Masungi Georeserve a geopark in Tanay, Rizal was fast becoming famous since it opened its doors to the public in December 2015. It is a conservation area where it aims to protect the lush forest, the rock formations which are somehow similar to those found in Palawan, the flora, and its natural fauna.

There are two exciting offers Masungi has in store for venturesome trekkers. First, it will induce the adrenaline rush as the mind, balance, and fear of heights will be tested and challenged to rope courses and hanging bridges. And second, it will inspire and promote a deeper understanding of nature and the area as well.

I can’t suppress my excitement the first time I heard about Masungi Georeserve and saw the picture of fearless teens sitting in Sapot (cobweb) one of its seven highlights. I had this fear of heights, I was thinking, can I defy this kind of trail? When my office mate Rodett organized a group for the Masungi trek, I hastily joined though I was a bit hesitant. We booked as early as July but the date we got was November 30. All weekends starting July to November were fully booked. Imagine that!

We hired a van to make it easy for us to reach Masungi. We left Makati by 7:00 am and reached the geopark around 9:10 am. Our call time is 10:30 am. Parking space is free for visitors. As soon as we hopped out from the van, we were greeted by the fresh cool breeze blowing through our hair. Then we hiked a short scenic path going to Silungan (briefing area).

SILUNGAN

Before the trek, park ranger Venus headed the short orientation in Silungan (shelter). By the way, trail guides and facilitators are called park rangers. After the insights shared about Masungi, we were given a helmet, a small bag pack, and bottled water. And before we finally set off, we did our bio breaks considering there are no comfort rooms along the trail.

Our trail guide was park ranger Trisha who was so knowledgeable in sharing facts, the inhabitants, and other features of the georeserve. From Silungan, we passed by a sinkhole which according to her there’s much to see along the trail.

LAMBAT

A short rope ladder called Lambat (net) was the first challenge in rope climbing. It was fun going up the rock wall which was short and a bit easy.

Tip: For first-time climbers, the whole trek will test your cardio and will build up a sweat so take a body work-out before the activity. It will lessen catching your breath so hard especially when going up on a steep ascent.

From Lambat, the exciting trail had officially started.

THE SEVEN HIGHLIGHTS

SAPOT

Sapot (Cobweb) is one of the most popular highlights in the park. It is made of thick steel cable wires in a form of a cobweb situated above the limestone rocks. It was barely open, no handle to hold on and the pathway leading to the main web was getting smaller. I tried my best walking on it which was shaking a bit. When I reached the thinnest part, park ranger Trisha held my hand and I leaped fast into the web.

I was expecting, my knees will quiver, but surprisingly, they did not! I was so elated. I conquered my fear! One point for me!

The view was breathtaking. There was the Sierra Madre on the other side and Laguna de Bay on the other side. And the next best thing is our happy photo ops. Here, there photos everywhere! Haha!

Tip:  Hold on tight to your cellphones and cameras for there is no guarantee you can get it back once it falls.

From here we crossed a hanging and swaying bridge going to the next highlight.

PATAK

Patak (water droplet) is an air house resembled a cable car suspended high above a cactus garden and treetops. It is connected by a hanging bridge. Before we head off to this highlight, we went to the washing area and brushed the dirt in our shoes. This is being done since we will sit and lie our backs in “Duyan” which we will encounter coming from “Patak” and “Ditse”.

We took a moment of rest inside the air house while savoring the fresh and clean air.

DITSE

From Patak, we climbed a rope ladder similar to Lambat and stayed on top of a big flat boulder. Ditse (second older sister) is the extreme attraction in the geopark. One has to go down in a steep rock wall through a long rope ladder. Again, if you have fear of heights, going down wasn’t easy. If you lose your balance or your grip, you will surely fall fast into limestone karts. Going up is easier than going down.

Park ranger Trisha informed the group that there’s an alternative easy trail for Ditse. But why will I go for it when the majority favored the challenge? I was so grateful to her for giving me tips on how to go down easily. But still, I can’t help it; my hands started getting cold when I gripped the net. I was half nervous.

Pray. Focus. Don’t mind the height. Inhale. Exhale. And girl, hold on tight!

When at last I reached the bottom, they were shouting “achieved!”. Hahaha! I can’t sustain my happiness for I was able to conquer my fear from the extreme rope course!

DUYAN

Duyan (swing) is a giant braided hammock that was suspended above the trees and limestone karts. This is another popular attraction and most photographed among the rope courses. Duyan is where we enjoyed sitting and taking photos after photos while savoring the cool breeze.

Thanks to the hanging handle for helping us crossed Duyan a bit fast and easy.

YUNGIB NI RUBEN

Sounds interesting to me, Masungi is not all about rope courses and hanging bridges. It has Yungib ni Ruben, a cave formation that was named after Ruben, a park ranger who discovered it. I’m a fan of caves that’s why I was so delighted to see the usual stalactites (mineral formation hangs from the ceilings), stalagmites (upward growing mound), and the column (when these two meet).

Tip: One has to be careful in getting out of the cave because the stone ladder was steep and slippery. The small passages were also slippery because of dripping water.

TATAY

Tatay (father) is the tallest peak with a stunning heap of rock formations perched on a ridge. It offers a breathtaking view of the sprawling area. Just imagine how the hands of nature work. The cool scent added a refreshing treat. But be aware, since this is the highest peak, expect a strong wind.

From here we crossed a hanging bridge connected to Nanay.

NANAY

Nanay (mother) is the second highest peak with big five limestone rock formations. We did not leave Nanay without pictures within the big rocks and the hanging bridge. This was the end of the highlight and the exciting adventure as well.

From here, we walked down the stone steps and crossed the last hanging bridge. It was the shakiest of all, my gulay! But then, I wasn’t scared at all. I stopped in the middle and looked back to the lush greenery. I was so thankful to God for this unique adventure. I was fulfilled. This trek was so awesome compared to my previous climbs.

The challenges were definitely great.

LIWASAN

After our final descent, we passed by Liwasan (plaza), a valley-like area with small reflecting pools that serve as a birdbath. It is not suitable for swimming but rather it offers relaxation.

Challenges

Walking in ravines, shaking hanging bridges, up and down steps and climbing ropes tested our physical strength. But despite the weary and challenging trek, everyone was still smiling. Yes, we did it guys for almost four hours only.

Snack

Our complimentary snack was good enough for health-conscious like me. What was served were wheat bread, tuna spread, fresh garden lettuce, lakatan, and complemented with cold pineapple juice.

The Discovery Trail

I was thankful to MasungiGeoreserve Foundation and Blue Star Development for their brilliant idea in developing this georeserve which do not only challenges one’s physical stamina but also awakens the love and appreciation for nature.

Notes:

• P1,400 is the trail fee. 50% down payment is required upon reservation. Payment should be made through a bank deposit or credit card.
• Walk-ins are not allowed.
• Reservations should be done prior to the visit.
• The group should be a least 7 to a maximum of 13.
• Children below thirteen years old are not allowed in the trek.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as it gets hotter throughout the trek.
• Bring light snacks and water.

Policies:

• No smoking
• No littering
• No picking of flowers or plants
• Noise is not permitted along the trail
• No tipping
• No feeding and touching of animals

Contact Info:

Masungi Georeserve

Address: Garden Cottages, Kilometer 45 Marcos Highway, Rizal, Philippines
E-mail Address: trail@masungigeoreserve.com
Website Contact Form:   http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/contact-us
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/masungigeoreserve/

You may also like:

 

Minor Climb No. 2: Mt. Pinatubo Challenge	Minor Climb No. 3: Mt. Gulugod Baboy	Minor Climb No. 1: Taal Crater Lake-Family Hiking Adventure	Singapore Family Trip-Part 9: Child delight in Singapore Zoo

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more of my adventures and travels. Enjoy!