Camping and trekking near the city

MANILA, Philippines - Campers, joggers, backpackers and mountain bike aficionados who simply love the outdoors would surely love Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI)’s newly-created camping haven that’s located just a few minutes away from the Batasang Pambansa.

In a recent outdoor camping event, FLI executives gave a number of media execs a chance to unwind and experience “The Great Outdoors” at the company’s mountain hideaway called ‘Timberland Heights.’

During the 5-kilometer trek inside Timberland Heights’ pristine mountain trails that followed, the participants were afforded contrasting views of nature and modern civilization, since the mountain trail is still within the borders of Metro Manila.

From the highest peak of this 677-hectare highland territory of FLI in San Mateo, Rizal, trekkers got the chance to see a magnificent view of the city sprawl. It also gave them a chance to commune with nature, to savor its cool mountain air, and to admire the forest’s natural beauty.

“The usual feedback we receive from our guests is that they could never imagine a destination like this, that is just minutes away from Metro Manila, actually exists. The view from Timberland Height’s highest peak is simply breathtaking,” beamed Albert Morales, project group head of Filinvest Land, Inc.

Its ambience and natural elevation also makes the spot a new favorite of joggers, campers, and mountain bikers who wish to take a recreational activity that is not too far from the city during the weekends. The trail, which can be found inside Mt. Maarat but is still within the confines of FLI’s property, is fast catching up among nature lovers and has since become more popularly known as “Timberland Trail”.

The Timberland Trail offers an easy trek that leaves one with the most satisfying view upon reaching the top. It also affords one with a more relaxing stroll rather than a physically exhausting trek. For advanced mountaineers, an entirely more difficult terrain is also available and this is the trail where you get to see a hidden falls.

The falls, although small and simple, actually has a historic relevance to the local community. Some devotees have been using the small river and falls as a substitute river for the holy rivers in their provinces. During the Holy Week, people also flock to this falls to take a bath or to simply have a picnic with their family.

“A number of our guests have expressed joy having discovered that they need not go to Tagaytay or Baguio anymore just to have this kind of scenery and fresh air,” Morales said.

Timberland Heights is currently working on developing the trekking trail for those who want to come in and do trekking in the property. While Timberland Heights is a prime property, those who want to go in there and simply check out the view are actually free to do so.

 “The rise in number of our guests especially during weekends is enough proof of how Timberland Heights has since become a famous spot for joggers and bikers. They can come in anytime and just leave their IDs with the guard,” he adds.

The steady rise in the number of bikers and joggers going to Timberland Heights is not at all surprising, considering its proximity to the city. After all, this latest spot for fitness fanatics is just a mere 15-minute drive from Batasan in Quezon City.

“For now, trekkers, joggers and day trekkers are free to enjoy our site. It’s one of the few places in the metro that is pollution-free. It also comes complete with a relaxing ambience away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city that is just minutes away,” ends Morales.