These days, a lot of city folk want a taste of the laid-back provincial life. When life gets too hectic in the metro, just heading somewhere you can float on a bamboo raft, enjoy simple home-cooked meals and see stunning natural sights can be just what you need to re-energize for the work week ahead. One of the fastest-rising destinations to offer this kind of experience near Manila is Minalungao National Park in Nueva Ecija.
The word Minalungao was derived from the words Mina meaning mine and Lungao which is a local word for cave. It’s been a few years since photos of this destination started circulating on social media and has since become very popular with the weekend crowds. Locals say before the park was “discovered,” not a lot of tourists visited the province of Nueva Ecija. This natural sight put the once sleepy province on the map. The best time to visit to see the emerald green waters is around summer time. It rained before our visit, so we weren’t able to see the place in its full glory.
The allure of Minalungao National Park (as with all eco-tourism attractions) is its natural beauty. Unfortunately, with popularity comes development. The place has been developed to cater to the influx of tourists, with artificial structures, a hotel in the works and even a man-made swimming pool right next to the river catering to the crowds. To be honest, I wish the place only had native cottages or a camping site instead. I really think having artificial structures ruins the whole natural vibe of the place. The highlight of our visit for me was getting to sample some unique Novo Ecijano dishes that I hadn’t ever tried.
WHERE EXACTLY IS MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK:
Minalungao National Park is located at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range in the town of General Tiñio, Nueva Ecija, roughly about four hours away from Metro Manila, Philippines.
HOW TO GET THERE:
By public transportation:
- Ride a bus bound for Gapan/Cabanatuan. There are buses that play the Manila-Cabanatuan route from Cubao and Pasay. Fare is about P150-200. Estimated travel time is 2-3 hours.
- From Gapan, ride a jeep to General Tinio. Then ride a tricycle to Minalungao Park. Fare is about P50/person.
- You can also rent a tricycle from Gapan going directly to Minalungao for P500-600/trike. Estimated travel time is 1-1.5 hours.
By private transportation:
- Take NLEX traveling north and exit at Sta. Rita.
- Proceed right and go along the Candaba-San Miguel Road. Continue until you reach Bucana, Gapan.
- Estimated travel time: 4-5 hours, with some portions on a rough road. There is a parking area right next to the picnic grounds for all types of vehicles. The area is accessible to buses, vans, sedans, jeeps, tricycles and motorcycles.
WHAT TO DO IN MINALUNGAO NATIONAL PARK:
- Ride a bamboo raft through Peñaranda River flanked by limestone cliffs. Price ranges from P100-600 depending on size of the raft.
- Go Trekking/Hiking up 1000 steps to a grotto and glass cross. Free.
- Try the zipline over the river. P50 (one way), P100 (two way)
- Cross the hanging bridge to get the best view of the limestone cliffs. Free.
- Explore the different caves in the area. Free
- Go swimming in the river. Free.
- Have a picnic beside the river. Bring your own food.
- Try Cliff Diving/Jump into the water from the rocks. Free.
WHAT / WHERE TO EAT:
Most locals bring their own food for picnic-style meals by the river. If you’re on a tight budget, there are a few small eateries there selling the usual hotdog and instant noodle type meals, nothing fancy. As part of the Lakbay Norte 6 Media Tour, we were treated to a catered native buffet lunch of Nueva Ecija specialties.
One of the most interesting dishes was Pinapaitan (an Ilocano soup dish made mostly of goat innards or internal organs) with alibangbang or butterfly leaves, a souring agent similar to tamarind leaves. The local version is not as sour as the traditional Ilocano papaitan that makes use of bile, but tastes closer to sinampalukang manok.
Presentation-wise, everything felt very rustic and fiesta-like, with food served on wooden plates, bowls and banana leaves. I really liked the ensaladang labanos (pickled radish salad) and biya (goby) and ulang (crayfish) wrapped in banana leaves. Of course, you can’t go wrong with inihaw na liempo.
Another unique dish we got to try was Tiniim na Manok or Chicken Tiim, a slow-cooked native chicken dish glazed in a thick sauce. Tiniim means “to absorb” and based on recipes online, the whole chicken is either simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple marinade or vinegar, patis (fish sauce) and spices like star anise, oregano and cloves. It’s not the most appetizing dish to look at, but it’s pretty good. The sauce is pretty thick and tastes sort of sweet and peanut-based.
RATES:
- Entrance fee – P40/head
- Parking for vehicles – P50
- Cottages available. Floating cottages cost P800-1500 good for 8-10 pax.
TRAVEL TIPS & USEFUL INFO:
- The best time to go here is during the summer months so the water is at its bluest/clearest.
- It can get really crowded during weekends especially on Sundays, as it’s become the go-to place for local families in Central Luzon during weekends. It’s better to visit on a weekday.
- Avoid visiting if there’s a typhoon or during the rainy season. The river’s water level can be unpredictable during these times.
- The road leading to the park is rough and can get really muddy when it rains. It’s advisable to bring an SUV if you’re a big group. The road is passable to sedans.
- Leave early in the morning to avoid the traffic build-up at Candaba, San Miguel and Gapan.
NOTE: This trip was part of Lakbay Norte 6, a media familiarization tour organized by the North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB) in partnership with the Manila North Tollways Corporation / NLEX-SCTEX, Victory Liner, Inc. and the Nueva Ecija Visitors Bureau.
Unwatermarked photos by Martin San Diego courtesy of NPVB.
Hi.thanks for sharing. Do you think the rates are still the same upto now? I’m planning to go there this April 2017. Any other reminders for me?Thanks, socorro
Hi Socorro, yes rates should be the same since I was there just last month. I recommend going on a weekday so that there are less people. Bring your own snacks and drinks to minimize costs and for the trip going there. Enjoy your trip!
Hi ask ko lng po pag jeep po b ang dala nmn.kya po b n mkarating dyan.tnx
Nice review, very informative. Just want to ask about the hotels or rooms for rent. Can I ask reservation for overnight stay? Do you have any mobile number of the people who we can talk with? Tnx
It’s really an interesting place to visit. 🙂
Just wanna ask if the parking lots are safe so we can enjoy the travel without bothering checking our car every minute? 🙂
Please and Thank you. 😉
The parking area is pretty open, with lots of tricycles, jeeps and motorcycles just parked right beside the river. I’d say it’s safe, but you could always hire one of the local kids to “watch your car” for a small tip to be sure.
Hi Sam, we didn’t stay overnight, but this guide says there’s a house nearby that can be rented for P1,500 per night. It also recommends a local tour guide, Kuya Darine de Guzman at +63 928 347 5716.
May mga rough roads, pero kaya naman. I saw jeeps, motorcycles, tricycles, etc. parked in the parking lot.
Ok po ba pumunta on april 14? Thanks
Hai yung mga specialty nyo sa food na nka post sa website nyo available po ba malapit sa park? thank you.
Hi Kate, the specialty food was part of a catered lunch prepared for media guests during our visit.
“From Gapan, ride a jeep to General Tinio. Then ride a tricycle to Minalungao Park. Fare is about P50/person.”
Hi confirm ko lang po ito, magkano po yung fare ng jeep from gapan to General Tinio and yung fare sa tricycle going to Minalungao Park? 50 lang po ba ang total nung dalawa? Mahal kasi kapag trike diretso sa Minalungao ehh. Salamat po
I was part of a media tour na may sariling bus, so hindi ko alam yung exact fares. There’s a more detailed guide here with budget breakdown.
Hi
Is overnight camping allowed?
I haven’t tried it, but based on other blogs, they allow campers to stay overnight. There are some facilities and rooms nearby with an artificial swimming pool for overnight stays. A hotel is being constructed in the area. I don’t know the rates.
Will it be a good idea to go there early Sept. or late August? I’m coming from overseas so not sure what the weather is like there. Thanks .
Hi Nemia, the best time to go here is during the summer months of March-April. It’s the rainy season here in the Philippines from June to October. You can still go, but the water will probably be brownish and not emerald green. This is how it looks during the rainy season.
you may contact me coz I live here… summertime entrance is php 100. other fees are the same. +639151371974
Minalungao National Park is truly a hidden gem of Nueva Ecija.
Hi Ms. Kara, may mga spots kaya na pwedeng pagtayuan ng tent kung mag overnight? Thank you 🙂
I didn’t see the camping site, but according to other blogs there are areas there where you can pitch tents and go camping.
Hellow Ms. Kara need pa po ba naming magtravel agency kapag pumunta sa Minalungao National park? thank you .
we’re planning to go there on weekends kasi and there’s a post na may travel agency pala. Akakla ko pwede pumunta kahit walang travel agency? kaya ko kinokonfirm . thank you ulet
I don’t think so. A lot of people just go there DIY style.
Hi po, can I ask if we need to reserve a slot before we go there with my family? We live in cabanatuan, ilan hours po if from there po kme manggagaling? we plan to go there this friday may 26..
Based on Googlemaps, it takes 1.5 – 2 hrs to get from Cabanatuan City to Minalungao National Park. No need to reserve slots. You can just walk-in there. It’s a public park.
Hi , mam.hanggang ilan po ang capacity ng ng big bamboo raft… Meron bang pang 20? Or maging 2 balsa kami in that number? Tnx
Hi Arni. I think the large bamboo raft has a capacity of up to 10 people, so mag-dalawang rafts na lang kayo.
Hello, i just saw this a while ago as i am looking for natural parks here in the Philippines to study for our thesis. Is the park open only during summer or we can go anytime we want? Thank you. 🙂
Hi! ask ko lang if ok lang ba gumawa ng research dito?
Hi Chin, the site is open all year around, weather permitting.
Hi! Hindi ba mahirap sumakay kapag pauwi na?
Hi, may sarili kaming transpo pag punta dun. Not sure kung anong oras yung last trip via commute.
I do not recommend the place anytime within the week coz of continuous rainshowers the past few days.
is the river was blue when you go ?
The water is normally bluish-green and much clearer if you go during summer months. Unfortunately, it rained right before our visit, so the water was brown.
Hi Ms Kara! I just called Kuya Darine, and he offered me for a package of 550 per head with all the activities, parking lot fee, entrance fee and lunch. As I checked your blog, I think over price ‘yung package na sinasabi nya per pax no? Any comment please. Thank you!
how much po ‘yung fee for tour guide lang? Thank you!
Hi Beverly, the thing with package rates (in general) is they provide hassle-free trips but the people offering them also need to earn. You are paying for services of other people and there are many factors that go into pricing tours. It will always be cheaper to go DIY, but it’s up to you to figure your way to get around and in some places regular public transport is not always available. There are pros and cons to both 🙂
pwde mkakuha ng contct no. na pwde namin contactkin para mas prepared kmi. thankz
local guide din po ba kayo? thanks po..
Is it advisable po ba na pumunta this september? saka sa camping po my nagpaparent po ng camping tents? or kung my hotel nearby? thank you
how bout next month mam? this september? advisable po ba?
hi ngyong nov po b emerald green yung tubig ?
Hi! It’s already october but we wanted to visit minalungao, is it advisable to go there at this season? Does the price already changed? Thank you. Hoping for your reply.
Hi pwede po ba magsama ng grandmother sa area di po ba sya hassle sa mga senior? gusto ko kasi ipa kita sa lola ko yung lugar? thank you
Hello Mhalou. If you have a private vehicle kaya naman siguro pero may parts na rough road pa rin. Baka mahirapan kayo kung mag-commute kasi medyo hassle, maraming lipat, tricycle etc. Yung stairs to the grotto and hanging bridge optional naman. Yung sa rafts accessible through konting stairs pababa and would be relaxing for your lola.
Ask ko lang po, what time nagbubukas ang park pag weekdays?
Well, it’s a natural site that isn’t really gated, so there aren’t any strict business hours. You’re likely to find locals hanging out there any time of the day. Safest bet would be around 8am-5pm. Mas maraming tao around lunchtime and bandang hapon.
1. the place is not yet pwd friendly.
2. if ur grandma uses wheel-chair the question is do u got manpower with u?
3. if ur grandma can walk with assistance then u can have access to some point.
but important is to check the weather 3 days prior ur visit so u don’t waste time and money for a 100 pesos entrance fee for nothing and parking.
any contact person kasi may mga foreigner kming ksama gusto namin I maximaxize ung pag visit jan or any local tour guide po?
hi kim! is there a resort nearby that we can stay overnight ?
Ask ko lang po kung required ba magaccomodate ng cottage? dadalwa lang po kasi kaming pupunta. and kung umuulan naman po ba, maeenjoy parin namin yung park kahit brown yung tubig? i mean maeenjoy pa rin yung park?
Thank in Advance! 🙂
Hi, kapag ka innova or adventure pwede po ba? kasi sabi niyo mejo rough road.
Yung mga naka-park dun nung bumisita kami mostly jeeps, tricycles, motorcycles & van-type vehicles (FX etc.). Kaya naman siguro ng Innova or Adventure yung daan. Yung mga sedan lang baka mahirapan. Baka by now naayos na yung ibang rough road.
nkapunta npo kayo ng minalungao?
yes accessible nman sya by any mode of transportation. but make sure to keep a weather update pra mas maganda at sulit ung visit. pag umuulan hwag npo tumuloy. visit din kayo sa 1917 restaurant sa bayan, 30 mins to minalungao national park.
Hindi naman po required kumuha ng cottage. Depende din naman sa mga kasama mo kung mag-eenjoy ba kayo or hindi. Pwede pa rin naman mag-raft, cross ng hanging bridge, trek hanggang grotto. Pero mas maganda talaga yung kulay ng tubig pag summer months at hindi rainy season.
Hi gsto k pmunta ds Xmas vacation if it’s not raining mgkano po entrance fee bwat isa? At mgkano rent sa cottage? Parking fee p? Pwedeng mg overnyt kht nka cottage lng?
100/pax na po ang environmental fee na tinatawag. 2k ung isang room for over night stay good for 5pax. kung may transpo kyo libre ung driver then parking fee is 50. balsa ride is around 500 for 12 pax capacity, 25 pesos lifevest rentak, zipline around 300 for 2-way. meron din cave spelunking for a minimal fee. pwede kayong magdala ng lutuan at lulutuin kung magrent kyo ng room pro bawal magluto sa cottage. may local karinderya dun kung hindi maselan sa food, medyo mahal lang.
you may want also to visit 1917 restaurant located at the town proper. you may browse their fb page @1917restopapaya.
Maganda po ba pumunta dun ngayong month (Jan2018)? Sasayad ba kami sa rough roads kasi sedan lang gamit namin at 5 kaming sakay. Thank you po sa sasagot. God bless!
How about month of january or february po?
We visited January 2017 po.
yes, the view is generally majestic during this time just be updated with the weather.
80% satisfied 20%dissatisfied
4 na sasakyan kami (2kotse,1fx,1avanza) galing dyan kahapon (Feb.18,2018)
P100 isang tao 10 yrs old and up, at P50 parking (20 tao kami lahat na nagbayad) ok ang view maganda, masarap maligo.. ??
*madami basura nagkalat (dapat may naglilinis from time to time)
*walang clinic o pang first aid ( parang may inatake, natuluyan yata)
*grabe ang parking salaslabat,kanya kanya wala sa ayos, may bayad nmn sn
(dapat lagayan ng guhit and mga pinaparadahan syang bayad)
*ang pinaka matindi walang tubig sa cr at sa paliguan na banlawan
(kaya umuwi kami amoy tubig pa ng ilog ng minalungao???)
sana ilagay lahat sa ayos, sayang binabayad…
Nag rent ho ba kayo ng hotel? Baka po sa hotel lang ng minalungao yung may tubig sa CR. Balak pa naman naming pumunta dyan kaso sa April pa.
ayyy!!!! bat ganun? walang tubig ang cr? at ang mahal na ng entrance at walap ang tga linis ng lugar? so sad… 🙁
sad to hear. taga-dto ako sa general tinio and I must admit na kulang na kulang sa maintenance ang lugar. kahit kmi na taga dto lng 100 pesos din bayad pero dati we get to enjoy the same view na below 50 at kung minsan free pa. pulitika kc, gnawang pag-aari na ng ex-mayor which is of conflict of interest during his term.
this summer is ok to visit to enjoy the view at baka tapos na rin ung ibang facilities, but I don’t know about the water supply too kung may improvement.
check-out our fb page @1917restopapaya if u want us to cater your foods during ur visit. we are located at the town proper, 20 mins away from minalungao. although meron clang resto sa loob pro I do recommend na magbaon kayo ng food or get a stop over somewhere outside the place.
Hi Jojie. So sad to hear about the developments. Maybe it’s time to start limiting the number of visitors to let the place heal? Parang sobrang sumikat ng Minalungao. As a local, what do you think should be done?
limiting the numbet of tourists is complicated coz visitors would come from far away towns and cities. the viable thing to do is employ qualified people to do the job and not just to make money out of unsatisfied visitors. local tourism office and denr should take serious action on this matter especially summer is coming. yet the bigger problem is how come a protected area can be privately owned instead of government owned?
Is kuya darine’s number updated here? 🙂 Thank you.
How’s the weather in January?? Is it still good to go there??
it’s the last stretch of february already coming march and the weather is perfect. weekends are getting crowded so you need to plan ahead of time.
hi. alam mo po ba kung san pwede mag inquire regarding sa room / accomodation. bka po may number kayo. pasuyo na lang po. thanks
Can I ask if, say meron kami pwd na kasama. Can climb/go down stairs naman. Malapit lang ba yung rafting sa parking (how many steps) at pwede ba xa sumakay dun? It would really help for planning. TIA
Hello, as you can see from the photos, this is not the most PWD-friendly place. Hindi naman ganun kalayo yung rafting area sa parking area though. Kaya naman siguro kung alalayan, pero I wouldn’t really recommended this for those with wheelchairs, etc.
the parking area is around 100 meters to reach the viewing deck. I think in his/her case he/she can access the viewing deck.
for the rafting I wouldn’t suggest, although lifevest is mandatory for the use of rafting but for precaution better not. yet on the other hand, if he/she has the zest to do it then better to get relaxation but always take into consideration not only the physucal but the enotional aspect as well.
Same pa rin po ba sya kapag pumunta kami ngayong summer?
yes po, expect the crowd during weekends. the weather is perfectly fine.
Whats the latest development regarding facilities in minalungaw national park?
Hi! It’s already May but we wanted to visit Minalungao, is it advisable to go there at this season? Does the price already changed? Thank you. Hoping for your reply.
Are they alliwed overnight stay at the boat you rented?
On the floating rafts? I don’t think so for safety reasons. You can stay overnight in rooms for rent at a resort very near the river though.
Thanks for sharing all these info – my mom wanted to visit but she is 60 years old same goes with my dad. Does visiting this place require trekking? she just want to see the river and not the grotto
Minimal trekking involved from the jump-off point reachable by private vehicle to the river and rafts, though the roads getting in were still rough when I visited
pag nagpunta po b jan ng walang dalang sasakyan..meron po b kaming marerentahan kahit tricycle papunta s area then kapag pauwi po meron po b ulit marerent n tricycle palabas?
thank you