Mambukal Hot Spring Resort

Established in 1923 as a weekend getaway for the officials of the Negros Occidental provincial government, this budget resort remains government-owned and -operated. Set on sprawling, lush grounds studded with hot springs, waterfalls, streams, and more, this property draws budget-minded families, groups, and couples seeking an affordable getaway.

Expectations should be adjusted to avoid disappointment here, as the property is dated and in need of a revamp. Facilities are tired, perhaps nowhere more so than at the food court, which comprises a handful of food stands and picnic tables. Nevertheless, the resort remains popular with travelers seeking a dose of relaxation -- the main attraction here are the hot springs, which have been drawing visitors ever since the resort’s Ishiwata Bath House opened in 1927.

The hotel buildings are scattered across the grounds and include several different types of lodging. Three family cottages are dotted around a boating lagoon, plus there are 28 villas, 11 cottages, and a tourist lodge and dorm. The property sees a good amount of day-trippers as well, which means pools can get crowded.

Mambukal is a resort township about a 20-minute drive from Murcia. The resort is set on sprawling grounds at the foot of Mount Kanlaon, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. There’s not too much in the immediate area save for dining options like a cafe and bakery. Bacolod City is about a 45-minute drive away, and buses are available from here to the resort. Bacolod-Silay International Airport is about an hour’s drive away, as is the Bacolod ferry port, with both flights and ferries to and from Manila.

There are a couple different options to choose from here, including cottages, villas, and a dorm. They’re all basic, with simple decor and bare-bones style. The brown and cream color scheme is a bit drab, but spaces are clean. Dark-wood furniture contrasts cream-colored walls, and there’s not too much in terms of decor save for a painting or two on the walls and some leafy plants dotted about. Furnishings do show some wear and tear.

Villas have an open-plan layout, with small living areas furnished with sofas and tables and chairs. Some units, like the Family Cottage, have wet bars with sinks and dining areas, while others can feel a bit cramped with sets of bunkbeds. Some units also have furnished terraces or porches

There’s not too much here in terms of amenities, but all rooms have air-conditioning and mini-fridges. Don’t expect TVs or Wi-Fi, and even the ACs sometimes do not function (guests have reported complaints about malfunctioning units in the past). Bathrooms are small and simple, equipped with showers, sinks, and toilets. Toiletries are not provided.

Note that there are camp grounds here too, and the resort rents tents.

The main attractions are undoubtedly the hot springs, drawing day-trippers and overnight guests alike. There are three sulfur pools, including the Ishiwata Bath House that dates back to 1927. The sprawling grounds are studded with other water features, including seven waterfalls that can be accessed via hiking trails meandering across the grounds. There are also two outdoor swimming pools, as well as a boating lagoon where guests can rent boats. It’s all a bit dated and worn, and the pools could use better maintenance, but nonetheless, the surrounding natural scenery is lovely and makes for a pleasant budget getaway.

Other activities include a zipline and climbing wall, and there are many hiking trails around the grounds leading to the seven Mambukal Falls. There’s also a butterfly garden on-site with a small souvenir shop. Event space, including a convention hall, is available for various functions like meetings and conferences.

The hotel’s “food court” comprises a couple of picnic tables and several different stalls selling food. The space is rustic and tired, but the food offered gets decent reviews. A variety of local fare and Filipino classics are available for purchase.