Rizal| Masungi Georeserve Trail

happened on March 2, 2017.. warning: photo heavy post

At my age, I should be very selective on the activities that I will join in.  As much as possible, I wanted to avoid straneous activities since my bones are more brittle now and I no longer have the same endurance and stamina that I used to have during my 20s and 30s.  But everyone on their 40s says that it's the time you'll realize that there are things that you wanted to at least try before you die.  You'll start creating the bucket list and determined to tick off each item (on the list).  You intend to be more courageous to face the thrills and challenging adventures.  I don't even know where the determination comes from; maybe dying without experiencing what life has to offer.  So, I'm also one of those who joined the bandwagon of creating "things to do before I die" list.

descending the giant duyan

Masungi Georeserve has been on my bucket list for so long but I was not aware how hard the trail is or what the courses are.  Fortunately, an ex-officemate invited my friend to complete their group.  It was out of the whim decision to join together with hubby and some other friends.  A group of 14 "almost not strangers" was formed. We got the 7:30AM schedule.  The full trail will take about 3-4 hours but depending on your pace.  It took us 6 hours and took a lot of time resting and taking pictures.  Mahirap pag madaming senior citizens ^-^.

Finding the location is quite hard as the signage is small and just a symbol.  There is only an open chicken fence and some parked vehicles to know that we are on the right location but still, we travelled past it and have to return. Don't rely on Waze too much as the mobile signals here are so weak and intermitent.

just look for km47 in Waze

Some important information before the trail:

1. Strictly by reservation only.  Weekday rate: Php1400.00  Weekend Rate: Php1800.00
Minimum group members: 7 pax  Maximum group members: 15 pax
Age limit: must be at least 13 years old and above
Please visit http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/ for reservations and more information.
Full payment must be deposited for confirmation.

2. Important things to bring - as much as possible wear light clothes and bring only the necessities - water, trail mix or light snacks, towel and a rain jacket.  Your shoes must also be fit for climbing and walking.

We walked for about 15 mins. going to the receiving and briefing area - Silungan.  Walking is very refreshing while enjoying the mountain scenery.

Orientation took around 30 mins. with the do's and don'ts and some important reminders.  We were given helmets and introduced to our guide.  We were also brief of its history and advocation.  I'm grateful for this kind of people; protecting nature for the next generation.  BTW, the guides here are the locals.

The obstacle courses and resting areas:

We first passed by some rock formations before the first obstacle course.

small sapot

the gang before embarking the courses

First obstacle rope - a taste of what's to come.  It's a short rope trail but quite challenging already.  You must know how to carry your own weigth.

Sapot - a web-style viewing platform overlooking Laguna de Bay.  It's the famous site for picture taking; hanging above the karst.

The trail before reaching Yungib ni Ruben.  There is a resting place called "Patak".

Yungib ni Ruben -  I love the smell inside this cave.  They have placed scented oil burners so you won't smell the dirt.  The temperature inside is also nice.

Giant Duyan - Looking down will definitely make you step back but you're already in the middle of the trail so you just have to gather all your strength and guts.  It's actually fearful in imagination than the real thing.  I'm the first to descend since I'm confident that I can do it with all my wall climbing experience.  There is no harness so an extra care is much needed.  It's so relaxing lying on the giant duyan.  I took the time to rest while waiting for my companions.

enjoying my "me time"

Tatay - the one with the highest peak (at least 600m above sea level) with a manageable trail.  The view at this point is simply spectacular.  You can see all of the obstacle courses.

there is Nanay!

Nanay - the second highest peak where Masungi Georeserve landmark came from - the peak of two rocks.

Bayawak - the last obstacle course.  You have the option to just descend using the stairs but this is the last one so it's highly recommended to take this path or you'll just end up regreting it.

Then it's snack time.  After 6 hours of climbing and walking, we were starving.  They served sandwiches, bananas and real fruit juice.  We just rested for a bit and then it's time to go back.

The challenge is not yet finished once you're done eating.  It is still at least 30 mins. of stair climbing and lots of walking.  This is really a very tiring trail.

It's such an overwhelming feeling once you are done with it.  Nature tripping is always a great choice for a break from the daily grind of life.

Do it guys while your knees can!  It's soooooo worth it.