Minalungao National Park, situated in the town of General Tiñio, Nueva Ecija, is a tourist attraction slowly gaining popularity in the local travelers’ circle. This secret haven located on the foothills of the extensive Sierra Madre Mountain Range is just under four hours away from the capital Manila.
The word Minalungao was derived from the words Mina meaning mine and Lungao which is a local word for cave. Established in 1967 by Republic Act No. 5100, Minalungao National Park is reminiscent of El Nido, Palawan because of its dense forests and meters-high karstformations. It even has the calm Peñaranda River that adds more charm to its serene environment.
And when you do decide to visit, time and money won’t be an issue. You can go on a Minalungao National Park day tour if you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway. For the true nature lovers, overnight camping is also doable as there are camping sites within the park itself.
Swim In The Cool Waters Of Peñaranda River
This river stems from the Sierra Madre Mountains supplying relatively safe and fresh waters to the lowlands.
Rent a bamboo raft for ₱800 for one day (depending on your haggling skills). You and yourbarkada (friends) or relatives can have a picnic right in the middle of the river while admiring the intricate rock formations. Discover how maneuvering the raft yourself is harder than you first imagined.
To save on expenses, you can also bring your own food and cookware for an all-out camping experience!
Explore Caves
Hire a tour guide and prepare to be enveloped in total darkness. Bring a headlight or flashlight so your eyes will not have a hard time adjusting once you enter the cave.
Don’t forget about the bats that call these caves their home. This means you need to watch out for falling bat poo!
History buffs and archaeology enthusiasts will be happy to know that sometimes, artifacts like broken ancient pottery can be found just littering the cave grounds.
Cliff Dive
Choose from the numerous jutted rocks which serve as favorite jump-off points for the not-so-faint-hearted. Just remember that the river is shallow in some parts so you have to make sure that the area you will be jumping in is deep enough to avoid accidents.
Climb 1,000 Steps In Exchange For A Breathtaking View
If you trust that your feet is up for the challenge, climb 1,000 steps leading to the man-made cross to get a spectacular view of the park and its surrounding area.
Photo by Renante Mina
Where To Stay
A national park experience won’t be complete without camping. And camping is allowed in Minalungao although you will have to bring your own tent. The good news is that so far, as of this writing, there is no camping fee. Camping sites are found at the mouth of the river and at the flat grounds located at the back of the rock formations.
If you just want to sit back, relax but don’t want to get wet, covered cottages are available for rent for ₱300. A whole house near the park can also be rented overnight for ₱1,500, which is good for seven persons. The house includes electricity and private toilet and bath.
How To Get There
Ride buses bound for Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija (ES, Five Star and Baliwag Bus Lines in Cubao, Quezon City) and alight in Gapan (with one stopover). You can also take the Five Star Bus direct to Gapan City. Travel time is around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
From Gapan, you can go the cheaper way by hailing a jeepney going to Gen. Tiñio, then ride a tricycle to take you to the park. You can also hire a tricycle from Gapan to take you directly to Minalungao.
Things You Need To Know
Please be advised that there is no mobile signal at the park. There are a few small stores but best to buy what you will need beforehand since the prices are bit more expensive (you can stop by General Tiñio public market to do your shopping). There are locally maintained toilets and baths but please do not expect much.
Minalungao National Park is a unique place. And just like what most conscious travelers will tell you, we must be responsible for all of our actions. The park is a protected area and is only one of the few remaining natural environments accessible from the metro. Be sure to exercise the famous traveling mantra, “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time.”
You may contact a local tour guide, Kuya Darine de Guzman. at +63 928 347 5716.
Example of fees you’ll pay:
| ₱150 | Bus from Cubao to Gapan City and vice versa |
| ₱20 | Entrance fee per person |
| ₱10 | Tricycle entrance fee (parking fee) |
| ₱50 | Car entrance fee (parking fee) |
| ₱800 | Bamboo raft (balsa) rental fee, whole day (negotiable) |
| ₱300 | Cottage |
| ₱10 | Pay restroom |
| ₱23 | Jeepney fare: Gapan City to Gen. Tiñio |
| ₱150 | Tricycle fare: Gapan City to Gen. Tiñio |
| ₱400 | Tricycle fare: Gen. Tiñio to Park* |
| ₱800 | Tricycle fare: Gapan City to Park* |
| ₱200 | Guide tip (negotiable) |
*Prices may change from posting date. These are based on the author’s personal visit. Those with the asterisk sign are for roundtrip fare for a whole day tour. Tricycle drivers can also wait for you depending on your arrangement.
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