Nueva Vizcaya: Malico Pine Forest

When my sister chanced upon me browsing through my Malico Pine Forest pics, she said the place looked like a scene from the Twilight series. Well, I dunno if it is just me or if there is anybody else for that matter that can't relate but I never really followed that series. I mean, although I am aware that there is a Team Bella or Team Edward, I guess I have outgrown Count Dracula or the Teenage Warewolf, so the entire Twilight thing is a little alien to me.

Finding Dong Ho

But if Malico Pine Forest could very well imbibe the eerie atmosphere of a vampire movie, then all the more, this is one great place to visit whenever you crave for that foggy feeling sans the fear of having your blood sucked.

Guard Dog

Barangay Malico is about 10 kilometers from Imugan. You need to rent a jeep from Imugan that will lead you Barangay Salacsac which is the jump-off point for the trek up Malico Pine Forest. In Salacsac, you could check out the Strawberry Fields and other vegetable crops grown in the area. Too bad, that when we got there, the strawberries have just been harvested so the field is just bleak brown.

Dried Tiger Grass

From Salacsac, it is about two kilometers trek to Malico on a dirt-path road. On a sunny day, you will have a refreshing view of the vegetable farm nearby and the Sta. Fe proper from afar.

Master Lagalog in Action

On a clearer day, you could even see glimpse of Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan below but it will only be temporary because come midday, the path to the forest will be enveloped by fogs. You will literally feel the air brushing through your skin and all you will see will be the pine trees and other woods that will eventually be enveloped by fogs.

Siopaotonic's First Time

The first time I went there was with Ferdz, Oggie and Erick where we had our lunch on the valley covered with dried pine leaves. This time, we went on the very same spot to find that nothing has really ever changed. I guess, in this part of the world, time ticks very slowly to the point of standing very still.

The Road

With the recent exposures that Malico as well as Salacsac has been getting nowadays, it will only take time before backpackers as well as weekend travelers will flock the place. Hopefully though, the clean and peaceful ambiance of the place remain. And for the visitors, just remember to keep the place clean and leave nothing but awesome memories of your travel in the place.

View from Lying Down

And by the way, I don't mind missing out on the Twilight series as long as I am traveling and going on places such as these.

Do check out other amazing places as contributed by other bloggers here.