By Abigail Javellana
(Updated 12/5/2016: Updated the new conservation rates effective November 26, 2016.
Note: There’s a new improvement at the end of the trail called the ‘Dahon’ village. Here, you will find hammocks of different shapes and sizes inspired by leaves and fruits. Guests can rest on these hammocks after a long and winding trek throughout the trail.)
When the daily grind of the city begins to weigh down on you, it’s always nice to take a step back and appreciate nature. Just a quick hour and a half from Quezon City is Baras, Rizal, home of the Masungi Georeserve. Masungi comes from the word “masungki”, which means “spiked”. This is fitting as one of the prime attractions of this reserve is a 10 kilometer spine of limestone formations.
The 1,500+ hectare reserve is a haven for a variety of flora and fauna and a fun adventure spot for hikers and ecotourists. Every Tuesday to Saturday, at either 7:30 am or 1:00 pm, thrill-seekers can take the 3-4 hour hike around the huge georeserve.
Some sights to be seen are: Tatay and Nanay, two limestone peaks, Yungib ni Ruben, a cave to seek shelter from the hot sun, and Sapot, a web where you can lie down and view Laguna de Bay.
However, keeping Masungi safe for all the wildlife in it has been an uphill battle. “The georeserve is an area we have been protecting for over fifteen years now. Having to deal with a myriad of illegal loggers, quarries, and others, it has been a challenge, but ultimately a meaningful and fulfilling one. Today, we are excited to share our love for the place with you. We hope that you see something special in it like we did.”
Masungi Georeserve
Kilometer 45, Marcos Highway, Rizal, Philippines
E-mail: trail@masungigeoreserve.com
Facebook: masungigeoreserve
Website: www.masungigeoreserve.com
Instagram: masungigeoreserve
Reservations (Book Here)
Masungi Conservation fee:
• Weekdays (Mondays to Fridays): Php 1,500 per person*
• Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays): Php 1,800 per person*
*Inclusive of a ranger dedicated to the group, rental of helmets & backpacks, water refills and complimentary light after-trail snacks
How to Get There: (from the website)
The Masungi Georeserve is located along the scenic road of Marcos Highway. It takes approximately 1-1.5 hour from Quezon City, Metro Manila to reach the area by car transport.
A minimum of seven and maximum of ten people are the best number of people to hike. The hike lasts about 3-4 hours that can be shortened or lengthened depending on your preference.
The best months to go are during the dry seasons from November to April.
The tour is only entertained through private group bookings. ( Book Online )
The conservation fee is P1000/person (Feb-March 2016), a price increase of P1400/person (April onwards) for a group of 7-10 persons.
Tip: Book early, we heard they are fully booked till April.
The tour will start at discovery trail, where we will go through the conservation area and come up close with the karst terrain.
A park ranger will accompany you throughout the reserve. We like how they teach us about important environmental facts that give us a deeper understanding of the area.
Filipino is the national language while English is also an option. 🙂
(Karst Terrain: A landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestones. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves.)
A guest kit is provided with a backpack, whistle, binoculars, helmet and refreshments.
The first spot which is also our favorite is the Sapot (web).
The web-style viewing platform is pretty sturdy with a spectacular view of Laguna de Bay.
It’s also the best part for picture taking, we suggest you take your time here. 🙂
The trail is pretty easy with a path of rocks and concrete blocks to help you navigate easily in the area.
But there are still a lot of ups and downs…
going inside caves…
And part of the experience is, of course, climbing the hanging bridges.
Encounter and learn about the wildlife and plant species.
We were taught that you shouldn’t throw trash inside a sinkhole because it could be a primary source of spring water.
A mock-up charcoal pit was set-up to show us one of the problems being faced by the conservation.
One of many cave formations is Yungib ni Ruben part of the karst landscape, it served as a cooling and rest area for the team.
Ditse, a beautiful garden full of cacti and other flora and fauna.
First of the tallest peak is Tatay, a tall rock formation composed of rocks piled up on top of one another.
We enjoyed a complimentary fresh calamansi (Philippine lemon) juice and a sandwhich at one of the rock peaks.
More climbing…
Walk across the Duyan, it’s a huge hammock made of white rope and is a perfect place to relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
More bridges to cross
even a beautiful air house.
The second peak Nanay features five limestone rock peaks interconnected by bridges.
Travel Tips:
-Water (provided by tour)
-Wear anything that can protect you from the sun (sunblock, sunglasses)
-Backpack (provided by tour)
-Casual, lightweight, & comfortable clothing
-Non-slip, closed shoes
-Towel
-Extra clothes
-Eat a heavy meal
-Bring a wide lens camera to capture the sites fully
-Bring your family or barkada for a more memorable hike 🙂
Overall, we love the Masungi Georeserve, their initiative to conserve and educate the people about our forest
We advise kids 13 years and above to participate for safety reasons, it’s a great place to bring your family, friends and fellow beginner hikers for a unique and fun experience just hours away from the city.
Masungi Georeserve
Kilometer 45, Marcos Highway, Rizal, Philippines
E-mail: trail@masungigeoreserve.com
Facebook: masungigeoreserve
Website: www.masungigeoreserve.com
Instagram: masungigeoreserve
Reservations (Book Here)
Masungi Conservation fee:
• Weekdays (Mondays to Fridays): Php 1,500 per person*
• Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays): Php 1,800 per person*
*Inclusive of a ranger dedicated to the group, rental of helmets & backpacks, water refills and complimentary light after-trail snacks
Live an Awesome Life,
Abi, Boom, Sheila, Nico and Sean
Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: Our trekking adventure was courtesy of the Masungi Georeserve. Read Our Awesome Planet Complete Disclosure Policy here.
THE CONSERVATION POLICIES
The wildlife in the area has called this place
their home far before we reached it. The
simple policies below makes sure that respect
for all living things is upheld and that it
remains to be enjoyable for everyone
involved:
• Absolutely no littering allowed.
• The park is strictly a no-smoking zone.
• Boisterous noise is not permitted.
• No picking of flora, fauna, rock samples
without permission from the park.
• Should you be fortunate to encounter
wildlife, do not feed or touch the animals.
The management has the the responsibility to
enforce the policies, and impose penalties.
OPERATING INFORMATION
•Trail Visits: Trail visits must be booked in
advance (at least three days ahead of the
visit). This requires a minimum deposit. Walkins
are not allowed.
•Group Size & Conservation Fees: 7-10
persons per group; PHP 1,000.00 per person
•Trail Inclusions: A dedicated park ranger,
guest kit, and refreshments are included.
•Days and Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 7:30
am or 1:30 pm. The trip lasts for 3-4 hours
depending on the group’s pace and stamina.
•Operating details are subject to change
without prior notice.
hello . is their a weight limit??
thank you
not sure but you need to be able to do the hike which is a bit difficult.
Good day,
I just want to ask if you have a discount for 10 or more person?
I believe there’s none.
Is this package is still available?
I’m a solo traveler from aboard . How to join a group. The booking site allows only to reserve for 7 people min. Kindly advice
How if that your schedule is raining can i refund the reservation fee ???