Mambukal: nature’s blue expanse and green vistas

 Have you heard of The Blue Mind Theory? It is the idea that being near water, or even just experiencing the sound of water and/or picturing it, can bring a person into a calmer state and boost their mood. 

According to Dr. Nick Bach, a psychologist and CEO of Grace Psychological Services, “The effect of water increases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin levels while reducing cortisol. [T]he sound, color, and touch of water can lower the pulse rate and increase calmness.”

Mambukal Resort

As the heat of an El Nino summer builds in our tropical island, folks are taking to the water wherever they can get close to it. The Philippines is an archipelago in the Western Pacific Ocean made up of 7,641 islands, of which approximately 2,000 are inhabited — plenty to accommodate the overheated hordes.

The country has the fifth-longest coastline — measuring 36,289 km, with roughly sixty percent of the population residing on the coast, where most of its larger cities and population centers are located.

Danjugan Island Sanctuary

Our nation has a highly diverse topography — located in the region of high seismological activity with most islands of volcanic origin. The Philippines geographical characteristics have contributed to making it one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world.

Negros Occidental, unlike the rest of Negros Island Region, has few heritage sites of importance. Which is why Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary is a standout location of great value to the province, its residents and countless visitors.

Mambukal poolside

Mambukal is a forest preserve, a wildlife sanctuary and a heritage site — nestled at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon. Mambukal Resort rests 1,200 feet above sea level — within a lush 23.6-hectare forest in Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Many have walked its trails feeding into seven majestic waterfalls, dipped into its healing cold and hot mountain fed springs, enjoyed some pampering at the iconic Japanese-style Ishiwata Bath House and nature spa. To return home with stories lasting lifetimes and relished by generations.

Mambukal overgrown stairs

Today, Mambukal continues to welcome visitors to its inviting and lush interior. A crossroad where geology, history, and memory converge. It is a heritage site — home to the Ishiwata architecture, volcanic biodiversity, and colonial-era roots that shaped the cultural fabric of Negros Occidental for close to a century.

Article by: Issa Urra (bhaktiCD.org)