Minalungao National Park: A Paradise for Adventure Enthusiasts in Nueva Ecija

Minalungao National Park is a lush green haven in the province of Nueva Ecija. The park is in Matanzan, General Tinio, San Isidro, and Rosario. In addition, the park has an area of 22,000 hectares, stretching from the Sierra Madre range to the Cordillera foothills. The province of Nueva Ecija is also home to the 2,018-hectare Minalungao National Park, a stunning location

that mesmerizes visitors with its distinctive terrain.

It was designated as a protected area by Republic Act 51000 on June 17, 1967, and is reachable by land in Luzon, making it the perfect getaway from the hectic city life.

The name Minalungao is from the conjunction of the words “mina” and “lungao,” which means “mine of gold in caves.” While there may not be mines of gold in the cave in Minalungao, it remains Nueva Ecija’s best-kept secret.

Minalungao National Park is an excellent place for hikers and adventure enthusiasts. Also, the park is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of nature at its finest. Thus, it’s home to many species of plants and animals you can see during your visit here.

Trip to Minalungao National Park: How to Reach It

Easily

• The bus via Manila Cubao is the most economical route from Manila to Gapan/Cabanatuan. It costs ₱800 – ₱1,100 and takes 5 hours and 49m. 

• The distance from Manila is 105 km. The road distance is 146.6 km.

Bus that Operates from Manila Pasay to Cabanatuan: 

A. Genesis Transport 

· Tickets cost ₱240 – ₱330, and the journey takes 2 hours and 23m.

· Ave. Duration: 2h 23m

· Estimated price: ₱240 – ₱330

· Schedules: check their website- genesistransport.com.ph

B. 5 Star Bus Company

· Phone: (02) 911-7359, (02) 851-6614, (02) 736-4103

· Ave. Duration: 4h

· Estimated price: ₱180 – ₱240

· Schedule: check their facebook.com

Upon Arrival:

• From Gapan, ride a jeep to General Tinio, ride a trike to Minalungao Park, P50/person.
• If you are avoiding a hassle trip, rent a tricycle from Gapan to Minalungao Park, P500-P600/tricycle. 
• The tricycle will be waiting for you until your way back to Gapan. 
• Estimated travel time: 1-1.5 hours

Upon Entering the Park:

• Upon entering the park, pay P40/person for the registration and P35 for the tricycle and car entrance. Hire a local guide, usually kids aged 8-12. Give any amount of tip.

• The park offers cottages if you are in a big group and want to eat food or pack a lunch. Rental is from Php200 to Php300. There are also stores available in the area that sell food. 

• The floating cottage is also available in the river. The rate varies depending on the season ranging from 800 php to 1500Php, which is good for 8 – 10 pax.

• Aside from swimming and trekking, there’s a zipline for only Php100.

• If you’re on a budget trip, join an outdoor group or invite your friends to come with you. 

Accommodations near Minalungao National Park in

Nueva Ecija

There are no hotels in Minalungao National Park, but plenty of options are nearby.

I. Microtel by Wyndham Cabanatuan

Location: Santa Arcadia, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija

Check-in at Microtel by Wyndham Cabanatuan is from 2:00 p.m.

Check-out is until noon the following day.

Most popular facilities:

•  Non-smoking rooms
•  Room service
•  WiFi available in all areas
•  Facilities for disabled guests
•  Free Parking
•  Bar

II. Rosey Hotel

Rosey Hotel features accommodation in Cabanatuan. Guests can enjoy a drink at the snack bar.

Location: Central Terminal, Cabanatuan City

Most popular facilities:

•  Non-smoking rooms
•  Room service
•  Free WiFi
•  Rosey Cafe
•  Free Parking
•  Family rooms
•  Breakfast

III. The Harvest Hotel, Managed by HII

• The Harvest Hotel provides upscale, contemporary lodging with free WiFi access throughout the building. 
• It operates a 24-hour front desk.
• The hotel offers complimentary Parking on-site.
• Location: 1179 Pio del Pilar Street, Nueva Ecija
• Room options at The Harvest Hotel Managed by HII include:
  • Suite
  • Double
  • Twin

Activities/services (charges may apply):

• Fitness center
• Spa/wellness packages
• Swimming Pool
• Fitness

IV. Primera Luz Resort:

The resort is in Gabaldon, which is around 30 minutes away from Minalungao National Park. 

It offers air-conditioned rooms and cottages.

Amenities:

•  A swimming pool
•  Restaurant
•  Outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

Explore the Best of Minalungao National Park: Top

Things to Do

Most of the attractions of Minalungao National Park involve nature, like in other ecotourism locations.

Explore some of the most remarkable and thrilling things to do in Minalungao National Park.

Swimming

• Are you yearning to take a dip? Well, you’ll enjoy your getaway in this picture-perfect national park. 
• With its calm and crystal clear emerald waters, it will be hard for any Juan to resist taking a plunge into the Peñaranda River. 
• Just remember that swimming there without a life vest is not allowed, especially since the river has some deep spots.
•  However, if you don’t have one, plenty of life vest rentals are available within the area.

Cliff diving

• Climb the base of the limestone formations, and jump into the refreshingly cool rivers.
• Exhilarating, it’s a fun experience that will infuse a dose of adventure into your Minalungao National Park getaway. 
• Remember to exercise extra caution and be responsible for avoiding hurting yourself or others.

Caving

• Explore the national park. It is home to a wondrous cave.
• While it’s a short hike, exploring the cave can be challenging and exciting, with many beautifully formed sharp rocks within the cavern. 
• TIP: make it a point to carry a flashlight.

Hiking

• Hit the 1,000-step stairway that leads to a large cross-perched perfectly atop a mountain. 
• Once there, spend some time savoring the gorgeous views of the beloved Sierra Madre mountain range.
• The hike can also burn a few extra calories. 

 

When to Go: Finding the Perfect Time to Visit the

Park

• The best months for good weather in Minalungao National Park are:
  •  January to April, 
  •  November and December

• On average, the warmest months are March, April, May, and June.
• The rainiest months are July, August, and September.

Weather and climate in Minalungao National Park

• Between January and February, the climate is excellent. At lunchtime, it’s 31°C on average, and it rains about 30mm each month.
• Between March and April, the weather is favorable. The temperature rises to 35°C, and it rains in April about 102mm.
• Between May and October, the climate is passable but still OK. The record temperature this month is 35°C.

Food Trip in Nueva Ecija

DAERRY’S TILAPIA ICE CREAM

Daerry’s Tilapia Ice Cream represents the province’s culinary creativity and innovation. 

• Where to Buy: Central Luzon State University
• Address: CLSU, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
• Contact Number: (044) 456-0107

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MILKA CREM CARABAO DAIRY PRODUCTS

Milka Crem’s carabao dairy products are a great way to support local farmers in Nueva Ecija.

•  Where to Buy: Milka Crem
•  Address: CLSU, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
•  Contact Number: (044) 456-0107

PUNO’S ICE CREAM & SHERBET

Puno’s Ice Cream & Sherbet is a must-visit destination for anyone with a sweet tooth visiting Nueva Ecija. It’s a perfect place to cool down on a hot day and indulge in delicious homemade desserts.

•  Where to Buy: Puno’s Ice Cream
• Address: Maharlika Hi-way, Bitas, Cabanatuan City
•  Contact Number: (0932) 881-4249 | (044) 464-8694
•  GPS Coordinates Map: 15.500274, 120.976994

BEEF BATOTAY & CABANATUAN GARLIC LONGGANISA

Beef Batotay and Cabanatuan Garlic Longganisa are great ways to experience the province’s unique flavors. Additionally, the culinary traditions are a testament to the province’s rich agricultural heritage.

•  Where to Buy: Ka Efren Meat Shop
•  Address: Mayapyap Sur, Cabanatuan City
•  Contact Number: (0915) 202-8454 | (0998) 472-3081
•  Also readily available at Cabanatuan Market