Best spots to go for a jog
Find the best spots to jog in the heart of the cities of Negros Occidental.
Don Salvador Benedicto (DSB) is a municipality located at the center of the northern mountains in Negros Occidental and is about an hour and a half drive away from Bacolod City. Due to its high altitude, the route towards the place provides a scenic view for travellers and the increase of tourists has paved the way for several cafes and resorts to be opened in the area. The place is unique for its garden of pine trees that line the sides of the main road but cautious driving is advised because of the winding road up ahead. It used to be a famous spot where only the affluent families in Negros Occidental would own a property or rest house in these mountainous areas, aside from the locals that is, but recently the government has been active in supporting and promoting the tourism in the city which allowed local businesses to flourish in the area while preserving its natural resources and through their efforts has provided the locals with more employment and/or business opportunities. It is also a favorite route for bikers and motorists.
Along the main road, you will pass by the Viewing Deck, where you can see from afar the Malatan-og falls also called as “Cigarette Falls” due to its appearance. If you want to reach the falls, you would need to hire a local guide, but be aware that the road is steep and slippery and it is not advisable to go there during the rainy season. On our trip, we hired a local guide who literally lives in the area where the falls is located. Their house is situated near the camping site prepared for visitors who want to stay there overnight.
The campsite is typically off-grid and only consists of a nipa hut with a bamboo bed and a separate latrine outside. The floor is of raw earth and the water is free flowing from the spring waters. There is also enough space to pitch tents in the surrounding area so it would be best to bring your own camping gear. You also need to bring your own food.
The trek to the falls is not very easy but also not very tedious just enough to give you an experience of hiking and/or trekking but going back to the main road from the falls proved to be quite challenging because of the steep slope, so you need to be physically ready.
Nonetheless, you won’t regret reaching the falls because nature really has a unique way of calming the nerves and healing the soul that all our tiredness seemed to instantly pay off when we reached the majestic falls and felt the cool waters on our skin. It is also said that the forest surrounding the falls is home to different kinds of bird species.
There are many cafes, restaurants and resorts lining up the road of DSB and we went to one of the cafes beside the Viewing Deck called Terraza Cafe. Their Terraza Special Pizza is quite well known and they also serve Nachos, Sandwiches, Pasta and Batchoy. Their fruit shakes are definitely a must try because it is made of real fresh fruits that are available in season.
Before we leave DSB, we made sure to buy their famous pasalubong treats, their taro, banana, and camote chips, salted peanuts and other native delicacies. You can also buy potted plants and herbs from the place to add to your collection of greens or as a gift for your certified plantito or plantita family member.
Basic Rates:
Viewing Deck P20.00 per person
Tour Guide P300.00
Environmental Fee P50.00 per person
Note: From the viewing deck you only need to pay the fee of P20.00 and pay another P50.00 for the environmental fee if you want to reach the falls.
Campsite Fee P300 – P400 per night for the whole place
Note: The DSB government has a facility beside the viewing deck that you can reserve for an overnight stay and can cater to a large group of people (max of 200 persons) according to the personnel in-charge of registration in the viewing deck. They have no specific rate but accept donations either in cash or in kind.
Find the best spots to jog in the heart of the cities of Negros Occidental.
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