I used to hate long exposure to the sun. Growing up, I was so girly who loves anything pink, and then eventually, makeup, shoes and bags. I still am though. But when I got to see some parts of the world, I fell in love. I wanted to reach one after the other. And each time I came to visit a new place I would find myself searching for something different, something that I have not done, which by the way a lot of them. Slowly, I began to face my fears and I began to do a little adventure. This is what traveling has made me so far.
Not too far from Metro Manila is the Masungi Georeserve. It is a conservation area developed to protect it from illegal loggers, quarries and others. Masungi came from the Filipino word “masungki”, which means “spiked” as exhibited by the limestone formations within the area. As mentioned during our briefing, some of these limestones dated to as far back as the Paleocene and Eocene period. Paleocene limestones are often found underwater. Imagine the very place we were at was under water before. Masungi is the only area in the Philippines where limestone outcrops from this period.
Masungi Georeserve accommodates guests only by reservation basis placed in advance, especially if you are planning to go on a weekend as it fills up quickly.
Go to masungigeoreserve.com to request for visit.
- One park ranger guides every group of 7-14 people.
- Choose your preferred date and time.
- Provide all guests’ contact details (full name, birthday, contact number).
- Mode of payment is through bank deposit (BPI) or credit card for Php 1,500 (weekday) or 1,800 (weekend) per person.
Getting There
We came by a private car guided by waze, of course. The address is 45 Marikina-Infanta Highway, J.P. Rizal Street, Baros, 1970 Rizal.
Trek begins per group as early as 5:30 am, then every 20-30 minutes after until 6:00 pm. Duration is usually 3-4 hours. (Note: They already started accepting night trek.)
Tips
- Personally, the best time is between 5:30 and 9:00 am, as it gets really hot by the hour, and by the afternoon chance of rain gets high specially during the wet season (June – October). Better yet you check the weather forecast before booking your preferred date.
- Carry a light back pack as there are ups and downs and rope courses in the trail.
- Very importantly, bring at least 1 liter of water jug and fill it at the briefing area. Do not worry if it will add weight to your baggage as you will surely consume it even before the trek ends.
- Restrooms are available at the starting and at the ending point.
- Oh! Do not forget your sun shields (sunblock, cap, sunglasses).
Now let me take you a walk with mother nature.
Provision of light snacks is part of the package given before exiting the trail. But since we had lunch reservation at Silayan, we went straight to the restaurant. As a bonus, we did not go through the standard exit.
Silayan is a new addition to the park. As many guests would ask for a place to eat after the trek, they came up with the idea. It is a 5-minute car ride from the discovery trail and offers a set menu at Php 600 per guest. They serve organic food and source the ingredients within a 20-km radius of the area. We paid in cash at the time of our visit.
Not shown is a plate of seasonal fruits for dessert.
Visiting Masungi will not just satisfy your crave for adventure, but you will also save it and help the locals’ livelihood. What are you waiting for? Save Masungi.
Thank you for reading!
With love,
Sugar
