I’ve been to a place called Minalungao National Park. It came from the local terms “mina” and “lungao” which mean “mine of gold in caves.” Tatay Tasyo, our amiable tour guide, relayed to us that there are alleged Yamashita treasures hidden in the caves and underground of the national park.
Sprawling over more than 2,000 hectares of land in the quaint town of Papaya in Nueva Ecija, Minalungao National Park has great potential for recreation and ecotourism. Very distinct are its 16-meter high limestone walls bordering the narrow Penaranda River. Its pristine calm emerald water along the Sierra Madre mountain range is another sight to behold.
From Gapan, Nueva Ecija, we hired a tricycle to bring us to Papaya (formerly General Tinio). Travel time was about an hour and 45 minutes. As we alighted from the tricycle, a serene riverbank greeted us, inviting us to take a short stroll and appreciate the calm water and green surroundings. Such a charming sanctuary that for once, I felt I was in another world away from all the hustle and bustle of city life.
To get to the end part of the national park, one may opt to glide along the side of the sharply uneven limestone walls. Though one may have a great view of the surroundings and the water from above, the trek was a challenge.
As we went back to the national park’s main entrance, we requested Tatay Tasyo for a much easy and relaxing way — rent a bamboo raft. We traversed the Penaranda River and had a more overwhelming view of the towering limestone formation bordering the river.
Minalungao was declared a national park in 1967. More than its tranquil charm, Minalungao National Park is a treasure trove in itself offering exciting possibilities from trekking, spelunking, swimming, cliff diving, and bamboo rafting.
Now, whenever I pass by Nueva Ecija, more than its vast green rice fields, I picture the province as my top-of-mind weekend escape from the busy and noisy metro. Not any more a simple transit stop from those long trips headed North as Nueva Ecija is home to a natural wonder that made me say “It’s indeed more fun in the Philippines!”
So here’s to more travel and adventure! See you when I see you on my next trip.
* This Minalungao trip was, I guess, two years ago. I was by then too eager to explore the beauty of the Philippines and yes, no baby to look after. I am writing this for my boys to see how beautiful our country is and should they want to go on a quick adventure, they may perhaps consider Nueva Ecija’s Minalungao National Park.
Enjoyed reading this one. The Penaranda River looks awesome.
Ganda sya. Ikaw ata Dapat kasama Ko, right? Kaso nag back out Ka. Hahaha. Medyo nakakatakot Lang Ung trek sa gilid gilid, feeling mahuhulog.
Wow! Amazing place! This is really picture perfect.. Masarap mag-photoshoot dito kung malapit lang 🙂
Haha, Medyo malayo nga byahe. If I remember correctly, 6 hours from manila Ito.
wow. such a beautiful scenery. I thought at first this is somewhere in Palawan. Would love to visit this place soon.
Yes, visit it. And enjoy once there. 🙂
Wow, look at that water! So pretty. 🙂
Yes, very calm too.
Someday soon I’ll be able to come here too with my kiddos… Your shots are way awesome by the way, I hope that I can make my dream of hiking with my kids and husband come true sooner 🙂
Thank you for appreciating the photos. And your someday will do come true in a few years. I just hope Mother Nature isn’t a disaster pa. Most travelers kasi would just leave their trashes anywhere.
I’m from Nueva Ecija and I haven’t been to Minalungao Park.. ang gandaaaaa
Huwahat?!? Punta na, pagkatapos manganak.
wow this place looks so adventurous. Ang ganda and very relaxing. Parang ang sarap tumira jan ang ganda ng ilog at green na green ang paligid.
Yes, very relaxing ang place. Kaso peeps within the vicinity only get food from the water or mountain. Wala masyadong source of income aside from being a tour guide; peak season is holy week.
Very nice 🙂 The Philippines has a lot to offer and yet to be discovered. I would love to visit this too 🙂
Yes, indeed. Visit soon and surely you will enjoy.
I had no idea we had such nice national parks XD
me too until this. 🙂
Wonderful! Places like these are underrated, dapat talaga napupublicize 🙂 thanks for sharing this with us 🙂
Thank you too for appreciating the place. Yes, the local tourism of nueva ecija should do something and same goes with other provinces for their own tourist spots.
It looks simply breathtaking! I should visit the place someday!
It is. Very serene. Good for soul searching.
I’d love to visit this place .. so serene! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Yes, serene is the right word to describe it. Thanks too for dropping by.
beautiful place! I wish i can bring my family there too, i guess it takes a lot of courage and prepapartions hehe esp when you’re with a toddler.
You bet, exactly right on the preparation. 🙂
Enjoyed reading your post and the photos. What a must visit place for everybody!
Thank you. Yes, Minalungao Park is a nice place to visit.
ang ganda-ganda ng place! parang paradise!!! awesome share! thanks! 🙂
You are welcome 🙂
Nice post, Berlin! Love it!
Thanks, Ralph.