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Monday, March 27, 2017

MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK

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:
          denr_nuevaecija@yahoo.com.ph 
* Protected Area Management & Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS)
Telephone #:
          (044) 940-5695
E-mail:
          cenro_cabcity@yahoo.com
          pambcs_@yahoo.com.ph 
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.

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.

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