It was one of those days that seems to be so gloomy and the dark clouds seems ready to pour out an unexpected squall. I was trying to do some bit of weeding and cultivating on my small vegetable patch, which was neglected for quite some time, due to my busy and hectic schedules. As I was looking up to the dark clouds looming overhead, a sign of an impeding heavy downpour seems to be inevitable. So I decided to go inside for a while not wanting to be caught in a torrent. As I was lounging outside, with a warm chocolate, listening to the rhythmic downpour of the rain, my cellphone rings, and to my surprise it was my best friend asking me to accompany him to Bantug Lake Ranch, the next day. So I immediately said yes, not wanting to miss the opportunity to see some new scenery.
How to get there.
Bantug Lake Ranch is an absolutely beautiful place located at least seven (7) kilometers from the heart of Bacolod City, “the city of Smiles,” You can take a taxi which might cost you a few bucks, Php. 600 -700, depending on how adept are you in haggling with the driver. Or you can take a local jeepney at Burgos Market plying the Alangilan-Burgos route only for Php. 30. The entrance fee is Php75 for adults and Php. 50 for children. If you come by a private car, it will take you a 20-minute drive, and there’s a wide free parking space available for all visitors.
What you can expect
Going inside the ranch, you will feel that you are transported into another world with a rustic scenery, coupled with the beautiful nature surrounding the man-made lake. The place offers great accommodations for visitors, with a spacious restaurant offering great meals and a view of the surrounding areas. If you intend to spend an overnight, there’s a section of the place dotted with quaint villas and there’s also a place where you can have a campfire and even grilled smorgasbord with family or friends.
With the accommodation, comes with a free breakfast, a boat ride, a horse back riding activity and free use of the swimming pool. Depending on the villa of your choosing, it will cost you from Php. 2,000. to Php. 3,000. But every cent is worth it, due to a quick, respectful and accomodating service rendered by the staff. There’s even a securrity staff of which you can call in case of an emergency anytime of the night or day.
What you can do
If you are the kind of an adventurous and a free spirit, you can do a horse back riding or feel free to give a go on an ATV, try following the trail snaking around the perimeter of the ranch, passing through dense undergrowth and sloping hills, which will drive your adrenalin to an intense level.
And if you just loved the quietness of nature and listen to the morning calls of all feathered creatures, you can take a kayak to the middle of the man-made lake and see the reflections of the sunrise on the placid lake while listening to the morning orchestra aired in full blasts by the awakening birds and small creatures.
A cup of hot steaming coffee, will also be great while looking out to the lake or just walking and feeling the wet grass on your feet. As you walk around, you might even see the proud peacock sauntering around displaying its adorable tail feather with pride. Alongside the lake, you can toast some fish food or bread to the hungry fishes scrambling to take a small bite, see the beautiful swans swimming nonchalantly on the glassy surface of the lake.
During the day, you can go to the horse back riding area and try to ride a docile horse, pretending to be a cowboy, while going around the paddock and the riding area. Perhaps, after such work out, you can take a dip in the cool swimming pool or enjoy a sumptuous food of your liking at their rustic restaurant being served by friendly and accommodating staff.
For those looking for a quiet place to enjoy a novel or two, you can bring your books, and own hammock, strung it between two trees, away from those frolicking and rambunctious people who were also enjoying at the picnic area, By the way, you can bring outside food which you can grilled or cooked at the picnic area, picnic tables and chairs were provided for.
Sometimes to get your bearing, it does not mean you have to go to luxurious, exclusive and the most expensive place to stay. All you need is your go bag and a mindset that you will enjoy the place, no matter what, comes high or low. It takes a creative imagination and a heart that anticipates a great and extra ordinary thing, to really enjoy the simple things of life.
Most of us were coop up by the demands of our workplace, family and friends, that we have so little time to spend for ourselves. Let’s take time to indulge in some extra curricular activities, our interests and hobbies, to break the routinary and monotonous cycle of life.
Life is beautiful! Enjoy every moment. Carpe Diem!