I'm a proud Novo Ecijano and so happy to tell you guys that you'll be able to see one breath taking scenery in our beloved province which is located in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija. Minalungao National park is a protected area that covers 2,018 hectares and 16 meters high limestone walls that will surely amazes you. Papaya is the previous name of General Tinio or for some its Gen. T.
What to See?
Your too stress with the things happening in the metro? This place is definitely for you. Just around three to four hours away from Manila you'll see a green colored river with a very unique rock formations that would calm your mind and spirit. Just good enough for another rough week ahead of you ;)
Here's some of the views.
What to do?
Swimming, spelunking, hiking, biking, dating and chilling around like this:
dating to the highest level .. sweettttttt
saw some tired bikers
look at the right side - a family enjoying the water
now look at the left - men of the family having a good time of their own
me and my bestfriend for more than 20 years and counting - outside the cave
Balsa rentals range from 500 to 800 round trip.
Where to Eat?
We just grab something to eat in the market since we only intend to stay for about four to five hours. Bought some crackers, bread, sweets and water. They also got a small stores near the park area.
We just grab something to eat in the market since we only intend to stay for about four to five hours. Bought some crackers, bread, sweets and water. They also got a small stores near the park area.
How to go?
From Manila you can ride a bus heading Cabanatuan but please make sure the route IS NOT SCTEX since it will NOT pass Gapan City which is the jump off point. Five Star terminal in Pasay and Cubao, Baliwag Terminal and Genesis Terminal in Cubao also serves these route. It will take about two to three hours:
From Gapan - you can hire a tricycle going to Minalungao National Park price range from 600php to 800php for a round trip depends on your bargaining power then ask Manong driver to wait, a three to four hours stay in the park is really not that bad. Travel time less than two hours.
or
You can ride a jeepney for about 30php or hire a trike 150php to 200php from Gapan heading to town proper of Gen. Tinio - from there- the only option you have is to hire a tricycle. I didn't see any other option since no jeepneys take that route. Travel time less than an hour
or
Private car / van but preferably it should be a big car since the road going to the park is very rough and bumpy. However according to some locals there, the local government are already doing something to have a better road. Hopefully on my next visit will see this developments.
Quick Tips
- Do not go there alone. Travel with a group
- Best time to go before lunch
- Respect the nature and the locals
- They collect entrance fees (less than 30php) and tour guide fee
HAPPY TRAVELS!!!
