Bonista Beach Resort (Escalante City)

This is a haven for beach lovers or for someone who simply craves for some R&R. :)

 As for me, I think a crowded beach is just as bad as a crowded mall. I'd rather have the entire beach to myself than share it with thousands, or hundreds of strangers. 

Bonista Beach Resort is what I can describe as clean, safe, and has good amenities and facilities. It is very obvious that the owner of the place keeps it well maintained and has improvements every now and then.                                        

Bonsita Resort is owned by Johnny Caroll, a Korean who grew up in America. He married his lovely Filipina wife and have settled in Escalante City ever since.

 Current Rates

The rooms are very spacious, with two queen-sized beds, a clean bathroom, and a little veranda.

All rooms are situated on an elevated part of the resort where you can sit on your veranda and have a breathtaking view of the ocean.                                  

The elevated portion where the rooms are is accessible by car, or if you are from the pool area, you can use the stairs which isn't stressful at all.                                         
Rooms are at P1,640 per night, good for 4 people. Affordable, isn't it?

 What to Do
You can have your own little group or family barbeque by the beach where grillers are readily available for you to use.                                              
                                                                                                                                                           You can either just relax under the shade of their really big trees (some are even said to be a hundred years old already), you can go skim boarding, or you can take a dip in the clear blue waters which can be really fun (especially during high tide).

If you're not into the whole salt water thing, you can always swim in their pool – a great place to cool off during a hot day.                                                        
For those who love to take pictures, you can go around the place and take pictures – there are lots of picturesque views, if you look carefully.

It's simply a nice get away from your usual routine. During the rainy season when it's drizzling and all, I still love the place. :)

Don Salvador Benedicto – The Little Baguio of Negros

It does sound like a person's name... but it's actually the name of a town.

photo courtesy of http://1.bp.blogspot.com/

The town of Don Salvador Benedicto, also known as DSB, or just Salvador Benedicto has been named as the Summer Capital of Negros. Don Salvador Benedicto is also known as the "Little Baguio" of Negros because of its cool weather, it is absolutely abundant in flowers, vegetables, and fruits that thrive in cool climate.

How the Town Got Its Name?
Don Salvador Benedicto was founded in February 9 (which is also the same date as their Kali-kalihan Harvest Festival), in the year 1983 and acquired its name in honor of the late Vice Governor Don Salvador Benedicto who took part in settling the Revolutionary Government of Negros Island in the area during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
A monument was made in his honor and is one of the historical tourist attractions of Don Salvador Benedicto that you can visit.                                                                                                                                         

How to Get there?
Don Salvador Benedicto is an easy town to get to.

photo courtesy of http://4.bp.blogspot.com/

Here's a tip: ride the bus bound for San Carlos City via Don Salvador Benedicto early in the morning, around 6 or 7am and you'll love the cool air and fresh pine scent as you pass along the pine tree-lined main road Don Salvador Benedicto's town proper.

a view of Mt. Canlandog on the way to DSB

If you have your own car, you can drive going to Don Salvador Benedicto. Along the way you can enjoy the scenic views of Mt. Canlaon, Mt. Canlandog, and Mt. Mandalagan, as well as other views of nature that could awe you.

                                                                                                         Don Salvador Benedicto is usually an hour and a half drive up to there, but for us, who always go there and are familiar with the zigzag roads and all, it takes us about 45 minutes to an hour.

What Does Don Salvador Benedicto Have to Offer?

                                                

If you'd ask me, I'd say serenity, nature, and relaxation.
I, myself, am guilty of frequenting the serene town of Don Salvador Benedicto.  Abundant in the area are lots of plants and flowers, including the famous Mickey Mouse plants, million flowers, and anthuriums.                                                                                                              

Don Salvador Benedicto locals have stalls selling different vegetables                                                                                     like tomatoes, eggplants, corn, and fruits such as bananas, Indian mangoes, oranges, and so on. Which by the way, you can purchase at really low prices. 
In Don Salvador Benedicto, the "Lantawan" (viewing deck) is a well landscaped small area at the side of the road, usually a common stop over for buses headed for the city of San Carlos passing by the area.

photo courtesy of http://ic2.pbase.com/

"Lantawan"  in Don Salvador Benedicto, with its landscape, is picturesque by itself, but the scenic view of Malatan-og Falls (known as Cigarette Falls, because of its long, thin appearance resembling a cigarette) in the background makes it a popular stop for tourists to take some pictures.

photo courtesy of http://i62.photobucket.com/It

Going further from Don Salvador Benedicto, there are rice terraces similar to those in Banaue and Chocolate Hills similar to those in Bohol, but of course the lesser-quantity version. If you are a nature lover, trekking is one of the activities that Don Salvador Benedicto offers. There are several caves, lakes, and waterfalls in the area that you can visit and commune with nature.

photo courtesy of http://i34.photobucket.com/

If you simply want to check out the town's landmarks, you can visit the Don Salvador Benedicto Municipal Hall, the monument of Don Salvador Benedicto, the Stone House of the De la Cruz family, the famous retreat house, the market place (during market days: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays), etc...

However, if you ask me, the best thing that the town of Don Salvador Benedicto has to offer is simply those breathtaking views that go very well with a relaxing afternoon with a warm cup of brewed coffee (or a steaming cup of hot tea).

Experience Don Salvador Benedicto for yourself... It's both, serene and exciting, fun and relaxing. :)