Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Camp Allen Majayjay Laguna White Water Rafting Adventure: Level 3 with 21 Rapids So Near from Metro Manila

          I've been wanting to try white water rafting for so long.  When we went to Sagada, the it was summer and drought season so we couldn't do it.  So I was really excited to find out that you can try a Level 3 White Water Rafting Adventure with a total of 21 rapids in Majayjay Laguna.  Level 3 makes it safe for anyone (even those who can't swim) at least 15 years old (maybe even younger depending on the built) to try it.  The river is 5-7 kilometers long  (10 kilometers if by land) and transverses across two towns: Majayjay and Magdalena.  We tried it around October which was a good time as water level was average.  Like any white water rafting adventure, its best to try it during the rainy season.

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
            Travel time from Manila to Camp Allen in Majayjay Laguna is only 2.5 to 3 hours depending on the departure time.  According to Great Sights Travel and Tours, the travel agency tied up with Camp Allen, they can accommodate customers from 6 am until 3 pm.  But, if you want a day trip, it's best to leave Manila around 6 to 7 am to avoid traffic. 

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
We signed this prior to our White Water Rafting Adventure
            Camp Allen's package is only 2,500 php/person inclusive of 1 snack at Camp Allen, 1 lunch meal, transportation from Camp Allen to the White Water Rafting Adventure site, use of safety gears, paddles and rubber boats and shower room.

white water rafting adventure near manila
             From Camp Allen, we were transported to a remote site where we were required to use their new and hygienic helmet (free size) and life vest.

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
            Then, we boarded a jeepney on full-gear with paddles and our rubber boats tied on the roof.

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
            After around half an hour, we arrived at the Majayjay Eco-Adventure Park which is a rocky area were we were told that we will hike down the river.

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
            Camp Allen has already developed a pavement which not only made our trek down easy, it also helped residents of around 15 barangays in the area.

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
           Don't forget to apply some sunblock before embarking on your trek as the sun gets more intense as later as it gets.

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
      Soon, we arrived at the river bed where our boat men were already set up and took us as passengers. 

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
          And, so our 2.5 to 3 hour went on... No one can really predict what the natural river has in store so it was a very exciting adventure.  During our course, we had many stuck moments.  We even had to go down from our rubber boats twice.  One of my boat mates was thrown out of the boat when we hit a huge rock.  Bad not to worry as she was protected by our safety gears and quickly aided to our rubber boats once again by our boatmen.  We actually laughed a lot about that.  And, that made our trip very memorable. 

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
        A smooth but bumpy flow on the some of the 21 rapids was fun too.  We were energetically, paddling, laughing and screaming on the first 15 rapids but became drained out with the succeeding ones.  We also had a time to swim which was my favorite part.  The current was a bit challenging on some parts but its perfectly safe.  If you can't swim, keep your life vest intact.

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
         So we would say that the adventure was just right (not to long... not to short) as we were relieved to reach the Camp Allen viewpoint at the Magdalena Eco Park.

white water rafting adventure majayjay laguna
          And, this is our view from the hut...

camp allen white water rafting adventure
          After appreciating the view, we were all set to have our lunch.

camp allen white water rafting adventure
Chicken Adobo
              We were given two options: Chicken Adobo and Pork Adobo.  Both were wrapped in banana leaves with a large amount of rice and hard-boiled egg.  Boy!  It was so heavy that I failed to finish it despite my intense hunger.

camp allen white water rafting adventure
Pork Adobo

justin vawter camp allen white water rafting adventure
Justin of Justinvawter.com ready to munch! *some unwatermarked photos are credited to Justin!
Yummy!!!

camp allen white water rafting adventure
            Camp Allen had Ifugaos build their rest room and the rest of the compound so its has a nice native feel.

camp allen white water rafting adventure
Male Restroom
          They had one for the males and another for the female.

camp allen white water rafting adventure
          Aside from that, there's a separate shower room for males and females in a few distance away.

camp allen white water rafting adventure
Clarrisa and Aleah in the Female Shower Room =) *some unwatermarked photos are credited to Clarrisa!


camp allen white water rafting adventurecamp allen white water rafting adventure
            The shower room had clean cubicle aside from the shared showering area.

camp allen white water rafting adventure
       Some of us were on to swim again with the locals in the river bed by the shower area.
 


Majayjay Laguna 
majayjay laguna
             We had a couple of side trips along the way.

majayjay lagunamajayjay laguna
             We were welcomed by Major Rodillas and got to appreciate one of the Philippines oldest church" Saint Gregory the Great near the Majayjay's city hall.

majayjay laguna
            We got to see a few old houses too which was cool.
            Overall, we Travel Tripsters highly recommend the Camp Allen Majayjay Laguna White Water Rafting Adventure for everyone!  It's accessibility from Metro Manila makes it one of the best options for an unforgettable experience. 

Things to Bring:
  • Sunblock
  • Comfortable clothes 
  • Swim Wear
  • Waterproof Footwear
  • Waterproof camera and dry bag
  • Drinking water
  • Towel and change of clothes
How to Go To Camp Allen: (see map below for reference)
  • Commute: Bus from Buendia to Laguna
  • Private Vehicle: take the SLEX and go straight to the end of the express way and head to Calamba exit passing through Los Banos, Bay, Victoria, Pila and Brgy. Bubukal Sta. Cruz intersection (go straight instead of right to Sta. Cruz town proper and left to Liliw) where you will see Camp Allen situated on your left side.
  • Book transport with Great Sights 
Great Sights Travel and Tours Corp
Mobile: (63918) 929-5299, (63917) 536-5431
Email: gsttcorp.reservations@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.greatsights.com.ph
Camp Allen Majayjay Laguna White Water Rafting Adventure
Address National Hi-way, Brgy Patimbao, Sta Cruz Laguna, Philippines
Budget Per Person 2,500 php Camp Allen Map
Payment Options Cash

Operating Hours Monday to Sunday:
(even holidays)
 8am-3pm
Reservation Required Yes
Contact  (63922) 337-5292 |
campallentdc@yahoo.com|
 Facebook Fan Page |
 Website