Before the year ends, let me share with you our trip to one of Rizal's finest places.
Instead of throwing a birthday bash for chi (my hubby), this year we decided to have a family trip to the nearest place where we can have a unique experience. My searching brings me to this place in Baras Rizal called "Balconahe Nature Camp", I found it in Air BNB and decided to book a 3 days 2 nights stay after reading so many good reviews about it.
Another good thing is having a near falls that is not yet discovered by many people, which they called "Palo Alto" falls, it's perfect for me since I always wanted to see falls and experience swimming on its natural water.
So here comes our trip, morning of September 7, 2018 which is the exact day of chi's birthday, we went to Rizal via commute, the easiest way from our place is by going to cubao and riding a UV express going to Cogeo. From there, we ride a jeep bound to Sampaloc, Tanaay and drop in front of Balconahe Nature Camp.
Prior to riding a jeep bound to Sampaloc, since we passed through Cogeo market, we decided to buy extra food and snack for our 3 days stay, not the main food though, cause I already read that Balconahe serves delicious but reasonable priced dishes, so I intend to try every meal. :)
Reaching Balconahe Nature Camp, the vibe is already relaxing, we even saw some kids sliding in front of the Balconahe's gate using "karton" since the way is slant, you know? the old way of sliding before slides are invented. :)
Anyways, about the place, it is beautiful as it is in the pictures. A perfect place to bond with your family and the nature. They have no wifi and TV in there, which is cool since you went there to relax and bond.
They have only 3 glass cabanas covered with curtains, which means only limited guests can stay overnight so it won't get crowded and to make sure guest can truly enjoy the place and relax. Just to let you know, we are the only guest that day so we get to enjoy the place on our own.
They have a large common area just beside the pool which really looks like a spa, there are sofas, pillows everywhere, hammocks and tables/chairs all around the place so you can choose where you'd like to eat, relax and even sip your coffee.
Since we arrived there at nearly 5pm, we just roam around, take pictures and rest a bit then order our dinner. we order beef caldereta (180php) and chopseuy (180php), serving is already good for 2-3 persons, and there rice is priced at 25php. The review that I read is indeed true! Food are delicious and worth every penny that you'll be spending. It's just unfortunate that during our visit they don't have a stock of brewed coffee which they usually served unlimited to the guest.
That night, we just have a bonding over movies since I brought my laptop and sleep early since we are planned to visit the Palo Alto Falls the next morning.
We woke up at around 7am and order breakfast, around 9am we went to Palo Alto Falls which is jeep and tric away from Balconahe nature camp, jeepney fare is 9php, just tell the driver that you are going to Palo Alto falls and he'll drop you at the tric terminal, tric fare is 70php one way, I really enjoyed the tric ride as we pass through a farm like places where you'll see a lot of cows and goat travelling together and eating grass. Really feels like you are in a place far away from urbanization. Just don't forget to get the tric driver's cp number so you can text him to pick you up, there's no other way to commute back aside from that.
Reaching the place, there is already a counter there where you can pay your entrance fee, entrance is free if you're not going to swim but you only have 15mins to explore the place, while you have to pay 100php, a small fee to take you to an amazing paradise. There are also cottages you can rent for a fee, we did not get a cottage anymore since we are planning to stay there only for a few hours because we only brought snack in case we get hungry while swimming.
As per the signage, you have to climb 129 steps to reach the Palo Alto Falls, and mind you, it's not tiring at all, our 10 years old son is even taking a video as we climb because every sight in there is amazing.
Getting at the top, we are wowed and stop for a minute just to stare at the falls. There's only 1 group of friends with us that time so we really enjoyed the place just before other groups arrived around noon.
The water is cold but not as if you can't swim, it is very natural and weather is so fine that day which makes me very thankful because a storm just passed by before that day.
It was very peaceful hearing the sound of nature and feeling the natural air of god's creation. I can never ask for more than a perfect trip like that.
After 3 hours of enjoying the Palo Alto Falls, we decided to descend and have our lunch, good thing there is a small carinderia in the tric terminal. Manang even gave us Guyabano for free. :)
As we go back to Balconahe, we decided to get an enjoyful dip in their cleaned pool which is filled with natural water coming from the falls which they only filter before the water reached the pool. By that time there is already another family check in the room beside us as kuya said when I asked him yesterday if the other rooms are booked.
That night we ordered there chicken and fries for dinner, they have some snacks there like biscuits and crackers available for sale, they even have a beer so me and my hubby decided to have some beer while watching movie in there common area.
The next morning, we ordered their Beef bulalo which is unquestionably delicious. We swim again at the pool before getting ready to go home.
May I also commend this 2 kuyas that makes a big part of making our stay perfect. They are very accommodating, polite and are always ready to assist on your every needs. They are also the one who cooks the delicious dishes.
By the way, the morning before our check out time, I met the owner's tita (Marc's tita) and she was very accommodating too, she even asked us how was our stay in their place.
All and all, our trip to Balconahe Nature Camp and Palo Alto Falls is one of the best trips I had this year. Truly mesmerizing and relaxing. Thank God for his beautiful creation. :)
