La Mesa Eco Park: Good Place for Hiking?

I Spent a Day Exploring a Jungle in the City at the La Mesa Eco Park.

I reside in a city where it is frequently noisy. The sounds from the jeepneys are music to me now. But the melody I’ve always wanted to hear is the calm of nature, birds singing, and a gentle breeze.

There is a location in Metro Manila where I can hear that sound, and it is only a few kilometres from home. It’s called the Lamesa Eco Park!

Lamesa Eco Park 

The La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City, has established as the go-to location for Filipino families looking to spend time together in nature while offering a range of recreational attractions.

It was first built in the 1950s but closed due to neglect.

2004 when it was reopened successfully. Thanks to the QC government, the ABS-CBN Foundation, and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for leading the park’s rehabilitation through its “Save La Mesa Watershed Project.”

HIKING 

The word “hiking” conjures up images of mountains in Rizal, but if you don’t want to travel farther, why not try Lamesa Nature Reserve?

A stroll through this 2,000-acre jungle, which is densely forested, will transport you away from the Metro. You’ll be able to breathe in the fresh air and satisfy your desire to go trekking.

Along the route, you’ll witness a variety of exotic flowers, as well as other types of forest plants.

Also, if you’re feeling worn out, you may rest on the benches or sit beside lagoons to meditate or fish. 

100 Steps Staircases 

Unlike Rizal, there is no high mountain to climb here, but there is a 100-step stairway that might be tough to mount. It was well worth the effort; I gasped a lot, but I definitely dropped a few pounds when I went down. 

You will be rewarded with a breathtaking overview of the natural landscape once you reach its peak. Keep an eye out for itchy plants since they may be lurking nearby.

Special Attractions 

When I went here, many attractions were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including rappelling, zip-lining, paddleboat rides, boating, and archery. The location also has not been treated very frequently, which is another reason it has an outdated appearance.

The other facilities, such as the Swimming Pool Complex, Henna Tattoo Stall were likewise inactive.

While the lack of these activities and structures doesn’t make the park boring, it would have been more enjoyable if they had been present.

Fortunately, there was a swing for me to enjoy while exploring. So I was simply swinging and singing whatever came to mind and loving this whole experience. 

Cabanna 

Cabannas may be rented for 500 a day if you need somewhere to stay. It’s warm and calming here, yet we left immediately to avoid being charged. XD 

Stunning View 

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to take some selfies and pictures here because the backdrops are so stunning and would look great on Instagram. The same as when I was resting in their enormous man-made nest.

Stores 

I had a day of mixed relaxation and exhaustion, and by the end of it, I was quite hungry. Thank goodness, I found a slew of sari-sari stores real quick, selling street foods like Kwek-Kwek and Palamig drinks. 

Entrance Fee

Entrance is free of charge! However, a minimum of Php 50.00 per head is required for vicinity maintenance. Ready your government, company, or school-issued ID upon entry.

Also, to maintain social distance, they set a daily cap of no more than 700 persons per day, so hurry and make your reservation through the La Mesa Ecopark now! 

It is located in La Mesa Dam Compound, Greater Fairview, Quezon City. They are open from 6AM to 12NN on weekdays and 6AM to 3PM on weekends.

ECO PARK VLOG

Take a look at this video to see how much I enjoyed my time at La Mesa Eco Park. Also, please subscribe to my Youtube channel and ring the bell for more updates. 

Is it worth the trip?

Yes! My visit to the environmental park was enjoyable, but the other guests’ lack of discipline irritated me. There are rubbish containers all around the place, yet they still litter.

Nature deserves to be treated with the respect it deserves, and I hope that future travelers will treat it with the same reverence.

In the wilderness, you have time to appreciate things money can’t buy, things that belong to everyone; therefore, it is our rightful duty to protect them.

And with that, we conclude our hike to La Mesa Eco Park; For the mean time, please check out other parks in the Metro here.

I hope you’ll join me again on my upcoming travel blog for an even more thrilling ANAdventure! Ba-Bye!