4 Reasons Why You Should NOT Visit Jomalig

I mean it - I really mean it. DO NOT visit Jomalig for these 4 very important reasons why you might hate visiting Jomalig.

WATCHING THE SUNSETS

The most boring beach moments for me are watching the sunsets, When the sun sets each day, the position of the clouds create a spectacular painting - the colors, the calmness - it is not relaxing.

With breathtaking sunsets, golden powdery sand and crystal green blue waters, with the sunsets as its backdrop IT IS not the perfect place to relax on vacation.

LAID BACK ATMOSPHERE 

 The views, the sun, sand, the kind locals, and that blue-green water of JOMALIG will greet you upon arrival. No tall buildings, fancy restaurants and malls. You will miss the hustle and bustle that is normally associated with the metro. Internet/Phone/electricity signal is intermittent. NO hotels - Traffic noise ? there is none - mode of transportation is habal-habal only - you will most likely want to go back home right away.

GOLDEN-POWDERY SANDY BEACHES 

 The pristine waters and GOLDEN powdery sand beach of Jomalig offers a welcome sight for everybody - and this IS NOT what I expected when i arrive at the island. Golden powdery sand? YES. It is unusual and underwhelming.  Jomalig is pretty much what my dreams of a perfect beach are made of - Only it is NOT better, because ITS real.

SECLUDED PARADISE 

If your after serenity, solitude and off-the-beaten-path beaches don't go to Jomalig. Going there means disconnecting from fast-paced world.The island doesn't have a resort-studded shore - waves are the only noise that disturbs the tranquility of rural life in the island - their sheer isolation from the outside world have made them what they are today.

Beauty on the Edge : Masungi Georeserve Ultimate guide

Masungi Georeserve

Kilometer 45, Marcos Highway (inside Garden Cottages)

Tanay, Rizal

trail@masungigeoreserve.com

www.masungigeoreserve.com

The Masungi Georeserve is located along the scenic road of Marcos Highway. It takes less than 2 hours from Quezon City. It is a perfect getaway for adventurers like me and the kind of experience I had at Masungi went beyond my expectations.

I had heard about Masungi through friends back in 2010, it was just casual mentions, so checking this out had landed on my "someday to do" list, until one day(february of 2015) when I decided to check out the so called 'MASUNGI rock formation", but only to find out that it is not actually Masungi but Nagpatong rock formation of Cuyambay - the part of the Georeserve( im referring to cuyambay rock formation- you can check my story here).

A minimum of seven and maximum of ten people are the best number of people to visit Masungi. The hike lasts about 3-4 hours that can be shortened or lengthened depending on your preference or pacing.

The best months to go at Masungi are during the dry seasons from November to May.

Some sights to be seen are: Tatay and Nanay, two limestone peaks, Yungib ni Ruben, a cave to seek shelter from the hot sun, Sapot, a web where you can view Laguna de Bay and Giant Duyan which serves as an observation spot for wildlife, particularly bird-watching. 

The tour is only entertained through private group bookings. (You can book online at http://masungigeoreserve.com/reservation/ )

The fee is P1000/person (Feb-March 2016), a price increase of P1400/person (April onwards) for a group of 7-10 persons. The fee includes a park ranger/guide (guide is mandatory), guest kit (helmet, binoculars, a bottled water, waterproof pouch for cellphones, a rain poncho, and a whistle) to be returned after the trek, and refreshments.

How to Get There

-Private Transport

via Marcos Highway you will pass through Masinag, Cogeo, and Boso-boso Resort.Garden Cottages -entrance- is located at Km. 45 Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. It is approximately 35 km. from Cubao Quezon City and only 30 to 45 minutes from Cogeo Market.

via Sampaloc in Tanay. From Manila East Road once you reaches an intersection near the town proper you need to turn left towards Sampaloc Road. 

-Public Transportation

via Cubao - Ride a van or jeepney going to Cogeo/Gate 2 (van is P35 / jeepney is P18). Get off at Gate 2 and from here look for Sampaloc jeepney terminal. Fare from gate 2 to Km 45 is P38. 

via Tanay - From Tanay town proper you can hire a tricycle to take you to Garden Cottages or ride a jeepney going to sampaloc, then look for Cogeo jeepney terminalthat'll pass by Garden Cottages.