A Must See Masungi

Fresh air, minimal noise and crowd, rich flora and fauna, and breathtaking views, Rizal province never fails to surprise us as this province has really a lot to offer especially for the adventurous ones, from falls, rivers, and mountains.

©meandmysummersky (McCrina Apoderado)

 

Tucked in the deep forests of Rizal, just a few hours away from the concrete jungle of the Metro, located at KM 45, Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, the 1,600 hectare Masungi Georeserve is a hidden paradise that conserves the rich flora and fauna of the said place to maintain the sustainability and ecotourism of the province.

©meandmysummersky (McCrina Apoderado) | ©Shane Pascual | ©Mikhael Orteza

Masungi derived from the tagalog word “Masungki” or “Spiked” for the place has lots of karsts in the area like a rock garden. As our group started the 3-4 hours hike, the trail seems like a very easy and manageable, but as we go different challenges and twists come along the way, from climbing climbing ropes, and going down on a 90-degree cliff using only a tied rope. The limestone Karsts and the rich forest can be witness with an aerial view by the guests through their Discovery Trails, through these trails our group with our tour guide explained the deeper mission and history of the place and make us appreciate the environment even more, from being a constant threat of illegal logging and quarrying, Masungi Georeserve as well as their staff, which are also a local/native in the province, do their part to achieve their aims and mission to cover up those past threats and maintaining and developing its present beauty.

©Shane Pascual | ©Mikhael Orteza

The Sapot, web-liked steel cable wire structure on top of the steep and sharp set of rocks which can hold approximately up to 50 persons is one of the highlights of the tour, offering a 360-degree view of the area, including the Laguna de Bay, and the Sierra Mountain Range.

©Shane Pascual | ©Mikhael Orteza

Duyan, is the giant hammock made of ropes over the deep forest of the area which connects the Sapot to another karsts or mountain. Aside from the Sapot this large hammock is one of the great places to take pictures, and relax with the group.

©Shane Pascual

Masungi also has caves, one of them is the “Yungib ni Ruben” or “Cave of Ruben”, which is discovered by one of their local staff, Ruben.

©Shane Pascual

Tatay is the highest peak in the area, also has the perfect view of the deep forests.

Nanay, 2^nd to the highest peak, at the opposite side of Tatay.

After the tour, Masungi Georeserve offers complimentary frozen towels and snacks to their guests, which is ready at the time you arrive in the Silungan or the canteen.

Masungi just open its door to the public last December 2015, and only cater guests with booking at least (3) days before the intended visit, but from the time of its opening, its booking is always full especially on weekends, so I suggest you book your visit months and months before your target date. Groups must be 7-14 members and must be 13 years old and above.

As of January 2017 rates are PHP 1,500.00/guest for weekdays and PHP 1,800.00/guest for the weekends.

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Masungi Georeserve
Garden Cottages, Kilometer 45 Marcos Highway, 
Baras, Rizal, Philippines, 1970 
E-mail Address: trail@masungigeoreserve.com

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