GENERAL NAKAR | A first-class municipality in the province of Quezon claimed as the most expansive, covering a sprawling land area of 163,542 hectares from the shores facing the Philippine Sea up to towering mountain ranges of the vast Sierra Madre. A home for more than 30,000 residents and a potential of Quezon Province, the town of General Nakar could be the province’s next tourism powerhouse. Being a first-time visitor to the town, I was excited and thrilled to experience its hidden gems. Not much is written and there are limited online resources about the tourist spots and visitor zones. If you would understand this status, it actually has the advantage of having its natural tourist spots to be protected against the damages of high-traffic tourism.

Having a naturally rugged landscape dominating the town’s landscape, you would imagine rich river tributaries featuring streams of naturally clear waters, towering waterfalls and a teeming flora-fauna endemic within their borders.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS WE VISITED

Having the opportunity to explore the tourist destinations of the town as initiated by their Municipal Tourism Officer, with Sir Jonathan Saynes at the helm of its organization, we embarked on a whole day of activity exploring the hinterlands of General Nakar.

It was an outcast day when we tackled the long road to our first destination, Masanga Point. Aboard our custom-made motorcycle tourist transportation that locals call “habal habal”, we set to an adventure passing through the new General Nakar-Dingalan Road, passing through its quaint coastal barangays. The new road is still under construction, yet, we are able to have. a wider breadth of the road ahead of us, despite the hurdles caused by road developments along the way.

Masanga Point

Located at Barangay Canaway, the Masanga Point is one of the poster destinations of General Nakar that features a natural arch rock formation carved for centuries by a river outlet. Amongst the rock formation is a cave inlet where locals and guests love to explore and swim its waters during calm sea conditions. The beach features dark brown sand mixed with smooth pebbles and sits on a low receding shoreline. Historical accounts dated during the World War mentioned that significant events unfolded here by the American forces. It is said that American ships docked here and unloaded arms to replenish war supplies.

Depalyon Falls

Believed to be the tallest accessible natural waterfall in General Nakar, it features a wide breadth 50 feet tall main cascaded over a deep catch basin. The Depalyon Falls is located at Barangay Sablang and to reach here requires an hour’s trek deep on its forest trail. The footpath begins from the municipal road and would require multiple river crossings of about above knee-deep waters, rock scrambling and tackling the river shoreline. Surely, adventure seekers would love the experience. The trail is overall flat with considerable ascending trails and mostly under tree canopy. A new intrepid course to tackle a few minutes before reaching the main cascade is you have to tackle the huge rock fallout portion which would somehow challenge your rock scrambling skills.

After an hour’s work of trekking, you would be rewarded by the thundering cascade of the Depalyon Falls inviting you to wade its crystal clear and icy waters. This adventure would take about half-day’s worth of time inclusive of the return trek requirement and rest periods. It is highly recommended that you don a trek-worthy footwear during the activity. Bring as well rehydration and snacks to refill your lost fluids and electrolytes.

Pagapeden Falls

Experience an easier trail to Pagapeden Falls, one of the main attractions of General Nakar located at Barangay Magsikap. It features a developed foot trail and the main cascade falls from two identifiable tall tiers flowing through a chest-deep catch basin. This is where you can experience a natural shower under the main cascade without fear of drowning.

The foot trail is fairly flat as well, with only one major ascent section of about a mild incline. The hike time is about 15-20 minutes depending on pace. Most of the trail is under a thick forest canopy, and snakes along the river. There are portions of the trail that ascends high above the waters on about 20 feet or more and provides a panoramic view of the forest and the meandering river.

Pebble Beach and Culinary Journey at Barangay Sablan

Dining under a thatched roof hut facing the Philippine Sea is one of my moments while in General Nakar. The crashing waves and the ocean breeze were the therapeutic elements for my recovering spirit and soul. Before our trek to Depalyon Falls, we have our lunch stop by the sea courtesy of the Tourism Office. They commissioned local businesses to serve meals for visitors and guests.

After a quick rest and stretching, we took the time to check the beach area and we are astounded by the waves that seemingly crumbles the pebbles at the shore. The magical music of waves crashing and the crumbling sound of stones gave us a unique experience of General Nakar. We took photo opportunities on a fallen coconut trunk against the vast Philippine Sea.

Soon, our lunch came and we are served with Crispy Fried Lapu Lapu (Grouper) and its sweet sauce, Pako (Fern Fiddleheads) Salad, Fish Sinigang, Laing and Paksiw na Isda. My personal favourite is their Laing with seafood garnishing and the Pako Salad drenched with a lovely local version of vinaigrette.

TULAOG BEACH

We missed visiting this spot because of unfavourable sea conditions. I wish to be back at General Nakar and marvel personally at this poster destination.

PASALUBONG CENTER

Never leave General Nakar without bringing back take-home treats and gifts from the town. Located right beside the Municipal Tourism Office, the Pasalubong Center is open 8:00AM – 5:00PM from Monday to Friday. On display are products like banana chips, coco sugar, jams, honey, wines, sculptures, ref magnets, keychains, desk organizers, paperweights, hats and shirts.

We just barely scratched the surface of General Nakar’s tourismscape with only a day’s worth of sauntering and exploring. Being the largest municipality by land size in the province of Quezon, but I think in all of the Philippines, there are innumerable destinations hidden deep within its hinterlands. I could imagine picturesque trails and more towering waterfalls unveils as trailblazers go deep within its mountainous core. This is main idea that is why General Nakar could be next tourism hub of the province – its hidden gems truly awaiting discovery.

GENERAL NAKAR TRAVEL GUIDE

INBOUND FROM MANILA: Take a public bus or public van going to Infanta, Quezon via Raymond Bus Lines at the Sampaloc Station. Alight at Infanta Bus Station and charter a tricycle and alight at General Nakar Tourism Office or to your accommodation of choice.

• Travel time from Infanta to General Nakar is about less than 30 minutes. (hourly trip)
• Travel time for a bus is around 5 hours, while via public van is about 3-3.5 hours. Van Terminal is about 5 mins walk away from Bus Terminal
  • Bus Fare
    • Regular Air-conditioned Bus: Php300
    • Regular Air-Conditioned Bus with CR: Php330
    • Ordinary Bus: Php282
  • Van Fare
    • Php350
  • Prices may change without prior notice

OUTBOUND: Charter a tricycle in General Nakar and alight at Infanta Bus Station for Lucena or Manila Bound passengers. There is a separate Public Van terminals plying the Infanta-Manila route. There are Batangas-bound van routes available. Please advise your tricycle driver of your terminal of choice.

Public Transportation

Tricycles are the main transportation vehicles in General Nakar, including their neighbouring town Infanta. You can charter a tricycle in getting your around the town proper. Customized motorcycles are commonly used in tackling the longer and winding mountain roads to the northern and far inland barangays. If you are visiting the tourist destinations, seek assistance with the Tourism Office to connect you with accredited transportation for your convenience.

Private Vehicle Drive

General Nakar can reached from Manila via the MARILAQUE Highway or the Pasig-Pillila-Famy-Real-Infanta route. The Marilaque highway offers the faster route to General Nakar, however, the longer route offers the most scenic with commanding views of the Laguna de Bay.

Consumer Market

General Nakar have a public market beside the Municipal Hall Grounds located on a hilly terrain. The public market has dry goods, common carinderias, and a coffee shop. Shopping Malls are inexistent in the town. There are no mainstream brands, as well, because the Local Government supports and focuses on the businesses owned by their constituents. There are few restaurants that offer delivery service. A lot of local businesses, restaurants, eateries, retail mom and pop stores and whole wide range of shops dotting the downtown area.

Accommodations

General Nakar offers wide arrange of accommodations from budget homestays to premium beach resorts. Below are the top resorts I recommended:

• Mondy & Goldy Beach Resort
• Tropikana Beach Resort
• Kubo Hideaway Eco Park Resort
• Marthe Lance (MRJ) Beach Resort

Mobile Cellular Signal

Both networks have patchy signals and are inconsistent. Cellular Signals get weaker until inexistent as you veer away from the town proper. You may ask your hotel or accommodation for their Wifi connection status before your arrival. But since you may have visited General Nakar to experience firsthand its natural grandeur, would suggest disconnecting and detoxifying your digital consumption.

General Nakar Tourism Office

Visiting General Nakar for the first time? We recommended to coordinate with their Tourism Office and their staff members would be happy to assist and navigate your around conveniently. Below are the contact details:

• Address: Municipal Hall Grounds, General Nakar, Quezon
• Google map link
• Mobile Number: +63 917 709 7463 | +63 921 590 9878
• Landline: +63 42 793 5402
• Official Facebook Page: Tourism Office – General Nakar, Quezon
• Email: tourismgeneralnakar@gmail.com

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our heartfelt thanks to Sir Jonathan Saynes, Senior Tourism Operations Officer and to his entire Tourism Operations Team, for this unforgettable invite to experience General Nakar and its Gapo at Palusong Festival, and to Mayor Eliseo R. Ruzol Sr. for making our experience possible.