MASUNGI GEORESERVE: DIY Travel Guide + Itinerary And Everything Else You Need To Know

Mountaineering is probably the most popular hobby of today’s generation. More and more, people are falling in love with this outdoor sport paving to many more mountains opening its trails to thrill-seekers. While some like to keep it nice and easy finding happiness in less difficult trails such as that of Mt. Gulugod Baboy and Manabu Peak, others prefer defying the challenge of known formidable mountains such as the unforgiving Mts. Guiting-Guiting and Halcon. In addition to hiking mountains, today’s yuppies also enjoy obstacle courses and the fun and fulfillment that comes with it. But if there is one place that offers both all the splendor there is atop a mountain peak and that same rush of adrenaline and excitement of an obstacle course, that would definitely be Masungi Georeserve.

Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area within the rain forest of Rizal. It has been an institution in protecting the vast rustic garden of thousand-old rock formations in the area against mining, illegal logging and quarrying for 15 years now. During the last quarter of 2015, it finally opened its doors to the public, spreading awareness to the never-ending battle they face in conserving these precious karst mountains and the various wildlife that calls it home. In an instant, this one of a kind destination has found its way in almost every wanderlust’s bucket list redefining adventure to a whole new level.

THE TRAIL

The trail in Masungi offers both adventure and leisure which is designed to entertain you with the most spectacular views of the karst mountains wrapped in colorful flowers in full bloom and the surrounding greenery while challenging you with every obstacle from the start to finish. Here’s what you will encounter in their Discovery Trail.

• The first rope segment – Ten minutes after starting the trek comes the first obstacle. It is a rope tied in a 90-degree angle that leads to a cave-like entrance to the rest of the trail.
• Sapot – Following a series of up and downhill trek is the gigantic spider web which offers one of the breathtaking views within the conservation area
• Air house – In the middle of 2 hanging bridges is the air house which by its name is some place you would love to be in if you need a refreshing spot away from the heat of the sun.
• Duyan – The biggest hammock in Asia and probably the best spot in Masungi to simply relax and enjoy the views.
• Yungib ni Ruben – One of the cave systems found within the reserve with beautiful rock formations discovered by no other than Ruben himself. If you are wondering who Ruben is then better book yourselves a visit.
• Nanay – One of the tallest peaks in Masungi which offers the best views of the surrounding mountains.
• Tatay – A formation of thousand old limestone rock formation which is the tallest spot within the reserve that offers an unobstructed view of its surrounding.
• Bayawak –  The final rope segment which is shaped/designed like a bayawak (monitor lizard) that descends to a scenic chilling spot.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRAVEL

Bookings & Reservations

• Trail visits to Masungi strictly require a reservation. No walk-ins are allowed. To avoid scams and fraudulent transactions, please book directly through their website.
• Weekends are normally fully booked through 5-6 months. You may find luck in weekday schedules.
• Trail visit fee as of January 2020 have increased to P1800/person for a weekend visit and P1500/person on weekdays which includes a healthy light snack, helmet and a designated guide/park ranger.
• Groups should have a minimum of 7 members and a maximum of 13. If you have less than 7 members in your group or if you are going solo, you will still be allowed to visit but you will pay the amount equivalent to 7 members.
• It may take 24-48 hours before you will receive a response to your trail visit request via email where you would be asked to respond with the names of the members of your group and another 24-48 hours to receive a confirmation whether or not your request is approved.
• Once your trail visit request is approved, that’s when you will be provided with a link to make your payment (for credit/debit card) or the bank details. You may be asked to send them a copy of your receipt once its paid and in return you will get a confirmation receipt.
• If you would opt to pay in installment, Masungi requires at least half of the total amount with the other half required to be paid at least 5 days prior to the scheduled date of visit.

Trail Visit Day

• On your trail visit day, visitors are required to be at the site at least 30 minutes prior to their schedule. This is to avoid overlapping with the other groups and to be able to maximize your time on the trail.
• Prior to entry, you will be required to present a valid ID and a printed copy of proof of payment or the confirmation receipt from Masungi.
• For those bringing their cars, there is a spacious parking area just after the entrance to the reserve.
• From the entrance, guests will still need to go through a 15-20 minute scenic walk along a dirt road to get to the receiving/orientation area of the reserve.
• Your trail visit will start with an orientation given by the park rangers who will enlighten you with knowledge about Masungi and its purpose.
• Your group will be assigned 1 park ranger who will facilitate your visit. Although they follow a strict itinerary, feel free to ask them to slow down if they pace quite faster than what you can manage.
• Every group is given 15 minutes to take photos in every trail highlight e.g. Sapot, Duyan, etc. so it’s best for you to plan ahead your selfies and groupfie shots.
• Avoid making too much noise while in the confines of the reserve to maintain the tranquility of the place and avoid disrupting wildlife.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited within the reserve. Anyone caught smoking will pay a hefty fine.
• Avoid littering. There will be a corresponding penalty for violators.
• Wear appropriate footwear e.g. rubber and other close shoes. Trekking sandals are also allowed but NO slippers and other open footwear.
• Bring extra clothes, water and waterproof your belongings. A small bag will be lent to you in the reserve to carry your valuables.

HOW TO GO TO MASUNGI GEORESERVE

If you have a car or have rented a private vehicle, the best route to follow in going to Masungi is Marcos Hwy tracing your way to Tanay, Rizal and you will spot Masungi’s logo at your right a few meters away after Palo Alto. To commute to the reserve is to ride a jeep in Cogeo Gate 2 market to Sampaloc, Tanay and you will spot the reserve at your right. Getting to Cogeo Gate 2 is through a UV Express parked near Farmers Cubao.

BEST SIDETRIPS

After your one of a kind adventure in Masungi, entertain yourself more with the best things these side trips can offer.

• Daranak Falls, Batlag Falls & Calinawan Cave
• Tinipak River & Mt. Daraitan
• Palo Alto Falls
• Pinto Art Museum
• Luljetta’s Hanging Garden & Spa

BUDGET, ITINERARY & OTHER ESSENTIALS

ADVENTURE REDEFINED IN MASUNGI GEORESERVE

There you have it lovelies. Don’t hesitate to leave me your comments, questions and suggestions. Until next time! Ciao!