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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Tree Top Adventure Baguio: Trying Out the Superman Ride

One of the famous tourist attractions in Baguio City is Tree Top Adventure Baguio. 

You can mix and match the activities and get more savings with their packages.

Upon seeing the map, I got so excited because the meters indicated that they occupied a big area so I can experience a bit of breeziness during the zipline experience.  Frankly, the place was bigger than it looks from the entrance.

But after the first plight of stairs, it gave me a slight hint that this adventure may require some plights more.  

We chose our packages and got stamped by the entrance.

And so the trekking began...

Upon reaching the pavillion, there was a desk where we had to sign a waiver and avail our tickets.

You can also ask questions about packages here.

Upon being handed our tickets, we secured our harness.

 This harness area is for the canopy which I didn't choose.

The Tree Drop wasn't working at the time of our visit.

Canopy Ride and Funicular (350 php)

I chose the Superman Ride (300 php).

To get to the Superman Ride, we had to trek.

Justin Vawter Models for your Scenic View

We passed by the Sky Walk.

After your activity, you could buy your photos at the Pavillion.  We didn't buy ours so I don't have any photos of my Superman Ride.

Travel Tripsters Remarks
If you have the time to try the zipline activities and trek, then add Tree Top Adventure Baguio on your list of destination.

Tree Top Adventure Baguio
Address	Special Tourism Economic Zone, Loakan Road, Camp John Hay, Baguio, Benguet, Philippines
Budget Per Person	300-1,500	Tree Top Adventure Baguio Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 8:00 am-4:30 pm
Reservation Required	No
Contact	(6374) 442-0800 |  Website

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Grande Island Resort: My Top 6 Recommended Land Activities to Do (Subic SBMA Zambales)

I've shared our accommodation at Grande Island Resort.  Now, I'll be sharing how fun it is to be on an isolated island when there's so much land activities you can do.  Here are the land activities we tried and I recommend them for you too.

1. Ride a Bike

Grande Island Resort offers bicycle rental for 150 php an hour.  We decided to take a bike and explored the area. 

They have safe pathways from the port leading to the very last house.  Biking not only gave us an opportunity to exercise, it also allowed us to go to a greater distance at ease.  We were able to observe that they also had horses while we were biking.

2. Watch the Sun Set Along the Sea Shore

Photo credits to www.lifeofaci.com

Enjoy the fresh sea breeze as you watch the sun set along the sea shore. 

 Watch the sun paint the skies with orange hue.

 

The scenic view by the sea shore, rush of the cool air and the melodious sound of the crashing waves will surely offer you the relaxation that you can't get in the city.

3. Get Educated with the Historical Island Tour 

The Historical Island Tour time schedules are 6 am, 9 am and 3 pm.  The duration is 30 to 1 hour for 250 php per person.

According to Kuya Bert, our tour guide, the 42-hectare Grande Island was first discovered by the Spaniards during the 1600's.  A war between the Spaniards and Americans ended with the latter as the victor.  The Americans built underground power lines and water pipelines from SBMA as the source of electric and water.

Back Beach

We were taken to the undeveloped back beach where we saw picnic tables built by the Americans.  The beach was so beautiful but not safe for swimming as the water is the breeding area for sea creatures such as jellyfish, sea urchins, stingray and sharks.  You can see some of the jellyfish, sea urchins and corals even on the shallow parts.  If you go to the deeper parts, you can find baby stingrays and sharks.

Chiquita Island

Chiquita Island is a nearby island that is part of Grande Island Resort.  It is a 4-hectare island which serve as a bird sanctuary.  They offer nature trekking there too.

Picnic Area Built by the Americans

Battery Flake Tower

As the island is not a warzone but used as a fortress and battery, it has canons and heavy machine guns for anti-air and water ambush and defense.  The Battery Flake Tower still stands and is great for picture taking.

Maid's Quarters

We also saw the Maid's Quarters.

Hospital

The lake used to be their football field.  We're told that the rain forests are home to geckos which go out around 3 pm.

4. Speed Downward Via Zipline 

JA of thepromdiboyadventures.blogspot.com

 Grande Island Resort's 300-meter long and 40-feet high zipline.

Me on the Zipline (photo credits to thepromdiboyadventures.blogspot.com)

The zipline is a good activity that is safe even for kids.  

5. Explore by Horse Back Riding

You can go up the mountains and see more of the island via horse back riding at 500 php per hour.

6. Eat, Drink and Be Merry
 

Orchid Hall A

Orchid Hall B

Food and drinks are not allowed to be brought on the island so I had a heavy breakfast before our 9 am ferry ride.  And yet, after all the biking, swimming, boating and diving, I found myself constantly looking for energy replenishment.  Good thing that Orchid Hall serves food anytime.

Eat By the Pool

You can have food delivered to your room and eat at your comfort by the veranda (additional 20% room service fee) or eat by the Orchid Hall A or B or by the pool (Only 10% SBMA and Service Charge).  Since we wanted to eat and bond as a group, we chose the latter.  The food was reasonably priced as an order is good for 2-3 persons.  Being a group of 10 allowed us to explore to selections.

Sweet & Sour Fish (355 php)

Pork Sinigang (375 php)

Shrimp Sinigang (395 php)

Bulalo (455 php)

Chopsuey (295 php)

For lunch, we  had the Sweet & Sour Fish (355 php), Pork Sinigang (375 php), Shrimp Sinigang (395 php), Bulalo (455 php), Chopsuey (295 php) and Plain Rice (50 php).   For dinner, we had the Sweet & Sour Fish again (Yes, my companions loved this!),Garlic Shrimp (375 php), Beef Broccoli (355 php) (the meat was tough), Pork Sinigang again (This is the best dish as the group raved for this non-stop.  It didn't even reach my end of the table), Pinakbet w/ Bagnet (325 php), Pork Sisig (325 php) and Plain Rice. 

Omelet

For breakfast, we were fortunate to have a breakfast buffet which they serve when guests are 20 or more.  They have an omelet station with three choice of ingredients: cheese, ham and green and red bell peppers. 

They had hot water for coffee and rotating toasted for toasted bread served with jam and butter.

The buffet selection includes: Hot Lugaw with chicken, hard boiled egg and black pepper, Buttered Carrots and String Beans,Tapa, Tocino and Fried Bangus.  It also.includes Orange Juice for drinks.
 

I'd like to thank our server Ver who gave as the best dining experience in terms of service. 

 

You can also buy snacks such as Chippy (50 php) and beer (90 php) for a great bonding time.

So this sums up our Travel Tripsters recommendation.  Enjoy!

Grande Island Resort
Address	Structure 684, Waterfront Road, Freeport Zone, Subic Bay, Zambales, Philippines
Budget Per Person	150-2,000	Grande Island Resort Map
Payment Options	Cash
Operating Hours	Monday to Sunday: (even holidays) 9 am-10 pm
Reservation Required	No (Encouraged)
Contact	(632) 584-4359 | (632) 463-7868 | (6347) 252-2883 |  (63927) 7240999 | (63919) 366-9999 | reservation@grandeislandresort.com | info@grandeislandresort.com

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