Masungi Georeserve

Masungi Georeserve
Map showing the location of Masungi Georeserve
Masungi Georeserve, Pinugay, Baras
Location Rizal, Philippines
Nearest city Antipolo
Coordinates 14°36′18″N 121°20′19″E / 14.60500°N 121.33861°E / 14.60500; 121.33861Coordinates: 14°36′18″N 121°20′19″E / 14.60500°N 121.33861°E / 14.60500; 121.33861
Established 1996
Governing body Masungi Georeserve Foundation
www.masungigeoreserve.com

The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation project in the southern Sierra Madre range in Rizal, Philippines, 45 kilometres (28 mi) east of Manila. It is located within Garden Cottages in Baras, Rizal. It centers on the geological formations of Masungi Rock, situated 640 metres (2,100 ft).[1] In 1993, the Masungit Rock and its vicinity was proposed to be declared as a Strict Nature Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.[2] It has been a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers from Metro Manila since it has opened in 2015 and started developments towards a geopark status.[3]

Description

The Masungi Georeserve is located at Kilometer 45 of the Marikina–Infanta Highway, 6.3 kilometres (3.9 mi) south of Mount Kanumay near Baras' border with the municipality of Tanay. The park is characterized by rugged limestone karst peaks, steep slopes, and surrounding lush montane rainforests. It also contains several caves, including the Yungib ni Ruben (Ruben's Cave), which features stalactites and stalagmites formations, as well as a man-made fountain.[4]

A popular attraction in the park is the Sapot ("Cobweb"), a metallic platform with wooden steps which allows visitors to walk on suspended netting above the karst and get a 360-degree view of the Sierra Madre and the Laguna de Bay.[4] The park's tallest peak, Tatay, also has a viewing deck in its summit. The limestone formations are connected by hanging bridges, rope courses and eco-trails developed by the Masungi Georeserve Foundation and Blue Star Development.[3] On one of the hanging bridges, a wooden cable car-like shelter called Patak ("Water droplet") can be found which serves as a rest stop for visitors. The Duyan, a giant rope hammock spanning a few hundred feet, is one of Masungi's most photographed rope courses.[4]

The park was formerly a component of the Mariquina Watershed Reservation from its creation on July 26, 1904 to Oct. 29, 1973.[5] It is home to a variety of fauna including different kinds of birds and insects, cloud rats, monitor lizards, snakes, monkeys and civets.[3]

References

  1. [www.masungigeoreserve.com "Masungit Rock, Province of Rizal, Calabarzon"] Check |url= value (help). Geonamebase.com. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  2. "Administrative Order No. 33" (PDF). Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  3. 1 2 3 Evangelista, C. (27 November 2016). "Exploring Rizal's Masungi Georeserve". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 Reyes, N. (27 March 2016). "A first-timer's guide to Masungi Georeserve, where adventure awaits". Rappler. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  5. "Presidential Decree No. 324, s. 1973". Official Gazette (Philippines). Retrieved 10 January 2017.
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