Campuestohan Highland Resort

Campuestohan Highland Resort, the perfect summer getaway in Talisay City has upped the ante. In fact, it is now proudly setting the trend on how summer resorts should be in Bacolod City and the rest of Negros Occidental. Long known for its cool and refreshing atmosphere, the resort is truly a haven for those seeking refuge from the blistering heat of towns and cities below it, such as Silay, Bago, Murcia, Pulupandan, Valladolid, La Carlota, and many other locales surrounding the resort. Settled near the towering peaks of Mounts Mandalagan and Patag, the breeze is so cool that you would soon definitely forget how humid it is below.

This is my journey to this one-of-a-kind mountain resort in the Philippines!

I went to Campuestohan with my officemates and friends. From the port of Bacolod we had the chance to take a taxi going to the resort. Luckily, the driver charged us P800.00 going straight to the resort because we arrived early in the morning, around 7:30. So it will take us long to wait for the resort's Shuttle service which departs from the Villa Angela arcade at around 9 a.m. When we arrived at the resort, the sun was scorching but we can feel the cool breeze because the resort is at the top of the mountain. We even saw fog there! There were also a lot of people at the resort so better make a reservation before going there. They have Umbrella cottages for a day picnic. They also have Bonita Huts for overnight stay. They also set up Canopy tents for a minimal rent for visitors.

We had the chance to tour around the resort and looked at the beautiful view!

Here are some of the views you can see while you are inside the resort:

                                                           The Entrance of the resort

                                                                 The Incredible Hulk

                                                 Get a chance to be on hand with King Kong

                                                                 The King Kong ride

                                                             View from Campuestohan

                                                           Campuestohan is fun...fun...fun!

                                                         Biking in the air is really exciting

                                    The view of the swimming pool and the cottages from the top

                                              Shoelike shower room beside the swimming pool

There's not really so many problems when you are in the resort. The only thing is that there are a lot of people going there especially during weekends. That's why you need to reserve before going to the resort if there are a lot of you going there. You can also bring your food in the resort without any corkage unlike other resorts. 

If you want to know more about Campuestohan especially their rates, visit their website at www.campuestohanhiglandresort.com

Come and visit Campuestohan to enjoy the beauty of nature and experience exciting and fun adventures!

Exploring Malalison Island at Culasi, Antique

Malalison Island is a majestic and stunning white-sand island located at Culasi, Antique. With it's crystal-clear water and white sand, anybody can feel what the true 

beauty of nature is. 

Culasi is a third class municipality in the province of Antique, Philippines. Culasi is approximately 90 kilometres (56 mi) north from San Jose de Buenavista, the capital of Antique, and 88 kilometres (55 mi) south from Kalibo, the capital of Aklan. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 39,086 people.

From Iloilo City, we went to Molo Terminal to take a van going to Culasi. It took us almost four hours to get to the  town's Public Market where we got off because that's what Mr. John Sumanting, the Tourism Officer, told us. The van fare cost each of us Php200. The four-hour journey to Culasi was indeed tiring but when we saw the island from the town's main land, it made us feel better and very much excited to go to the island.

When we got off in front of the public market, there we met Mr. John Sumanting. He brought us to his office and introduced the island to us and the barangay captain of Malalison (I can't remember his name, sorry, but he was kind and helpful to us too). After a few minutes, we went to the back of the market where we took the boat going to the island. It took us almost fifteen (15) minutes to get there. On our way, the beautiful view of the island as well as the white-sand beach made us more excited to explore the beauty of it.

When we arrived at the island, there were some groups of people as well as residents along the beach. There, we met one of the barangay kagawads, tanods and the treasurer. They introduced us the island and gave us information regarding our stay there. 

After few minutes of rest, we unpacked our things and had our lunch. After that, we took some rest and then walked around the place to see the beauty of it. I took some pictures of the island including this one.

 This is the view of the Sandbar on the beach. The crystal-clear water 

and the white sand really amazed us.

After few hours of taking a rest, we decided to go trekking around the island. One of their barangay tanods guided  

us on our journey around the place. When we reached the top of the island, we were amazed by what we saw. 

The view of the sea as well as the sandbar 

when we were at the top of the island.

 From left to right : Zarah, Angel and I, enjoying 

the view of the island from the top.

We then continued our journey. We passed by the island's elementary school. There were only few rooms maybe because of the number of pupils studying there. While we were walking around, we were again amazed by what we saw; somewhat like what Bohol has, the Chocolate Hills. Here at the island you can have a glance at the islands mini-chocolate hills.

 From Left to right : I, Angel, Zarah and Arvy. At our back is 

the view of the mini-chocolate hills Culasi version.

 View of the what so-called mini-chocolate hills 

at Malalison Island,  Culasi, Antique.

 On the other side of the island, our guide brought us to a cave. We didn't have the chance to enter it because the passage was very small. So, we just took some pictures around, enjoy the view and took some rest.

I, Arvy, Zarah and Angel at the cave.

After almost two (2) hours of trekking around the island, we went back to their multi-purpose center where we stayed. We took a rest because we were so tired walking for such a long time. But it was all worth it because of what we experienced. The beauty of nature at Malalison is indeed breath-taking.

Our group decided to had a night swimming in the sea since doing it in the afternoon was not good because of the scorching heat of the sun. After swimming, we prepared for our dinner and then took a rest again.

We just stayed inside the multi-purpose center and talked about what we experienced. The island is powered by a generator that runs only until 9:30 P.M. since it's the only source of electricity around the island. We stayed at a tent which Mr. Sumanting lent us and the natives helped us build it. We  were so lucky because they were really so accommodating to us.

The view of the sandbar, the crystal-clear water 

and the Mt. Madja-as from the island.

Malalison island indeed is a must-see place if you are really into nature. But I think, the island needs to be developed in order for the tourists to really feel comfortable during their stay in the island. If only the local officials and the people join hands together in developing and maintaining the beauty of the island, a lot of tourists will visit it and it will help boost the economy of the town.

Someone who wants to feel relaxed and enjoy the beauty of nature, 
Malalison island is here for you!

Why not give it a try on your next adventure?

Some Information about Malalison Island :

Contact Person : Mr. John Sumanting

                           Tourism Officer
                           09163245068

Expenses :
                Van (from Iloilo-Culasi : Php 200.00)
                 Pumpboat : Php 1,000.00 (round trip)
                 Barangay Environmental Fee : Php 10.00 each person
                 Accommodation : it depends on your negotiation