MASUNGI GEORESERVE... Top 5 fact versus myth.

"The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area and a rustic rock garden tucked in the rainforests of Rizal. Masungi’s name is derived from the word “masungki” which translates to “spiked” - an apt description for the sprawling limestone landscape found within."

True to what their website would tell you once you click on their link, Masungi felt really much of a rainforest than a tourist spot or a baby climb for hiker wannabes.

Just like you, before getting out there I read a lot of blogs on what to expect with it. Some said it was moderately easy, yet some said it was hard. Some said it was really far and remote that bringing your own car is not recommended, yet some said it was backpacker friendly. Some said it was too expensive and overrated, yet some said it was worth every penny. But one thing was in common, they said it was only made for the bravest of hearts. And I was like, "Really?"

So to finally cut the chase, and to, hopefully, help you decide if you're really signing up with them, let me reveal what statements were facts and what were just hearsa

SECRET #5 "ITS HARD TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT WITH THEM"
My honest feedback: It Depends.

Getting scheduled for a weekend hike is hard. You would probably need to wait for a month or two before getting booked. BUT if you do have the luxury of time, getting a schedule on a weekday is really easy.

Another reason why I guess some folks say its hard to block a time with the park is because you basically need to have a Group of 7 before you can book. In this world where most of us are working (and busy), setting up a coffee date with our friends are hard, how much more for a hike right?

This being said, I believe that the blogger who said scheduling was hard may had a bit of conflict with his personal schedule and/or his circle of friends.

TIPS:
1. Keep in mind that Masungi is close every Monday.
2. It is wise to join Travel Groups like Backpackers of the Philippines and DIY Travel Philippines, since there will be a lot of new friends ready to join you with your Masungi Adventure. :)

Groupie at one of Masungi's Highlights, DUYAN.

We came from all walks of life literally... Some came from Bulacan, some from Metro Manila and some from Tuguegarao!

THANK YOU BACKPACKERS OF THE PHILIPPINES I was able to meet this awesome group and made my Masungi Adventure a reality. :)

SECRET #4 "SO HARD TO REACH AREA!"
My honest feedback: Yes. Better rent a van.

Its more or less a 2-hour drive from Farmers Cubao. It wasn't that as remote as what I expected, but it wasn't as close to the public as well. If Cellular reception would be your basis on if this place is really far, well yeah, we surely went off the grid. 30minutes before arriving at the jump off I already had no reception with my Globe network, though Smart had a little bit of signal coming through, it wasn't that reliable. But then again, it wasn't as secluded as I was expecting from the blogs.

I suggest you rent up a van in Farmers Cubao (we had ours for P300/pax RT) for the simple reason of comfort to and from the area. Changing rides from one point to another would take up a part of your energy that you would definitely need throughout the day. More so, after the trek it would also be equally nice if you could go straight back home.

Still, in any case that you think bringing your own car is better, feel free to do so. There is a designated place to park your car at the jump off site. But be reminded that there are no trees that would give your car a proper shade throughout the day and that the parking area is around 15-30 minute walk away from the exit proper of Masungi.

SECRET #3 "IT'S OK NOT TO EAT BEFORE THE HIKE BECAUSE REFRESHMENTS WILL BE GIVEN."
My honest feedback: Big Fat NO.

Make sure to eat a good breakfast before taking the hike. The P1800 weekend / P1500 weekday rates do include snacks, but note that it will be given to you BEFORE or AFTER the trek. And its just one banana, one orange juice and one wheat sandwich with tuna spread and vegetables. Yeah you heard me right. Just ONE. I highly recommend do not put your fate on those snacks. They are designed just to refill you, not gas you up.

It is also recommended to bring your own water bottles for hydration, but personally I wasn't able to drink that much because I feared I might not be able to contain my bladder throughout the 4hour trek. We were informed during briefing that there are no comfort rooms available during the whole period.

SAPOT is Masungi's main attraction. In Fact this will be the first picture you'll see in your browser if you search up Masungi. It is the first out of nine and the farthest from all the attractions.

At the Peak of TATAY, I was thankful I had a full stomach prior to the climb.

There were 2 peaks throughout the trek, and the other one is named NANAY.

Just one of the many hanging bridges you'd need to cross before you get your much deserved snack. :)

SECRET #2 "IT'S EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED FOR THE BRAVEST OF HEARTS."
My honest feedback: Another Big Fat NO.

There were 9 attractions in the Georeserve consisted of ropes, hanging bridges, cliffs and more ropes. Out of that 9, only 2 activities challenged our group the most. First is the Ditse and second is the Bayawak. Both of which are rope courses wherein you need to make your way down and fight that fear of height thing you got there. The trick in this rope courses is to just look in front of you, forget looking up, down and wherever and just focus on the nearest thing of sight. Once you get the hang of it, trust me when I say there's no more stopping you.

There were a lot of hanging bridges that you'd need to cross, but the nice thing with its design is that the trees below you are so tall and plenty that it feels like as if you're just walking above it. All along I had this thinking that "well who cares if I fall over this bridge, the trees are there to catch me anyways".

At the end of the day its not the bravest of hearts that will help you get through the courses but your faith in yourself and determination to conquer the ropes. Just hang in there, hold tight, and you'll be just fine.

See how the bridge seem to be laid out on top of the trees and stones?

The hanging bridges barely swayed, the strong winds made it a little thrilling whenever it blew.

DITSE. The one who made my man shrieked. :)

The trees are ready to catch you anytime you're ready to fall. <3

SECRET #1 "IT'S EXPENSIVE."
My honest feedback: Worth it.

Yes P1800 is expensive. I could buy 3 dresses or 2 pairs of shoes or even a branded makeup with it. But I could also buy myself a new sense of enlightenment on how to love and preserve Mother Nature or gaze on how beautiful God created this world or even just hear the birds sing. Yes P1800 is expensive, but I believe it was worth every penny with my Masungi Georeserve Adventure.