• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, is improving its facilities, as part of the efforts of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson to further boost the local tourism industry, in the last three years of his administration.
An additional 10 hectares of land, which is adjacent to the mountain resort, was recently purchased by the provincial government.
With the additional property, we are hoping to build more villas to accommodate more visitors, disclosed Lacson, who joined Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, in touring local journalists at the Mambukal Resort,
Soon, we will have animals along the way, as you trek to the falls, Lacson said.
The construction of a villa with a swimming pool is almost complete. It will soon accommodate guests, he added.
FOOD COURT, GOLF CARTS
The resort, operated by the provincial government of Negros Occidental, opened a new food court and offered golf carts as transportation support for the tourists.
The food court has four concessionaries where tourists can access Negrense local cuisines. The concessionaries are Ikeas Seafood Restaurant, Mahens by Ramos Grille, Amigos Mambukal, and EL Grill of Enting’s of Sagay City.
Diaz said yesterday that the array of food at the food court is sold at affordable prices.
He also invited tourists to try and taste the native delicacies offered by the four different concessionaries, which originate from different parts of Negros Occidental.
“We would like to invite everyone to taste and experience the unique culinary dishes offered at our food court,” he said.
On August 8, Diaz led the blessing and the inauguration of the food court area, along with other provincial staff.
Meanwhile, the four golf carts purchased by the provincial government are now fully operational at Mambukal. Tourists can use the golf carts service for free.
The golf carts will serve as a transportation support for the tourists, especially the senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWD), children, and the like.
Diaz added that aside from the four existing golf carts operating at Mambukal, the province aims to provide additional 2 units to cater to the transportation needs of the tourists.
Two units will be stationed at the entrance gate to assist tourists without private transportation vehicles, while the other four will be patrolling the resort to provide assistance to tourists who need it.
“This will provide accessibility and convenience to our tourists,” he said.
“Mambukal is still the best place to go, for rest and recreation, and to explore nature,” Diaz said.
Lacson said the trekking from first falls to seventh falls may soon be opened to visitors, as the trail is still being improved.
“When we are ready, we will open it,” he added.
The Negros Occidental provincial government got P10 million from the Department of Budget and Management for the upgrading and redevelopment of the trail within the Mambukal Resort, which intends to enhance visitor experience by improving pathways, installing directional, regulatory, and information signages, establishing rest areas, and integrating educational features to promote the area’s ecosystem.*
