thebackpackdiaries

Have you heard this famous national park that can only be found in a far flung area of Nueva Ecija? Who would have thought that besides being famous  as a Rice Capital of the Philippines and vast view of Sierra Madre mountain lies a hidden gem in it. And what was that? The Minalungao National Park! Situated at the municipality of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, lies 2,018 hectares of park area that is centered along the scenic views of Penaranda River which is bordered on both sides by up to 16 meters high limestone wall formation in the foothills of Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

It is considered one of the few remaining natural environments in Manila. Known to its breath taking scene of green pristine water and unique rock formations. There are also unexplored  caverns that are potential for tourist attractions. You can do fishing, swimming, picnic and raft riding and cliff diving to unleash your adrenaline rush. Some say that the river is connected to the Biak na Bato in San Miguel Bulacan.

This is the way to 1000 steps going to the cross which is standing proudly and that it was like a sanctuary as if you reached the skies. Overlooking in a 360 degree views of Sierra Madre.

I don’t have the pictures doing my first cliff diving but for sure it was as awesome and a thrilling challenge to do! And to add up, they have already a Zipline activity which cost for about 50php/person. You can bring your own food here!

Here’s how to get there:

From Manila

Ride a bus from Cubao or Pasay going to Cabanatuan (Five Star Bus) and tell the driver to drop you off at Bucana (Gapan Town Proper).Average travel time would be 2-3 hours depending on the traffic situation. Fare is 150-200 php/person one way only. Then from Bucana you can ride a jeepney there and ask the driver to alight you off to General Tinio or Papaya( this was , I think the old name of this town). Fare would be 30-40php and travel time would be around 30-45minutes.From there you can ride a tricycle that would bring you to Sitio Minalungao. Fare price starts at 300-400php roundtrip, travel time would be 45 minutes-1 hour.

Option 2 would be like this:

From Gapan town proper (Bucana), ride a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off to General Tinio. Fare starts at 120-150php depending on how you negotiate with them. Then from General Tinio, ride again to another tricycle and tell them to drop you off at Sitio Minalungao which the fare price will start by 300-400php roundtrip.Same travel time.

Option 3 would be like this: ( a little bit cheaper, I think)

From Gapan town proper, ride a tricycle and tell them to drop you off at Sitio Minalungao. Fare price will start from 500-550php/roundtrip.

From San Fernando Pampanga

Ride a bus going to Cabanatuan passing by at Gapan town proper. Fare starts at 110 php/person.

Note: Some buses from Manila will passed  via SCTEX and dropping you off at Cabanatuan then you will need to ride a bus or jeep that will take you to Gapan town proper.

Expenses:

Cottage Rent: 300php (optional)

Environmental Fee: 30php/person

Parking fee: 50php

Use of Rest Room: 10php

Rent of Raft: 250php-small raft

500php-large raft (with roof and chairs and table for picnic)

Entrance to cave: 10php/person

Guide: Its up to you how much you will give them.

Please also note that if you will stay longer there give some packed lunch to your driver because they have to wait you in a longer time or you can add an additional pay once you finished your travel. I don’t think if they will allow to do overnight there because sometimes the river gets a  high tide.So better ask first the one in-charge on this park. And for you to help the Minalungao National Park clean and well maintained, don’t forget to bring your trash once you leave the park.

I hope you enjoyed reading this one! And hope that it helps you to explore what we have seen in this beautiful hidden treasure of Nueva Ecija!

For questions, comments and suggestions feel free to ask me and I am very willing to answer all of it.