In Basey, Samar:

New developed 60-ft. Balantak Falls lures tourists

BASEY, Samar  –  The estimated 60 feet in height, three-tired Balantak waterfalls in this second-class town has been drawing local crowds – excursionists and tourists, it was learned on Friday.

This even after the completion of the first phase development of the waterfalls, which was initially inaugurated recently with no less than Samar Governor Milagrosa T. Tan as the guest of honor.

Aside from Tan, Vice-Governor Jesus B. Redaja, some SP members, LGU-Basey officials and employees were among those who first enjoyed the new facilities offered in this cold picnic area.

Mayor Vicente Labuac said some infrastructure developments in the area include the construction of man-made swimming pools, kiosks, rooms and function hall.

The project, the chief executive said, is reportedly worth P1.1 million and will soon be manage under the Community-based Resource Management Project (CBRMP).

As this developed, a signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the LGU-Basey and the CBRMP is now reportedly being work out by both parties.

As of this writing, a P10 is being collected as entrance fees, renting of cottage are at P100 each while a family rooms (for those who will stay overnight) cost P300. These rates, however, is not yet final pending of the signing of the MOA.

With this new tourism hub in this town, environmentalists and picnickers has been drawing for this place.

“Tourism continue patronizing Basey”

Meanwhile, other tourist destinations here continuously attract domestic and foreign tourists. These spots include the Sohoton Natural Bridge National Park in the heart of the 841-hectare protected area (PA) located in the towns golden river, is composed of caves, rock shelters, flowing rivers, plunging waterfalls and rich flora and fauna.

This bridge, which earned the monicker “Bridge built by God” is Basey’s pride and heritage and among the most visited attractions of Region 8.

Aside from those tourist spots, the town also offers the Panhulugan Cave; the largest among the three caves in the area and sheltered by rugged limestone cliffs.

Here, a world of dark chambers and tunnels with extensive stalagmite and stalactite formations waiting to be explored.

Two other caves – Sohoton and Bugasan, smaller than the first but equally enthralling, offer the visitors a perfect view of the famous stone bridge from where the park got its name “sohot”, which means to pass through is a fitting name for this natural wonder. A perfectly structured bridge connecting two mountains that allows the stream below to flow through.

Other sites worth exploring near the natural park are the magnificent Rawis and Saob Caves and the newly developed Balantak falls.