A Day in Nuvali

"NUVALI is a haven where man and nature co-exists." 

Well this is according to Nuvali's official site, but I can assure that it is true. Last May 15, 2016, together with my high school buddies, our nature-tripping plans finally became a reality. I have heard about the place from a friend (which is overly talked about in social media) but never intently visited their website. So in short, I only expect to see a lake, trees everywhere and food stores.

NUVALI ECO PARK

Guided by nothing but our whims to reach the place, we found ourselves in Alabang. We went to Festival mall because they have UV express vans there that are bound to Sta. Rosa, Laguna (the location of the park) only to find out that we need to wait until 10:30 am (we arrived there at around 8am). So we immediately set our feet back on track and walk our way to Starmall Alabang. At the mall's terminal, we found a van with a signboard: PASEO / NUVALI LAGUNA. Thank God! We hurriedly fit ourselves inside and paid 50 php. 

So how to get to NUVALI: At Starmall Alabang terminal station, ride a van with a signboard: Paseo / Nuvali / Sta. Rosa Laguna and pay 50 pesos :)

It was a 30 to 45-minute ride and the driver will drop you off in front of Nuvali's entrance (you just need to cross the street). There's no entrance fee! You'll find a lot of food stores inside and they also have a mini bazaar (which I think opens at night) in the middle of the food hub. 

A nice view of the lake

I think that's where the sanctuary is located... but we failed to explore that area of the park.

We were lost on what to do. We don't have any idea, honestly (That's why you need to really take time to read write-ups, articles and blogs---like this one!). But since we haven't taken our breakfast yet, we looked for  a good place where we can eat. We settled with Reyes Barbecue. 

YUP, we ordered java rice only. 

AND THIS, according to their menu, is good for eight people. OH COME ON! For 1,600 pesos?!

I honestly didn't loved the food there. Like yeah, they aren't bad at all, but the servings are too small and the price pf what we've ordered was definitely unreasonable. It's better to just storm inside 7-11 and grab some noodles and rice meals instead! hahaha! Anyway, so we continued walking, while thinking about the activities that we can do inside the park. 

KOI fishes! You can actually feed them :)

PERFECT for a museum tho. This one is really beyond creative.

OH THERE'S A TREE! *amazing race-like running skills* Whew! shade at last!

TRYING to remain in-style though I'm sweating like an open faucet inside -_-

It was a pretty huge place. But because it was very hot that day, oh no, that term is not appropriate...EXTREMELY HOT! (more realistic) we are starting to get so tired after a walking a few meters. And so we looked for the mall, SOLENAD. 

HOW'S IT ABLE to balance itself? Physics huh? :)

A PARK INSIDE the mall, perfect for family bonding :)

As our body temperatures returned to normal, we started planning. ALAS! while searching on Google, I found a site that mentioned something about CAMP N. It offers challenges like wall climbing, rappelling and a chance to experience the roller coaster zip line. Without any hesitations, we went straight to the mall's terminal station and looked for a coaster that could take us to Camp N. 

How to get to CAMP N: From Solenad (A mall inside Nuvali), ride a Nuvali coaster. Fare is at 20 php only.

After 15 minutes, we reached the entrance of Camp N . And spent the entire afternoon (up to 4:30 pm) inside the camp, screaming at the top of our lungs! We paid gazillions just to scare the hell out of our souls. But it was fun! A must-try!

YEAH! Welcome to Camp N! A place for the brave souls!

Errr..mam, you can't use the facilities because you're not in proper attire. I was like: OMG -_-, alright *strike a pose* KIDDING!

We went back to Solenad Mall to eat, but then finally decided to visit Paseo (food / shopping hub) and dine at Mang Inasal :) TIP: Get the number of the van / coaster driver so he can just pick you up after your adventure at Camp N.

It was a tiring yet memorable experience indeed! But what we failed to try are the following activities:

• LAKE ACTIVITIES (Water-taxi ride for 30php/head round trip, Fish feeding for 15php/bag of feeds)
• BIKING (rent a bike for 60php/hour, a valid ID is required)
• BIRD WATCHING (inside the Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, no entrance fee!)

Operating hours is DAILY, from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm

Make sure to bring your family and friends along! Have a closer bonding with nature and shake the stress off of your sleeves! 

So much for this amazing one-day adventure, I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I did enjoyed the experience! 

Wanderlust satisfied once again, yay!

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