Beyond The Plains: Minalungao National Park|The Philippines
On a scorching hot, humid April afternoon, after a tiring day of field work, we headed towards a place beyond the plains of Nueva Ecija, the Minalungao National Park.
Nueva Ecija is a landlocked province situated in the region of Central Luzon. It is bounded by the provinces of Pampanga, Bulacan, Tarlac, Aurora and Isabela. As the largest province in the region and the biggest agricultural crops producer, particularly rice, it is regarded as the Rice Granary of the Philippines.
Summer was peeking at its finest when we were deployed in the province. The sun was too high, the milieu was humid and all we needed most was water. So after work from Gapan City, we made our way towards the municipality of General Tinio formerly Papaya to escape the heat and take a plunge at Penaranda River.
The road trip was approximately 40 minutes from Gapan to General Tinio proper and another 20 minutes from the hi-way to the destination. Halfway to Minalungao, rough roads and steep slopes are to be expected in this mountainous topography.
The typical province feels
View on the way to Minalungao
After an hour of travel, we finally reached the breath-taking view of Minalungao National Park. An entrance fee of 30 pesos and a car pass of 50 pesos were paid as we entered the vicinity.
Top view. Nipa huts are all lined up, waiting to be occupied.
The long travel was all worth it. The weariness we felt on the way was replaced by unceasing praise of how this grandeur of the Lord was formed, We were greatly taken by great awe upon seeing this place. And in a snap of a finger, all of our stresses were released.
The open river, the rafts and the people.
Rafts are available for rent to cruise pass the river and can accommodate up to ten people depending on the raft’s size. It also varies in physical forms as one can choose from an open type or a nipa type. These floating bamboos can be leased for an hour at 250 pesos or a whole day at around 500 pesos.
Aboard an open type raft! Ready to cruise.
To the right of the open river facing upstream is a narrow strait bounded between two mountain sides where the river passes through. This was where we spent almost the rest of our stay, just sitting, relaxing and letting the strong winds caress us. The scenery was really marvelous --- rock formations on the mountain sides, lush green trees and bushes and the pristine clear blue green waters.
The narrow strait and exciting rocky trails.
Rock and Roll dude! ‘Coz this place rocks! Literally.
Pause. Take a deep breath.
The river has both shallow and deep portions. On the shallow parts, one can cross the other side of the river without having problems. The depth of the water on this portions is just up to 5 feet. On the other hand, one can do cliff diving on the deep parts located at the forefront of the narrow strait and at its tail-end where rock formations are being utilized as the jump-off points.
The amazingly awesome blue-green clear waters of Penaranda River.
Family on a raft and the jump-off point for diving (rock in the middle).
Just an awesome perspective.
While waiting for the sun to hide and get a little bit of shade, we decided to inject excitement in our lives and tried caving. Minalungao cave is just a five to ten minute walk from the nipa huts. The cave has two courses, the short and the long trails. The short trail lasts only for 5 to 10 minutes and exits on the other side of the mountain. While the more difficult, less explored and newly discovered trail lasts longer and exits at the mountain top. Inside the cave is pitch dark so better bring a flash light with you. Stalactites and stalagmites can also be seen inside this cold cave. Locals serve as guides for a fee of your choice. Entrance fee is 10 pesos.
Trail on the way to Minalungao Cave.
Let’s get lost in the pitch dark cave.
Photo-op. Minalungao cave in a bit.
The caving experience was really cool! We took the short course as we were too tired of the day’s work. Nevertheless, it did not lessen the adrenaline rush we felt. Too bad we were not able to capture photos inside. As we were traversing the trails to the nipa hut, we saw stairs leading to the mountain top. Assuming it was the path to the White Cross, we took the risk. And to our surprise, it was the way leading to the exit of the longer caving trail.
The mountain on the other side as viewed from the way to the top.
We got momentarily strayed in the mountain, going up and down the stairs which challenged our stamina. It was a good experience of getting lost anyway. Asking about the whereabouts of the 1000 step White Cross, we were informed that it is located on the opposite mountain crossing the river. Lesson learned. Back to basic, never be afraid to ask.
One can also try their zip line for only 50 pesos.
The natural park has also amenities for overnight stay although electricity is very limited. Rest room and shower room services cost 10 pesos. Stores are piled up and offer variety of food and necessities for the day. Network signal does not reach this place. But from the mountain top, one can pick up relatively strong signal.
Before dusk, we were travelling our way back to the city with peace of mind and soul, happy and recharged for another day of work.
Every province has its own attractions and spots to boast, to promote and to be proud of. And for Nueva Ecija,more than its monickers as the Gateway to Northern Philippines and the Rice Bowl Capital, are its natural attractions such as MInalungao National Park among others. And beyond the plains and the crops is Penaranda River, the majestic river.
Via Public Transport: From Cubao/Pasay/Divisoria, take a bus bound for Cabanatuan. Get off at Bucana in Gapan City and take a tricycle bound for General Tinio then ask the driver to drop you off at Minalungao National Park.
Bus from Cubao to Gapan: PhP150.00 (Five Star Bus)
Bus from Pasay to Gapan: PhP160.00 (Five Star Bus)
Tricycle from Gapan to Minalungao: PhP500 for 4 people.(Via negotiation)
Explore. Dream. Discover.
