Everybody has a smile on their faces as we prepare to leave Pinagrealan Cave. We can still feel the adrenalin and excitement of spelunking in that historical cave and the "Gray Cave". So to end our Norzagaray Adventure, we made our way to Bakas River Resort.
Located in Barangay Matictic, Bakas River Resort is actually part of the Angat River. It is called Bakas, which means "footprint", because of the rock formations along its riverbank which resembles the footprint of a famous mythical character named Bernardo Carpio.
Just less than three hours away from Manila, Norzagaray can be reach through a bus bound to Tungko. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Jollibee Tungko. Then from there, ride a jeepney going to Bigte Market. You can ride a tricycle going to Bakas River Resort from the market.
Located in Barangay Matictic, Bakas River Resort is actually part of the Angat River. It is called Bakas, which means "footprint", because of the rock formations along its riverbank which resembles the footprint of a famous mythical character named Bernardo Carpio.
Just less than three hours away from Manila, Norzagaray can be reach through a bus bound to Tungko. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Jollibee Tungko. Then from there, ride a jeepney going to Bigte Market. You can ride a tricycle going to Bakas River Resort from the market.
On our case, We met up with our guide Kenneth (contact him through this number: 0926-1241697) who went with us at the Gray Cave and Pinagrealan Cave before going to Bakas River Resort. We also rented two tricycle services for convenience.
The tricycle passed through the main highway, then turned left into a small road before turning again to a rough dusty road where we can see the Angat river at the side. A long line of open huts can be seen along the riverbanks. Vehicles with wet haired passengers passed us along the way which, I suppose, came from the river resort. This place really is a famous swimming spot in Norzagaray. All in all it took us more than 30 minutes to reach the place.
It is already 4 in the afternoon when we arrived at the resort so I decided not to swim anymore. Even if it is already late, a lot of visitors are still arriving at the place.
The tricycle passed through the main highway, then turned left into a small road before turning again to a rough dusty road where we can see the Angat river at the side. A long line of open huts can be seen along the riverbanks. Vehicles with wet haired passengers passed us along the way which, I suppose, came from the river resort. This place really is a famous swimming spot in Norzagaray. All in all it took us more than 30 minutes to reach the place.
It is already 4 in the afternoon when we arrived at the resort so I decided not to swim anymore. Even if it is already late, a lot of visitors are still arriving at the place.
We put our things on one of the vacant open huts that are lined up along the riverbank. One could rent an open hut for 100 pesos. But since we're just staying for awhile, one of the caretakers allowed us to use one for only 50 pesos.
The serenity of the place is very relaxing. Children and their guardians enjoyed playing and swimming around the shallow part, while some adults bask in to the excitement of swimming in the raging water rapids from the deep part of the river.
Groups of people enjoyed eating their freshly grilled food, while others spend their time singing along to the sound of their guitars.
I tried walking in to the shallow part of the river. The water is so clean that I can clearly see my feet underwater. Walking on the sand feels good on my feet too.
Groups of people enjoyed eating their freshly grilled food, while others spend their time singing along to the sound of their guitars.
I tried walking in to the shallow part of the river. The water is so clean that I can clearly see my feet underwater. Walking on the sand feels good on my feet too.
The rock formations which resembles a large footprint can be seen from the other side of the river. Some people climb on top of the rocks to take pictures. I saw brave men dared to jump off of those rocks down to the strong current of the river.
A statue of the Virgin Mary can be seen on one part of the rock formation. Then there were also three statues of Jesus Christ a few steps away from the Virgin Mary. I wonder who built those statues and what do they signify. Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to find information about it from the locals.
I also saw scribbles all over as I look closely on the rocks. Everyone should know about the costs of these vandalism. We can all give respect to this God given place simply by not damaging it. Cleaning the rock's surface and restoring it may also help promoting the tourism of the place.
A statue of the Virgin Mary can be seen on one part of the rock formation. Then there were also three statues of Jesus Christ a few steps away from the Virgin Mary. I wonder who built those statues and what do they signify. Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to find information about it from the locals.
I also saw scribbles all over as I look closely on the rocks. Everyone should know about the costs of these vandalism. We can all give respect to this God given place simply by not damaging it. Cleaning the rock's surface and restoring it may also help promoting the tourism of the place.
This river is also known because of its dangerous strong currents. Visitors have to be extra careful while swimming in those areas. Warning signs can be seen on some parts of the river and lifeguards are also stationed within the vicinity.
Even though the place has grilling stations and sari-sari stores, we didn't find any stores where we can buy food. There is this man who sold us some lumpia but we didn't really find one that sold rice meals or anything like that. It would be a good idea to bring your own food before going to this place.
As the sun starts to set, its golden rays touched the green leafy trees and the blowing wind gets colder. I really appreciated the beauty of this place. Its tranquil scenery really took away my exhaustion from the whole adventure.
But the lack of food got me starving. So after a while, we said goodbye to this peaceful place then head on to a restaurant at the town proper. The whole day activity really ended with a bang. Without exception, our whole Norzagaray adventure is a moment to remember.
Even though the place has grilling stations and sari-sari stores, we didn't find any stores where we can buy food. There is this man who sold us some lumpia but we didn't really find one that sold rice meals or anything like that. It would be a good idea to bring your own food before going to this place.
As the sun starts to set, its golden rays touched the green leafy trees and the blowing wind gets colder. I really appreciated the beauty of this place. Its tranquil scenery really took away my exhaustion from the whole adventure.
But the lack of food got me starving. So after a while, we said goodbye to this peaceful place then head on to a restaurant at the town proper. The whole day activity really ended with a bang. Without exception, our whole Norzagaray adventure is a moment to remember.
This budget covers up our trip to the Gray Cave, Pinagrealan Cave and Bakas River.
60.00 - Bus Ortigas to Tungko
140.00 - Packed Lunch
18.00 - Jeep Tungko to Bigte
15.00 - Tricycle Bigte to Gray Cave
100.00 - Guide Fee Gray Cave
50.00 - Pinagrealan Cave Gear and Maintenance Fee
60.00 - Pinagrealan Cave guide fee (600 for 10 persons)
5.00 - Bigte River Resort Hut rental fee
100.00 - tricycle service from Gray Cave to Pinagrealan, Bakas River and Restaurant
140.00 - Dinner
25.00 - Jeep from Bigte to SM Fairview
47.00 - Bus SM Fairview to Ortigas
TOTAL: Php 760.00
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