HINOBAAN town is the home of natural wonders citing their pristine beaches and waterfronts and the Obong caves that still clench their magnificence.
The town continues to fascinate domestic and foreign tourists. It was however slowed down by the Covid-19 pandemic due to strict travel regulations.
Some media practitioners in Bacolod City and some friends were able to explore the town's natural wonders with the assistance of the local officials led by Mayor Ernesto Estrao, Councilor Jason Tupas, and Naomi Fukuda, representing Negrense philanthropist Eleanor Fukuda who owns the Fukuda Machi.
The local officials have showcased Hinubaan's fine beaches with seafood and their local treats.
A few of the top interests were the two unique Obong caves with distinct features of wet and dry.
These Obong caves were once the refuge of Captain Jesus Villamor aboard the US Submarine "Gudgeon" during World War II.
The group of media practitioners was able to get inside the caves that are rich in mineral formations of stalactites and stalagmites formed in remarkable shapes dangling from the ceiling of the caves.
The colony of bats in their noisy nature likewise dwelled at the ceiling of the caves. That is also one incredible attraction inside the caves.
Also, a mineral formation that has a contour of the Blessed Mother is a picturesque corner inside the Obong Caves. A masskara festival-shaped stones with a smiling face can also be found inside.
Jun Ibanez, the tour guide at Obong caves showed us the loveliness of the Obong caves which local tourists love to have photos with.
The quiet sea complement the Obong caves with the Fukuda Machi serving as its gateway.
Mayor Estrao is pleased to showcase its town to the local tourists and visitors as long as they comply with the health protocol.
That time, during our recent visit, the territorial borders between Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental were impenetrable unless health protocols were strictly complied with.
The local government hopes that travel restrictions will soon be eased so that local tourism can safely thrive again.