HomeAsiaPhilippinesLuzonZambalesSubic BaySubic Pamulaklakin Forest Trail: Jungle survival and lunch beside a fresh spring. 108 shares By Marcos Detourist on December 17, 2012Our 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 SubicSubic Pamulaklakin TrailThe 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 TrailJungle survival trainingDancing 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 behinsFreestyle 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 stemFooling around with the bamboo cupA spoon!Love the patterns on the headbandand 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 riverbanksMid-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 stemsOur 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 leftMore photos of the Pamulaklakin Forest TrailDon’t leave yet. There’s more!Night's Rest at Microtel Inn and Suites Luisita TarlacHigh Point of my Jungle trek to Sohoton Lagoons of Bucas…8 Days North Philippines (Lakbay Norte) ItineraryPampanga: Puning Hot Spring & Sand Spa in Sapang Bato,…Mt. Pulag Akiki-Ambangeg Traverse 3D2N ItineraryCebu to Tubigon, Bohol via Starcraft FerryComments doi saysDecember 18, 2012 at 9:17 pmwaaaah! nagutom ako nung nakita ko yung plate mo marcos! huhuhu. ang ganda ng pics! bongga din ung caterer jan ha. A for effort sa presentation despite being in a jungle! hehehe Marcos saysDecember 28, 2012 at 1:24 amThanks Doi. Oo nga, kudos to the caterers. Rogemar saysFebruary 22, 2013 at 12:16 pmHi sir,pwed po makahingi ng IT at estimated expenses nito? Gusto ko sana subukan mag-solo backpacking. Thanks! :) Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
doi saysDecember 18, 2012 at 9:17 pmwaaaah! nagutom ako nung nakita ko yung plate mo marcos! huhuhu. ang ganda ng pics! bongga din ung caterer jan ha. A for effort sa presentation despite being in a jungle! hehehe
Rogemar saysFebruary 22, 2013 at 12:16 pmHi sir,pwed po makahingi ng IT at estimated expenses nito? Gusto ko sana subukan mag-solo backpacking. Thanks! :)