Minalungao National Park is located at Barangay Pias,
General Tinio, and a part of Macabaclay in the city of Gapan, Nueva Ecija. It
is a vast area of remarkable beauty and exciting adventure with an area of
2,018 hectares. The park has navigable river surrounded by 16-meter high limestones
and sparsely dense forest, ideal for a picnic or a brief escape from the hustle
and bustle life in Manila. It can be reached for relatively 4 hours by car or
through commute.
The park is truly an exciting site that people with different
ages will surely enjoy. The navigable part of Sumacbao River is a stretch of emerald
water along Sierra Madre mountain ranges which can be enjoyed by a raft (balsa). It is made of sturdy bamboos, spacious enough to accommodate 6-8 tourists. It has a small hut which serves as shade, a small table
where you can put your things and food, and some benches entirely made
of wood. Cruising along the river takes about 5 minutes from the docking area.
If you are early, you can choose the best part of the river where you can dock your raft during the entire stay in the park. You might think that bamboo raft
ride is the only thing you can enjoy. In
fact, the place has many exciting activities to choose from. Of course, the
river is perfect for swimming or just floating along its water.
Just be sure to wear your life jacket to avoid any forms of accident. After
traversing the river, you can try exploring the limestones all the way up to
the cave. Trekking experience has never been this exciting. The site has built
some easy-to-follow trails that even beginners can enjoy. However, if it’s your
first time to visit the caves, I would suggest you to hire a guide. They can be
found to almost everywhere of the place and
at times, they stay along the trail or at the entryway of the cave.
Exploring the cavern takes for
approximately 20 minutes, but would take longer if the group will have some
selfies. Afterwards, you can try zipline. Well, for me this is my favorite part
of the park. It was actually my first time to try a zipline on prone position
and I could not wait to see the Minalungao at its perfect spot.
The ride was worth it. The view from the top was
breath-taking! And it’s more spectacular if you are able to capture the place
using your mobile phones or Go pro. What’s fascinating about this ride is its very
affordable rate compared to other parks in the country. Imagine, it only costs
P100 per one-way ride. If you think, taking video is not satisfying, you can
try it again capturing your best shots while going back to the starting point.
Anyway, the cost is very affordable.
Right after this exhilarating ride, you
can go straight to the Towering Cross at the peak of Mt. Pinaltakan. With this
attraction, I must say that you have enough energy because you’ve got to walk more
or less 1000 steps all the way up to the top. Brace yourself to have a wobbly
experience at the last attraction. The park’s hanging bridge is more than 50
meters in length and supported by steel cable. Here, you get to see the bamboo
rafts on bird’s eye view and take some daring selfies at the middle of the bridge.
Never think of any hassles at the site; shower rooms, restrooms,
cottages, and accommodation for overnight stay are always available. But bamboo
raft service ends at around 5pm for day tour.
Minalungao National Park is protected by the city of Cabanatuan
under Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Protected Area
Management & Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) and in order to
preserve its biodiversity, everyone has to take the following important
reminders into consideration.
* Littering is strictly prohibited so each bamboo raft
has a trash bin made of either a rice sack or plastic. This bag is collected
after the tour.
* Jumping off the limestone and the hanging bridge is
not permitted. There were many recorded accidents in the past which sometimes
were cause of death of few tourists.
* There’s no way for the authority to permit the
tourists and locals any forms of exploitation, destruction, and pollution to
the park.
* Vandalism on the limestones especially inside the
caves is impermissible.
* Bringing any portion of limestones, plants, anything
from the river and the forest is also not permitted.
Although the site is few hours away from Manila,
preparation is utmost essential to fully enjoy the park, so I listed down the
things you have to bring:
* First and foremost, you should not forget the proper
swimming attire. I advise you to wear rashguard up to ankle in length and with
long sleeves. Most often than not, the weather there is hot. And please include
your goggles.
* Food and beverages- Make sure to prepare and bring enough
food and fluids to replenish you from hunger and thirst respectively because
the activities might be energy-consuming and tiring. Besides, the market and
other major stores are kilometers away from the park.
*Fully-charged gadgets such as your mobile phones,
digital cameras, or Go Pro for taking selfies and videos. Plus your powerbank
for extra battery.
* Extra clothes
* Sunscreen lotion for skin protection.
* Disposables: paper plates & cups, plastic spoon
and fork, plastic container for food storage. But please, dispose them
appropriately.
Early birds
Itinerary
03:00 am Call time
03:30 am ETD Manila area
07:30 am Arrival at the park
08:00 am Start of the tour
12:00 noon Lunch time
05:00 pm Pack-up
05:30 pm Leave the park, then visit Pasalubong store
06:30 pm Dinner time
07:00 pm ETD Nueva Ecija
11:00 pm ETA Manila Area
Expenses
Total expense per head: Approximately P1,300
* Park’s admission fee P 50 per person
* Parking fee
P 50 per vehicle
* Raft service fee P 500 per raft
* Zipline P 100 per
person (one way)
* Van rental fee P 6,500 (for 10 people)
(including the gasoline, driver, and toll fees)
* Food and drinks P 400 person
(including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and morning and
afternoon snacks)
Note: It doesn’t include the budget for pasalubong
yet.
Contact Information
Location
Minalungao
National Park
Barangay
Pias, General Tinio
portion
of Macabaclay, Gapan City
Nueva
Ecija
* Provincial Environmental & Natural Resources
Office
Telephone #:
(044)
940-1973
E-mail:
* Protected Area Management & Biodiversity
Conservation Section (PAMBCS)
Telephone #:
(044)
940-5695
E-mail:
Note: You can visit DENR office for further
information located few meters away from the parking area. You can ask for a
brochure or flyer free of charge.
For tour package inquiry, you may contact the numbers
below and get some discounts and freebies for group tour (min of 10 pax, but
max of 12 pax).
Mobile #:
+63917-4222-816
(Globe)
+63932-5462-273
(Sun)
Note: for travelers who will directly visit the park, you don't need to book for balsa (raft). It's first come first serve basis. To avail the raft, be there as early as 7 am.
Note: for travelers who will directly visit the park, you don't need to book for balsa (raft). It's first come first serve basis. To avail the raft, be there as early as 7 am.
Blogger's Note
Please be informed that details are subject to change at any time, particularly the price, location, and contact numbers. I, therefore advise you to visit their website or email ahead for confirmation when making your itinerary. The blogger cannot be held responsible for the experiences of the readers while travelling.
