NEGROS '09: Sunny, Sandy, Splendid Halloween (2)

NEGROS '09: Sunny, Sandy, Splendid Halloween 2 (November 1, 2009)

We had a long and full day yesterday, so we slept in for a bit. After getting all the rest that we needed, we decided to just take it easy and stay in the vicinity of Dumaguete City and its surrounding areas.

F O R E S T   C A M P

One with nature

The first place we went to was Forest Camp. Every time we go on a trip to Negros Oriental, we somehow always manage to squeeze Forest Camp into the itinerary. This is because of its proximity to Dumaguete, which makes it very easy to go to. I've been to Forest Camp (Valencia, Negros Oriental) so many times, but every time I go there I always end up enjoying it.

The Forest Camp was first opened to the public in 1990, and today it's one of Dumaguete's favorite weekend destinations. The entire place is around 2.2 hectares, and it's dotted with cottages and picnic tables that people can rent. When you go to Forest Camp you get to swim in the natural spring water coming from the nearby Casaroro Falls, and the temperature of the water is always so cold so it was the perfect way to cool down our stress. Aside from the natural river there are also pools of spring water that people can swim in. We even got free back massages c/o the teeny tiny "waterfalls."

Cold spring water

Aside from the river and the spring water, the camp site also has a lot of other attractions that nature lovers will enjoy. The camp also features a hanging bridge, a pond, as well as beautiful trees and flowers.  We spent most of our day in Forest Camp, and we even had our lunch in one of their cottages.

D U M A G U E T E

Italia

After our time in Forest Camp, we wanted to try out one of the many restaurants that Dumaguete is known for. This time we had dinner at Italia, where we sampled authentic Italian food that was so cheap it was unbelievable. We were supposed to go to Hayahay for some after-dinner drinks but unfortunately, it was closed. Instead, we just had a karaoke night at "The House of Bulay" c/o their trusty Magic Sing.

B A C K   T O   C E B U

Boat ride back to Cebu

Our boat ride back to Cebu was at around 11PM that night, and we opted to ride a boat this time because we had no more energy for another land trip. At least with a boat ride, we'll just sleep the whole time and when we wake up, we'll be in Cebu already.

Good morning, sunrise!

Having lived in Cebu for most of my life, I'm so used to riding in boats. That's one of the advantages that you get when you live in the Visayas. Boats are a part of life. So this boat ride was something that we were very used to. When we woke up, our view consisted of nothing but the sunrise and the vast ocean. It was quite breathtaking. 

When we finally reached Cebu, it was bittersweet. Goodbye Negros, and thank you for a weekend of utter fun. I will surely miss you, but I will surely be back.

View from the boat