Another fun way to get out of the city is to drive your way to Malabo in the town of Valencia Negros Oriental where Red Rock twin falls (PulangBato Falls) can be found. The name itself tells the unique grace of this waterscape,Pula is the native word for red while Bato for rock.In addition to the famous Casaroro Falls in Valencia,this attraction is also a must-visit spot en route Oriental Negros and Valencia. I’ve been in that area four times already and I always had a good time,the environment is quite and relaxing while immersing and bathe in cool water forgetting the busy workaday at the city.
Valencia is less than an hour drive from Dumaguete City downtown area.If your travelling in a group,try to find a van rental or ask on your hotel if they arrange tours including Pulangbato waterfalls, for solo bacpackers, habal-habal or motorbike for rents are available in town.It is best to hire an experienced guide once you get to Valencia.Habal-habal drivers normally deal clients at P150.00/head.Travel time is around 20 minutes. Solo backpacking today with my motorbike heading Brgy.Malabo was an impromptu plan of revisiting that site after some typhoon resulting to continues rainfall and flooding in the area.
From Dumaguete,I drove my way to Dumaguete-Palinpinon Road passing through Brgy.Batinguel and Candau-ay as the city boundary west of Dumaguete and continued my way straight passing Tiera Alta-a mountain resort.
The climate in the municipality is relatively cool and mountainous.The ride going there is very scenic with green surroundings with abundant trees covering hill tops.
Along the way, a portion of the road where you can see sulfuric smoke being emitted beneath the ground of the mountain.One can even cook an egg in the boiling water on the ground.:D
Moving forward I reach an intersection where a sign indicates the way to the waterfalls.The other road will lead to Brgy.Caidiocan passing a hot spring resort – http://ocean24resort.com/. Before reaching PulangBato another Hot Spring area you might try for side trip.
I continued driving up and in less than five minutes until I reached the Red Rock waterfall.P 20.00 is pegged at entrance for every visitor.
Accessible parking space for four wheeled vehicles and motorbikes are available once you get inside.From the parking space,at a distance, the first level waterfall can be seen.The water pours down into a basin with reflecting reddish rocks and boulders surrounding the basin.
On the right side are series of mini waterfalls. Last time I went here was a man made swimming area was developed in the base and huts for rent are installed but due to flooding,boulders destroyed the developments and some cottages.
Most of the visitors here only got to see the first level waterfalls but a larger waterfall is situated on top of this area.The second level really requires a trek.I suggest a certified guide or a local who knows the way well.Mountain climbing skills is definitely needed.Nothing to grab but grass and roots,I was very careful with my steps,some parts are slippery and wet, there are other ways that lead to nowhere so I just followed the way I remembered last time I went here.
Reaching the topmost waterfall is not easy,I would suggest to bring with you insect repellent or lotion to get rid of Insects,mosquito and bugs. In a distance from above,I could hear the water flowing down.
Such a sight on top viewing this unique reddish rocks.Going down is very difficult,rocks are wet and slippery,there’s nothing to hold but grass and leaves.As I went down, I need to cross to the other side and climb on rocks to reach the other falls.
From there,I already had a sight of the larger falls,there were no people in the area except myself.Quite awkward when you see yourself alone and you feels like someones watching over you on top.
Cottages are only available on the first level.Visitors may rent those native huts at 200 pesos.Outdoor grills are also available.For group gatherings you may also take a dip on man-made pools below.