White water rafting is an exciting adrenaline-pumping activity one must not missed when in the Philippines. This outdoor activity that makes you shout your lungs out while navigating on a whitewater gets a lot of people hooked. Unfortunately, there are still many who never had a chance to try it due to lack of time or budget to visit the provinces famous for water rafting like Cagayan de Oro, Kalinga or Davao.
Good thing, Camp Allen, a training and development center in Laguna, offers white water adventure in Majayjay & Magdalena, the nearest white water rafting spot off the metro. Now, one can experience the thrill of rafting without going too far.
I was privileged to be one of the bloggers invited by Camp Allen to try this activity. And, for the record, it was my first. Though I’ve been to Majayjay for the nth time for the love of Taytay Falls, I can say that their white water adventure made me want to go back to Laguna even more.
This new rafting activity can be done in a day. Yes, good news for weekend travelers. And, since it's just a 3-hour drive from the city, the earlier you travel the better.
If going direct to Camp Allen, the cost will be 2500 Php/pax. That includes snack upon arrival, transfers from Camp Allen to Majayjay, Trained guides, Use of rubber boat, personal flotation device, helmet, paddle, meal at the take out point and transfer from take out point back to Camp Allen.
If going direct to Camp Allen, the cost will be 2500 Php/pax. That includes snack upon arrival, transfers from Camp Allen to Majayjay, Trained guides, Use of rubber boat, personal flotation device, helmet, paddle, meal at the take out point and transfer from take out point back to Camp Allen.
For hassle free option, you may contact Great Sights Travel and Tours to organized it for your group.
This is the first stop where we pick up rubber boats, helmets, flotation device and paddles.
Then we had a short walk down the river. It took us 15-20 minutes to reach the put in point.
Put in point at Sta Catalina, Majayjay Laguna
Braving the rapids
The 10km stretch was packed with fun and thrill. Full of shouting, paddling, laughing and taking photos.
The water level here is classified as level 3 which means moderate to difficult. Our group experienced a LOT of difficulties with this 21 rapids. Ask them, they’d probably laugh as they remember.
Many obstacles along the passages made me hold my breath in excitement. But I guess, the most difficult yet memorable part for me was when our rubber boat hit a boulder that got us stuck, leaving our boat filled with water. The trained guides told us to abandon the boat while they maneuver. Getting off the boat was harder than I thought. The current was hard to resist, you really need a hand to hold. Good thing the boatmen were alert and they really prioritized the raft passengers' safety.
Along the stretch, there were other spots too that are quite relaxing. You’ll see fishermen. Kids playing, bathing. There were many birds too. And, a stop where you can swim. But please be reminded to always ask someone to watch your back and never underestimate the water.
The 3 hour adventure ended up as we arrived at the take out point where a binalot meal was waiting.
Bloggers Mike and Marco getting off the boat
Blogger friends Aleah and Stacy at the take out point. (Really thanks guys for keeping your cool while I was belting out. LOL)
Binalot meal upon arrival at the take out point
Also, there are enough restrooms that are well maintained at the take out point, so no need to worry. We even stayed quite long for a nice refreshing bath.
To sum it all up, the experience was totally worth to share. And I won’t mind trying it again with family and friends. I am sure the fun will be doubled.
Few Reminders
- Be attentive to your guides' instructions.
- Bring sunglasses.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Wear dry fit or rash guard to protect you from harmful sun rays and or possible bruises.
- Wear river shoes/sandals
- Bring your waterproof cameras, else you may need to secure your gadgets/valuables in a dry bag
- Feel free to appreciate your guides by tipping
Camp Allen also offers team building, leadership trainings, seminars, retreats, conferences and the like. For inquiries, head on to their FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/CampAllen or check the below details.
Contact: 09223375292, (049) 501 6800, (049) 501 3490
Address: National Hi-way, Brgy Patimbao, Sta Cruz Laguna
Website: www.campallen.ph
Great Sights Travel and Tours Corp
Mobile Nos.:smart (+63918) 929-5299, globe (+63917)536-5431 Email: gsttcorp.reservations@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.greatsights.com.ph
Special thanks to Camp Allen and Great Sights Travel and Tours Corp. for hosting this tour. Municipality of Magdalena and Majayjay for the warm welcome. To the bloggers and new friends.
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