Hi Guys,
I just want to share one of the best shots I have during my visit to the Geo-reserve in Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines.
When you look at that majestic rock formation, it makes me wonder what if we take care of our nature more. Less buildings, no illegal loggings. As our tour guide have said during our visit, the entirety of the area is almost bald with no trees at all. But look at it now, it regained its beauty. I hope it stays this way, forever.
If you are interested on visiting this marvelous place, see my tips below:
It usually takes 3-4 hours to complete the whole traverse.
How to Book a reservation?
• Trail visits to Masungi Geo-reserve strictly requires reservation. No walk-ins are allowed. To avoid scams and fraudulent transactions, please book directly through their website.
• Weekends are normally fully booked through 5-6 months so it is advisable to schedule your visit during weekdays.
• Trail visit fee as of January 2018 have increased to P1800/person for weekend visit and P1500/person on weekdays which includes a healthy light snack, helmet and a designated guide/park ranger. For night trail, the fee is P1800 and is available from Fridays to Sunday only.
• Groups should have a minimum of 7 members and a maximum of 14. If you have less than 7 members in your group or if you are going solo, you will still be allowed to visit but you will pay the amount equivalent to 7 members. For night trail, the maximum is 10 only.
• It may take 24-48 hours before you will receive a response to your trail visit request via email where you would be asked to respond with the names of the members of your group and another 24-48 hours to receive a confirmation whether or not your request is approved.
• Once your trail visit request is approved, that’s when you will be provided with a link to make your payment (for credit/debit card) or the bank details. You may be asked to send them a copy of your receipt once its paid and in return you will get a confirmation receipt.
• If you would opt to pay in installment, Masungi Georeserve requires at least half of the total amount with the other half required to be paid at least 5 days prior to the scheduled date of visit.
Here are some of the Trails that you will encounter along the vicinity:
• The First Rope Trial for Warm up – A couple of steps from the jump off area comes the first obstacle. It is a rope tied in a 70-degree angle that leads to a cave-like entrance to the rest of the trail.
• Sapot(Web) – Following a series of uphill and downhill trek is the gigantic spider web which offers one of the breathtaking views within the conservation area.
• Patak(Droplet) – It is located in the middle of 2 hanging bridges is the air house which by its name is some place you would love to be in if you need a refreshing spot away from the heat of the sun.
• Duyan(Hammock) – The biggest hammock in Asia and probably the best spot in Masungi to simply relax and enjoy the views and listen to the chirping of the birds.
• Ditse(Second Eldest Daughter/Sister) – This area contains an already existing cactus garden and have many sink holes.
• Yungib ni Ruben(Ruben's Cave) – One of the cave systems found within the reserve with beautiful rock formations discovered by no other than Ruben himself. If you are wondering who Ruben is then better book yourselves a visit.
• Nanay(Mother) – One of the tallest peaks in Masungi Georeserve which offers the best views of the surrounding mountains. They say that you need to visit this first to ask permission to go to Tatay, to avoid making her angry.
• Tatay(Father) – A formation of thousand old limestone rock formation which is the tallest spot within the reserve that offers unobstructed view of its surrounding.
• Bayawak(Monitor Lizard) – The second to the last rope segment which is shaped/designed like a Bayawak that is in an 85 degree angle which descends to a scenic chilling spot where swings and hammocks are hanging from the trees.
• Sawa(Python) – The last rope segment which is a Cylindrical Bridge leading to the Jump off point and end of the trail.
Things you need to Bring:
• Water(Bring some extra.. The only source of water is in the Jump-off area)
• Extra Clothes(Sure ball that you'll get very sweaty due to the challenging Rope Trails)
• Snacks/Trail Food
• Camera
• Phone
Optional:(There's one already available in the Comfort rooms, however if you prefer bringing your own..)
• Sunblock
• Insect Repellant
My overall experience on this visit is very intense. I got my knees swollen due to the Trail even though there are already man-made pathways along the way. My whole body trembling due to fear of heights. Exhaustion due to miscalculation of the amount of water to bring. However, it's all covered up by the beauty of the place and the friendliness of the guides. There are a lot of marvelous places in the Philippines, some are yet to be discovered, while some are already abused due to uncontrolled number of people visiting the place. Please do keep in mind that there are still next generations to come, so let us make sure that we take care of our nature for the future children of the world.
http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/
