There are a lot of things in store for the adventurous heart in Masungi Georeserve. People who go here to trek the rainforests get to experience a pleasing rejuvenation. The rocky mountains, lush-green sceneries, and protected wildlife gives the visitor a glimpse of a natural beauty the Philippines have been fighting to preserve.
How to go to Masungi Georeserve
For those who are interested to go to Masungi Georeserve, one must first make a “Request To Visit” via the official website. This is a highly protected rainforest, therefore it is recommended for visitors to get access permission by its governing admins. You can pick a schedule of date and time to visit and make payments through their website as well.
Reservation fees vary on the trails and selected days of visit. It costs per guest P1500 on weekdays and P1800 on weekends. All payments and reservations are only done online.
What will be provided to guests of Masungi Georeserve
A group of visitors, which should be a minimum of seven people, will be provided with a park ranger guide. The guide will be giving important instructions that visitors should follow. It will mostly be about safety reminders, cleanliness, and request for silence. It is advised to be quiet all through out the hike to not bother the protected wildlife in the area.
You will be provided with helmets that should be worn at all times. Lockers are also available for those who would like to put aside belongings before heading out for the journey.
Beverages, cold face towels, and light snacks will be given after the trail is completed and all members of your group are back at the Silungan base. But guests are also encouraged to bring their own water jugs for the hike.
What will you experience in your hike
The Discovery Trail of Masungi Georeserve permits visitors to go through the conservation area, and come very close with the karst landscapes. The hike goes on for 3-4 hours altogether, however might be abbreviated or extended relying upon the visitor’s inclination and limit. A park ranger guide will be directing visitors through the journey giving a more profound understanding and appreciation of the rainforest.
It is simple to travel the full distance of the trail because most of the pathways have rocks or concrete block linings. Although some parts of the trail will require plenty of courage to go through. An essential component of the entire journey are hanging bridges and rope ladders. The famous Sapot Ni Ric is one of the most picturesque part of the experience where you can take solo pictures of yourself or with friends while standing on a suspended rope net shaped like a huge spider’s web.
The park ranger guide will always be there to lead your group. Listen to his instructions as he’ll always look after your safety. He will also share deeper information about the landscapes and trails you’ll be venturing ahead.
There are also narrow passages where you will be sandwiched in between rock formations. These passages may not be ideal for people who are in the heavier side of the scale, but there are alternative pathways incase you don’t want to go through them. One of the trails where you’ll be required to crouch just to pass through is called Suutan.
There are places in between trails where guests can rest for a few minutes. Of course, you can always tell your guide if you need more time to rest or if you need the pacing of the trek to be slower.
You may also request the guide to lead you to easier pathways if the climb becomes difficult for you. But a few things that each visitor must brace himself for are the high suspended bridges and rope ladders. Any fear of heights must be put aside to push through.
Yungib Ni Ruben is a small cave that can be explored or used as a temporary shelter from the sun. Inside has a cooler temperature that can give some comfort to exhausted visitors. It is said that bats also live in this cave up in its high ceilings.
Sight seeing at high places in Masungi
Hikers will be given the time to rest at the top of the hills. You can take this opportunity to take pictures or just enjoy the beautiful view that nature offers.
Climb down the Bayawak rope net to near the completion of the hike. It is named after the largest lizart that can be found in the rainforest.
