Masungi derived from the word “Masungki” due to spiked limestone formations. According to my research Masungi was known for preserving and protecting nature, there were cases of illegal cutting of trees and illegal construction of private resort around the area.
By its historical events, I was inspired to make a BLOG and compare it to my favorite movie Avatar (2009), I was captivated by its beautiful story about people and nature.
We booked a day tour for discovery trail in Masungi Georeserve on a weekend. I was with my husband and his former colleagues.
We were scheduled at 7:20AM but arrived a little bit early so we make use of our extra time to take pictures and bathroom breaks because there aren’t any more toilets along the 3-4hr trail.
From parking lot, it took us 5-10mins to arrive at the main site for an orientation about do’s and don’ts in the park as well its history. First rule “bawal ang maingay” to maintain the tranquility of the place and avoid disrupting wildlife. Smoking (Tobacco and vape) is strictly prohibited.
Don’t forget to fill your bottles coz there’s no water stations along the trail.
You can fill your water bottle with purified drinking water from these.
One park ranger is assigned to your group, ours was Kuya RJ.
Lambat Climbing – This was the first and shortest of all rope walls.
We would stop on certain points and our park ranger Kuya RJ share about the different plants and rock formation as well as species of animals. Most are nocturnal so we didn’t spot any during our visit.
Kuya RJ showing us the remnants of bulldozer. The reserve faces threats such as illegal logging, land-grabbing and violence against its forest rangers. In Avatar movie the TREE OF VOICES was bulldozed. The tree was very sacred for Omatikaya clan , because its their way of “hearing voices” of ancestors through contact with the tree.
Like Pandora, Masungi is also a home of hundred rare plants species. Kuya RJ showed us the Kayumanis leaves or local cinnamon. You have to crushed or rubbed the leaves to smell the fragrance.
I have here leaves of Begonia which is edible, It has juicy sour taste. According to Kuya RJ locals use it as alternative for kamias as pampaasim sa sinigang.
Sapot ni Ric -He’s the one who made this giant spider web.
My husband has fear of heights. Not only of heights but literally everything!! 😂 Congratulations Love for overcoming acrophobia. I’m so proud of you!!
As my husband overcome his fears, Im the second from the group to cross. I got so excited akala ko madali lang 😂 as I take that first step I froze and didn’t move an inch anymore 😂 fear got me as I looked down. Thank you to kuya RJ for helping me out!
Duyan Giant Hammock– hanging rope walkway on top of the rainforest. The hammocks are used for sleeping and clan bonding by Navi clans such as the Omatikaya. As the hammock nears completion, several ceremonies take place to honor and acknowledge the hard work. When the new hammock is finally installed and the old one is removed, there is a ceremony in which the old hammock is burned on a pyre in a serious, respectful manner. (Source: James-Camerons-avatar.fandom.com)
Yungib ni Ruben- One of the cave found within the reserve with beautiful rock formations. Remember how Jake first interact with glow worms cave? He is awed by their strange glow against the dark. Ooopps wait! You cannot find glow worms here but monkeys do stay here during hot season to cool down or rainy weather.
Patak – Air house made of bamboo in the middle of a long bridge, it is also surrounded by prickly plants called Euphorbia Cactus.
Finally we were able to reach TATAY – tallest limestone rock formation within the reserve. We didn’t get a chance to climb at NANAY (little bit shorter than tatay )due to time constraints.
The last adventure on the trail was Bayawak, named after the area’s largest lizard.
We started our hike at 8am and finished at 1pm. It took us 5hours to complete coz most of us are first timer as I always say “Slowly but Surely” . At the end of the trail you will be served a complimentary meal. We were given tuna spread, bread, saging na saba and calamansi with cucumber juice.
I was so hungry at this moment that tuna spread cannot satisfy my hunger. Kaya sabi ko sa asawa ko MAG SAMGYUP TAYO WITH SEAFOODS PLEASE!!
After our meal my pahabol pang
Sawa – The final rope segment.
Endpoint is what they called Liwasan Area
The film Avatar ends with Navis securing their home from military invaders and I salute and highly respect all people behind reservation and protecting Masungi Georeserve.
I hope my BLOG will inspire more people to apply Pandora’s principle of life on earth and Navi’s way of living.
Visiting Masungi requires reservation through their official website. https://masungigeoreserve.com
