Explore the must-visit nature getaway on the mountaintop of Rizal that can recharge life and soul after those tiring moments. Let’s appreciate the serene beauty of nature that we experience in this world.
Pure lakeshores, rolling hills, wavy valleys, waterfalls, and caverns make this location perfect for an ideal weekend escape because of its proximity to Metro Manila. Here is everything you need to know about these wonders of Rizal.
Calinawan Cave
Photo from Ihonalee
Calinawan cave captivates visitors with its scenery and historical significance in Brgy. Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal. According to Philippine history, Filipino revolutionaries used Calinawan Cave as a hideout during the Spanish-American World War II.
The name “kalinawan,” meaning “agreement,” symbolizes the meeting place where the opposing sides settled their conflicts during the war.
Their operating hours are daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM. You will pay an entrance fee of P20 per person and a guide fee of P200 per group.
Local tip:
– Wear comfortable and non-slippery shoes.
– Bring a flashlight
– Don’t visit during heavy rains due to flood and slippery surfaces
Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River
Photo from Zeus Angelo Salvo
If you’re craving serenity with a touch of adventure, Tinipak River and Mt. Daraitan offers a perfect natural escape. The river is located in Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal and it’s well-known for its clear blue water and high rock formations.
You can experience recreational activities such as hiking to reach Mt. Daraitan’s summit for an awe-inspiring view, swimming and enjoying the clear water of Tinipak River, trying spelunking and exploring the rock formations of Tinipak Cave, and setting up a tent and making a camp for more nature adventure.
Photo from Iaminwar
You will pay an environmental fee of P100 per person, a registration fee of P20 per person, a guide fee of P750 per group for a day hike and P1,500 per group for an overnight hike, a camping fee of P50 per person, and if you have a car, a day parking fee of P100 per vehicle. Remember that you must hire a local tour guide to ensure your safety.
Masungi Georeserve
Photo from Jtepace
In the Southern Sierra Madre range of Baras, Rizal, there is a protected area with a rustic rock garden called the Masungi Karst Conservation Area. The name is derived from the Filipino word “masungki” which refers to the area’s spiky rocks.
Unfortunately, in the late 1990s, deforestation, illegal logging, and land-grabbing activities affected Masungi. Thankfully, Masungi Georeserve Foundation, Inc. (MGFI), is a non-profit organization, has devoted itself to protecting and conserving the Masungi.
Check out the key attractions in Masungi Georeserve; Let’s start with the Discovery Trail. It’s a 3-4 hour trek to their karst terrain including; Sapot, a web-like platform with breathtaking views of the Sierra Madre and Laguna de Bay; Duyan, a giant hammock hanging over the forested area; Tatay and Nanay, two limestone peaks with scenic view, and; Yungib ni Ruben, a cavern with rock formations.
Photos from Bien Orellana Bacarra Jr. & Jtepace
Another one is the Legacy Trail. It focuses on reforestation and conservation. You can experience and engage in activities such as tree planting and other things to restore lands.
Lastly is the Garden Picnic. This leisure activity allows visitors to experience a 20-minute nature walk with a picnic beside a rustic garden.
Tourists must make reservations through their official website.
Mystical Cave
Photo from Mystical Cave Facebook Page
Another nature escape located in Sitio Boso-Boso, Brgy. San Jose, Antipolo City is called Mystical Cave. Inday Nelly Deles discovered the Mystical Cave in 1970 after having visions and dreaming about it at the age of seven.
The cave has numerous sacred and religious limestones created by water. As the term implies, “Mystical” refers to the sacred images that people can discover within the cave.
Photo from Noelene Anne Aram
There are beliefs that the cave’s water can cure and the stones inside the cave could be your “anting-anting”. The Mystical Cave is sacred as the rocks formed many figures of Jesus, Adam and Eve, Nazarene, Mama Mary, and a lot more.
Local tip:
– The cave has approximately 200 steps to reach the entrance.
– You will pay P30 for the entrance fee.
– Most people visit the cave during the Lenten season.
Mt. Hapunang Banoi
Photo from Jervis Ergino
Let’s move to the other side of Rizal, Mt. Hapunang Banoi. You can find it in Sitio Wawa, Brgy. San Rafael, Montalban, Rizal. Hikers widely recognize this destination for its limestone formations and scenic view of the Sierra Madre mountain range.
The name “Hapunang Banoi” means “a place where eagles come to dine.” Locals believe that the area has become a habitat for eagles, but nowadays, people rarely sight eagles. The “Montalban Trilogy,” which includes Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan, features Mt. Hapunang Banoi.
Photo from Jervis Ergino
You need to pay the registration fee of P20 per person, the environmental fee of P50 per person, and the guide fee, which starts at P500 for a group of 5, with additional charges for larger groups.
Local tip:
– Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp limestone formations.
– Wear hiking shoes with a good grip.
– Bring water to stay hydrated.
– Start your hike early before sunrise to witness the sea of clouds.
– Hikers should follow the Leave No Trace practice to maintain the beauty of nature.