La Mesa Eco Park: It's more than just a watershed

It's independence day here in the Philippines and I know, I'm supposed to be in Luneta; celebrating the occasion. But instead, I chose to go nature tripping. It was an unplanned trip and a spur of the moment decision to visit a highly recommended weekend getaway. By visiting the La Mesa Eco Park, you are helping preserve the environment.

Established in 2007, the La Mesa Eco Park is an extension of the La Mesa Dam itself that is the primary source of water in Metro Manila. The watershed is managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and is listed by approximately 300,000 visitors each year.

How to get to La Mesa Eco Park

Public Bus: Take the Fairview/Tungko route and alight at Pearl Drive. Green tricycle at bus stop will take you all the way to La Mesa Eco Park for the amount of P50. Maximum capacity is 5 passengers. If less than 5 passengers, you will still need to pay the P50 fare.

From Munoz market to the watershed, Grab taxi will charge P261(max. of 2 passengers).

The Eco Park is open from 8am-5pm from Monday to Sunday and charges a minimal P50 per head to none QC residents. QC residents will pay P40 and senior citizens are free to enter. For a minimal amount, the whole family can do all sorts of activities within the park. 

Families can either bring or cook their own food inside the park. Designated cooking areas are available as well as sink to fetch water and wash your hands. 

The path leading to the Eco Park...

Pool Entrance Fee:

         Persons above 3ft.          P80

         Persons 3ft and below    P40

Take note that swimming attire is strictly observed and pool admission rates apply to everyone who will enter the pool area, whether they are going to swim or not.

The mini rainforest lies adjacent to the Amphitheater. It is perfect for joggers or those who want to do some side walking after a picnic. Some of the paths within the rain forest are paved while some were created by frequent passerby looking for a shorter way to reach their next destination.

Mini Rainforest

(Above) The mini rainforest of the La Mesa Eco Park came as a welcome destination for someone like me who's still trying to figure out how to work on a simple mobile phone camera. This is my first take on a vertical panoramic shot. :D

Massage anyone? :D

(Above) The  Carigara Blind Massage is located near the entrance of the swimming pool and alongside the fish pond. It can accommodate 4 people at the same time.

Water Biking anyone?

(Below) The stairway leading to La Mesa Dam. I was hoping to freely view and take photos of the water. If I can, that would be the highlight of my visit; unfortunately the gate at the top was closed and picture and video taking was not allowed.

(Below) My persistent nature awarded me with a glimpse of the Dam, after I took the photo, one of the personnel warned me not to take photos of the water. Some say, there's a myth behind the beautiful waters, but I'm not sure.

Taken from the tower supporting the zipline.

Ziplining at the La Mesa Eco Park costs P200 per head. The biplane gives you full view of the La Mesa dam on the left and a good view of the Eco Park on the other side. 

Not the best place to catch a fish for lunch, but it sure entertain those who want to pass the time.

The Fish Pond

(Above) The fish pond is adorned by lined picnic huts on both sides. People can fish on the pond or just rent a family shed for P500 the whole day. Featured below is a shed that can accommodate 8-10 people, but from what I see, some families were more than 15 and they fitted perfectly.

Fun Archery! A hobby that's becoming more and more popular

Care to Bungee Jump? This is the place to start

The Amphitheater

(Above) The Amphitheater looks like a the mini rice terraces and in good days, people set their tents in this area, creating a beautiful, colorful scenery of the place. 

(Below) The Butterfly Sanctuary fine print:

• See butterflies eggs in cluster and glimpse beginning of life
• Watch as caterpillars voraciously devour
• Feel the sensation of a caterpillar crawling on the palm of your hand
• Observe as caterpillars shed their skin
• Witness pupas in hibernation
• Behold as pupas metamorphous into butterflies
• Experience and be a witness to a butterfly's cycle.

The Flower Terraces give majestic view of the watershed fronting visitors. Lined up are different kinds of flowers, balancing the green with a different tone of color. On top of the Flower Terraces lies the La Mesa Dam and its serene waters during the summer.

A view of the Flower Terrace from the Koi Pond where we were seated.

A lot more can be seen at the La Mesa Eco Park, but we chose to visit the most recommended spots within the park. 

Yours Truly :D