5 Weekend Destinations for a Quick Adrenaline Fix

Time for your next adventure!
by Andy Flores | May 23, 2017

Is life’s monotony bringing you down lately? Allow us to prescribe you with some thrill and excitement to bust your boredom away with a different kind of high this weekend. From rock climbing to cliff diving, we list down five destinations near the metro for a good adrenaline fix.

1. Give bouldering a go in Bulacan

Mt. Manalmon, Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel, Bulacan

A post shared by Erika Trecci Tolorio 🎀 (@erikatrecci) on May 3, 2017 at 8:36pm PDT

The lush natural landscape of Mt. Manalmon in San Miguel, Bulacan is replete with massive boulders boasting a wide array of textures suitable for bouldering that will excite any avid climber. The rocks closer to the banks of the Madlum River can be especially tricky to climb, as they feature smoother surfaces around the slopes. But what’s an adventure without a bit of challenge, anyway?

Tip: Another top activity in the area is spelunking. Part of the Biak Na Bato National Park, Mt. Manalmon is home to the historic Bayukbok Cave, where the Katipuneros used to meet and retreat. The cave’s dark tunnels, tight passages, and cramped chambers made it an ideal hiding place back then, and a thrilling caving spot today.

 

2. Cliff dive in Nueva Ecija

Minalungao National Park, Gen. Tinio, Nueva Ecija

A post shared by Vina Crisostomo (@vinacrisostomo) on May 15, 2017 at 11:20pm PDT

Sitting on the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range is the Minalungao National Park — an all-in-one destination for nature-loving explorers.

Boasting impressive rock formations and enchanting emerald green to turquoise blue waters flowing from the calm Peñaranda River, the national park gives you spectacular vistas from any angle. But if you want the best view, stretch out those leg muscles and climb up a karst or a cliff. Mark your visit with a momentous and refreshing dive into the water — just don’t forget to ask your guide for an ideal diving spot, as the river’s depth varies.

Tip: Cliff diving too extreme for you? Then try Minalungao’s zipline! At PHP150 (two-way), it’s an affordable yet incredibly fun way to take in the park’s breathtaking sights.

 

3. Paraglide in Rizal

San Mateo, Rizal

A post shared by 🌹xiellie🌹 (@rachmiguel) on Feb 7, 2016 at 5:57am PST

As the monsoon season looms in, take advantage of the wind by trying tandem paragliding with the help of FlyXtreme Adventure Philippines and Paragliding School in San Mateo, Rizal. Prices range from PHP2,500-PHP3,500 per head — depending on the day of your flight — and you’ll be sailing above the ground for a good 10-15 minutes with a licensed paragliding instructor.

Tip: Follow FlyXtreme Adventure Philippines and Paragliding School on Facebook for schedule updates, as their sessions are highly dependent on the weather.

 

4. Trek to a hidden waterfall in Laguna

Panguil River Eco-Park, Pangil, Laguna

A post shared by Eryl Janyn Panlilio (@janynpanlilio) on Apr 14, 2017 at 2:07am PDT

While Pagsanjan Falls is arguably the most popular waterfall in Laguna, the province is *overflowing* with other water forms that are stunning in all their simplicity. One of them is Ambon-Ambon Falls in Pangil, Laguna.

Situated in the Panguil River Eco-Park (formerly known as Piit Resort), Ambon-Ambon Falls is a hidden gem made accessible by a trail that starts by the Bambang Hari River. Reaching the waterfalls is a rather easy trek that will take more or less 30 minutes (with river crossing at some intervals), making it a perfect activity for family or barkada outings, school trips, and team building.

Tip: If you are planning to stay the night, Panguil River Eco-Park has humble accommodations and camp sites where you can pitch a tent, start a camp fire, and rest in nature’s embrace.

 

5. Hike up a grassy mountain in Batangas

Mt. Talamitam, Nasugbu, Batangas

A post shared by Allan Pilarca (@arpilarca) on May 14, 2017 at 9:09pm PDT

Some two hours away from the Metro, Mt. Talamitam presents itself as an excellent mountain climbing spot for beginners and a relatively enjoyable climb for seasoned hikers. While the mountain may look pretty much barren and desolate with nothing to offer at first glance, don’t be deceived. Its windy peak will treat you to fantastic views of the Batangas landscape and the nearby Mt. Batulao.

Tip: Hire a guide who lives in the area. They know a number of routes to the summit and can lead you to one that best suits your climbing skills.

 

Time for a quick getaway with the crew! Share this with them today.