24 - A First Timer's Hike | Masungi Georeserve

The Masungi Georeserve is a wildlife sanctuary and conservation area boasting various rock formations and plant species. The trek lasts for 3-4 hours, depending on the capacity of the guests as well as the amount of time spent for photo ops (the view is breathtakingly beautiful one couldn't just resist). It is situated at kilometer 47, Tanay, Rizal.

The marker. You know you're in the right place when you see this.

This trip is about 2-3 months in the making. It was difficult to reserve a schedule with Masungi since they are always fully-booked, especially on weekends! Do not be disheartened if they do not reply to you asap when you email them since they receive tons of messages everyday, but they surely make it a point to reply to each and every one who's interested to do the trail. Anyway, here's some info about the reservation:

1) You may contact them in this email address:  trail@masungigeoreserve.com
2) Once your reservation has been confirmed, you are required to pay 50% downpayment. (Note: The fee is P1,400PHP per person, inclusive of drinks and sandwich after the hike.)
3) The remaining 50% is payable on the day of the hike.

Moving forward, I have to warn you about two things that we've encountered:

First, since we live in Antipolo, we took the Antipolo Shopwise-Tanay route (the one passing by Solid Cement), diligently following the instructions from Waze. Our van ended up stuck on the muddy road and we spent an hour or so pushing back the car to the main road. Apparently, the route we're taking is not passable (though Waze insists it was the way to get to our destination). We also learned from the residents nearby that even though we could pass that area somewhere in Baras, gates were already installed beyond it, and vehicles are not allowed to pass. Anyway, just take the Marcos Hi-Way-Tanay route instead! Will save you from all the trouble, really.

The aftermath. I should've taken photos of them pushing the van :P

Second, I know the reservations were made 2-3months earlier, so we had no way to know that there will be thunderstorms on our reserved date. As much as we want to push the hike (it is difficult to find another schedule that we would all be available plus we're already there after all), we had to cancel and ask them to fit us on another weekend; the earliest schedule possible. Note that there are wires installed along the trail (for the duyan, giant spider web, etc.), so it is dangerous to continue the hike during a thunderstorm.

Foggy

Fast forward to a week later, we're finally back and the weather is great! At the onset, you will be provided a bag and an emergency whistle for every two persons, two bottles of water each, and a raincoat if it is raining. Here are some of the photos:

Down the rabbit hole, adventure awaits!

(c) Amber Garcia

(c) Nico Apilado

(c) Frances Tan

(c) Roma Domingo

Since I am a first time hiker, here's a list of the challenges I've encountered, as well as a little bit of my inputs regarding them:

1) I was out of breath a few moments after we started the trail. Having no exercise for the past few months lowered my stamina plus the fact that I was feeling asthmatic due to a recent activity. I suggest you guys hit the gym or run a few kms everyday before engaging to hiking activities. It's all in the preparation!
2) The rocks may prove rough and kinda pointed at times, so it would help if you have gloves.
3) Do it slowly, but surely! Do not be pressured if your groupmates are getting ahead of you, or if they can easily climb or whatever. Your safety is of utmost importance! Nevertheless, do not be such a scaredycat and challenge yourself. Push your limits and conquer heights. The view is breathtakingly rewarding.

(c) Zeb Gozon

4) It wouldn't hurt if you bring your own first aid kit. Simple things like band-aids, alcohol and meds (in case of a migraine attack). Keep it light though. Remember that what you bring with you during the hike, you'd be carrying in your bag for the next 3-4hours or so. Those items that you think you will not be needing during the hike (like perhaps your extra clothes), leave it to your car.
5) Hardhats exist for a reason. Hehe
6) As the saying goes, rest if you must but don't you quit!

As Winston Churchill once said,
even if you're going through hell, just keep going!

(c) Amber Garcia

7) Reward yourself with a hot shower or put a hot compress on your sore muscles once you get home. The struggle to wake up the next morning is real.

with my favorite people!

8) I will end my list with something as basic as charge your phone or bring your own power bank. As you've noticed, almost all the photos I've posted have the (c) sign, all because I forgot to charge my phone and was empty bat the whole time. Oh well. (But I surely enjoyed the view more than anyone else since I do not have to take photos here and then lol)

*insert good sigh-haaay* Masungi, you were fun, majestic and wonderful! The trail was not that difficult (wehh) so first time hikers like myself would surely enjoy! To more hiking activities! :))

For more info, here's their website:

http://www.masungigeoreserve.com/