The Day I Hiked Masungi Georeserve

One of the many reasons why I’ve always wanted to go to the province of Rizal was because I wanted to take a quiet hike with Mother Nature. I don’t really know why it took me so long to finally venture on a two-hour car ride to Masungi Georeserve, a conservation area situated in the southern Sierra Madre range of Baras, Rizal. Ever since my close encounter with the Burj Khalifa building in Dubai, I have never really gotten over the high that I got after seeing the panoramic view of the area from what felt like the top of the world. To tell you the truth, I am not an acrophobic; thus, I already had my eye on the Masungi Discovery Trail from the very beginning, even days before it was publicized on social media. Thankfully, my tribe and I shared the same sentiments. On September 10 of 2017, we hit the road, made a few stops to Jollibee where we ate with our hands since the fast-food restaurant forgot to give us utensils and, lo and behold, there it was – the Masungi Georeserve.

Nestled in a variety of flora and fauna, the Masungi Discovery Trail was not just a mere walk in the park. It was a day full of rock scrambling, rope climbing, bridge crossing, and sightseeing for all of us. For four hours, we were all able to commune with nature and disconnect from the outside world. The Discovery Trail likewise led us to challenging elements that tested our presence of mind, balance, and love for heights.

The Sapot of the Masungi Discovery Trail was one of the elements I dreaded and loved the most. Standing on top of the giant web-like structure, it was hard for me not to think about falling. It was the first time in my life that I became afraid of heights. However, the 360-degree view of the Laguna de Bay and the great Sierra Madre mountain range still made the whole experience venturesome.

The Duyan of the Masungi Discovery Trail was likewise something else. This giant hammock made of white braided ropes allowed me to work up a good sweat and brought my heart rate up for a change. Considering that I have small feet and short arms, I could not help but fear for my life, especially since I could easily slip my feet through the holes of the hammock and miss the handgrip. I was on an adrenaline rush and I literally felt the blood pumping in my ears.

Traversing the Discovery Trail led us to different elements like Patak, Ditse, Yungib ni Ruben, Tatay, Nanay, and the Hanging Bridge as well. As we anticipated for the sun to set, it took us quite some time to finish the entire hike. In fact, it was already dark by the time we went down the rainforest. As if being surrounded by the beauty of nature wasn't enough, we were treated with a good meal after the long yet fulfilling hike. All in all, my hiking experience in Masungi Georeserve made me understand and appreciate the plant species and the wildlife more – in a way no National Geographic documentary could ever do.

 I want you all to see how beautiful Mother Nature truly is – how she reacts when you respect her space, how she moves when you let her be, and how she welcomes when you appreciate her. Thus, I have decided to dedicate this specific blog post for the lovely limestone landscape of Masungi Georeserve. Now, all you need to do is to take a look at all the unfiltered photos from the day I hiked Masungi Georeserve!

Thanks to my tribe, I was finally able to check “hike at Masungi Georeserve” off my bucketlist. To Kristelle, Patrick, Meldrick, Michelle, Patricia, and Annika, thank you for taking in the pleasures of the hike with me. Why leave for another place, when there is so much yet to be discovered in our own country?