Our nature trek along Subic’s Pamulaklakin Trail was one of the more remarkable activities on my travels early this year. The pristine natural scenery was totally refreshing. We even had lunch in the forest beside a freely flowing spring. It was simply awesome!

Fresh spring at the Pamulaklakin Trail in Subic

Subic Pamulaklakin Trail

The Pamulaklakin Trail was located within Binictican Height, a residential complex in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SMBA). We arrived there by Lakbay Norte bus so we got to skip the public commute.

While taking pictures of the entrance arch, a few jeepneys with routes plastered on the signboard passed along the road. I forgot to take note of the route names but I suppose they can also be found loading passengers from the terminal near the main gate of SBMA.

Welcome to Pamulaklakin Trail

Jungle survival training

Dancing aetas, indigenous people living in remote areas of the Philippines, welcomed us during our arrival at the Pamulaklakin Trail followed by an entertaining jungle survival training course slash stand-up comedy performance by Tatay Kasoy, one of the elder members of the aeta community.

The party behins

Freestyle dancing while weilding their traditional hunting tools

Work it!

Tatay Kasoy demonstrated how to a craft spoon, fork, and a cup made from bamboo using his handy machete, then cooking rice with a section of the bamboo stem, and finally, how to make fire with only dried leaves, wood shavings, and friction from the bamboo.

These jungle survival skills were most likely passed down to Tatay Kasoy from generations past. I felt lucky that we became recipients of a part of aeta tradition.

Who knows, it might become handy someday when I get stranded in the woods :)

Tatay Kasoy hacking down the bamboo stem

Fooling around with the bamboo cup

A spoon!

Love the patterns on the headband

and then… there was fire!

Pamulaklakin Forest Trail

“Pamulaklakin” describes a place or thing that is blooming. The trail was indeed blooming with nature’s bounty. My favorite part was the verdant views along the river and the area surrounded by towering bamboos.

Natural spring along the Pamulaklakin trail.

One of the aetas posing for us, top model style.

Lunch along the riverbanks

Mid-way along the trail, we were pleasantly surprised by the sight of dining tables and a buffet spread laid out at the riverbanks. More so when we found out it was prepared for us.

I’ve had picnic meals while trekking on highland areas many times before but it was my first time to experience a well catered meal in the midst of a pristine natural setting.

Buffet table filled with yummy local dishes.

Rice steamed inside bamboo stems

Our lunch was prepared by New Cherry Blossom Catering (Tel no: 047.224.7879/047.223.3283)

Fried tilapia with unripe mango, tomato, onion, and bagoong alamang ( fermented fish/shrimp paste).

My plate ^_^

Quick photo of the dining setting before we left

More photos of the Pamulaklakin Forest Trail