Just 90 minutes away from Metro Manila, a place of quiet beauty has been drawing adventurers, nature lovers, and eco-conscious travelers. Masungi Georeserve in Rizal is more than a tourist attraction—it is a conservation area that blends adventure with sustainability, offering one of the most unique hidden gems near Manila.

A Conservation Story

Masungi Georeserve was established in the late 1990s as part of efforts to protect the limestone karst landscapes of Baras, Rizal. Once threatened by quarrying and deforestation, the area has been transformed into a sanctuary. Through private conservation initiatives and local community support, Masungi has become a model of how tourism and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.

Today, the georeserve covers more than 400 hectares, home to hundreds of native plant species, birds, and wildlife. Its name “Masungi” comes from “masungki,” a Filipino word describing the sharp and jagged nature of the limestone peaks that dominate its landscape.

Things to Do in Masungi Georeserve

Visitors to Masungi can choose guided experiences that highlight both adventure and learning. Some of the most popular features include:

• Sapot (Spider Web View Deck)
  A steel web-like platform suspended above the karst landscape, offering sweeping views of Laguna de Bay and the Sierra Madre mountains.
• Duyan (Hammock Trail)
  A giant rope hammock suspended over a forested ravine, where guests can lie down and take in the surrounding greenery.
• Yungib ni Ruben
  A cave system that reveals the geological history of the reserve, showcasing rock formations and hidden chambers.
• Tatay and Nanay Rock Formations
  Twin peaks that serve as iconic landmarks, perfect for photo stops and meditation breaks.

Each stop is designed to immerse travelers in nature while encouraging mindfulness and appreciation of the environment.

Eco-Tourism at Its Core

What makes Masungi stand out is its strong focus on eco-tourism in the Philippines. Visitor numbers are limited to ensure minimal impact on the ecosystem. A strict no-trash policy is enforced, and guests are guided by trained park rangers who explain the ecological significance of the area.

Revenue from tourism is reinvested into reforestation and protection projects, helping restore degraded lands in Rizal. This model has earned Masungi international recognition as one of the best practices in sustainable travel.

How to Visit Masungi

• Location: Baras, Rizal, about 47 kilometers east of Manila.
• Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Metro Manila.
• Booking: Visits are strictly by reservation. Walk-ins are not allowed to ensure controlled numbers.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, refillable water bottles, and a respect for nature. Plastic and single-use items are discouraged.

Why Masungi Matters

Masungi Georeserve is not just a place for Instagram-worthy photos. It is a symbol of resilience and a reminder of the importance of protecting natural heritage. For travelers, it offers unique things to do in Rizal that combine recreation, education, and sustainability.

For Filipinos, it is a point of pride—a hidden gem near Manila that showcases how the Philippines can lead in conservation-based tourism.

✨ Whether you are lying on the rope hammock, walking across the spider web, or simply listening to the forest’s quiet hum, Masungi Georeserve is proof that travel can heal both people and nature.

By Direk Erine