Masungi Georeserve: An Easy Hike for Beginners
Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area located at Baras, Rizal. Its name is derived from the word "Masungki", describing the huge rock formations found in the area that are similar to the ones in Palawan. This georeserve is a symbolic trophy of the years long battle to win the area back from illegal loggers, quarries, and several others destroying its glory.
Plans about visiting Masungi started a year ago, but it proved difficult to book a date since our group had conflicting schedules, and slots got filled so quickly. It was only June this year that my friend was able to book for a September schedule.
The visit to the georeserve is strictly upon reservation only. This explains why Masungi does not have a huge logo or banner to welcome visitors. A detailed instruction on how to get to the area is sent only upon confirmation of the visit. It's not easily discoverable, but it has a KM 47 sign on its gate. It also has a parking area, so bringing a car is a lot convenient.
Our schedule was at 5:30am, which is the earliest available time, and the schedule I highly recommend to those who are planning to visit the georeserve.
We arrived the gates at 5:00am, and it was still dark. The cold morning breeze will welcome you as you step down from your vehicles. As you walk towards the start of the hike, you'll be halted by a great, foggy view of the mountains, and the captivating view of the sunrise. What a way to treat your eyes even before the hike itself. Of course, starting early would mean that the heat isn't at its peak yet (a little bit as you near the finishing point), so it's not as harsh to the skin as the other time slots.
A few tips/ thoughts about the hike:
- Eat a heavy breakfast/ meal before your hike. The hike will last for 4-5 hours (depending on how much photos you would take haha), and believe me, you really feel hungry.
- Bring light snacks such as biscuits, chocolates, or chips for you to munch on every time you sit down for a rest. It's also fun to snack while watching the view when you get on top of Tatay and Nanay (mountains).
- Bring your own water. There are refilling stations at the start and finish points, but it'll take time before you can fill your bottles, so just to save time and effort, just bring your own.
- Go to the comfort room before the hike. There are no other comfort rooms along the way. Do your body a favor.
- Drink only small sips of water when you get thirsty. You wouldn't want to feel the call of nature mid-way! I am a person who drinks and pees a lot, but this technique worked just fine.
- Bring only what you will be needing during the hike. You'll be carrying those for hours as climb up and down ropes, so for your convenience, try not to bring a lot.
- If you're planning on taking photos, make sure you have a strap to secure it around your body (or hand). It'll be difficult your devices tight with all the obstacles you need to pass through during the hike, and dropping them along the way is highly probable. This is the reason why I wasn't able to take a bunch of photos. It's too much of a hassle to bring out your phone then put it back in your bag every single time.
- Snacks will be served after the hike. Their snack basket includes whole wheat bread slices, jars of sandwich spread (choice of tuna or chicken), lettuce, bananas, and pitchers of water and calamansi juice. These tasted good and are really filling.
- The hike in general is easy. There are steps and walkways throughout the hike. Nothing buwis buhay haha!
- No need for gloves.
- Restrooms in the area are clean, although there are no shower rooms (none that I saw).
- Wear comfortable sports attire.
- Reservation is for groups of 7-14 people. P1,800/ person (weekends) and P1,500/ person (weekdays)
- They have a new after-trail meal offering: Silayan at Masungi Georeserve. It's an after-trail dining complete from appetizer to desserts, priced at P600 per person. If you're willing to spend a little bit more money, then maybe you can avail of this for the complete experience.
- Visitors are expected to pay their respects to nature and the inhabitants of the area. Animals are said to be roaming around the georeserve, so it is best to keep your voices to a minimum as not to scare them away from their habitat.
Visiting the Masungi Georeserve is one of the best experiences I've had in my life that involves nature appreciation. More than the great scenery, what's heart warming is how the residents of the area really show utmost care and respect for this paradise, not only because it's their source of income, but because it's worth preserving.
Address: Kilometer 47, Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, Philippines
Contact Info: trail@masungigeoreserve.com
Website: www.masungigeoreserve.com
Facebook: @MasungiGeoreserve
Instagram: @MasungiGeoreserve
(September 24, 2017)
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