Travelblog Philippines: Lantawan View Silay

I have always loved walking around Silay, a charming city in the Negros Island in the Philippines, whose earliest settlements date back to about 450 years ago.

Its rows and rows of heritage homes, built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are a showcase of its rich history and a testament to the locals' efforts to preserve it. 

And other than the Instagram-rich corners of Silay, its long list of culinary delights is  another irresistible attraction that keeps me going back to El Ideal and the Kaon Ta! food festival held at its most popular heritage home, Balay Negrense. 

But far from the busy city center and about 30 minutes by car towards the east, picnic lairs and retreats on Silay's mountains and slopes have been developed to offer a different kind of attraction: Silay's natural wonders.

And just last week, I discovered a unique picnic spot that you should visit as well.

Lantawan View Silay is a perfect hideaway that quietly rests on a slope that faces southwest and has an amazing view of Mount Banderahan, a small mountain that was the last stand of the Japanese Imperial Army in 1945.

'Bandera' is the Spanish word for flag and Mount Banderahan was a site where American soldiers were able to raise the flag of victory during World War II.

(A heart-shaped swimming pool with 

waters from natural spring)

Lantawan View Silay has cottages where you and your family, or your barkadas can have picnics or group retreats. This is also the perfect spot where you can spend the night and enjoy the rarest experience of watching the night sky bereft of any light pollution of the city as well as experience the cool, fresh breezes and the nocturnal sounds of crickets, owls and other night creatures.

                  (Cabana Zero's teddy bears)

The Cabana Zero, the first cottage, has two teddy bear residents but Leo, the resident cat, is the mascot.

      (Leo, the mascot lazily sits under the shade)

It also has heart-shaped swimming pool that is four feet deep, perfect for kids. The pool overlooks an amazing view of the western Negrense skies and the horizon of a setting sun that turns fiery red-orange as it sets for the day. Its several cottages can accommodate families and large groups and it's best to reserve one, especially if you're planning to visit during the weekend or holidays.

For family gatherings, one can just call or reserve through Lantawan View Silay's Facebook page. It also offers shuttle service if a group meets the minimum number of guests.  

But if you want to take the public transport, take a jeepney at the Silay Public Market going to Guimbala-on, where you can then take a tricycle to Lantawan View Silay at P100 per passenger.

               (You can swing to this amazing view)

While the resort's restaurant is still on the planning stage, you can bring your own food as long as you clean after.

Lantawan View Silay, a part of the protected North Negros Natural Park, is in Sitio Lantawan, Brgy. Guimbala-on of Silay City. You can get in touch with them through their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/lantawanviewsilay/

(The artist Ronnie Yasa created this colorful artwork features the air, water and earth elements with wildlife. The poser is a tourist, not the artist.😂)

Before, when I passed by Silay City, I could only watch its mountains from afar and wondered how the views there must have looked like. 

Now, I know. Thanks to Lantawan View Silay, those amazing views are only a short ride away.

And with family and friends, I can always enjoy them while dipping in a heart-shaped pool!😍