Hiking has become part of the bucket lists of many adventurous people and risk-takers nowadays. With several destinations of tops and tall ends, you name it! From South to North part of the Philippines; modern hikers have made hiking as one of the top trends socially all over the internet.
One adventure ticked off my lists is celebrating my birthday on the mountain and I am so grateful I did a mission hike. Located in Montalban, Rodriquez Rizal, Philippines, a one of a kind and a must see place to experience – Barangay Puray, which I call a hidden place of treasure where natural resources are sheltered and embraced by indigenous residents.
The 7 things to do in this wonderful placed called Puray.
CONQUER THE ROAD BY HABAL-HABAL
The path going to Puray is a variation of rocky, muddy, smooth, slippery, cemented, dry and rough roads. Ride in a motorcycle called “Habal-habal”, attached with an open 6-seater sidecar, customized for heavy loads and designed for gearing a hard trip. A well-balanced and coordinated body, plus a tight grip on the sidecar’s handle is definitely needed during the ride. The driver of the habal-habal will tell you if it’s time for you to get off from the sidecar and walk for a while to make sure of your safety. The 45-minute trek starts when the habal-habal trip ends.
PLAY OLD SCHOOL GAMES WITH THE DUMAGAT KIDS
The locals living in Brgy. Puray are called the Dumagats and there are approximately 60-80 kids just in one area of the Barangay. One exciting thing about playing with the Dumagat kids is that there is no ipad or smart phone (since there is no electricity) in Puray – just simply play whatever is around the dwelling. Whether a bamboo stick, a leaf, sand grains, rocks, an old plastic cup or an empty matchbox, the kids in Puray have their own way of enjoying and having fun. Yes! They still play spider-fighting on the stick and they even have their own version of scooters.
LEARN HOW TO CLIMB TREES
Not everyone can climb trees, but in Puray, it is a different story. Almost every child in this Barangay is capable of tip toeing on the tree trunks. If you’ve never experienced climbing trees before, the Dumagat kids are more than happy to teach you how to get on top of the branches.
FEEDING MISSION. THROW A BIRTHDAY PARTY!
Getting older will never be a bitter event of your life by celebrating your birthday with the kids in Barangay Puray. With a little effort, these children have big smiles on their faces while they enjoy the food most of the people thought to be just an ordinary- every day- food on the table. For these kids, eating a pancit bihon is like heaven to them because it is only during Christmas or special occasion when they get to eat a food like this. Interacting with them is one of the best things to do in Barangay Puray. They will smile, laugh, play, sing, and dance with you even if it is their first time meeting you. Filled with genuineness and full of joy – that is what they have.
OFF THE GRID LIVING
Everything comes from natural resources. Since there is no electricity, the main source of heat for cooking usually comes from the wood. The water tastes really refreshing as it comes from the falls which is used by the residents for washing the clothes, taking a bath, cooking and even drinking. One of the longest and indigent residents in Puray is “Lola Ester”, who built a hand-made hut, made up of bamboo woods, strings and leaf, and combined by stones and other woods from the forest.
JUMP ON TO PURAY FALLS
Don’t even go to Barangay Puray without experiencing the Puray or Panas falls. Going there is a challenge as blocks of rocks and running waters await your happy feet. Nonetheless, for sure, when you finally hear the raging rushes of water from the falls, your body won’t say no to plunge into the waterfalls. Even if it’s cold! With around 10 feet high, you can prepare to thrill and jump on to the falls, which I didn’t do. I chose to jump from a different cliff instead.
CROSS 13 RIVERS AND COUNTING…
On the way to and from Puray is a real adventure since highlighting the journey are countless rivers to overpass. Continue to walk through the waters and try not to count when crossing one river to another. I highly suggest not to (haha). You’ll know when you get there. Just simply enjoy the breeze of the wind and the music of the water flowing on the river until you reach the end and realize you did something really amazing you thought you would never do before!
Special thanks to Sir Jhun for helping the team during the mission hike for the Dumagat Kids.
Beyond the falls and the trails: Seven things to do in Puray Hiking has become part of the bucket lists of many adventurous people and risk-takers nowadays. With several destinations of tops and tall ends, you name it!
