Nestled in the lush slopes of Mt. Makawili in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, is a 5 hectare mountain resort bustling with scenic views, fun activities and relaxation spots. With its uniqueness and world-class facilities, Campuestohan Highland Resort quickly made a name and became a premier tourist destination in the province.
During our homecoming last year, I never had the time to visit Campuestohan and I went back to Dubai with regrets. I'd cringe with envy every time I see photos of family and friends at the resort. Hence, three months ago, on our recent holiday in the Philippines, Campuestohan Highlands took the number one spot in my places-to-visit list!
With so much excitement and great expectations, my family and I arrived at Campuestohan Highland Resort when most cottages were still unoccupied and pools were still unused. It was a cool summer day. Thick white clouds loomed over the mountain resort. The sun rays were extra gentle rather than scorching. I felt the cool mist on my skin as my senses succumbed to the relaxing sight of nature.
On the first few hours of wandering, I realized that the resort offers much more than what I expected. It may sound a cliche, but I must say "It's more fun in Campuestohan". :)
Welcome to the highlands! |
Things to do at Campuestohan Highland Resort:
1. unwind in a fantasy land (for a day or two)
Campuestohan Highland Resort brings our fantasy places to life! There's a shoe house that reminds me of a rhyme in my old nursery book. Remember that old woman who lived in a shoe? :) There is also a charming log cabin; a cozy spot for a sweet escape just like in romantic novels. And just across the bridge are Bonita Huts, wooden igloo-shaped accommodation, which made me think of hobbit-holes in Middle Earth.
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe... |
a charming log cabin in the wilderness |
Frodo, where are you? |
2. see your favorite Superheroes
Situated in the middle of the resort is an attraction that can fascinate both the kids and the kids-at-heart. The stunning replicas of tv personalities and movie characters can surely make the imagination run wild. Here, you can hang out with The Avengers, do some karate moves with Kung Fu Panda, and frolic in the play area with Bumblebee!
MJ and some of The Avengers |
goofing around with the kids and The Incredible Hulk |
Everybody was kung fu fighting.... |
Autobots, transform and roll out! |
3. surrender to King Kong
Another amazing structure at Campuestohan Highlands is the larger than life replica of a movie monster. King Kong's loud growl can be heard throughout the mountain resort. But how ironic, instead of scaring the visitors away, the throbbing roar lured everyone to come nearer! Some even surrendered to King Kong's grasp! We did! How can you not? It is majestic and mind-blowing!
Epic! |
King Kong and his captives |
4. swim in a giant footprint
It's as though a giant wandered in the area and left two footprints behind! Forgive my wild imagination, I'm talking about Campuestohan Highland Resort's swimming pools in the shape of giant footprints. As the entrance fee of Php 150 already includes pool access, don't forget to bring your swimwear and splash in the cool footprint shaped pool as long as you want!
cool footprint-shaped pool |
The family that swims together stays afloat together. :) |
the smaller pool and the wondrous view of the city |
5. have a bird's-eye view from the hanging bridge
Campuestohan Highland Resort's hanging bridge is a good vantage point to see the whole resort, the lush mountains and the city from afar! I'm not a big fan of adventures, hence I got a little scared every time the bridge sways beneath my feet. Nevertheless, walking to and fro was a fun experience.
everything looks better at the top |
6. bike in the sky
The sky bicycle at Campuestohan Highlands is the first in the region. It made my husband so giddy as it is a whole new daredevil experience he ought to try. The suspended bicycle runs along a tightrope just above the hanging bridge. It looks petrifying! So, I just watched my husband, along with some of the family members, pedal their way to the other side.
not just your ordinary bicycle ride |
the tightrope bikers |
definitely his kind of fun |
7. zip line with a view
Zip line is the only thrilling attraction that I can handle, hence I was courageous enough to dare my niece and my cool Dad to take the adventure with me. I still had cold feet and sweaty hands. On the deck, I was a worry-wart. But while ziplining, I was Wonder Woman! Hah! I was so happy that I was able break away from the tension. Campuestohan Highland Resort's aerial view from the zip line is breathtaking! It was definitely worth every pump of my adrenaline.
amazing view from up above |
The Cool Dad on his extreme adventure |
8. take the challenge at the Rope Course
A mere glance of Campuestohan Highland Resort's rope course made my scoliotic spine shiver! I knew my fragile body, especially my abnormally curved spine, couldn't handle the physical stress. So, I happily served as a photographer to my husband and my niece. The extreme trail consists of hanging planks, tires, nets and ropes. The course is quite lengthy that it took them almost an hour to reach the finish line! Tip: If you'd love to do the rope course, bring your sporty shoes!
the loooong rope course; a test for the confidence and the stamina |
halfway through |
The fearless husband traversed the difficult course with pleasure! |
9. ride a horse
This I haven't done during our visit, but it sure would be awesome to revel in the beauty of nature while horseback riding! Next time, I wouldn't let this pass. I'll gallop through the lush surroundings with spectacular views of the forest mountain nearby.
horseback riding in the highlands |
10. Eat!
At Campuestohan Highlands, you can either bring your own food and have a picnic in the open cottage, or you can go to the resort's Pavilion and dine comfortably at the restaurant. As I never wanted our getaway to be a hassle, I suggested that we'd skip the home-cooking. We had our lunch at the Pavilion; prices are not that bad, food were freshly cooked, served hot and delicious!
Campuestohan Highland Resort's Pavilion |
lunch with the family at the restaurant |
some of the delish food we had |
After all the fun, the next best thing to do is to BOND! Whether with family or friends, bonding is at its finest at the very impressive mountain resort. The cool temperature relaxes the senses, leaving you with happy thoughts that you'll remember forever!
thumbs up for Campuestohan Highland Resort |
family bonding in the highlands |
Campuestohan Highland Resort's Rates:
(as of May 2014)
Entrance Fee: Php 150/person
Day Cottages: from Php 400 to Php 1000
Overnight Accommodation: from Php 2500 to Php 5000
Horseback Riding: Php 150
Rope Course: Php 200
Sky Bicycle: Php 100
Zipline: Php 200
The rates provided may have changed.
Please visit the resort's website or Facebook Page to view the current tariff.
TIP: Place your reservation ahead of time! :)
Location:
Campuestohan Highland Resort
Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Philippines
Contact # +63 34 702 0964
How to get there? Check out the resort's official website! They can also arrange a shuttle service!