Some four months after the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary in Murcia, Negros Occidental has reopened anew on Wednesday to accommodate the summer crowd for the first time in two years.

The provincial government-owned retreat, situated at the foot of Mt. Kanlaon, is one of the top tourist destinations in the province and just less than an hour’s drive from this capital city.

Provincial administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said for now, only day trips will be allowed while overnight accommodations will start on May 1.

“It’s time for Negrenses to enjoy summer. We are happy to present Mambukal under new circumstances. The pools and the hot springs are ready. The boating lagoon has also been repaired,” he said.

Pre-booking is required before entry and payment for reservations can now be received via GCash mobile wallet and credit cards, as well as through bank deposit through the Land Bank of the Philippines.

The mountain tourist site, rebranded as the Mambukal Resort and Wildlife Sanctuary, was first reopened last December, almost two years after it was shut down due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Starting April 2020, the area was used as a quarantine and isolation center for returning Negrenses and capitol employees found positive for the virus.

In the middle of December, Mambukal was among the structures and facilities owned by the province damaged by Typhoon Odette and power supply in the resort-sanctuary was restored only last month.

Mambukal is home to numerous flora and fauna, including numerous bird species, and is one of the few bat sanctuaries in the Philippines.

Guests can enjoy various activities such as swimming, soaking in natural hot springs, nature trekking, hiking to the waterfalls, and bat watching.

Entry requirements include vaccination card for the fully vaccinated or negative antigen test result taken within 48 hours upon admission for the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated. (PNA)