Balungao Hilltop Adventure, Pangasinan’s Thrill
Looking for a new and ultimate adventure?
Thrill seekers will have the time of their lives at the Balungao Hilltop Adventure in the eastern town of Pangasinan, an extreme nature and sports adventure site developed by the local government of Balungao.
Situated at Mt. Balungao Resort,four kilometers away from the town proper, the extreme hilltop adventure boasts of a zipline experience, All-Terrain Vehicle driving, bungee trampoline, hiking or trail walking, mountain biking and five hot and cold swimming pools.
Less than three years after it was opened to the public in 2011, the new adventure site in Pangasinan has gained fame and has been visited by thousands of local and foreign tourists.
Mayor Philip Peralta saw the need to promote the fourth-class town and planned to explore its tourism potentials.
“The initial attraction in Mt. Balungao is the hot spring. We banked on this natural wonder and transformed the place into an enchanting adventure site,” Peralta said.
Peralta said the resort has been a “good karma” for the people of Balungao as it is now an income generating project and is now subsiding the local government for its other projects and programs particularly on agriculture.
Balungao Hilltop Adventure via aropangasinan.blogspot.com
“The income from the resort goes to the coffers of the LGU and the Sangguniang Bayan determines the programs and projects where the budget would be placed,” Peralta said.
Tourism officer Racquel Ceres said the site has a 620- meter long zipline. A longer line, measuring 1.4 kilometers is in its finishing stage and would open soon.
“Our youngest zipline adventurer is a one year old boy accompanied by his dad while the oldest is 80 years old,” Ceres said.
The breathtaking view of Mt. Balungao is a bonus treat once adventurers reach the top and “ fly” over the trees and mountains, she added.
Ceres said safety and security of adventurers come first in the resort. The workers are well-trained on safety precautions and rescue and equipment are thoroughly checked.
Tourists who tried the adventure said the risk is all worth it.
Entrance fee in the resort is pegged at P50 for adults and P25 for children inclusive of the use of swimming pools. The zipline adventure costs P300 and the ATV driving spree can be availed of at P200.
Hikers and mountain bikers will also be accompanied by trained staff.
Groups or teams who wish to stay overnight can do so at the Cabana at P800 per room while cottages and big umbrellas can be rented for P100-P200 only. A function room for teambuilding is also available. (MCA/Venus H. Sarmiento PIA1-Pangasinan)
