Masungi Georeserve – Ropes and Limestones (Travel Guide + Tips)

I’ve been asked a lot by my friends to organize a trip to Masungi Georeserve. I was always hesitant because I thought of it as very expensive since I knew we can climb other mountains for ₱1000 or less.

I didn’t have any climbs back then and one of my barkada invited me to join their trip to Masungi. Out of the blue and missing the trees and the earth, I immediately said yes, despite the budget issues and maybe because of being exempted from organizing trips. haha!

MASUNGI GEORESERVE

Once a deforested land, destroyed by illegal logging and mining, Masungi Georeserve has changed a lot and is now a protected area, now covered in green lush trees. Through the years, the management (Blue Star Construction and Development Corporation and Masungi Georeserve’s foundation body) took care of the land — rehabilitated and restored it by planting a lot of trees and plants. It is now getting richer in terms of conservation and wildlife.

ROPES AND LIMESTONES

We took the Day Trail which lasted for 5 Hours. The trail lets us explore the conservation area through the dense forests and even inside limestone rock formations. It consists of paved ways and rope courses which added to the accessibility of specific points of interest in the area. With this, Masungi can be a place not just for relaxation but also for adventure.

The rope courses were a challenge because they really pushed us to use our physical strengths and we held tight for our lives’ sake. It passes over forests and some hang at the top of a limestone rock formation and end down to the ground. On the other hand, they also served as hammocks for us to relax and enjoy the view while we were on top of the trees and rock formations.

Masungi Georeserve offers a lot of benefits. The trail may not be as challenging as that of a mountain but it really gave us the same perspective and fulfillment when reaching a mountain’s summit — the amazing view and the satisfaction of conquering our fears and exceeding our limitations.

The package tour may be expensive but included in it was the conservation fee which in return let visitors donate a seedling that they will plant on nearby deforested mountains. Masungi Georeserve is not just a tourist spot but also an epitome of what we should do for our environment. May their projects expand our environmental awareness and responsibility.

TRAVEL GUIDE + TIPS

SAMPLE ITINERARY

LOCATION:

• Kilometer 47, Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, Philippines

HOW TO GET THERE:

a. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

• From Cubao, ride a jeep going to Cogeo Gate 2/Padilla.
• From Gate 2, ride a jeepney going to Sampaloc, Tanay, and tell the driver to drop you off at the gate of Garden Cottages.

b. BY PRIVATE VEHICLE:

• From Metro Manila, travel along Marcos Highway going to Tanay.
• When you reach Baras, Rizal, look for KM47 and turn going to the parking lot.

POWER PACK:

• Sunblock
• Sunglasses
• Trekking shoes/slippers
• Trekking Gloves as protection from the limestones
• Raincoat
• Umbrella
• Trail Food
• 2-3 Liters of Water
• First Aid Kit
• Cap/Hat
• Insect Repellant
• Extra Clothes

FEES:

The package includes the tour, a helmet, a guide, snacks, and a conservation fee.

1. DAY TRAIL:
   • Package Fee (Weekends) = ₱1800/Person (7-14 guests)
   • Package Fee (Weekdays) = ₱1500/Person (7-14 guests)
2. NIGHT TRAIL:
   • Package Fee (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) = ₱1800/Person (7-10 guests)

ACCOMMODATIONS:

• ACCOMMODATIONS IN TANAY, RIZAL

CHECK OUT THESE DISCOUNTED/PROMO RATES IN KLOOK:

• Treasure Mountain Day Tour
• Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa Day Pass
• Tanay, Rizal Day Tour

Klook.com

CONNECT:

• Website: https://www.masungigeoreserve.com/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/masungigeoreserve/
• E-mail Address: trail@masungigeoreserve.com
• Contact Number (Masungi Hotline): 09291323531, 09951869911

NOTES:

• Walk-ins are not allowed. Make sure to book your visit ahead of time as reservations are full most of the time.
• The full trail takes 3-4 hours depending on the group’s stamina and pace. There are also other trails available if a need for an early return is needed.
• Smoking is prohibited all around the area to avoid cigarette butts being thrown anywhere else. A fine of P3000 is implemented.
• Snacks are included in every package that is available near the end of the trail.
• Lockers (Fee of P20) are available to keep your stuff while you do the trail.
• There are water refilling stations on some parts of the trail but due to some circumstances, it is unreliable. Bring water canisters for you to bring along the trail.

©CHASEJASE