We always look forward to summer because it is the best opportunity to spend precious time with family. Being busy most of the time because of work and our own family, we rarely see each other; to update the little things happening on each other’s lives. Going out of our homes and spending two to three days in other places is like a family reunion and bonding because we forget our chores back home temporarily and just enjoy each other's company.
Usually, we plan our summer activities such as this Hinoba-an trip two to three months in advance so that we can anticipate our spending and allocate some for the planned trip. We discuss our itinerary and the cost of each activity. And after considering the expenses and work schedules of each one, we decide on the date and family members are given their tasks; to make the necessary preparations leading to the highly-anticipated event.
I was appointed to book the hotel for us to stay in Hinoba-an. Actually, I do not know much about this place nor tourist spots or hotels there, except for that one Facebook post, I came across, that flaunted about Hinoba-an as a tourist destination.
That newsfeed on my timeline and a visit of some friends in the same place made us decide to travel to Hinoba-an and experience for ourselves the beautiful and romantic sunset, nature view of lush green trees and amazing rock formations, getting to know the way of life of the locals and learning a bit of history of this town.
1. SEE THE BEST SUNSET VIEW IN BRAZAVILLE BEACH RESORT
Based on the pictures from Facebook, it was a unanimous decision to stay in Brazaville Beach Resort and we did not regret it. This DOT-accredited beachfront resort boasts of 6 family rooms, with very wide common living area, a big terrace and an open area extending a few meters to the beach area.
We got 3 family rooms, good for 4 persons for P2,900.00 each and another room good for 2persons for P2,200.00. There is a queen-size bed, which can accommodate 3 persons and an extra bed for another person, a cable-installed modest-sized TV, and a decent WIFI connection. Our overnight stay comes with a complimentary breakfast good for two persons for each room.
The area is equipped with a 24-hour CCTV system. Please check out my review of Brazaville Beach Resort soon.
2. APPRECIATE THE STUNNING ROCK FORMATIONS AT OBONG CAVES
Thirty minutes away from the beach resort, this nature’s wonder can be accessed by car (if you are the adventurous type) but common means of transportation is motorcycle because there are portions of the road that were not concreted yet and steeped, so bringing of your car is quite risky. There is a 15-minute walk from the loading/unloading area to the cave. You may take a leisurely walk while enjoying the green scenery and upon reaching Obong Paradise, you will be greeted with an endless view of blue waters and lush vegetation with a high cliff for diving.
Obong Paradise Beach Resort is the take-off point for spelunkers. You will be required to wear a hard hat, which is available for rent at P50.00 but we took it at P40.00 per piece and donation fee for the tourist guide, who made us believed that he is from the Tourism Department but did not have an ID or proper get-up that will tell you that he is indeed an authorized travel guide of the town.
For giving us a lot of information about Obong Cave and he seemed to be a nice guy, we gave him P500.00. Kindly check my write-up about Obong Cave soon.
3. TAKE YOUR IG-WORTHY PICTURE AT SATORI CLIFF
Located right after Hinoba-an and the first town of Negros Oriental, Basay town is home to Satori Cliff, a Bali-inspired haven for those who are into extreme water sport adventures such as rock climbing and cave diving or those who want to be on the safe side such as snorkeling or skin diving.
If you do not want any of these water sports, you may just watch the sunset, feel the breeze of fresh air and appreciate the wonders of nature. I am happy to share with you interesting pictures in a separate post soon.
TWO-DAY, ONE-NIGHT STAY
We left Talisay City, Negros Occidental at around past 8 AM on Saturday. It was a bit rainy and our plan to get the best summer outing is looming on the horizon. We made a side trip to Mila's in Hinigaran to buy some sweets and used its restroom. Mila’s is the famous pasalubong center in the south and has the cleanest restroom. After that, we had our lunch in Kabankalan; lingered a bit in the eatery because of some personal stuff.
We safely reached Brazaville Beach Resort at around 3 PM with sunny weather, exactly what we prayed for. We traveled roughly around 7 hours, not bad because average travel time from Bacolod City to Hinoba-an is 5 hours.
We savor the sunset of what remains of our time on Saturday. Brazaville Beach Resort made a beautiful sunset dinner set-up in candlelight for us. We almost occupied the whole beach by ourselves because there were only two guests checked-in for the night We have a good conversation and loud laughter over Red Horse and San Mig Light.
The following day, we got up early for the 7 AM trip to Obong Cave. It was a bumpy ride with our trusty tricycle but we arrived in Obong Paradise unharmed.
After the registration and briefing, we explored the cave and followed the instructions of our tour guide to the letter, including his instruction to be a little noisy inside the cave. He did not tell us why we have to do that. I surmised, maybe it is one way of driving out the unseen creatures lurking inside or perhaps he wants us to drive the snakes out. So, I was a bit scared hearing this warning.
We marveled at the wonderful sights inside, including the growing stalactites and stalagmites, which take thousands of years to form and grow. I feel sad and disappointed to observe the dead corrals and many writings on the wall, which indicates rampant vandalism. Overlooking the cave is the pristine clear ocean water which is ideal for swimming or snorkeling. While the shoreline is stony, we still manage to swim.
We returned back to the resort at lunchtime; ready to go to our last stop. We packed our belongings and paid our resort bills after takng our lunch. Then, we travel 30 minutes from the resort to Satori Cliff.
There was nothing we did in Satori Cliff, except to take scenic shots of the surroundings. We saw picnic sheds and high cliff with beautiful rock formations. There were interesting and sometimes amusing statements made as signages placed in strategic locations.
We arrived back in Bacolod City around 7:30 PM, after almost 5 hours travel. Despite the gloomy weather forecast a few days before our scheduled trip, we are happy to spend the hottest and best summer ever in Hinoba-an.
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Do you have the best every summer experience? Please share that with us in the comment section below.
