Lanipao Rainforest

Although the Philippines has been known for its tropical climate, Filipinos are still fond of summer. We welcome one of the warmest seasons like how people from colder countries do. And since it’s the start of summer, travelers and beach bums are starting to work on their to-do-lists because in the Philippines, summer means party.

Well, I’m not much of a traveler but I love the beach like a free meal. I love the sea, its musky smell, its brilliant color under an afternoon sun, the feel of the shifting sand beneath my feet and finally, the awesome bodies scattered everywhere like trash. Uhm, I don’t mean dead bodies, I’m talking about sexy things.

Now to be fair, let me tell you what’s on my summer bucket list for the last decade: 

1. Beach, 2. Beach, 3. Beach.

Isn't it exciting? Well, I’m always excited to go to the beach and get burned regardless of my current relative mass. There is something about summer that changes a person's mood or aura in a more positive manner. It doesn't only change a person's personal outlook, it also intensifies jubilant atmosphere that we already have. I, for one, involuntarily turn into a masochist during summer, beating myself up with ultraviolet rays (so help me God). 

But just a week ago, I decided to give my bucket list a little revision.  Just for a change.  I wanted to do something new or go to a different place other than the beach. Maybe go to a lake or mountain climb or maybe just do a simple road trip. But I know road trips will always lead me to the beach. Luckily, a friend told me about a place near the city where we can hang out with and have our summer kickoff. 

The place is located in the mountainous part of Guadalupe, Cebu City called Lanipao Rainforest, a twenty to thirty minute drive from Guadalupe proper by motorcycle locally known as habal-habal.  Fair is between forty to fifty pesos depending on how good you are at haggling. 

So to satisfy your curiosity, here are some amateur photos we took with my cheap camera.

This is the gated entrance. We were greeted with huge trees, thick bushes and fresh mountain air. The entrance doesn't have a doorbell you really have to call the caretaker out to be able to get in.  At the left side are outdoor wood log table and chairs. At the right side of it is the base of a mountain.

This is the right side of the entrance. The edifice serves as the front office.

This is the opposite side of the entrance. The blue tin roof under the mango tree is actually a tree house  where 

the the caretaker lives. The garden pavilion is for their pets.

And this is me doing selfie, trying to get a full view of the entrance but failed. Those colorful objects hanging on the tree are Christmas lanterns. Maybe the caretaker got too lazy to took them down.

Some potted flower near the gate added serenity to the surroundings. 

We had to go down by this concrete stairway in order to access the first  swimming pool.

This castle-like deck serves as the base of the twin slide towards the first pool.

This is one of the cottages/kiosks made of nipa and bamboo. It will cost you ₱250 for a day and ₱1200 if you wanna stay overnight. 

This is how the kiosk looked like up close. Very typical and user friendly.

This is how the first pool looked like from our kiosk. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get its width and depth because I wasn't actually planning to post this.

From our cottage, we had to take few more steps to reach the first pool.  

My friends raised their arms while enjoying the slide and I still don't understand why they had to show their underarms.

This is how the slide looked like when viewed from the pool. What's so special about this is unlike most slide, this was supported by the ground itself going downhill.

This is how the edge of the pool looked like. The pool itself was surrounded by canopy of native trees. The tree in the photo is called Star Apple, locally known as Kaimito. 

The area is enclosed with mountains on each side and is practically surrounded with variety of plants and trees in all shapes and sizes. You can even see huge chunks of limestone everywhere. 

A late afternoon view of the place when viewed from a higher ground. Lanipao Rainforest was mainly located at the very edge of a stream in Sapangdaku, Guadalupe. When we got their the stream was all dried up so I don't know how it is going to look like when there's water in it.

The kids pool is located at the lowest part of the area. The pool were divided into three parts according to depth. The largest cottage can also be found at the lowest level opposite to the pool.

On the photo is a huge rock in front of the kids pool. As I have mentioned earlier,  chunks of rocks can be seen everywhere because the place is a part of a dried up stream.

This is the full view of the lower east side of the place. At my back was supposed to be the bottom part of the stream.

Taken in the lowest part of the place nearest to the stream with part of the larger cottage seen on the photo.

The place also has playground for kids. On the photo is a playhouse made of wood and plastic which is great for toddlers and even bigger kids.

This green and yellow binoculars added more fun to the amenities.

The kids playground, although underdeveloped, is promising.  It can surely be one of the place's highlights once it will be fully developed.  This kids section is soon to have zip line for kids and motor rides. On the photo is an iron swing connected to the playhouse. 

This is a four-seater swing which grown ups can also enjoy. It is located within the kids playground.

This wooden bench is so elegant and classic we couldn't help but took a  picture of it. At my back is a cliff  enclosing the playground.

In the opposite side of the place across the stream, adjoined by an iron bridge are two developing villas. They are going to be fully furnished cabins with small kitchen and two rooms for ₱4,500 a night and each is good for six persons.

This is the front view of one of the villas. The exterior part were designed to look like round timbered walls but they're actually concrete walls at a closer look. 

This is the villa's interior. On the photo is one of the rooms located at the upper part of the house. It is designed to maximize space which is good for small houses like this.

On the photo is the kitchen and the bathroom. 

This is the marbled stairs from the villas to the bridge. And since there's an ongoing construction, wood pieces, ropes and water hose can be seen here.

If you are a nature lover or a conservationist, this place is just right for you. It's so peaceful and relaxing, all you ca hear are the whistle of the wind, the rustles of the leaves, the birds, the water and your own voice. It is also great for recreational activities. Just be careful with your kids on those rocky slopes, concrete stairways and the stream especially on rainy days. And one more thing, you must bring enough foods because there are no nearby stores and the place itself only offers soft drinks and ice. The area is a dead end so if you don't have a car, make sure to tell the habal-habal driver to take you back to Guadalupe church on a specific hour. 

My overall experience with Lanipao Rainforest was great with the place's unique feel and the presence of my fun loving friends.  

Basic Expenses:

₱8.00 - jeepney to Guadalupe church

₱100.00 - habal-habal (back and forth)

₱50.00 - entrance

₱250 - daytime cottage 

Rates:

₱250/day - cottage or kiosk

₱1200/night - cottage or kiosk

₱4500 /night - villa (good for 6)