TANAY, RIZAL is a place I’ll never get tired of visiting. Last September, 2019, I achieved a climb of 560 MASL with a combination of trekking, mountain and rock climbing without the use of any harness or special mountain climbing gears. This was an achievement unlock at the age of 41! Read the full story at https://bit.ly/2v8pdC4
We were invited again to see a new tourist attraction at Tanay, with only an idea of a hike and a campsite but we were in for a great surprise! Come and read along and discover another amazing Tanay Hane Adventure!
Eco Tourist Campsite
FRESNO AGRO FORESTRY AND ECO TOURIST CAMPSITE
Location: Sitio Maysawa Brgy. Laiban/Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite is the newest Hiking destination in Tanay, Rizal, owned by an IP named Mr. Mabini Dela Sada, and Merly ( a native Dumagat), developed and managed by Reynaldo Zapanta Fresno.
The advocacy of Fresno Agro is to provide livelihood programs to the Indigenous People from the (10) Mountains in different Barangays of Tanay , recognized to be an Ancestral domain, including non-IPs. Fresno Agro also promotes Eco – Tourism in the Municipality of Tanay. One of the advocacies of Fresno Agro Forestry, are :
Livelihood enhancement, preservation of the beauty of the mountains and to save our Mother Earth were among the advocacies of Fresno Agro Forestry. In coordination with the DENR, Fresno Agro started planting fruit bearing trees. You will also see that 90% of their employees are natives or “Katutubo” as well as 100% “Katutubo” serves as tour guides.
https://youtu.be/oiQWQvDBaCg
Things to do at Fresno❤
1. HIKING – Mt. Kulis and Mt. Sambong
To see the beauty of nature is to walk thru it – literally walk and climb up the mountains. There are 2 mountains to hike at Fresno – Mt. Kulis and Mt. Sambong.
Mt. Kulis is the first mountain that will greet you at Fresno. It is a climb of 629 MASL (Meters above sea level). The mountains at Fresno is a hill type climb with narrow rough roads, and edges. Do not be fooled by the look of it as it is tiring once you are uphill. Ooopppsss, you can cheat climbing as a tricycle ride can take you uphill for just P20 for group of 3. The key to riding the trike is to put heavy bags at the back of the trike and put your weight it front. Though you will think that riding a tricycle is easier but your adrenaline will start to rush as you start braving the rough road ahead, plus get ready to brave the bumpy ride uphill. You might even consider walking for fear of getting thrown. But don’t worry, the tricycle drivers are all natives of the place so getting you up and down the steep hill would be easy. Cars are also allowed to go up (provided that there are available parking space). Mountain bikes, motorcycles, SUVs, Pick-up, sedan are also allowed. You have to be wary though of you and your vehicle’s capacity in climbing rough road terrain as there are no car/motor repair shops nearby.
Getting on top of Mt. Kulis by trekking is an achievement itself, but the hike is worth it. On top of Mt. Kulis you will be greeted by an incredible sight where I was urged to sing one of the Trapp Family’s “Sound of Music”. Everywhere you look there are green and mountains!
Mt. Sambong will be your second destination. Located at the back of Mt. Kulis is Mt. Sambong. As the name suggests there are a generous number of sambong plants in the area. Sambong is a native plant that is known for its healing properties for urinary, kidney, and hypertension problems. Climbing Mt. Sambong will just take you 3 minutes, but again you have to be prepared for a steep, rocky, up climb ahead. It is not advisable for elderly people specially on a hot weather. Parents should also take necessary precautions when taking kids on this hike. As there are rock formations on a cliff, perfect for instagram shoot and “buwis buhay shot” but a very dangerous area.
2. TREKKING – Noah’s Ark
After Mt. Sambong the guide will guide you to Noah’s Ark. Hiking to Noah’s Ark is optional. Getting there will take you 30 to 45 minutes depending on your pace. You have to be physically fit before embarking because the trail involves mountainous slopes, rocky and grassy areas. It is best if you start hiking at 5am to be at the summit around 6am perfect for the Sea of clouds.
3. Achieve your squad goals at the SPIDER WEB
You might want to try the giant spider web before hiking up Mt. Sambong. The giant spider web is made of nylon ropes. To climb over I suggest you wear your rubber shoes before finally removing your shoes as you crawl thru the web. As the name suggests, it is best if you crawl like a spider to reach the center of the web. Then ask Manong (the tour guide) for your best IG shots.
4. Experience the thrill of riding a toro-toro
Going to Campsite B (Lion Falls, Flower Garden, Hanging Bridge, Twin Mountains) requires you to ride a toro-toro (a makeshift 4×4 vehicle), unless you want to tire yourself from the long walk. Riding on top of it will make you scream, you have to hold on tight. You have to try to feel the thrill!
5. Spider Hanging Bridge
The 1st drop for Campsite B is the Flower Garden but since we were so tired we opt to make it our last drop. It was a bumpy ride going to the Hanging Bridge. Once there, the view is breath taking. It is a perfect place for your pre-nup shoots, emo, or whatever you would want to call it. Be careful though as you would just hold on to the ropes designed as webs. I didn’t attempt to cross the bridge I just stayed at the middle haha! Only a maximum of 7 persons are allowed this is for safety purposes.
6. Enjoy the view of the Twin Mountains
So once you are in the Hanging Bridge, be mindful to take a look around and you will see the Twin Mountains. The thing I love the most at Fresno is the breathtaking views of green landscapes everywhere.
7. See the Mini-River Falls
8. Swim at the Lion House Falls
It will take you 20 minutes to trek your way to the Lion House Falls. Going there will require you to step on rocks and steep vertical ladders. Once there, you will be greeted with a natural swimming pool with just the right level of coldness for you to dunk in. Kids can swim at the side where the water falls, make sure that adults supervises them well as there are areas that are 6ft deep.
9. Flower Garden
This site was our last drop off for our guided tour. The Flower Garden is a man made heart garden shape. It have colorful and beautiful flowers. Depending on how you project a pose you could create different angles and beautiful photoshoots. Try shooting for pre-nup poses or relive your younger days.
10. Play with ducks and chickens
While waiting for our ride back to the Registration area, we noticed a flock of ducks and chickens. So, we kill the time by playing around, they love to go near people, trying their luck for some food. While waiting, we did some jump shot (haha! We still have some energy lol). And Conan, my little boy, suddenly screamed — the reason – the ducks came near him 😂
11. CAMPING
As we are staying here for an overnight, we reached the Registration area at 6pm and decided that we will have dinner there. We were served with “Siningang na Baboy“, “Papaitan”, and Pork menudo. We opt to leave the car at the Parking area near the Registration then had a tricycle ride going up again at Mt. Kulis. It was a horse back ride as you should hold on tight and place your weight in front of the vehicle, with heavy bags at the back and boys at the backride. The tricycle can only accommodate up to 3 persons, for safety purposes. We had the option to stay at “Cardo Dalisay’s” kubo but we chose to use the tents. Sleeping in tents is a perfect way to feel the cool weather and the “camping”.
The weather is cold but tolerable. We didn’t chose to pitch at the Mt. Sambong since it is too high up and there are no comfort rooms around. But upon seeing the Sea of Clouds, I wished I should have chosen the Mt. Sambong tent area.
12. Star gazing
This is one of the attractions here but of course it will depend on the current weather. On our stay, there weren’t so much stars but it was alright, since we were also too tired to gaze at the stars.
13. Sea of clouds
We were so blessed that the Sea of Clouds appeared. It was literally a sea of clouds, as the fog is so high that it even reaches the tents near us. The sea of clouds envelopes Mt. Sambong and Noah’s Ark. It appeared at 4am then lasted until 7:30am. It is a marvelous site! Someone even exclaimed: “We even went so far at Kalinga, Apayao just to experience sea of clouds, but here look just a few hours from Manila and the cool weather is so tolerable, that I actually enjoy viewing.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ctWzxFyIl/?igshid=afcd80j9lux5
The Sea of Clouds is a natural beauty to behold. It sends a calming feeling. It was really beautiful!
14. Sight seeing
Hiking here at Fresno are all but optional. If your not into hiking, you will still enjoy the beauty of the place by just sight seeing on top of Mt. Kulis. The best place to stay and see the view is at the back dining area of the “Kainan sa Mt. Kulis.”
15. Act like Cardo Dalisay and Alyana
You may also take photos of “Bahay ni Cardo Dalisay”, the nipa hut where the long running tv show “Ang Probinsyano” took place.
16. Dine in at Kainan sa Mt. Kulis
Don’t be mistaken, there are no fancy restaurants here. If you want to try authentic “Dumagats dishes”, (native Tanay cuisine), try it here at the kainan beside “Cardo Dalisay’s” nipa hut.
17. Go Mountain Biking
We asked ourselves, can mountain bikes go up here? Then, suddenly, a group of bikers showed up! So the answer is Yes, Bikes can go up 😃
Rates
CAMPSITE A
📌A. Sight Seeing
Php 100 per head
– Mt. Kulis
– Mt. Sambong
B. Hiking
Php 150 per head
– Mt. Kulis
– Mt. Sambong
– Noah’s Ark
CAMPSITE B
📌A. Swimming & Hiking
Php 100 per head
-Lion House Falls
– Twin Mountain
– Mini-River Falls
📌B. Sight Seeing
Php 150 per head
– Hanging Bridge
– Flower Garden
– Lion House Falls
📌Day Trip Tour package:
Php 200/pax 4:00AM to 3:00PM
📌Day Trip Tour package with Hike, all destination including Hanging
Bridge and Spider Web : Php 300/pax
📌Overnight Tour Package with Hike and all destination: PHP 350/pax
*4:00PM to 1:00PM
ACCOMMODATION
⛺Kubo Rental
Day Trip : PHP 2,500.00
Overnight : PHP 3,500.00
(Good for 6)
⛺Kubo Rentals Near the Falls
Daytour Trip : PHP 500
Overnight: PHP 1000
(Good for 3)
⛺Kubo Rental Talahib
Day Trip : PHP 1,500.00
Overnight : PHP 1,500.00
(Good for 4)
*Kubo rental includes beddings
⛺Tent Pitching
Php 150
⛺Tent Rentals Php 400 (Good for 2) Php 600 (Good for 4)
There is no ROOM ACCOMMODATION
TOUR GUIDE
- Required for Noah’s Ark and Lion House Falls
- Php 500 up to 7pax
FOOD
Cooked foods, snacks, drinks are available at the Registration area and at Mt. Kulis. You can order a Tapsilog or tocilog for just P100. You also have the option of “paluto”, just ask Ate Janice at the Mt. Kulis.
OTHER INFO
- NO RESERVATION NEEDED
- No room accommodation, the place is purely a campsite
- Open 24/7
- Keep trash in its proper place
- Do not leave cigarette butts, let’s maintain and protect the environment
- Bonfires is not allowed
- Barbeque is not allowed
- The option for cooking is to bring a butane stove or request a “paluto” at the Kainan
Things to bring -you may check this list for things that will make your stay pleasurable
📌Jogging pants if you are staying overnight
📌Blanket
📌Towel
📌Toiletries
📌Short
📌Sports shirt
📌OOTD outfit *optional
📌Hat
📌Sunblock
📌Lotion
📌Camera
📌Cellphone
📌Powerbank (there is no electricity in the area, only solar panels run the street lights and Kainan
📌Memory Card
📌Water (with ALKAROCK for your portable alkaline water, message me on this for info) 📌Snacks, candies, food 📌Jacket
HOW TO GET THERE
How to get there:
🚐From Araneta Cubao (in front of Gateway Mall, along Aurora Ave), ride a jeepney (PHP 25 pesos) or van (PHP 35 pesos) going Cogeo Gate 2. Proceed to Cogeo Market (Blue and white building). Ride a jeepney (PHP 45 pesos, first trip 5:AM) going Sampaloc and ask the driver to drop you off at Sitio Maysawa.
🚐From Sitio Maysawa waiting shade, you can take a walk to Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite for 20 to 30 minutes, but you can also ride a tricycle for PHP 150 per way
Private Car 🚘
Just search Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite at Google Maps or Waze🔍
⛰Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite
⛰Sitio Maysawa Brgy, Tanay, Rizal
📞0999 553 4449
🇵🇭https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sf6ZH1GKswCmAaZt8
For more info, message them at the ff. Facebook page http://m.me/fresnoagroforestryandecotouristcampsite
DOT Tourism Tanay
Dr. Jeff Pino
📞 0998.9881590 / 87361059
📧 jeffpino2@gmail.com
Enjoying nature is 💯 stress reliever. Our experience was beyond my expectations. Enjoy the beauty, breathe in the fresh air. Be recharged, refreshed at Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite!
Our Sample Itinerary ❤
MARCH 7, 2020 Saturday
- 11am – Registration Area
- 11:15am – Lunch
- 11:50am – Started Hiking Mt. Kulis
- 12NN – Mt. Kulis Peak
- Freshen up at Bahay ni Cardo Dalisay
- 12:10 – Spider Web
- 12:25pm – Mt. Sambong
- 12:30pm – Start trek to Noah’s Ark
- 1:30pm – Noah’s Ark Summit
- 2pm – Back to Registration area
- 2:10pm – Ride toro-toro going to Hanging Bridge
- 2:20pm – Hanging Bridge
- 2:30pm – Started trek to Lions House Falls
- 2:50pm – Arrived Lion’s House Falls
- 4pm – Trek back to waiting area
- 4:30pm – Ride auv going back to Registration area
- 5pm – Stop by at Flower Garden
- 5:15pm – Rode back going to Reception area
- 5:45pm – Arrived Reception
- 6:30pm – Freshen up, Dinnertime
- 7pm – Back to Mt Kulis Camp
- 10pm – lights off
March 8, 2020
- 4:30am – Wake up, check Sea of Clouds
- 5am to 7 am – Photo ops, enjoyed Sea of Clouds
- 7:10am – Breakfast
- 8am – 10am – More pictorial / Ready for check out
SIDETRIP
I would love to hear your thoughts at the comment section.
After checking out at Fresno, we headed to El Patio Razon for a refreshing Kawa Bath (full details soon). This is located just a few blocks from Fresno, you could walk your way to El Patio.
See more of Fresno on my FB page Diaries of a Transport Queen
Follow me on IG @thetransportqueen
https://www.instagram.com/p/B9f9vWpFfYC/?igshid=1rpji2iiwbk9l
Special thanks to my Vloggers squad, you made this trip extra special. Please follow them at YT Ria Marcelino Ria Marcelinohttps://youtu.be/lOLI-lQZ7YUand Olan Chikka of Vakla Ventures
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For sponsorships, email me at jenny.transportqueen@gmail.com
Disclosure: This tour is courtesy of Mr. Fresno of Fresno Agro Forestry. However, this article is written with my own opinions, thoughts and insights.
