We had the pleasure to experienced the Masungi Georeserve when it was just about a year opened to the public. Definitely not your ordinary trail and not your regular hike. This maybe the most fun I have experienced yet. It was like finding a big, nice but dangerous playground. It made me want to schedule another visit thinking about it again. :D
How To Get There
Masungi is located at Kilometer 47, Marcos Highway, Baras Rizal. Coming from Manila, it is located on the right side of Marcos Highway road. We came with a group of 12 so we just rented a private car. From Makati, we accessed the Marcos Highway thru Marikina and Cogeo and arrived in the location after more than an hour. Not sure on the public transport though we saw public jeepneys passing in front of the location. They were rare though and already full. So I think the best way to reach Masungi is thru a private car or you can arrange travel services from their accredited transport and travel partners. Info at their page.
Map taken from Masungi Page
This was us arriving in Masungi early in the morning, all smiles with adrenaline pumping!
We came 30 minutes earlier than our schedule. Yes, you need to arrange and request a schedule in advance for Masungi. They won't entertain a walk-in hikers. Masungi was just starting to be recognized at that time and we were lucky to had been put on wait for only a month. After that, their calendar had been fully booked for the straight 5 months. Imagine waiting for that long.
From the parking area, we walked for another 5 minutes before reaching the main entrance. The path was rough and the view was great, with the overlooking Rizal and Laguna Lake.
Visitor's Shed (right photo)
Masungi came from the word 'Masungki' which means spiked. You will know why it was named after it once you are inside. You will be greeted by a luscious of green surroundings with a nice landscape of concreted path walks and natural spiked rocks which they never remove and remained on their original location. There are sheds where you can sit while waiting for your time. Every group will have an assigned Park Ranger Guide/s of one or two who will do all the briefing and will be your company until the end of the trail. Our tour includes a light snack which you will be given an option to be eaten before or after the hike . We prefer the latter as we had our breakfast before coming to the site. And we know we will need it more after. But make sure that your body will have something to burn before the hike. Have your stomach full and ready.
The place was refreshing. Littering and smoking is strongly prohibited because they strives for Discipline, Cleanliness and Pride for our Own. Definitely something that I hope we strive all over the country.
Everyone needs to wear a head gear for safety. You cannot also bring your own bag or bring any food inside. They will provide it for you with a bottle of water. Just take note, the bag is not for take home because I know you will be tempted, lol. It needs to be returned before you exit the place.
D I S C O V E R Y T R A I L
The trail lasts for 3-4 hours in full round. Group comes every 15 minutes, means you are 15 minutes ahead on the next group giving your group a plenty of time for the photos without crowding a place. Just make sure you won't take too much of it to avoid a tail on your trail.
We started ascending with a rope as our first obstacle. We went up with two's, where the fun started. Though it was not high, the rope was wiggly and unsteady making the movement more difficult. But it was manageable.
Will be posting photos in random as I can't remember the sequence of the trail.
S a p o t
This is their most famous spot and one of the most knee trembling experience you may get at this trail. It is becoming a face of Masungi. Sapot which means web in English, is actually a web of rope which is supported on its circular side. There was no center support and no hand rails. Once you are on the web, it will be you against the air, the height and the bouncing web. Underneath the web are pointed rocks and surrounding it is the view of Laguna Lake. Sapot was one beautiful and scary viewing deck. You will learn to love and hate it at the same time.
Y u n g i b N i R u b e n
The cave is lighted with a lamp. Inside of it was a little well fountain which was already full of coins (not in the photo).
This was where we saw a snake. If that happens during the trail, just relax and let them cross. :)
D i t s i, P a t a k, at D u y a n
Ditsi which means "Ate or eldest sister", Patak means "Drop" and Duyan which means "cradle or hammock" are those you need to cross in order to reach the Nanay and Tatay trail, the two highest peak of Masungi. It means you are almost in the middle of the trail. These are all moving and web bridges. So thrilling and knee trembling yet one of my fave part of the trail.
In crossing the webs and bridges, make sure that your footwear is tight because once it separates on your feet and shoot on the hole, you need to permanently say goodbye as you are a hundreds of feet from the bottom. Same with all your camera and mobile phone. Assure your handling capability.
T a t a y a n d N a n a y
As I mentioned earlier, Tatay and Nanay or Mother and Father in english are the two highest peak in Masungi. They already created pathway and stairs going to the peak but the ascend is still tiring. They are located apart from each other. You can see the whole Masungi area at the top and I was really happy that it still surrounded with forest of greens.
This shot was taken at Tatay peak. That mountain rock in the photo is the "Nanay". Isn't it fabulous!
Bird's Eye View from the Tatay
Here I was trying not to slip.
L i w a s a n
Once you reach the liwasan, it means you are almost at the end of the trail. It's a resting area and has a bird bath pool. The final ascent back to the camp will start after. Don't worry, it will only take a few more steps.
S i l u n g a n
Silungan or shed in english serves as a dining area of Masungi since this is where they will serve the complimentary meal that comes with your tour. The rest room is also located inside of it. Just remember, you can only change your clothes, bathing is not allowed since there's a difficulty in water supply.
The bag and hat drop will be seen on your re-entry on the site after your hours of trail. Masungi left a really nice impression to me. The experience was one of a kind and something that I personally want to repeat again. And I stand with their goal in sustainable tourism for the country. They really made this sanctuary becomes protected against garbages, illegal loggers and land grabber while teaching their visitors how responsible tourism helps our ecosystem cope with the changes in our planets.
For other details and schedule of tour, kindly visit their page.
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Faith