Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park Offers Nature Getaway

The Lower Magat Eco-Tourism Park (LMET Park) in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines, has been developed into a significant tourist destination, utilizing a 1,200-hectare forest area. The park offers visitors a variety of nature experiences, including a lagoon, camping facilities, and hiking trails.

Originally part of the 24,000-hectare Lower Magat Forest Reserve, the area was transformed into an ecotourism site after the provincial government acquired it from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 1969 for preservation and development. Today, the park encompasses a wide range of amenities, such as swimming pools, cottages, and recreational areas.

The park's ecosystem is rich with diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can explore varied plant life, including hardwood trees like mahogany and teak, as well as ancient "mother trees." One hanging bridge offers views of lush greenery, while another, named "Lambingan," leads to a flower garden featuring sunflowers and bougainvillea.

The park also houses a small zoo with various domestic animals, deer, guinea fowls, and monkeys, as well as snakes, including an 11-foot Burmese python. The zoo provides sanctuary for a threatened gray-faced buzzard. Visitors are advised against feeding the animals for safety reasons.

LMET Park recommends visits during the dry season, when clear weather allows for optimal enjoyment of outdoor activities like boating on the lagoon and mountain biking. The park features several eco-trails suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Visitors can also opt to camp overnight, with the campsite serving as a venue for traditional Igorot rituals, such as the "kanyawan" feast.