Minalungao National Park

Minalungao Overview

Minalungao National Park, known in Filipino as Pambansang Liwasan ng Minalungao, is a striking natural reserve located in the municipality of General Tinio in the province of Nueva Ecija, north of Metro Manila in Luzon, Philippines.

Covering approximately 8.9 square miles (23 square kilometers), the park was established in 1967 to preserve the rich biodiversity and unique geological features along the Penaranda River. It is most famous for its towering limestone walls that flank the emerald-green river, forming a breathtaking canyon landscape that draws both local tourists and nature enthusiasts.

The terrain of Minalungao National Park is shaped by dramatic limestone formations, rugged riverbanks, and forested hills that roll into the Sierra Madre mountain foothills. The Penaranda River cuts through the heart of the park, with its clear waters carving a path between vertical limestone cliffs that rise up to 16 meters high.

These rock walls form narrow gorges and shaded corridors, creating one of the most photogenic river landscapes in Central Luzon. The surrounding forest consists of a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, along with patches of bamboo, wild grasses, and flowering shrubs that thrive in the park’s tropical climate.

Wildlife in the park includes a variety of birds, reptiles, and small mammals adapted to the riverine and forest environment. Kingfishers, herons, and swiftlets are common along the riverbanks, while bulbuls and Philippine tailorbirds flit among the trees.

Monitor lizards and snakes may be seen sunning themselves on warm rocks, and frogs and insects are abundant near the water. Though large wildlife is limited due to human activity and the park’s size, the area still serves as a habitat for local species and a corridor for forest-dependent animals from the nearby Sierra Madre range.

One of the most popular features of Minalungao National Park is the limestone gorge itself, which can be explored by bamboo raft or by trekking along the riverbanks. Visitors can swim in the cool, clear waters of the Penaranda River, enjoy cliff jumping in designated safe zones, or simply relax on the rock platforms.

The park also features a hanging bridge, scenic view decks, and the 1,000-step trail leading to a hilltop cross, which offers panoramic views of the park and surrounding countryside. Caves within the limestone cliffs can also be explored, adding to the park’s adventurous appeal.

Visitors engage with the park through a wide range of outdoor activities including swimming, rafting, hiking, cliff diving, spelunking, and photography. Picnic huts and open spaces make the area ideal for family outings and group excursions.

Local guides and boatmen assist tourists in navigating the river and ensuring safe access to the park’s main attractions. The ease of access from Manila has made Minalungao a popular weekend destination and a model for eco-tourism development in the region.

Conservation efforts have focused on managing visitor numbers, maintaining cleanliness, and preserving the natural features that make the park unique. In recent years, increased tourism has brought challenges such as littering, erosion, and unauthorized construction.

However, collaborative efforts between local government units, tourism offices, and community stakeholders have led to clean-up drives, infrastructure improvements, and environmental education programs. These initiatives aim to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect the park’s ecological integrity and scenic beauty for future generations.

Park Map

Minalungao National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Minalungao National Park, located in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, is a stunning natural destination in Central Luzon known for its emerald river, towering limestone cliffs, and verdant lowland forests. Centered around the Peñaranda River and its dramatic karst formations, the park is home to a variety of native and endemic mammals and reptiles that thrive in its mix of forest, rocky outcrops, and riverine ecosystems.

Philippine Warty Pig (Luzon subspecies)
This wild pig forages along forested riverbanks and limestone ridges, digging through soil for roots, tubers, and fallen fruit. It plays a vital role in seed dispersal and soil regeneration within the park.

Philippine Deer (Luzon Brown Deer)
A shy and mostly nocturnal browser, this native deer feeds on grasses, young shoots, and forest vegetation. It is typically found in quieter parts of the park and around forest clearings.

Philippine Long-tailed Macaque
This intelligent and social primate is often seen in groups near the river or forest edges, foraging for fruit, leaves, insects, and freshwater crabs along the Peñaranda River.

Common Palm Civet (Musang)
A nocturnal and solitary mammal, the palm civet roams limestone forests and caves, feeding on fruit, small animals, and insects. It contributes to forest health through seed dispersal.

Philippine Forest Rat
This native rodent inhabits the park’s undergrowth and rocky areas, especially near caves and streambanks. It is active at night and feeds on seeds and small invertebrates.

Tokay Gecko
A striking and vocal nocturnal lizard, the tokay gecko clings to rock faces and tree trunks, hunting insects and small animals. Its distinctive “to-kay” call echoes across the limestone cliffs.

Common House Gecko
Frequently seen near park structures and limestone formations, this small gecko is a nocturnal insectivore that helps reduce mosquito and pest populations.

Water Monitor Lizard
Often seen basking along the river or near caves, this large reptile is an opportunistic feeder, consuming fish, frogs, carrion, and small animals. It is a powerful swimmer and climber.

Skinks (Various native species)
These small, sleek reptiles are active on sun-warmed rocks and in the leaf litter, feeding on insects and larvae. They are quick and important for insect population control.

Reticulated Python (possible presence)
This large constrictor may inhabit forested and riverine zones. It preys on birds, rodents, and small mammals and typically stays hidden in dense undergrowth or cave entrances.

Birds

Minalungao National Park also provides excellent habitat for a variety of birds, particularly those that favor limestone formations, forest edges, and riparian environments. Many native and endemic birds can be spotted along trails, cliff faces, and riverside trees.

Philippine Bulbul
This common forest songbird is active in the park’s mid-canopy and edges, feeding on fruits, insects, and nectar. Its bubbly song is a constant in the early morning forest chorus.

White-eared Brown Dove
A ground-dwelling endemic dove that feeds on fallen seeds and fruit in shaded areas. Its soft, cooing call can be heard near forest paths and riverbanks.

Philippine Coucal
This secretive bird stalks prey such as lizards and insects in dense underbrush. Its deep, booming call is one of the park’s signature sounds during quiet hours.

Tarictic Hornbill (Luzon subspecies)
Occasionally spotted in mature forest patches, this frugivorous bird plays an important role in seed dispersal. Its honking calls carry across the treetops.

Guaiabero
A small green parrot endemic to Luzon, the guaiabero feeds on fruit and flowers in the canopy. It is often seen in pairs and heard through high-pitched, squeaky calls.

Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker
A small, active woodpecker that climbs tree trunks in search of insects. It is a frequent member of mixed-species flocks and often heard softly tapping on bark.

Barn Swallow
Seen swooping over the river and open spaces, this insectivorous bird catches prey in flight and may nest on nearby rock faces or under eaves of park facilities.

Lowland White-eye
These small, social birds move in flocks through forest shrubs and low trees, feeding on nectar, fruit, and insects. Their constant chatter adds to the liveliness of the park.

Philippine Serpent Eagle
A forest-edge raptor that hunts snakes and lizards in open areas and along limestone ridges. It soars overhead and is often heard before seen.

Swiftlets (Cave-nesting species)
Nesting deep inside Minalungao’s limestone caves, these small birds navigate by echolocation and feed on flying insects over the river and forest canopy.

Minalungao National Park is a breathtaking natural retreat—where emerald waters, limestone towers, and lush forest converge to shelter a vibrant mix of Luzon’s native wildlife, offering visitors a glimpse into the delicate balance between rock, water, and life.