Experience Dumaguete:

1.Pulang Bato Falls

Pulangbato Falls is located in the Ocoy Valley in the town of Valencia Negros Oriental. It is aptly named so because of the waterfall’s seemingly red river water which is caused by the presence of natural reddish rocks found in the area. Pula is the native word for red while bato, for rock. Thus, if interpreted, the name would be red rock.

Like many other waterfalls, swimming lagoons and pools in the town of Valencia, Pulangbato Falls is blessed with calm and refreshing waters. This is mainly because of Valencia’s geography – 60% of its land composition being hilly and mountainous – that the climatic temperature is always moderate to cool.

Pulangbato Falls has a wide cascade. The water pours down into a swimming hole that is also deep enough for high dives. Enthusiasts clamber up to a nearby rock that functions as a diving point and free fall into the water basin. The shape of Pulangbato Falls has been considered unique because of its layered structure. At the first tier, the cascade begins narrowly and widens progressively as it moves down the next levels. At a distance, the waterfalls look triangular in shape.

It is also the color of the water in Pulangbato Falls that makes it more special. It appears to be red but quickly turns clear once taken out from the river. It must be only a reflection of the red rock formations that make up most of the landscape. Surrounding the waterfall is thick foliage of wild plants and vegetation coupled with some trees. The ambience is rather calming in an unsophisticated kind of way because of the impression of being far from civilization.

Except for the presence of some makeshift huts and small stores selling light snacks and candies, Pulangbato Falls is otherwise a non-commercialized area which is good because the serenity is preserved. This can also prevent the inevitable effects of tourism like garbage and pollution.

How to get to Pulangbato Falls:

Getting to Pulangbato Falls is just as easy as getting to all other destinations located in the town of Valencia. It is basically only a 20 minute ride from Dumaguete City and from the Valencia town proper, another 20 minutes or so followed by a short hike to the waterfalls. The easiest way is to get van rental services to bring you directly there. There are also guided tours to Pulangbato Falls that can be availed of, usually organized by travel agencies and hotels, which one can join especially if traveling alone.

2. Forest Camp Valencia

From its small beginnings, Forest Camp is now a fully operational mountain resort that has gained vast popularity. Located in Valencia Negros Oriental, it is only less than an 30 minute drive from Dumaguete City.

Before Forest Camp turned into a household name, it was simply just a private 2.3 hectare property that happened to be situated along the curb of the Banica River in the remote town of Valencia, Negros Oriental, 11.5 kilometers from the provincial capital Dumaguete City. Because of the naturally cool climate that the town of Valencia possesses and its verdant surroundings, it quickly became a favorite family weekend getaway.

Forest Camp History

Eventually word got around and soon enough acquaintances, even strangers would call to ask if they could visit the place. This prompted the Vicuñas to try their luck beginning with only a couple of huts where a family or a group of friends can picnic. From the profit, they built another two cottages and a utility kitchen. Florante and Melba Vicuña never thought that their property would unfold into a tourist destination and become a byword in the Negros Oriental tourism industry.

Together the couple managed and operated the camp. They cooked while their housemaids cleaned and served the guests. Before long, they have trained themselves to be efficient and gracious waitresses. Forest Camp was fast becoming popular. Visitors were coming in by droves to know and see the feel of being next to a waterfall and actually hearing the ripples of the water. In the middle of the camp is a hanging bridge connecting the reception area to the picnic ground.

Forest Camp Today

Today Forest Camp has four family cottages for guests who wish to spend the night, five small huts great for picnics, one function hall, two natural pools and a cascading waterfall and a beautiful landscaped garden.

Another natural pool is being excavated and an area cleared for construction of new huts. The Vicuñas call it “sustainable development” which means expansion using revenue from existing facilities.

To cut down on costs, all materials used to make up the cottages are bamboo and nipa – both inexpensive indigenous materials that can be sourced anywhere in the province.

Architecture has kept to the native feel – the huts are designed to resemble traditional Filipino houses. Rates begin at 350 Peso for a half day use of the hut.

How to get to Forest Camp

Valencia is only less than an hour’s drive from Dumaguete City. The simplest way to get there is to hire a van and let the driver take you straight to Forest Camp.

Another way is to join a group tour or excursion usually organized by travel agencies and hotels. Finding this place is not at all difficult because of its popularity among the Dumagueteños.

With public transfer you take a Multicap towards Valencia. There you will take a trike to the Forest Camp. You may want to get the trike drivers cell-number that you can call him. Getting away from Forest Camp can be harder than finding it.

If you have your own vehicle you can drive all the way by yourself. The roads are in good conditions and you should have no problem to get there even after some rainy days.

Just take the Valencia Road passing Hypermart and continue the way up the hill. When you come to the very end of this road, take a right turn. After about 2km (past some public swimming ponds) you can see the camp on your left side. There is also a signboard pointing the direction to Forest Camp. You can see the entry to the parking space to your left hand.

The entrance fee is around 80.00 PHP for adults and kids. Inside are several cottages you can rent for the day. You surely will enjoy the day in the beautiful tropical surrounding at Forest Camp in Valencia.

3. Spanish Fountain Valencia

Because of the very strong influence and governance that the Spaniards left in Negros Oriental, relics and memorabilia of their past regime are scattered about in most towns of the province. One of which is the Spanish Fountain, an ancient waterspout built in the late 1800s which can be found in the peaceful town of Valencia, 9.4 kilometers west of Dumaguete City.

Valencia is naturally gifted with abundant water supply from the nearby Mt. Talinis and the surrounding hills. It was because of this reason that an Augustinian friar devised a system where water from the mountain springs can be channeled down to the main town and thus be used as the people’s primary source of water supply. This led to the construction of the water fountain placed in sunken area of the town plaza. It became a communal provision at that time. Townsfolk would take their bangas (a heavy urn with a wide mouth made of stone which was used to store water and other liquid) to the fountain and gather water.

Spanish Fountain History

Today the Spanish Fountain stands as a proud symbol of historical value for the people of Valencia. It is a popular destination for historical excursions organized by the schools for students and by certain agencies for guided tours. Although it is not being used as a source of water for the town anymore, it can still spout water despite tarnished pipes. Technology and infrastructure has given way for a better water system. Valencia remains to have most inexpensive water utility cost, thanks to the never ending abundance coming from the nearby mountains.

How to get to the Spanish Fountain

The town of Valencia is about 30 minutes drive from the Negros Oriental airport in Sibulan. It is an uphill ascent with refreshing views of flourishing plants and flowers. Upon reaching the town proper, the central plaza can be immediately recognized and the Spanish Fountain can be viewed from the road though not entirely because it is strategically placed in the middle of a sunken courtyard.

Because of its cool climate, Valencia is a natural garden for many kinds of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood. Valencia supplies most of the flowers and fruits found in the Dumaguete City Public Market. If there is a need for a large number of such produce, it is wiser to purchase them from the town itself where they are being sold at very cheap wholesale prices.