Lush tropical forest streaks of the rays of the sun amid dense canopies cool and refreshing air crystal clear mineral waters, bushes and grasses in all hues of green, flowers abloom in a spectrum of colors. Natureβs perfectly sculptured garden and haven of freely roaming wildlifeβ¦
Experienceβ¦. Mother Nature at its best in moments cherished throughout oneβs lifetime. Thick canopies which conceal the carpets of moss from the sun. Crisp and cool crystal waters cascade the rocks and stones. The chirping of the birds and the wails of the animals in symphony with the swaying and creaking of the trees. A postcard of greenery that blooms in perfectly crafted garden by nature. Learnβ¦. The delicate and fragile environs of the natural park as they open themselves to the inquisitive visitor. The array of flora and fauna so rich waiting to be discovered and nurtured. Life forms at Mount Kanla-on are still in a never-ending struggle for survival from the destruction of the vicious enemies of nature. With deep concern, we share our experience and lessons in the protection of natureβs beauty and bounty we will all treasure. Exploreβ¦. Mount Kanla-on Natural Park (MKNP), a mountaineering range in the heart of Negros Island. A natural park through Presidential Proclamation No. 1005 on May 8, 1997 covers 24,557.60 hectares land area with rainforest and verdant vegetation sliced the political boundaries of cities of Bago, La Carlota, San Carlos, and Canlaon and the towns of Murcia and La Castellana within the park. August 11, 2001, the birth of Republic Act 9154 otherwise known as Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park (MKNP) Law, which is the site specific law for Mount Kanla-on; and having 169 hectares as Buffer Zone. Mt. Kanla-on is the most imposing landmark in Negros Island. Its summit measured at 2,435 meters above sea level. Kanla-on is an active volcano; the highest peak in Central Visayas, and 16th highest in the Philippines. Kanla-on is a complex and active volcano surrounded by several craters and volcanic peaks. Volcanic features in the area include the cinder cone of the active center and craters at the summit. It is underlain by tropical volcanic materials composed of sheeted lava flows, lahar deposits, airfall tephra and apron pyroclastic materials. It is biologically diverse; and home to a number of species of flora and fauna. The slopes are also headwater catchments of major river systems of Bago, Nahalin and Binalbagan draining northwestern Negros. It serves as the watershed of about 158,500 hectares of land in Negros Occidental (e.g. ΒΌ of the entire Negros Island). TREKKING TO THE PEAK OF MT. KANLA-ON
Based on the MKNP Rules & Regulations Governing Mountaineering, the following should be followed:
Open Season (March, April, May, October, November, December). During these months, a group composed of ten (10) trekkers will be allowed to trek per day per trail. Low Season (January, February, June, July, August, September). On these months, only one (1) group composed of ten (10) trekkers will be allowed to use the trail per month. TRAIL & JUMP-OFF POINTS:
Guintubdan Trail. It is a Sitio of both La Carlota and Bago City; the most favored jump-off point of trekkers. The area showcase breath-taking views of numerous waterfalls, lush primary forest, and is just 8.5 kilometers away from the summit-crater. Going to Guintubdan takes two (2) jeepney transfers; Bacolod to La Carlota 1 hour travel and La Carlota to Guintubdan also 1 hour travel. Accommodation. The visitors have three options in the area, namely:
1. The Pavilion Visitor Center, La Carlota City
(034)4600286 c/o La Carlota Tourism Ofc.
2. Home-stay accommodation of the MKNP facility
For campers, basic camping equipments & gears should be secured or pre-arranged before leaving Bacolod City. Wasay Trail. Wasay Entrance & Ranger Station (at So. Wasay, Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia) of MKNP is the jump-off point at this area. Trekkers who wanted to test their stamina take this trail. Going to the peak is 14 kilometers and will take you two (2) days with a slow progression with the elevation, and the vegetation from secondary to primary to mossy, and be mystified with the enchanted lagoons. In going to the jump-off, you take the Bacolod- Mambukal Jeepney and hike 1.5 kilometer to Wasay Station. Accommodation.
1. Mambukal Mountain Resort offers an array of choices to its visitors; from cottages to air-conditioned rooms, swimming pools, and a lot more. (034)7090990, (034)4338516
2. Wasay Entrance Station offers camp-out accommodation for trekkers. For campers, basic camping equipments & gears should be secured or pre-arranged before leaving Bacolod City. Mananawin Trail. So. Mananawin, Brgy. Masulog, Canlaon City is the destination for the very adventurous outdoor enthusiast. Though it is only at an approximate seven (7) kilometers at least from the community but it will test the climber what he is made of. He will be exposed to a direct assault terrain, open-agricultural, and grassland areas, and with no water source at all when inside the forest. The view of the crater will be seen at this area immediately except when it is cloudy. Mapot Trail. Mapot, Brgy. Malaiba, Canlaon City is second to Mananawin Trail in terms of difficulty. The multi-purpose basketball court of the sitio is also the last stop of the single-motorcycle βhabal-habalβ from Canlaon City proper were the climber starts his hike to Camp Mapot, which is around 5.5 kilometers. Camp Mapot is the last water source in the area; and is 8 kilometers away from the crater via Makawiwili Peak. The regular transport is via Ceres Bus from Bacolod and Dumaguete City. Bacolod to Brgy. Masulog, Canlaon City around 3 hours travel; and Canlaon City proper is another 30 minutes. Dumaguete to Canlaon City is 6 hours. Brgy. Masulog, Canlaon City has a Dormitory or rooms for visitors
2. The Administration Center, Office of the PASu, at So. Calapnagan, Brgy. Biaknabato
3. F & C Guest House, Canlaon City
#0920-9213305; 0917-3141577
For campers, basic camping equipments and gears should be secured or pre-arranged before leaving Bacolod City or Canlaon City. IMPORTANT:
Jeepneys going to Mambukal Resort and La Carlota City are located at Libertad Market; Ceres buses going to La Carlota City and Canlaon City are located at Lopez-Jaena Terminal. MOUNTAINEERING PERMIT is Php500.00 for Filipino and Php1,000.00 for foreigners. The permit should be secured before going to the jump-off and are issued at the DENR-PENRO, MKNP Satellite Office, Brgy. 39, Bacolod City. Climbing date should be booked in advance; three (3) months advance booking before the expedition date is accepted. GUIDE & PORTER. In every trail and jump-off point, there are available guides and porters. It is a community-based livelihood for tenured migrant. However, the Park Superintendent Office is facilitating the assignment of guides and porters. As a regulation, two (2) accredited guides are required per group composed of ten (10) trekkers; following the 5 climbers to 1 guide ratio. Employment of porter is optional. However, to ensure enjoyment and ease of trekking, a porter is recommended. The payment for services rendered is given directly to the guide and porter. Protected Area Management Board reserves the right to designate a specific guide. For more information & climb reservation:
Office of the Park Superintendent
Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park
c/o DENR-PENRO Negros Occidental
Abad-Santos St., Brgy. 39, Bacolod City
Telefax (034)435-7411
Dennis S. Pinosa
Park Superintendent
Email: [email protected]
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