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Nueva Ecija | Minalungao National Park

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Located in the municipality of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon is a protected area of the Philippines named as the Minalungao National Park. Its area centers the scenic Peñaranda River bordered by these high walls of limestome. The place also includes a cross atop the hill and a cave.










The park is actually at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range. And considered as one of the few remaining natural gems in the north of Manila. 


The name "Minalungao" is derived from two words "mina" and "lungao" which literally mean "mine of gold in caves." The area is a protected mining reserve where gold panning has long been restricted to protect the area's natural state.








Its astounding landscape of the green pristine river and remarkable rock formations attracts both locals and tourists to often visit here for picnic, swimming, fishing, hiking, raft riding and cliff diving. The locals offer preparation of food and rides from one side to the other, through their unique bamboo rafts which has a mini hut where you can comfortably sit during the traverse, for those who wish to explore and hike to the Minalungao's Cross.








This cross overlooks the mountainside and the lush greenery of Sierra Madre range. An interesting folklore surrounds the area due to locals belief that a female deity lives in this mountain. She is said to have a watchful eye over the activities of the townspeople and maintains the peace in the area. When the stone formations have been discovered, they thought of gibving the deity something to prove that they will help protect this reserve. The cross was built as a sign of keeping that promise.

Aside from the cross, one could also trek on its limestone walls, of course with a guide, traversing the river until you reach the area where the Minalungao Cave is found.


Minalungao photostory also found here







MINALUNGAO CROSS

For more photos of Minalungao's Cross, click here.






PEÑARANDA RIVER

For more photos of Peñaranda River, click here.





MINALUNGAO CAVE

For more photos of Minalungao's Cave, click here.





MINALUNGAO ROCK FORMATIONS

For more photos of Minalungao's Rock Formations, click here.










HOW TO GET THERE/TIPS

Ride a Five Star bus bound to Gapan from either Pasay or Cubao (Php 150) that will take you there at around 2-3 hours. From Gapan to Minalungao National Park, rent a tricycle for Php 500 round trip. Travel time will be around an hour or so. The park has a registration fee of Php 20 per person and another Php 20 for the entrance of any vehicle too. For exploring the aprk, hire a local who can take you to either: Minalungao's Cross, Minalungao's Cave, traversing the Peñaranda River or trekking to the furthermost side of the river. 

Read more about our Byaheng Nueva Ecija by clicking here. Minalungao photostory also found here

Exploration in Minalungao National Park is made possibly by the Microtel Wyndham of Cabanatuan. For bookings and inquiries, visit Microtel by Wyndham Cabanatuan's website or call (044) 464 7777.


 


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Elal of The Shades of Grey Travel and Photography
Elal is a traveler, student of life and photography enthusiast who wants to experience and capture what is raved and not raved about. For more about her travels, subscribe here, email at elal.lasola@gmail.com, or visit her portfolio.

10 comments:

Elal Lasola said...

Thanks Renante! Pinuntahan din namin yung nasa post mo na Gabaldon falls :)

Unknown said...

Interesting place. I love your photos! Saang part pwede mag cliff dive?

Elal Lasola said...

Thanks, Katherine. I believe sa may entrance nong limestone-ish walls. Dun usually nag cliff dive :)

Unknown said...

Nice place and blog. I am near sa Minalungao;)

Ian | GoingRoamingWandering said...

Beautiful photos... I only knew this place through your blog. What's amazing on this river is jade color of the water all over. Perfect for travel photography and overnight trips. Care to share where you stay there?

Elal Lasola said...

Thanks, Ian. We stayed at Microtel, far from the place but I think some have camped here too. A lot of accom are available at the city proper too. Then you could have a day trip here. :)

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Byaheko said...

Nice place, I want to visit that place thus coming holiday vacation.

Byaheko said...

I'm from El Nido, Palawan. I also invite everyone to visit my paradise place.

Jayson Park said...

Wow! This is amazing! I love your pictures! It really captured the beauty of the park! I haven't of this national park yet but after seeing your post it made me want to go there! This will definitely go into my bucket list! Thank you very much for posting this!

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