Why you should vist Mt. Arayat National Park

"Saan tayo?" This question lead people to many unexpected places and sudden adventures.  Now I'm being asked the same question.

Dear Folks,

Me and my friend, just finished our college requirements, but we didn't expect it to be this earlier. And who wants to go home right after that? Some already went to their hangout spots but we're still here outside university, both have no idea where to go. Summer's hellish heat sucks and malls are surely crowded. Beach isn't an option for now, first because of long way there and our money is far from enough. But then an idea we both thought came. It's decided, we're going to Arayat, not just there but Mt. Arayat National Park.

Mt. Arayat is a mystical mountain because it's said to be the home of Mariang Sinukuan, the kapampangan sun god of war. Whilst the park is considered as one of the most accessible national park from Manila. There are various activities you can do to have fun in the park such as swimming, hiking, picnic, camping and trekking. There is playground too with slides, swings, sew-saw, merry-go-round and more.

Entrance fee isn't much, for adults is fifty pesos(P50) while twenty pesos(P20) for kids. They give discounts too for senior citizens and students. We just showed them our school id's and paid our discounted fee.

The fee includes the pool and all except from the rent of huts which costs one hundred and fifty pesos(P150) for the plastic one with monoblocs and two hundred and fifty pesos(P250) for nipa huts.  You can also rent a videoke if you want which is also excluded from the entrance fee.

The people who assisted us in the entrance are nice too and aren't strict. Own food and beverages are allowed to bring, but if you forgot or just didn't bring like us, there are stores inside that sells snacks and drinks. And one thing, alcohol is not allowed.

How to get there? Here:

Since we're in Pampanga already, one bus ride will take us there but if you're from Manila or other place, take a bus going to SM San Fernando or Robinsons. When you arrive at either mall, in front there are plenty of jeeps and buses with signboards Arayat. You choose, the fee is thirty pesos(P30) for bus, and for the jeep just a few coins lesser.

Or if the bus you're in stopped only at intersection, there are jeeps there too and buses at Victory Liner terminal.

Once you ride a jeep or bus, ask the driver to drop you off at Mt. Arayat National Park. Though you won't be at exactly in front of the park, there is a terminal for tricycle. Board one and tell them your destination, Mt. Arayat National Park. The fee is fifty pesos(P50).

To go back, ride a tricycle again. Or you can walk just like what we did. It's not a complete adventure without walking! Right? It's a thirty-minute walk only.  It's way more fun to walk but make sure to be aware of your surroundings. Be safe! 

And now we arrive! The park is wider than we expected. You can have a walk and just feel the greeting of cool wind. It's a place where you can think about life and reflect. The trees are almost covering the park like a roof. Various flowers, yellow, pink, white and more are everywhere. It's relaxing. You can choose anywhere and sit in one of many benches- concrete or wood. And let the environment remind you to live in the moment, in the present.

We didn't swim though, not because we didn't have extra clothes but the pools are a bit jammed.  We didn't expect to see this much goers. I guess the park is this well-known. They have three swimming pools with spring waters down to the pool like falls, no, falls actually. One pool is for children. The design, surrounded with trees and plants and some leaves even directly fell onto the pool, stairs and stone walls around give a different vibe not like others.

After exploring the park, climbing to the grotto, and taking pictures, we decided to go home. I can say the park is a go-to if you want a little rest and relaxation but not really to swim.  Though the place isn't that great of a scene, we had a great moment and a little adventure there. It was a unique trip, still.

Have a great time traveling! Always treasure every moment and step you take.