:00
Hi! I am a soon to retire public school employee. I usually take my children and grandchildren to out of town trips but we haven’t been to DSB. How do I get in touch with the resort you posted as you said it is private? If you can give me quotations as to price it would be so much better as we always travel on a tight budget. We plan to go on November for my birthday. Thanks
10karina joy gimay
wrote on 29 October 2011 at 17:14
what is the name of the resort and if you have any contact details of the resort can I ask it from you? I’m planning to have a vacation on don salvador.
11karina joy gimay
wrote on 29 October 2011 at 17:17
what are the other tourist destination of the town?
12shariel
wrote on 2 December 2011 at 15:47
karina there are other tourist attraction in the province of negros..depends on what you want beaches are also famous but you have to travel at least 3 hours from Bacolod where the airport is located
13Benedict Lozada
wrote on 23 December 2011 at 8:24
hi, i’m one of the care taker of this place if you want to visit it for booking and reservation just contact me right away. 09062594458