Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center

This is the nearest thing that you could get if you want to go to a zoo when visiting Bacolod City in the province of Negros Occidental. The Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation rescues wild animals from poachers and this is where they end up. You will see that the animals are really well taken care of because they are all in perfect shape unlike the malnourished animals at Manila Zoo.

Many of the animals on display are endemic to the Philippines and most of them are on the critically endangered list. We might be the last generation to see these animals breathing so I really salute the men and women behind this foundation for a job well done. This center is a popular venue for field trips and employees there are very much accommodating as they are used to have children as guests.

You just need to pay PHP20 to enter and donations are highly encouraged. You will be given an official receipt for your donations so you will be rest assured that it will be put in good use. Many companies are regular donors to the foundation and you will see their names in signposts (as a form of advertisement I suppose). I hope many others would contribute to this foundation.

This rescue center is located just besides the Negros Capitol which every resident knows.

Note: All photos featured in the article above are owned by kegler747.blogspot.com

Bacolod City: Mambukal Mountain Resort

If you want to see 7 waterfalls in just 2 hours worth of hiking then this is the place that you should go whenever you visit Bacolod City. Mambukal is only an hour away from the city and it is a very popular summer getaway for city dwellers because of its cool climate. The hike from the 1st to 6th falls is tolerable even for beginners but the real challenge begins when you started to hike to the waterfalls #7. You can only take a dip on the 6th and 7th falls and it is best to go there with a guide. The guide asked for PHP200 pesos to accompany us up to the 7th falls and back to the resort. He carried my backpack so I gave him additional PHP100.

The mountain resort also has a sulfur pool which is too hot to take a dip in and the stench could be unbearable as we all know that sulfur smells like rotten eggs. There's also a hot spring and its quite popular to visitors. Other activities being offered at Mambukal are canopy walk, zip line, wall climbing and boating.

I highly recommend this place for nature lovers who don't want to go far from Bacolod.






Note: All photos featured in the article above are owned by kegler747.blogspot.com