PILAR, Bataan, March 11 (PNA) — Thrill seekers and nature enthusiasts can now take part in a unique, exciting and exhilarating tree-hopping adventure in the province.
Situated near the breathtaking falls at the Dunsulan Park below the historic Mt. Samat here, the first tree-hopping adventure in the province is now open to public.
Rev. Fr. Renato Calumpinay, assistant parish priest of Pilar, blessed with Holy Water by the hopping from the first to the last landing pad situated in six century-old forest trees about 20 feet high from the rocky ground.
The big crowd from below cheered heavily as the priest followed by Pilar Mayor Alice Pizarro reached every landing pad until they rappelled down.
A few meters away is the majestic Dunsulan Falls with nature-curved beautiful rock formation on its sides.
“Exhilarating, too exciting! This is where you will appreciate the value of health because if you do not have strong body and have a nerve, you will have a hard time with the obstacles especially at the start. Praise the Lord because He gave me strong body to enjoy life,” the priest said as he went down rappelling in the last lap.
Pizarro said they wanted to maximize the use of Dunsulan Park and finding ways for visitors and her constituents to enjoy the natural beauty of the place.
As to the century-old trees used in the undertaking, she said that they made sure that the forest trees are well-protected.
“There are bumpers, which are also woods, placed in order not to hurt the trees,” Pizarro said.
Introductory price for the tree-hopping adventure is P250 but to be increased to P300 by April.
The municipal government operates the tree-hopping adventure as well as the 420-meter zipline which are adjacent to each other.
Package deal is P600 for both zipline and tree hopping adventure.
For the zipline alone, the fee is P350 per person.
“There is no age limit as long as the tree-hopper can reach the harness. It has safety features so no need to worry,” the mayor said.
“It was a nice experience. This is a challenge for senior citizens like me,” said 62-year old Pilar Vice-Mayor Marino Caguimbal.
The first leg is the 17-meter upward walk to a 30-degree inclined Hanging Stairs followed by an 11-meter walk to a single rope one at a time at the Elvis Dangle, then to an 18-meter walk like a monkey on a single wire with both hands on cable wire on each side known as Monkey Bridge.
The longest but seemed to be the most enjoyable and fastest to hurdle is the Surfing Board Swing where the tree hopper uses flat surfboard to travel 35 meters of zipline. The easiest part, on the other hand, is the last leg where tree hoppers walk on a 15-meter Hanging Bridge then rappel down the last landing pad.
A path leading to the park is accessible even to persons with disabilities. (PNA)