Minalungao National Park | Discovering Majestic River

  Date : November 29, 2015 | Author : Jeric Par Esplana | Category : Travel Blog

Peñarada River

Wondering where Minalungao National Park is located and what to expect with this hidden paradise? It is located in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, central part of Luzon. We all know that this province is well known to its rice fields and referred as the Rice Granary of the Philippines but not all of us know about this hidden gem of this province. This beautiful Peñarada River is bordered by the 16 – meter high limestone formations. It has a greenish color during dry season that made its amazing scenic views so surreal and it becomes color caramel during rainy season. It also features a cave where in you will see the shimmering stalactites and stalagmites.

How to get there: You need to ride a bus bound to Gapan / Cabanatuan in Cubao (Baliwag Terminal). Once you arrived in Bucana, Gapan Nueva Ecija, ride a tricycle near the terminal going to Minalungao National Park. It will take another 1 hour and 15 minutes travel time to reach the hidden gem of Nueva Ecija.

Amazing Road in Gapan

You will encounter 2 different roads, one is the cemented and well maintained while the other one is very steep and dusty. It’s actually the reason why tricycle fare is expensive aside from the long hours of travel time.

Welcome Signage

By the time you see this signage, it means that you're already in the national park. The construction of the new and innovated signage is still on going. You will just ask the local where to park your car or the tricycle you rented. Please provide food to driver since they'll wait for you while you're on your trip.

Scenic View of the River

They used this bamboo raft for the tourist to explore the stunning beauty of the river. There is also a floating Nipa hut if you want to eat above the river. The park is protected by local government but guide is not required as of today but you can still hire, think like it's your way on helping the local people here. You will be required to pay Php 40.00 entrance fee per person and Php 30.00 for the parking fee. 

Stalactites

These are some stalactites that you can see inside the cave. It’s a good thing that some of them are still alive but it’s obviously damaged. There’s so many vandalisms and trashes surrounds it that can be seen. It’s not yet too late, be the change and restore its natural beauty.The whole cave is not so hard to explore and breathtaking unlike other cave. There are small numbers of Bats inside, it’s actually a good thing that this cave is still a habitat for them.

Travel | JePar

--Here's my short clip travel video--

--Reminder--

As a Travel Blogger, I am sharing all my experiences, guides and the expenses in every trip I have been so that you can also experience this trip to specific place with your friends or family. Be responsible enough by: following the rules and regulations of the place, learn to protect and maintain its genuine beauty, be nice and respectful to local people, observe cleanliness, leave no trace

--Contact--
-Tourism Office : (056) 606 3352
-Facebook Page : Minalungao National Park

--Itinerary--

0445 - Meet Up (Cubao)
0500 - ETD Manila via Public Vehicle

0800 - ETA Gapan (Bucana)

0915 -  ETA Minalungao National Park

0920 - Breakfast

1000 - Exploring the Park

1100 -  Lunch

1130 -   Caving

1200 -  Trek going to the Cross

1220 -  Peak

1225 -   Zipline (Php 100.00/head)

1300 -  ETD National Park

1415 -   ETA Gapan

1715 -   ETA Manila

--Budget--

Note: Rates are subject to change without prior notice

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
Bus	Novaliches	Cubao	Php 28.00	30 min
Bus (Five Star)	Cubao	Gapan (Bucana)	Php 150.00	2-3 hours
Tricycle (service)	Bucana	Minalungao Park	Php 700.00	1 hr 15 min

Registration Fee	Php 40.00/pax
Entrance Fee for Vehicle	Php 30.00
Guide Fee	No fixed RATE
ESTIMATED EXPENSES (group of 3)	PHP 700.00/head