Location: Natividad Extension, Barangay Natividad, Panguil, Laguna, Philipines
I visited this destination twice, dated June 15, 2018 and October 28, 2020. The proximity of this place from Metro Manila is a big factor, for it is just 75.3 kilometers or 2 hours and 30 minutes drive from the heart of Manila via R-5. R-5 stands for Radial Road 5, where it is a network of roads and bridges that altogether form the fifth radial road of Manila in the Philippines. It links the City of Manila with Mandaluyong and Pasig in the east, leading out of Metro Manila into the province of Rizal and south towards Laguna.
The park's main entrance
This nature park offers a lot of activities especially for a family, group or corporate activities like team building, namely: photography, picnic, camping, trekking, swimming, water tubing, rafting and enjoy its water falls, the Ambon-Ambon.
An open space before the park's main entrance
The park is already developed as there is an admin office beside the main entrance. There is also a parking space available with the following rates: (1) Tricycle/Jeep/Van/Car - P20; (2) Bus - P60; and
Single Motor Cycle - P10. These rates are good for a day trip only but it doubles for guests who stay overnight.
Just after the main entrance
The entrance rates varies. Day trip is from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. with rates as follows: Adult - P65 and Children from 5 to 10 years old is charged at P55. A Night Stay is timed from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. which charges P100 for adults and P90 for children from 5 to 10 years old. On the other hand, an Overnight Stay is from 6:00 P..M. to 6:00 A.M. the following day with a rate on Adults for P120 and the Children from 5 to 10 years is P110.
The hanging bridge
Within the parking space near the admin office are kiosks or stores where you can buy food. But of course, it is a good option if you will bring with you some food.
My colleagues crossing the Hanging Bridge (Left) Roselyn Napoles, (Center) Connie Quijano, (Front) Ivy Zamora, (Back Right) Allan De la Trinidad and (Back) Apolinario Avergonzado
The good thing of the place is, it is very green. It is nestled in a forest, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a very good alternative for a short escape from the metropolis.
The hanging bridge with the backdrop of the nipa cottages
The hanging bridge is built over a refreshing river where campers and guests can take a swim. Inside the cottages is grilling facility. The rate of the cottages are P250 for the small one with 10 pax capacity and P400 for the big one for 15-25 persons.
Cottages are just next to the river for a swim (Model: Willa Nartia)
The cottages are conveniently built along Panguil River where guests can enjoy a swim. The river itself is well-maintained to make it clean. Even the falling leaves are regularly cleaned to make it clean for all the guests.
My colleagues (L-R): Connie Quijano, Sarah Jane Familaran, Ana Liza Diaz, Arlene Mondejar, Willa Nartia, Apolinario Avergonzado and Eleanor Tejada
Our group had a company outing when we visited this place as organized by our boss, Mr. Roberto Redobante. It has him who organized our two visits here.
The river is safe for kids for a swim (L-R): Cheska and mother Russel Po; and Ian and mother, Diane Marie de Luna
Panguil River in this part of the park has a natural landscape with a safe deepness to the guests most particularly to the kids who wanted to have a swim. Being juxtapose to the cottages, kids can be easily monitored by their parents or elders when having a swim.
The facade of the park's souvenir shop after crossing the hanging bridge
The park is also equipped with a souvenir shop and a convenience store where guests can buy food supplies or snacks and bottled water.
The camping ground (Models: Connie Quijano and Allan De la Trinidad)
Passing thru a shady and a clearing is the camping ground where one can rent tent for P300. It is near the pavilion. A place where bigger groups can hold their functions like corporate seminars or trainings.
Cottages within the camping ground (Model: Roselyn Napoles)
The pavilion accommodates bigger groups for functions. It can be rented for P5,000 for one day or P2,500 for half day. There is an additional charge of P1,000 for the sound system, tables, chairs and linen. Rooms for overnight occupancy are also available but requires to have an advance booking for guests are too many even during non-peak season.
One of the pictures during trekking session
Trekking to the water falls is one of the rewarding experience, a guest can enjoy. During registration, you only pay for the entrance fee and cottage. However, if you want a trek to the water falls, you need to book for a guide. It costs P400 for a guide for 5 persons or less. The trekking fee is P75 per head.
Crossing a bamboo bridge during the trek
The trek is not simple walking along uncemented trail but it also requires crossing bamboo bridges with a backdrop of a picturesque thick forest.
Rafting as part of a trek to the water falls
Aside from the bamboo bridge crossing, bamboo rafting is also required since some parts of the river are deep. By the way, the park also offers river tubing which charges P30 per head.
Our guide pulling the raft towards us through a rope
Since there are also other groups, the bamboo rafts are shared alternately with other groups. I just find it funny because the raft when loaded with guests partly submerges to the water.
River wading using a rope
Since the raft accommodates limited guests, some brave souls can wade along the river using a rope for safety purposes. Don't worry, there are no crocodiles in the river.
The rule breakers
The guides are quite very strict as to the safety rules. However, being outnumbered by the guests, they are not able to monitor these safety rule breakers like my colleagues.
Improvised trails
As some parts of the trail are composed of massive and mossy rocks, improvised wooden stairs were installed. Besides, there are no alternative trails to avoid this unfriendly trails.
Approaching the Ambon-Ambon Water Falls
At this point, the raft is almost near the water falls but it is being hidden by massive rocks and thick foliage. We actually hear the thundering sound of water.
This is it! The majestic Ambon-Ambon Water Falls
One thing I noticed about the water in both of my visits, the coldness of the water is bearable. Unlike that of Majayjay Water Falls that you will surely get out from the water after soaking yourself in just barely 5 minutes. Here, I enjoyed it. The water is not extremely cold.
Above the water falls
The trip to the water falls is limited only to three hours including the trekking. The reason for this is, the management regulates the number of guests on the trail and at the water falls. So, upon registration, you need to wait the assigned time of your group. As far as I can remember, we stayed at the water falls for more than 30 minutes only. The one way trek is less than 30 minutes which includes the bamboo bridge crossing, rafting and wading through the water.
Going back, I opted to have a solo raft trip
I highly recommend this place for those who are not able yet to visit it. Given the opportunity, I would still visit it together with my family.
CONTACT DETAILS
Telephone number (049) 572-1099
Website: www.PanguilEcopark.com
Mobile Numbers:
09153795866/09323729861 - Raymund Diaz (General Manager)
09328684844/09158854218 - Richmon Samson (Administrative Officer)
HOW TO GO THERE
Alternative 1: Take a jeepney to Tanay, Rizal. From there, you can take another jeepney to Siniloan. Tell the driver to drop you on the entrance point to Panguil Ecopark where from there, you can hire a tricycle.
Alternative 2: From Cubao, take HM Transport Bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna. From there, board a jeepney bound for Siniloan. If you are already in Panguil town, hire a tricycle to Piit.
