Campuestohan Highland Resort: 10 Features of Bacolod's Pride Amusement Park (Talisay Negros Occidental)

In between Bacolod City and Talisay City is Campuestohan Highland Resort, Bacolod's pride amusement park.  Ask any local from the area and they will mention Campuestohan Highland Resort as the first place to visit.  

The entrance fee in Campuestohan Highland Resort is amazingly cheap.  It only costs 200 php.  The real challenge on your visit is how to make the most our of your time while in the gigantic and 5-hectare wide amusement park.  So allow us Travel Tripsters to familiarize you with at least 10 features of Campuestohan Highland Resort that you should avail of. 

1. Campuestuhan Shuttle Service

Since the location of Campuestuhan is not really within Bacolod City and is actually in Talisay City, it is not easily accessible through public transport.  While we rented a private car and drove ourselves to the park, we noticed that a lot of locals availed of the affordable Campuestuhan Shuttle Service.  Best to be mindful of the schedule since it observes a first-come-first-serve policy. 

The details are as follows: 

Shuttle Rate	60 php
Shuttle Schedule	Everyday (Monday to Sunday)
Pick Up Point	Across lopues east imart-caltex gasoline station circumferential road in front of McDonald
Schedules
Bacolod(IMART) to Resort	Resort to Bacolod(IMART)
7:00 a.m.  8:00 a.m.  9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 a.m.  1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.	7:00 a.m.  8:00 a.m.  9:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. 1:00 a.m.  1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.

2. Themed Accommodations

The easiest way to make the most out of your Campuestohan visit is to stay there overnight.  The price for lodging is a expensive but its a unique experience as the lodgings are actually incorporated within the amusement park.  You could even mistake the themed accommodations as part of the amusement attractions. 

The room rates which is inclusive of breakfast vary depending on the room.  The most luxurious room is Presidential Suite in the Raphaella Mill priced at 15,000 per night.  

But there are more affordable lodging options like the Bonita Huts.

For only 3,500 php, a group of four (4) can stay in this air-conditioned hut which comes with its own bath room. 

But of course, price isn't the only consideration, like who wouldn't want to live in such a colorful atmosphere right?

3. Multiple Swimming Pools

One of the most highlighted activities in Campuestohan is swimming.  Perhaps, its because the Philippines is a tropical country that we Filipinos really love to swim.

Because Campuestohan is located in the highlands of Mt. Makawili, at around 800 meters above the ground, it is actually quite cool and misty at any time of the day.  You don't need to worry about getting burnt while swimming. 

There are many kinds of adult and kiddie swimming pools to choose from. 

Some are fancy with slices and waves.

The capacity of the pools can cater hundreds of people so you need not worry about it being crowded. 

4. Foamy Fun

We were walking around the park just to choose a swimming pool when we heard horns blaring followed by giggles and laughter. 

Around the foamy fun, the air isn't just filled with puffy foam, it was filled with the air of happiness.  

5. Asia's Tallest Dinosaur

It was really surprising for us to find Asia's tallest dinosaur attraction in Campuestohan. 

We truly admire the owners for being so ambitious.  The locals and foreign visitors are so lucky to admire and have photographs around these gigantic dinosaurs.

 By the way, did you know there's actually a lodge inside this huge mammoth?

Aside from the Dinosaur's around the park, most of them although not as huge are displayed in Ram's Dino Park.  Some of the dinosaurs here can walk and roar though.  You can also ride the Walking Dinosaur for only 30 php.

6. Fun Rides

Perhaps the noticeably least appreciated feature of the park is the fun rides.  The pricing is really affordable but some would rather first the park fee inclusion than the add-ons.  Also, while passing by the Viking Ride (30 php/person), we can't help but be ward away by the smell of oil.  Other rides seemed fun and interesting enough for toddlers.

The Grand Carousel is only 30 php/person.

7. Outdoor Activities

The grassy terrain seems fun for a horseback ride but there are hardly any interest for it. 

Activities that involves heights were pricier but they had long lines. You can choose between Sky Bicycle (100 php/person for one-way), Cable Paraglide (250 php/person for two-way) and Hamster Wheel (100 php/person for one-way). 

The more strenuous and longer physical challenge is the Rope Course (200 php/person).

The place is really well-rounded, there's even a Basketball Shootout (35 php/min).

As if the playground within the pool area is not enough, there's another full-featured playground that kids will surely enjoy.  

8. Relaxing Dining

The most convenient way to enjoy a meal is to dine in the Restaurant Pavillion or Coffee Shop.  Just make sure that all your companions will order with you as there is a corkage fee only applies if you bring food or drinks in.

On the other hand, you can also enjoy a fun and more affordable meal if you opt to go for a picnic or grill and barbecue your own food.  You can make use of its facilities for this for free. Just remember to clean you own mess too as there are many others who avail of them too.

For dessert, you can hang out at the Ice Cream Parlor which offers a colorful and fun atmosphere.

9. Superb Photo Attractions

Surely you also cannot resist taking some photographs with their creative photo attractions.  The gigantic King Kong blends well with the foggy air.

The designers were very meticulous in every detail.

As you can see, the themes vary as this one is from a Disney movie...

there are others from movies and this water wheel one makes me feel like its from a fairy tale book. 

10. Chair Massage Spa

After or in between spending time and energy on so much of the Campuestohan's activities, you can avail of its Chair Massage Service. 

Overall, we Travel Tripsters hope we were able to give you at least ten (10) features which you can avail of during your visit to Campuerstohan Highland Resort.  If we missed any detail, please do let us know!

Campuestohan Highland Resort
Address	Sitio Campuestohan, Barangay, Talisay City,  Negros Occidental., Philippines (6115)
Budget Per Person	200 -1,000	Campuestohan Highland Resort Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 7 am - 6 pm
Reservation Required	Encouraged especially for weekend visits
Contact	(034) 702-0964 | (034) 433-3335 | (0915) 211-1406 | (0917) 300-5007 | (0925) 600-8088

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Japanese Garden and Yamashita Shrine: Picnic Place and Solitary Wonder in Cavinti Laguna

Our last stop in Cavinti is the Japanese Garden along Caliraya Lake .  I had the assumption that this is just a small park.

As we were trying to find a parking slot, I couldn't help but be surprised that the parking was full and there were so many cars parked. 

The Japanese Garden is a memorial park built by the Japanese government in the 1970s in order to commemorate the Japanese soldiers who died during the Second World War which is why you can find the Yamashita Shrine there.

Passing through the convenience stores, we headed on towards the bridge and a huge staircase.  When we got up, we were all amazed at how big the area was! It is roughly 11 hectares in total!

Everything was so green.  Family, lover and friends can easily find a picnic spot.

And, if you continued on, you'll reach a beautiful place with stunning view of Caliraya Lake with the mountain and clouds as backdrop.

If you're in Cavinti Laguna, definitely include Japanese Garden on your destination list.  Bring a camera, some food and spend some relaxing time here.

Japanese Garden
Address	Japanese Garden, Lumban - Caliraya - Cavinti Rd, Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Budget Per Person	FREE	Japanese Garden Map
Payment Options	N/A
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays)

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Cavinti Falls: Trek and Rafting in Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove (Cavinti Laguna)

I'm sure you're familiar with Pagsanjan Falls or Magdapio Falls written in our academic textbooks.  But, little do we know that is also known as Cavinti Falls as it is located in Cavinti Laguna. 

Since 2007, the municipal government of Cavinti established the Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove, originally known as Cavinti Eco-Park, in Brgy. Tibatib to offer a much cheaper route by treking, hiking and rappeling to Cavinti Falls for a minimal fee of 270 php/person as opposed to the popular shooting the rapids means.

Being an adventurer, I was very eager to register and embark on our journey.

There are several packages available.  You can even include the Cavinti Cave on your package.

Package A - 50 php

• trekking
• deck view

Package B - 270 php (our package)

• trekking and rappelling via metal ladder
• raft riding
• entering the main falls

Package C (coming soon) - 1,250 php

• trekking and rappelling via metal ladder
• raft riding
• entering the main falls
• boat ride exit to Pagsanjan, Laguna (shooting the rapids)

The pathway is already fully developed and well-maintained so you'll easily find your way through.

We've been told that the first stair case down to Nakulo Falls.  I wanted to check this out but my companions were too worn out by the time we passed by this again.

We reached the view deck that has this "El Salvador Del Mundo" statue.

This is where we geared up.

We then proceeded to our 589 steps downward.

I really loved the rappelling part.  The first rappelling is 14 feet or a around 5 seconds to go down to.

We then continued to the trail which had a bit of a thrill passing through giant trees.

It was very cool and windy in the middle of the forest so it was quite pleasurable for me.

The second rappelling part is shorter. 

We could already see the boats below from here.

We then had to go down a long and steep staircase but which required safety gears.

Then, before I knew it, we were finally near.

There were a lot of tourists flowing from Pagsanjan.

Together with the other tourists, we all proceeded to Cavinti Falls where we were supplied our life vests. 

And, we lined up for our turn to raft inside Cavinti Cave.

It was really cool to see the raft go near the falls.

And gently fade as it goes inside.  No words can sufficiently depict the sensation we felt as we went near the falls.  It was a surge of cool air and water combined like a whirlwind around us.  Be sure to have waterproof gears as none will be spared from wetness at that point.

We didn't have the time to change.  We quickly trekked up.  The rappelling parts were a new experience for me since I've never climbed up a ladder so high in the mountains before.  We also encountered a few drizzles.  And, then we all saw a beautiful rainbow at the end of the track which made us all smile. 

There were huts and tables at the Picnic Grove so we set out our lunch picnic style.  The food was so delicious especially after a 2-hour trek.

Overall, we Travel Tripsters, highly recommends this very affordable adventure in Cavinti Falls.  It is so near Metro Manila that a day-trip is easily manageable. 

For More Information:

Check out:

• #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour
• Facebook
• Website

• Municipality of Cavinti

How to go to  Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove:

Public Transport: 

• Take bus to Sta. Cruz Laguna - ETA 2 1/2 hours

• Cubao ( (HM Transport): 180 php or 140 php regular
• Pasay/Buendia/Gil Puyat (Jac Liner, DLTB, Greenstar):  140 php

• Upon reaching Sta. Cruz Laguna, take jeep to Cavinti: 15 php - ETA 30 minutes
• Upon reaching Cavinti, take tricycle to Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove, Brgy. Tibatib: 40 php - ETA 30 minutes

Private Vehicle:

• SLEX: Take the Calamba exit going all the way down to the town of Pagsanjan. Upon reaching the public plaza of Pagsanjan, you either turn right from the municipal hall heading to the municipal proper of Cavinti or turn left taking the Lumban-Caliraya route.
• Eastern Route (through Antipolo or Tanay, Rizal): Turn right upon reaching Municipality of Mabitac-Famy going to the direction of Pagsanjan, passing through the towns of Siniloan, Paete, and Lumban.  When you reach Brgy. Bagong Silang, Lumban, you either make a u-turn and start ascend going to the direction of Caliraya Lake or go straight to the Pagsanjan Hall and start ascend going to Cavinti Proper.

Things to Bring:

• Sunblock
• Comfortable clothes 
• Rain or Trekking Jacket (it might rain or drizzle) or Windbreaker (against the wind)
• Swim Wear
• Waterproof Trekking Footwear
• Waterproof camera and dry bag
• Drinking water
• Towel and change of clothes (the lighter the better)
• Food (for your picnic after the trek)  

Disclosure:   Our participation is partt of the #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour, a Tourism Advocacy Campaign to help generate online buzz for the upcoming Cavinti Water Sports Olympics: 1st International Competition happening on February 8-14, 2015.

The #CavEAT: Cavinti Eco-Adventure Tour is organized by Herald C. Bebis for the Municipality of Cavinti headed by Hon. Mayor Milbert Oliveros. The event is fully supported by the Municipal Tourism Office, DigitalFilipino, Pelikula Padayon, Caliraya Lake Mountain Resort, Camarin Resort and Lago FishingVillage.

Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove
Address	Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
Budget Per Person	150-800	Pueblo El Salvador Nature's Park and Picnic Grove Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 7am-5pm
Reservation Required	No (encouraged)
Contact	cavintitours@gmail.com

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