Are you hungry for adventure but your current tolerance level is somewhere below Pinatubo or Anawangin?
If you’re generally not up to the idea of a long mountain hike, but you feel the need to satisfy your adventurous self - I suggest you take the road less traveled (or should I say, less posted on facebook!), by taking a quick hike (or even walk/stroll for some) in Minalungao.
Minalungao National Park is a vast natural park with caves, rivers and mountains. Located in General Tinio, Neuva Ecija, Minalungao is one of the nearest remaining preserved natural parks near Metro Manila.
1. How to get there: I recommend to charge your 3g smart phone - you will need it for Waze. This should be a no brainer (haha!). The distance from manila is a good 200km so gas up and take brief breaks, there are gas stations and restos along the road.
Useful tip: Bring an SUV or 4x4 instead of a small car. For better manoeuvring in the rough roads of the park. Though you can rent a tricycle from the parking area near Minalungao, you will still need it because of the rough terrain.
Learning very late that small cars are really not for rough roads. #nochoice #ipontime
2. When is it best to visit : Morning is always a good idea. Since it’s a 3 to 4 hour drive (depending on your driving skills and traffic), it’s best leave by 6am so you get there between 9 - 10am. Try to visit on a friday (schedule a leave!) when there are less tourists and make sure it’s not raining so you can see the clear waters of the river. Locals suggest to visit between February to May and between November to December.
If you pass by this arc, it just means you’re in going the right direction and you are already near the site! I welcome you to Papaya town! How big kaya are their Papayas here?
Upon getting to the entrance of the park, there will be a parking area for tourists. For a minimum fare, you can ride tricycle to get you down the steep slope, especially if your car is not powerful enough like mine.
3. What to wear: Keep it light, sporty and amphibious for a hot and wet day trip. What I’m wearing: cap, shirt and shoes from Addidas / Socks from Vamos / Shades and swim shorts from SM Store.
Quick tip: if you’re a little bit carefree on adventures and don’t mind your shades falling, getting lost, or scratched, buy disposable and trendy shades from SM store (stress free for your wallet too!)
Love these socks from Vamos! They don’t easily stretch after so many washes. Will buy a new pair for my next adventure!
4. What to do there: There are three things you can do in Minalungao. Swim, climb, or hike.
A. SWIM - When finding your perfect spot to swim, ride a raft to take you in between the two mountains for Php 200 - Php 500. The cost depends and how the waiting time. It’s common courtesy to give them a little bit higher if you’re going to let them wait for you beyond the agreed time. Let’s support local tourism and give them their hard earned money!
Once you found a nice spot, then it’s time to Swim! The water should be clear during summer.
Unfortunately, there were just a lot of tourists who were swimming so the water is a little less clear. Water level is somewhere between 4 to 10 ft (or probably more) depending on the area.
B. CLIMB. Another option is to climb the mountain top cross. You need to climb 1,000 steps going there - so stay hydrated and bring food for the extra boost you will need.
Taking a break from the hike!
C. HIKE - Lastly, you can hike the mountains and explore the caves. Locals said there are a lot of caves here, but I’m okay with just checking out 1 cave! haha!
Toll fee (going there) - Php 133
Gas (for a small car like mine) - Php 400
Toll fee (going back) - Php 133
Total Spending is just Php 1,146!
Overall I can say the trip was pretty fine and easy. Don’t forget when driving back, it’s good that you can get a friend to switch drives with you especially if you’re legs become sore from all the hiking and climbing!
Now, file your leaves and get adventures down your sleeves (pinilit yung rhyme!). Visit Minalungao this year before this becomes the next #wherebrokenheartsgo in your facebook feed (lol).
Drive terrain difficulty: 3/5
Hike and climb difficulty: 2/5
Now, Where should I go next?
