A visit to Masungi Georeserve requires a group consisting of at least seven (7) individuals with a maximum of fourteen (14) per slot. Children below 13 years old aren’t allowed to participate. If you have a group with fewer participants, you would still be allowed to book but your group will need to cover the total cost of seven participants. The whole experience will take an average of four hours which already includes photo ops, breaks, and snack time. The well-designed trail is perfect for beginners. For those with fear of heights, make sure to pack a ton of courage.
Masungi Georeserve Entrance Fee
The entrance fee already includes a light snack (sandwich, banana, and juice) to be served near the end of the trail.
- Weekdays – Php 1,500 per person
- Weekends – Php 1,800 per person
Our Discovery Trail Experience
From the gate/parking area, there’s a short 10-15 minute walk to Siluyan – the briefing area. Once your group is in Siluyan, a park ranger would give a short overview of the park and its policies. This is also the best and only time to use the restrooms and refill your water bottles. There will be no restrooms nor refilling stations along the trail.
If you’re used to hiking, the discovery trail would be a relaxing hike. Total beginners, however, may need to maximize the rest areas. Majority of the trail is shaded and since we hiked on a cloudy day on a cooler month (January), our group was fairly comfortable during the entire hike.
Wind was strong and it rained for a few minutes during our hike
There’s no need to pack a jacket or a poncho for your Masungi trip. This will be freely provided by the park ranger in case it rains during your hike. Unfortunately for us, it did rain and the strong wind made it difficult to climb with a poncho on. So if you do end up wearing a poncho, knot them together like the girl in the blue poncho (see above photo), or risk looking like a mushroom :)).
Masungi Trail highlights
The trail’s highlights are of course the challenging areas, extra challenging if you’re scared of heights. It is important to note though that if you really can’t tackle the rope segments, they’ve provided an alternative, less scary route.
Warm-up
This was the first rope segment. It’s a short climb up and will serve as a good warm-up for the other higher and longer rope courses.
Sapot
There’s probably going to be a bit of a hold up prior to this area since each group is given a few minutes to take photos. After Sapot, is a hanging bridge.
Patak (air house)
In the middle of a hanging bridge is the air house which looks like a drop of water.
Duyan
Before you reach Duyan, you will have to climb down this hole. I admit this is one of the scariest (and exciting) portions of the trail, at least for me. Once you’re on your way down, you really won’t have a choice but to continue climbing down. But don’t worry, the ropes are actually very stable so just watch your step and hold on tight.
Climbing down to reach Duyan
Finally, you reach Duyan. Each group will be given a few minutes to relax and take photos.
After duyan, it’s just a short and easy climb down.
Yungib ni Ruben
Tatay
One of the two peaks. Tatay will be the first and taller peak.
View from Tatay
Nanay
The second and smaller peak. We spent most of our time taking photos on the bridges.
Bayawak
Before Bayawak, we actually didn’t expect any more rope segments. We were surprised that the last climb down is actually the longest one. But it’s actually not as scary as it looks. Once you finish this course, you will be rewarded with a light snack.
Sawa
The trail is almost finished. But before you reach your starting point, you will be passing through this long bridge.
Entering Bayawak
What to Bring
- water bottle
- change of clothes
- trail snacks (meals are not allowed)
- small bag for your things
- sunblock
Masungi Georeserve Reservation
One of our favorite rest areas
Unlike most local destinations, booking a slot for your group doesn’t require a tedious back and forth inquiry regarding availability. Just submit a trail visit request with your chosen date and time slot along with your group’s details.
- Once submitted, just wait for their Trail Request Approval via email which will contain payment instructions.
- Payments can be made via BPI deposit or through Paypal but with an additional 4.4% fee + Php 15.
- Any changes to the number of guests or guests details are only accepted four banking days prior to your scheduled visit.
- Changing your booked date is only allowed eight days prior to your visit.
Reservation was quick and hassle-free based on our experience.
Gallery
Contact Information
- Website: http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/
- Email: trail@masungigeoreserve.com
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/masungigeoreserve/
- Address: Garden Cottages, Kilometer 47 Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, Philippines, 1970
How to get to Masungi Georeserve
Waiting for the jeepney
Once you reserve your slot, Masungi will send you an email containing details on how to reach the area via private transportation or commute.
- Private Transportation (recommended)
- The easiest and most straightforward route is via Marcos Highway. From Sta Lucia East Mall, it’s only one hour away.
- The Waze pin is few kilometers ahead of the actual location. Just continue straight and you’ll find Masungi’s parking area on your right.
- Public Transportation
- Part of our group was able to get a grab taxi going to Masungi for almost Php 900
- You can also take a van or jeepney heading for Padilla or Cogeo Gate 2. Then ride a jeepney heading for Sampaloc via Marcos Highway.
- Going back to Manila, you may need to wait for 30 minutes to one hour to get a jeepney going back.
Notes/Policies:
- No signal all throughout the hike
- No shower rooms
- No tipping allowed
- No smoking
- No littering (strictly enforced, bring your trash with you, there are no trash cans anywhere except the restrooms)
- Wear closed shoes or sandals with socks, there were a lot of ants. No slippers as they will fall off.
- Pack light – Although I didn’t have a problem bringing my DSLR with me, I just had to keep it inside the bag during climbs.
- Reserve your slot weeks or months ahead of time especially if you’re planning to go on a weekend.