Posts Tagged ‘have fun in the Philippines’

Visit the Biak-na-Bato National Park in Bulacan

BIAK-NA-BATO TOURS

Biak na Bato is a national park. It was declared so by President Manuel L. Quezon in 1937. History has it that Filipino revolutionaries like Emilio Aguinaldo used the numerous caves of Biak na Bato as refuge when they fought against the Spaniards.

Photo from: skyscrapercity.com

The caves of Biak na Bato are no ordinary caves. The caves are beautifully lined with gigantic stalactites and awesome rock formations. Some are even teeming with wildlife. And, there are so many caves to explore! Aside from the dozen or so famous caves, the guides estimate that there are nearly a hundred caves in Biak na Bato.

Photo from: lakwatseradeprimera.com

Photo from: explorephilippines.net

Tourists and nature enthusiasts can go caving by arranging for any of the cave tours that are managed by Biak na Bato guides and the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources). There are numerous cave tours. Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 persons per guide.

Photo from: flickr.com/photos/rosapaulina_anajao/1348349162/

Photo from: flickr.com

How to get there

Take the North Luzon Tollway and exit at Sta. Rita/Baliuag (exit 32A/32B). From the exit, head north along the National Highway towards Plaridel, Baliuag, San Ildefonso (about 28 km). About 7 kilometers from San Ildefonso, keep an eye for a Y intersection. It should have a sign that points to Biak na Bato National Park. Take that road on the right and then, about 1 km farther, there would be another intersection, and the road on the right (eastward) will lead straight to Biak na Bato.

Avoid weekends and holidays! This place is packed with tourists and excursionists and is a favorite destination of school field trips. As usual, we suggest going on weekdays when you may probably have all the caves to yourselves.

Photo from: lakwatseradeprimera.com

Photo from: flickr.com

Biak na Bato National Park is one of the country’s ecological and historical treasures encompassing the southern edge of the Sierra Madre range situated a few kilometers from San Miguel Bulacan. Its name literally translates as “split boulders” taken from its unique rocky environment and caves.

Photo from: lakwatseradeprimera.com

Today Biak na Bato National Park has become a popular tourist destination attracting families who are looking for a refreshing summer retreat as well as busloads of students getting hands-on lessons on Philippine history.

Photo from: naldoandshirl.blogspot.com

Photo from: flickr.com

The park also offers some pleasant hiking trails, waterfalls and hundreds of caves to explore – more than enough to satisfy a day’s worth of exploration for those with an adventurous spirit. There are some interesting rock formations, trails leading to small rivers, green forests and hanging bridges.

Photo from: skyscrapercity.com

Photo from: thinkphilikppines.com

How to get there by bus

Take the bus from SM North in Quezon City en route to San Miguel Bulacan and ask the driver to let you off at the park entrance. You may also rent a private van or FX from here and be prepared to pay more or less P2000.

Sources: waypoints.ph & lakwatseradeprimera.com