One For Masungi
"Exploring The Hidden Treasures of Rizal..."
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| Masungi Georeserve. Feb. 18, 2017 |
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Does it ever crossed your mind to go hiking on mountains? Or discover nature's hidden treasure? Or even be an actual spiderman? Well guess what, all of these can be experienced at Masungi Georeserve. Who would have thought that there is a rainforest close to Metro Manila, enriched with flora and lithos. According to their rangers (yes, they are called rangers, not tour guide or whatsoever..haha), this treasure was endangered of being exploited by mining, but with the help of the government and other agencies, this masterpiece was preserved and protected. Yes, Thank God, because I can't imagine if we will be unable to see and experience the beauty of Masungi. After a series of improvements and reforestation, the place was open to public last December 2015 (Yes, I really did take note to what the rangers are saying). This place is perfect for bonding, relaxation and getting tired at the same time. I was really thankful that a close friend of mine invited me here (Shout-out to Ms. Pines Lamina for dragging me here... haha). Well, I'm the kind of friend that can be easily dragged to a travel destination. So better get those lazy stuff of yours up and schedule your hike to Masungi.
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| Finally, you put my Love on Top. |
Schedule Your Hike
Since this place is protected, you cannot just decide that you will hike today and just barge in the rainforest. You got to make reservations via online:
Kindly do take note that there is a minimum and maximum number of pax per group. (Yes, you heard it right. You cannot just go here bringing only your date. Try inviting his/her family too to cover the required number of pax.. Haha). The trail requires 7 - 14 pax per group. So I suggest you start dragging your friends to go hiking. Haha. Also, be sure to inform them if you will be rescheduling the initial schedule you requested as early as possible. The trail will last from 3 - 4 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you consumed in taking pictures... Haha.
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| Rocks and Tress in harmony with each other |
How To Get There?
It will take a one and a half to two hours of drive from Metro Manila to Baras. We have rented a van to get here. I guess that's the most convenient way to get here. We are a group of 13 pax when we hiked. Commuting will be very hassle since there might be a possibility that you will finish the trail almost evening, especially when you scheduled the afternoon hike. So make sure to have connection on where can you rent a van.
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| One For Masungi pose with the bunch |
What to Experience?
First of all, don't be scared if this is going to be your first hike ever. There are alternate routes that you can take if you will be unable to pass through the challenging tobstacle courses. Kindly take note that the trail is limited for 13 years of age and above so sorry kids. Again the trail is expected to be finished within 3 - 4 hours, however, will depend on your pace. Since we took a lot of pics and it was rainy on the first half of our hike, it took us around 5 hours to finish the trail. Don't worry if your scheduled hike is rainy because they provide ponchos.
Being compulsory, there will be briefing and lecture first before you can start the hike. Here, they will discuss the history of Masungi, their rules and policies, the trail and other stuffs that every hiker must know so they can have a fun and at the same time safe hike throughout the trail. Take note that the trail is made up of rocky terrain, hanging bridges, and ropes.
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| Silungan. Eco Over Ego |
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| Rock Formations |
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| Our Ranger, Kuya Romeo. Where's Juliet though? Hehe |
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| I wished these were diamonds. Haha. They are found everywhere |
The first major spot that you will reach on your trail is the "Sapot" (spiderweb in English). This is a landscape made of tough wires, shaped into a spiderweb where you can fulfill your dreams of being a spiderman/spiderwoman or even a tasty snack trapped on the spiderweb. Haha. Be careful because there are rocks beneath this sapot, so a careless trip downwards would be very painful. Unfortunately it was raining so we did not have a chance to take so much pics here.
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| I swear this will be a better shot if it wasn't raining. Haha. |
Another destination is the cave they called "Yungib Ni Ruben" (Ruben's Cave in English). The trail was explored by a guy named Ruben that's why it got its name. Haha. This cave has amazing rock formation in it, with ilang-ilang-scented candles on the trail which smells so good and a "wishing well" thingy. This place has an amazing contrast of light passing through it making it an amazing place for an instagram moment.
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| Cave Man |
The peaks called "Tatay" (Father in English) and "Nanay" (Mother in English). These will give you amazing views of rocks formations, trees, and since it was rainy when we went here, even fog. There are also a cactus garden and mini caves here.
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| I guess this is Tatay... |
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| ...And this is Nanay. |
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| Foggy |
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| Introducing Ms. Pines |
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| Who says cacti can only grow in deserts? Hmmm... |
My favorite part of the trail is "Duyan" (Don't know how this one is translated in English though. Tried Google Translate and it says heard. haha). This is a long "duyan" hanging between two rocky terrains. Aside from being a challenge, this was also made to be a place for meditation. According to our ranger, you have to close your eyes and clear your mind. Just lie here and listen peacefully to the sound of nature. (Wow, deep. Hehe).
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| Just "hanging" out |
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| Hanging Bridge |
There is also another rope challenge on the latter part of the trail called "Bayawak" (Crocodile in English). From its name, you could've guessed that it's shaped as a crocodile. However, with a twist. You have to pass here so you can go down from the top to the bottom so good luck to you and your family. Haha. You can also have a view of a spot called "Liwasan" (Park in English) here. A valley-liked area with bird bath and rest area.
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| Crawling our way down through "Bayawak's" back and Liwasan on the view |
There are other places that you can enjoy along the trail; flower gardens, more rock formations, more hanging bridges, etc. At the end of the trail, you will be served with meals, which are inclusive in the fee. They served us this amazing organic juice, bread, bananas and water.
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| Typical shots in a flower garden then #Wanderlust. Haha |
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| Why don't we go... Somewhere Only We Know |
What To Bring?
- Water. They recommend to bring at least one Liter of water along the trail since there will be no refilling stations until the end of the trail.
- Hiking attire. Make sure to wear shoes/sandals that has a great grip so you won't be sliding along the trail, especially when it's rainy.
- Extra clothes. You will get soiled along the trail, especially when it's rainy.
- Light Snacks. You don't have to bring too much along with you for snacks will be served at the end of the trail.
- Cameras. Duh? Haha.
- Strong Will and Determination that you can make it through the obstacle courses. Haha.
- Hiking Buddies. It will be much much fun when you have company.
How Much?
- Php 1,800.00 - Conservation Fee. This is per guest. I promise to you that the price is worth it.
- Meals
- Safety Helmet (it comes with different colors. I picked Red cause it's my fave)
- Ranger that will guide you along the trail
- Water Refill at the end of the trail
- *Php 300.00 - 400.00 - Transpo. We rented a van and we contributed this amount (can't remember the exact amount) for a group of 13. *Will vary depending on the van you are able to rent
Overall, the experience will be awesome. With the breath-taking views, obstacle courses to conquer and Instagram moments, Masungi Georeserve will be worth the cost. It is definitely one of the Philippine's wonders worth experiencing for.
For more info, they have a website:
Hope you will enjoy the experience just like I did and I can't wait for you guys to conquer the trail and reward yourself with the hidden treasures of nature.
Happy Hiking!
-pauledwrd-
Instagram: @pauledwrd
Twitter: @pauledwrd
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