Minalungao National Park : Nueva Ecija's Top Tourist Destination

Minalungao National Park is fast gaining its popularity as a top tourist destination in Northern Luzon. The national park is a protected area located in the town of General Tinio (also popularly known as Papaya) in the province of Nueva Ecija. Minalungao National Park covers a total land area of 2,018 hectares and was declared as a National Park in 1967.

Today, Minalungao National Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Nueva Ecija. Visitors come to the park to swim, raft and enjoy the scenery of  the 16-meter high limestone walls and the clear water of the Peñaranda River in between the limestone walls.

On my last visit to Minalungao National Park, I was surprised that it is already that crowded. It was on Friday when I went there but still I have seen a lot of visitors, how much more during weekends. Perhaps,it is because it's summer time. 

I was kinda disappointed when I first saw the area where a lot of cottages were built. It was dirty, crowded and there was a lot of flies flying around. The water where the people swim wasn't so inviting. I thought the trip was a total disappointment but when I started walking around and went to the limestone area, I was amazed. I love the limestone walls and the clear water of the river. It was really nice to finally see it. There were a lot of tourists rafting and swimming around the area but the beauty of the park is still there. It is definitely a picture-perfect scenery.

How to Go to Minalungao National Park?

There are a number of options in going to Minalungao National Park. Here's a suggested way on how to go there the cheapest possible if you are commuting.

From Manila:

Take a bus going to Gapan or Cabanatuan and alight in Bucana (Gapan's town proper). There are Five Star Buses from Pasay and Cubao that goes to Cabanatuan City that passes Gapan, NUeva Ecija. Travel time is around 2-3 hours depending on the traffic situation. Fare from Cubao s P150 and P196 from Pasay.

From Cabanatuan:

Take a bus or jeep going to Gapan and alight in Bucana. Travel time is around 1 hour. Fare fr the aircon bus is P50 and jeepney fare is P35.

From Gapan to Minalungao National Park:

There are two options how to get there. The first and the cheapest option is to take a jeepney from Gapan to the town of General Tinio. Fare is P23 and travel time is around 30 minutes. You may also take a tricycle from Gapan to Papaya and fare is between P120-P150 depending on your negotiation skills. From General Tinio, take a tricycle going to Minalungao National Park. travel time is around 30 minutes and fare is between P300-P400 roundtrip.

The second option (the one I did) is to charter a tricycle from Gapan going directly to Minalungao National Park. Travel time is a little ver an hour. The initial fare that the trike driver asked me was P800 return but I managed to negotiate it to P600 return since I was not planning of staying there for long. 

Entrance fee to Minalungao National Park is P20 and trike entrance is P30 for those coming from Gapan and P20 for trike based in Papaya. 

There are cottages for rent for P300. You may also rent a balsa for approximately P800 depending on your negotiation skills. You will also have to pay P10 to use the CR.

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A Soothing Stay at Microtel Inn & Suites Cabanatuan

Located in a residential community at Sta. Arcadia, Cabanatuan City, Microtel Inn and Suites Cabanatuan is known for its quaint ambience and quiet neighborhood. It is few minutes away from the busy city proper and is accessible by both private and public transportation.
 

Microtel Cabanatuan has 50 air-conditioned rooms which offers chiropractor-approved mattresses, internet wifi access, and private toilet and bathroom with cold and hot water. Microtel Cabanatuan also features a swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Truly, Microtel Cabanatuan is ideal for staycation and relaxation. It is a destination in itself.

Arrival at Microtel

I arrived at Microtel around 6PM and I was immediately greeted by the friendly hotel staff. I immediately noticed the quiet environment of the hotel premises which made me feel comfortable and relaxed. The hotel staff checked me in and provided me with a key card. She also offered a welcome drink before I head to my room.

Upon entering the room, I immediately felt a vibe that I will have a good night sleep. The room is spacious and equipped with two queen-size beds, a cable TV and an aircondioning unit. The mattresses were covered with clean white linens. The moment I was inside the room, all I wanted to do is to lie on the bed. 

The BIG Surprise!

The Hotel Manager, knew that I will be celebrating the eve of my birthday at Microtel. I didn't expect that I will receive a treat from them. It was totally unexpected and I am really grateful of the gesture. Ms. Lita and a hotel staff went to my room and handed me a birthday cake. I was so surprised that I almost cried. I never anticipated that I will receive a birthday treat that night. To all the staff and the management of Microtel Inn and Suites Cabanatuan, thank you very much! I hope to see you again, soon.

A Comfy Bed

I love Microtel's mattress. It's very comfortable to sleep with. I have been to other Microtel Hotels and it's one thing that I like the most. I think it is every travelers desire to have a good night sleep so a comfy mattress is very important. I really had a good night sleep that I woke up late. I was supposed to go out early to explore Nueva Ecija but my bed was so tempting. I ended up staying at the hotel the whole morning. A prefect staycation that was!

Breakfast at Microtel

I woke up quite late so I immediately head to Liquid Bar & Restaurant to take my breakfast. The hotel has a simple buffet breakfast. I ate my food with gusto. It was a simple yet a satisfying meal.

The Pool Area

Before breakfast, I went to the pool area to check how it looks like. I enjoyed staying at the pool area while watching the sun at it rises from afar. The pool was so enticing. The clean and clear water made me want to jump and swim. 

You may ask, is it worth your hard-earned-money to stay at Microtel Cabanatuan? I say yes! As I mentioned above, it is a destination in itself. You can start your day with watching the sunrise at the pool area or jog around the hotel premises or the neighboring community. Then, swim in the pool. Relax in your comfortable room. Enjoy the tranquility of the place. Eat at Liquid Bar and Restaurant. And, to cap the night, party and have a drink at Liquid Bar.

Microtel by Wyndham Cabanatuan 

Sta. Arcadia, Cabanatuan City Nueva Ecija 

Phone Numbers: +63 (44) 958-7777 

Fax Number: +63 (44) 958-7778 

Mobile: +63 (927) 804-2929 

Website: www.microtel-cabanatuan.com 

Email: cabanatuan@microtel.ph 

Like them on Facebook: facebook.com/MicrotelPhilippines

*Thank you Ms. Lita Budomo and all the staff of the hotel for a pleasant and relaxing stay.

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