A sprawling 1120 hectare of land situated on the lower part of the mighty Magat River in Cagayan Valley has been converted into an eco-park, descriptively named Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park of LMET. The eco-park is under the municipality of Diadi, north of Nueva Vizcaya, already bounded by Isabela and Ifugao provinces. This was our playground after covering the Ammungan Festival’s Street Dancing for that day. A much deserved brief respite at the heart of a forest.
Back to Nature
It took about an hour’s drive from Solano before we reached the entrance of Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park. From the national highway, we got off the road and into a dirt path cutting through a forest abound of gmenilas and other trees. The provincial government acquired this land from DENR in 1969 to preserve and develop this place as a high-end back-to-nature park. It was only 2005 when development started, and from the looks of it, the process was slow but surely doing well.
At the moment there are already lodging facilities in the area for people staying overnight. We stayed at Yakal Hall, a two-story building with several spacious and comfy rooms with a small veranda at the back. Other interesting lodgings are the Isanai-inspired native houses which looks very charming. There are also Ifugao houses nestled on a hill enclosed by trees for those who want to experience staying in their traditional hut.
Eco-adventures
The Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park already have established trails to explore and it can easily be done on foot. There’s the fishing area and soon to be a site for a floating restaurant. Past that area is a small serene lake with native huts one side people can stay overnight. A small pier gives a offers a closer look at the lake. I also like how LMET have landscaped the surrounding area with a variety of plants and flowers to give it color. It became my favorite spot at the park. They do have to do something about the power lines obstructing the view.
Just at the opposite side of the lake is a nice moderate-size swimming pool simply for splashing around. It is divided into two with the deeper 5-feet pool on one side to the shallow kiddie pool on the other side. The place really has so much potential I wish we had more time to explore the area. There are hiking trails for those who want to explore nearby hills also for bird watching. Mountain biking is also ideal but as of now it’s best to bring your own bike. Huge camping grounds and pavilions for family or company retreats. To those who really nature escapes or outdoor enthusiast, Lower Magat Eco-tourism Park
Essential Information
How to go to Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park: From Solano you can ride any of the following:
- Jeep bound for Santiago
- Bus bound for Tuguegarao or Santiago
- Van bound for Santiago or Cordon
Tell the driver to drop you off at San Luis, Eco Park, just after Diadi National High School and the DENR Check Point. Transport fare ranges from Php 40-50. From the National Highway, it is still 1.2 km away to the park. If there are tricycles, take a 5-minute ride for Php 10 per pax. Other wise take a 15-minute walk to the park proper.
| Entrance Fees | |
|---|---|
| General Admission | Php 50 |
| Senior Citizens and Peopke with Disabilities | 20% Discount |
| Group of 20pax and above | 10% Discount |
| Children 6 years old and below | Free |
| Parking Fee | Php 20/24 hours |
| Accommodations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Room Type | Capacity | Rates |
| Log Cabin/ Narra Hall | 10 pax | Php 5,000 overnight |
| Mahogany Hall | 5-7 pax | Php 2,000/ room overnight |
| Yakal Hall | 3-5 pax | Php 3,000/ room overnight |
| Native Kubo-Type Houses | 5 pax | Php 500/ overnight |
| Isinai-inspired Houses | 5 pax | Php 1,000/ overnight |
| Governor’s Cottage/ Red Lauan | 5 pax | Php 1,000/ overnight |
| PEO’s Cottage/ White Lauan | 5 pax | Php 1,000/ overnight |
| Governor’s Cottage/ Red Lauan | 5 pax | Php 1,000/ overnight |
| Pavilion/ Acacia Hall Rental | Php 500/hr, Php 2,500/day | |
| Activities | |
|---|---|
| Picnic Huts | Php 150/day 8am-5pm |
| Swimming Pool Entrance Fee | Php 50/ person |
| Boat Joy Riding (4pax per boat) | Php 100/hr |
| Fishing at Bingwitan Pond | Php 50/ 3 hours |
| Animal Zone | Free |
| Other Fees | |
|---|---|
| Photo/Video Coverage for Bridals, Birthdays and the like | Php 1,500 |
| Location Shooting/Filming | Php 10,000 / contract |
| Camping (3x3sqm space) | Php 25.00 area |
Lower Magat Eco Tourism Park
Contact: Ms Nonette Parucha
Mobile: 09274874217
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
