Masungi Georeserve is a conservation park situated in Baras, Rizal with 60 million-old karsts, rock formations, caves and rain forests. It has been protected for over 20 years already yet in December 2015, they decided to open it to the public to share and encourage everyone to help in conserving our natural wonders.
To explore the place, they offer three types of trails for you to choose: The Discovery Trail, Night Discovery Trail and the Legacy Trail. But, for this blog post, we will be focusing on the first one, the Discovery Trail.
Here’s a short info that I got from their website: https://www.masungigeoreserve.com/experience/trail/
Duration:
3- 4 hrs full round depending on the speed of the trailers.
Terrain and Trail Characteristics:
Trail is lined with rock and concrete blocks making it easy to cover the area. There are ups and downs in the trail therefore hanging bridges and rope courses are integral.
Ideal for:
Limited to persons 13 years of age and above for security purposes, outdoor and nature enthusiasts, regular and beginner hikers, groups and families who are looking for a day tour.
Update: A Trail especially made for kids is now in the works as explained by them during our visit.
Inclusions:
Local Park Ranger Guide, complimentary light refreshments, light bags that may be used through the trail; Guests are encouraged to bring their own water jugs (1 liter recommended) as refill stations are available at Silungan.
LET’S GET STARTED!
This is the pathway going to Silungan, our first stop after our 10-min walk from the parking area.

Around the area, you will be able to encounter a lot of plant and animal species so do take a moment to pause and appreciate.

Safety helmets along our way.

Who knows you might be able to encounter one of these along the trail?
Silungan
A short briefing in this area that includes the history of Masungi, their vision-mission, sight expectations, precautionary measures, last minute reminders and signing of waivers.

Stop pleasing me, you color!

Will be joining these bunch of brave-hearted souls for the whole 4-hr trail.

I could see my favorite color all the way from where I am seated.
Their comfort rooms.

Look at how those walls were made of great artistry.

Washing area.
Sapot
Or spiderweb, is a metallic platform with wooden steps which allows you to walk on suspended netting above the karst and get a 360-degree view of the Sierra Madre and Laguna de Bay- the biggest lake in the Philippines. This was my most anticipated spot before deciding to take the trail but as soon as I settled my foot on the man-made web, I can’t even dare to make a move already- I got too afraid that I might fall! 😂

So much wonders in just one click.

Holding my breath for about 5 seconds before taking a step.

And so, I end up sleeping instead. I felt way more comfortable with that.
Yungib ni Ruben
The cave is named after a park ranger who have discovered it. It is a good shelter with really cool and relaxing ambiance knowing that the fragrance from the scented candles placed all over the cave could deeply touch your inner peace.

Oh, Manong! What are you doing down there?

Two thumbs up!
Tatay
The first and tallest peak which centers on the geological formations of Masungi Rock is elevated at 640 meters (2,100 ft). One among the two peaks is a natural sculpture and formation composed of several rocks which is seemingly piled on top of one another.

Such a scenic place with my co-trailer from US.

The sun is hot yet the wind caresses me saying, “you did it!”.

One more time! The sun is hot yet the wind caresses me saying, “you did it!”. Eh?
Nanay
Right after Tatay is the second peak named after her partner, Nanay. It features five limestone rock peaks interconnected by bridges.

I still can’t believe that I did walk from here to there. Proud of you, self!

All natural.

Trying to check the time but my camera can’t capture the figures on my intelligence health bracelet. Thank you Taiwan Excellence for this, btw.
Ditse, Patak, at Duyan
One of my many favorites in this place. Scroll through to know why. I felt like a legit Mountain Climber or an Amazon. Well, maybe in my point of view. You can now rest your case! Heh!

All thanks to Kuya Ranger for this shot.

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3. Just couldn’t find a nice caption anymore.

One more glance. Sounds like a movie title, huh?

How did they did this?

All alone.

Shells in a box.

A pot of three.
Bayawak
Named after the largest lizard that can be found within the conservation area. You have to climb down the long ropes of Bayawak which is resting at the side of a tall rock edifice. Look who volunteered to go down first! Oh, is that me? Haha!
Liwasan
This valley-like area with a bird bath and a rest area (Barangay Dahon) is designed for relaxation and some light refreshments prior to the final ascent back to Silungan.

Smile, Franco!

Much needed refreshments.

Chicken spread with fresh spices.

Bread for a bread

Three jars for the thirsty us!
Sawa
To get back to Silungan, you have to make your way by passing through this Sawa (Snake). Sawa offers a spectacular view of the Liwasan area.
More pictures along the way.
Important Reminders from their website.
- Restrooms and Shower Rooms. Restrooms are only available at the briefing area (Silungan) and the ending point (Liwasan). There are no shower rooms available. Water sources are difficult to come by in the area.
- Meals. Eat a sufficient meal prior to heading to the georeserve to ensure a comfortable walk . Meals are not allowed to be brought inside, and light snacks prepared are only served near the end of the trail, prior to the final ascent.
- It would be wise to be familiar with the directions ahead of time, as signal can be erratic or none existent in the area. Directions may be found here.
- Transportation Provider. Recommendations for transport providers from Metro Manila are available for our guests’ convenience. Kindly inquire with us should there be a separate need for this.
Visit Request
They can only entertain private group requests. Which has a minimum of 7- 15 pax per trail. The conservation fee will be at PHP 1,500.00/guest for weekdays, and PHP 1,800.00/guest for the weekends. For shared group requests you may contact their selected travel partners as of November 2017:
1. Z Hostel (09178898531)
2. Pirkko and Troy Travel and Tours (632 678-5206 / +639258571665)
3. Kilometer Zero PH (+639178578180)
4. Intas Destinations (For Inbound Travelers)
5. TripKada (www.tripkada.com)
6. Tanlines Ph (tanlinesph.com, +639954623072)
7. AirTaxi.ph
MY OVERALL EXPERIENCE: 11/10! I WOULD DEFINITELY LOVE TO COME BACK HERE!
Cool Shannena! What a great experience for you. Sana everyone. 😊
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