Forest Camp - Dumaguete - Philippines

From its small beginnings, Forest Camp is now a fully operational mountain resort that has gained vast popularity. located in Valencia Negros Oriental, it is only less than an hour's drive from Dumaguete City.

Forest Camp

Before Forest Camp turned into a household name, it was simply just a private 2.3 hectare property that happened to be situated along the curb of the Banica River in the remote town of Valencia, Negros Oriental, 11.5 kilometers from the provincial capital Dumaguete City. Because of the naturally cool climate that the town of Valencia possesses and its verdant surroundings, it quickly became a favorite family weekend getaway.

Forest Camp History

Eventually word got around and soon enough acquaintances, even strangers would call to ask if they could visit the place. This prompted the Vicuñas to try their luck beginning with only a couple of huts where a family or a group of friends can picnic. From the profit, they built another two cottages and a utility kitchen. Florante and Melba Vicuña never thought that their property would unfold into a tourist destination and become a byword in the Negros Oriental tourism industry.

Together the couple managed and operated the camp. They cooked while their housemaids cleaned and served the guests. Before long, they have trained themselves to be efficient and gracious waitresses. Forest Camp was fast becoming popular. Visitors were coming in by droves to know and see the feel of being next to a waterfall and actually hearing the ripples of the water. In the middle of the camp is a hanging bridge connecting the reception area to the picnic ground.

Forest Camp Today

Today Forest Camp has four family cottages for guests who wish to spend the night, five small huts great for picnics, one function hall, two natural pools and a cascading waterfall and a beautiful landscaped garden. Another natural pool is being excavated and an area cleared for construction of new huts. The Vicuñas call it “sustainable development” which means expansion using revenue from existing facilities.

To cut down on costs, all materials used to make up the cottages are bamboo and nipa – both inexpensive indigenous materials that can be sourced anywhere in the province. Architecture has kept to the native feel – the huts are designed to resemble traditional Filipino houses. Rates begin at $16 for a half day use of the hut.

How to get to Forest Camp

Valencia is only less than an hour’s drive from Dumaguete City. The simplest way to get there is to hire a van and let the driver take you straight to Forest Camp. Another way is to join a group tour or excursion usually organized by travel agencies and hotels. Finding this place is not at all difficult because of its popularity among the Dumagueteños.