You probably heard about this place specially now that aside from word of mouth, TV stations have already been helping spreading the information on how beautiful and helpful this place was. The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and a rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforests of Rizal. And I was able to ticked this place in my checklist a long time ago. This isn’t a recent activity but the story could be at least helpful to those who still haven’t got a chance to visit the place, or maybe still thinking if you are really up for an adventure here. Here are some of the things you could expect.
Continue reading, you might book a trip to Rizal right after.
With Gus, Ana, Ruth, Charles, Yuki, Rhea, Rodel & Earth at the top of Nanay
Masungi’s name was derived from the word “masungki” which translates to “spiked” – an apt description for the sprawling limestone landscape found within. But why I said that it is more that just ropes and cobwebs? Well, aside from the other things you could learn and see in Masungi, the place is protected, cared and loved by a group of passionate individuals that do the conservation efforts, alongside the communities of Pinugay, Baras, Cuyambay, and Tandang Kutyo. Creating a tourism business in the area thus creating more jobs. The Initiatives are led and funded by Blue Star Construction & Development Corporation and the foundation body of Masungi Georeserve.
Standing at the famous ‘Sapot’
This place has been in my checklist for a long time and I was so happy conquering it. As my other friends says it, Masungi is the place to be if you wanted to commune with nature and re-energize yourself while learning more about the history of the place. But before you decide to book a schedule here at Masungi, here are some of the things you should know. (Info from Georeserve Website)
- Duration: 3-4 hours for the full round
- Terrain and Trail Characteristics: Trail is lined with rock and concrete blocks making it easy to cover the area. However, there are still ups and downs in the trail. A hanging bridge is an integral part of the full trail. There are rope courses through the main trail.
- Ideal for: Limited to persons 13 years of age and above for security purposes; Outdoor and Nature Enthusiasts; Regular and Beginner Hikers; Groups and Families who are looking for a unique experience together away from the city.
- Inclusions: Local Park Ranger Guide, Complimentary light refreshments, Light bags that may be used through the trail; Guests are encouraged to bring their own water jugs (1 litre recommended) as refill stations are available at Silungan.
Fees and Visit Request Process
You cannot visit the place unless you book a reservation online. It is quite hard to book a nice date because of the demand but if you decided to book a weekend better to do it months in advance. Masungi Geo Reserve only entertain private group request with a minimum number of 7 guests, limited to 4 groups in a day. The conservation fee is at PHP 1,500.00/guest for the weekdays, and PHP 1,800.00/guest for the weekends. Prices, terms, and conditions are subject to changes without prior notice.
Other things you need to know:
And because this is a private property, Masungi Georeserve is well maintained. Restrooms are available but only at the briefing area (Silungan) and the ending point (Liwasan). There are no shower rooms available because water sources are difficult to come by in the area.
Before climbing ropes, it is necessary to clean your shoes as courtesy for the next climbers
It is recommended for you to eat a sufficient meal prior to heading to the Georeserve to ensure a comfortable walk . Meals are not allowed to be brought inside, and light snacks prepared are only served near the end of the trail, prior to the final ascent. Also, It would be wise to be familiar with the directions ahead of time, as signal can be erratic or none existent in the area. Directions may be found here.
What to Wear?
Comfy, sporty clothes is a must. I suggest to wear non-slippery Rubber shoes or any closed shoes for the trail is a bit stony. Bring extra clothes so you can change your outfit right after the trek. For the color, I would suggest to wear clothes that could pop out against greens, you can probably wear orange, red, or white. This could be helpful for you to be able to be seen easily, specially if your lost or separated in the group. A friend of mine who joined the trip wore an all black outfit and it worked really fine, but I suggest for you to at least add up some color just for emergency purposes.
How to go to Masungi Georeserve?
Commuting isn’t recommended when visiting Masungi. I can highly suggest for you to bring your own car. Parking isn’t really a problem in the vicinity. If you are coming from Manila, driving to Masungi georeserve is easily accessible via Marcos Highway. If there is no traffic, it will only take you around an hour and a half. The Masungi Georeserve is along Kilometer 47, Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, by the municipality of Baras’ boundary with Tanay. The entrance is located at the right side of Marcos Highway road after the Garden Cottages, Foremost Farms and Palo Alto markers in Baras, Rizal, if coming from Metro Manila. Use Waze or Google maps to easily locate Masungi for there is no huge signage in the place.
Exploring Masungi Georeserve
Before reaching the briefing area, one will need to trek a few kilometers from the parking lot to Silungan. I suggest for you to bring your extra clothes or water along the way. Do not worry for there is a locker area where you can be able to store your belongings while you do your trek. It took us around 15 minutes before reaching Silungan. Do consider that time specially if you area planning to make a visit. You do not want to be late on your specified call time.
Silungan is a the perfect starting point. There were cottages-like surrounded by flowers and greens. Here the team will be brief and will be given necessary helmets which is advisable to be worn the whole time of the trek. Do take your time and explore the garden. make sure to take some nice photos as well.
This place exceeded my expectations and definitely worth a visit. Also, never missed to take a shot at the garden full of flowers here at Masungi GeoReserve. (2/3) ?@yukitansengco
Here are the stations you could visit at Masungi Georeserve.
Sapot
The most famous spot at Masungi that makes people want to see this place. Sapot is the first stop over you’ll have as your trek started. Here, you could have an spectacular view of Laguna de Bay – the biggest lake in the Philippines – through this web-style viewing platform. Just be careful climbing up for there ain’t no railing on the side of the stone formation. And of course it does look like a giant cobweb!
Yungib ni Ruben
Yungib ni Ruben is such a gorgeous cave. I am actually surprise to see that it is well maintained and clean compare to other caves I’ve visited. This cave is very much alive with different formation that is part of a karst landscape. Do not forget to get up and close with cave characteristics or simply seek a cooler shelter away from sun. And oh, I almost forgot, this cave smells good (felt like I was in a spa) for they putted oil lamps scattered in the cave.
Tatay, Nanay, Ditse, Patak, at Duyan
Tuktok ni Tatay or the Top of Father rock is the first peak we visited and the tallest among the two with natural sculpture and formation composed of several rocks that are seemingly piled on top of one another. Atop, you’ll see the stretch of Sierra Madre Mountain. Across Tuktok ni Tatay is Tuktok ni Nanay. This second peak features five limestone rock peaks and interconnected by bridges. What amazes me here is on how this huge rock on top of this peak stays as is for years!
Ditse, Patak and Duyan are the areas that contains an already existing cactus garden and an air house. Duyan is one of my best place we visit here next to Sapot. Duyan as the name implies is a big stationary swing made from huge ropes. It is quite difficult and scary at first but you will definitely enjoy this along the way. We were give 15-20 minutes to stay and enjoy this place.
We are on top of the trees!!!
There are other stop overs we passed like Magalaw Bridge, Tagpuan, Silungan, Intayan, Kuwago, Unggoy, Cactus Garden, Dungawin mo Hirang, Lagusan ni Ric, Paroot, Lungga ni Tita, Suutan, Tagusan, Ditse and Patak.
Bayawak
Bayawak is the last rope trail we went through before ending the trek. This I could say was the most difficult or scary for you would need to go down from the top of the cliff that is almost 10 story tall. It was called Bayawak or Lizard because the ropes were designed to look like it. It was the perfect ending I can say, conquering that enormous height and being able to look at everything that we did and consider it as a personal achievement. As much as we wanted to just lay down and spent the whole afternoon at this web, it is time for us to move on and end the trip with a special snack included in the package. We were able to have cold drinks, sandwiches and bananas!
On our way back to the visitors sheds, we passed by Liwasan, which is a valley-like area that contain a reflection pond designed for relaxation prior to the final ascent back.
I personally love the place. That serenity and peaceful view that I wish they would open an area in here where people can just drop by without even booking a schedule online.
If you are up for the fun, adventure and communing with nature, Masungi Georeserve is definitely a place to visit. Do drop by, it is worth the visit.
Todays fun adventure took us under, above and beyond! It was tiring, crazy yet a very fun afternoon! Thank you guys for today! Masungi is not just about ropes formed into cobwebs, there are more things beyond that and im excited to show it to you in my vlog/blog. But for now, I hope you dont forget to subscribe. Link in my bio. (2/3)
Masungi Georeserve Garden Cottages, Kilometer 47 Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, Philippines, 1970 E-mail Address: trail@masungigeoreserve.com
