Zip-lining in the Philippines

CEBU, Philippines - The idea of the zip-line, according to Wikipedia, has its beginnings in the zip-wire used for many years as a means of transportation in mountainous countries. Today, the zip-line lures many adventure seekers. In the Philippines, the mountainous areas that were spurned by their own native inhabitants for economic opportunities in cities are now drawing crowds to their zip-line adventure parks.

Considered an extreme sport, zip-lining appeals so much to the young, and is making the not-so-young and old people interested as well. So long as the facilities are properly maintained and the assisting personnel are well-trained, this new sport can indeed be an experience. It has reportedly been found effective therapy for certain phobias, particularly the fear of heights.

While the sport is still new in the Philippines, the zip-line frenzy has already spread considerably in the country. It has even become a tourism come-on to many places. The website www.thephilippines.com the best places for zip-lining in the Philippines:
Mount Everest Zip-Line
It is found in Salvador Benedicto, Negros Occidental. Aside from the zip-line, the facility also offers camping, swimming and trekking activities. The zip-line here is about a kilometer long and a thousand feet high, enough for adventure seekers to fly by it like Superman or Wonder Woman, for about a minute and 20 seconds. The ‘flight’ takes one from Barangay Igmayaan to Barangay Tuburan; well, the chasm where the zip-line is at is the very boundary between the two barangays.
Balungao Hilltop Adventure
Another famous zip-line is in Balungao, Pangasinan – the Balungao Hilltop Adventure, on Mount Balungao. It is the second longest zip-line in the country. Here, one may not only do the aerial rope slide, but also take the quad bike, bungee trampoline, biking, mountain climbing, and dip in hot and cold spring swimming pools.
Dahilayan Adventure Park
Those looking for more thrill and euphoria shall include Dahilayan Adventure Park in their itinerary. Dubbed as Asia’s longest dual zip-line, it is located in Cagayan de Oro, amid stunning countryside. Here, one may swoop through its 840-meter long and 4,700 feet high zip-line at a maximum speed of 90 kilometers per hour.
The facility has cool and foggy weather most of the year, reportedly even during the hot summer months. The zip-line here is touted to be safe and fun for everyone – a two-year-old and aa 77- year-old grandfather are said to have braved the slide.
Seven Falls Zip-Line
Known as the highest zip line in South East Asia, the Seven Falls Zip-Line is found in Barangay Lake Seloton, at Mountain Log Resort in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. As one ‘flies’ through the zip-line, he or she goes past seven beautiful waterfalls, a fantastic view. The lake shores and surrounding rainforest are home to the indigenous T’bolis, Tinurays, Ubos and Manobos. The zip-line here is at a height of 180 meters and about 740 meters long.
New Israel Eco Park
A great place for backpackers, New Israel Eco Park prides of its 2.2-kilometer zip-line, reportedly the longest in Asia. It is located in Barangay New Israel, Makilala, North Cotabato. Barangay New Israel is found near Mount Apo National Park. The community here was originally established by the Moncadistas, a religious organization. The barangay is the common starting point of a Mount Apo trek. The place is also known for a good population of tamed monkeys, which have been living there for the last five decades at least.
Hoyohoy Highland Stone Chapel Adventure Park
It is located in Hoyohoy, Tangub, Misamis Occidental, and owned by Highland Stone Chapel Corporation Incorporated. The zip-line here is at a height of no less than 850 meters. The location is near Ozamiz City Airport, very accessible for tourists seeking an adrenalin rush.
Delta Discovery Park
It is found in Purok 7, Barangay Bonbon, Libertad, Butuan. The place is also where the Bancasi Domestic Airport is located, making the Park all the more accessible. Moreover, Butuan is the commercial center of Caraga region, with major roads connecting to Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay, Surigao and Tandag. From the zip-line one would see Butuan and the aerial slide is about 1.4 kilometers long, warranting an ecstatic scream.

Balamban – the Outdoor Paradise

Being the Queen City of the South is not the only thing about Cebu. In the periphery of the bustling city are patches of paradise that make the island all the more appealing. White-sand beaches and rich heritage and culture are everywhere – it is no wonder that Cebu ranks among the top five in Condé Nast’s Best Islands in the World.

The vast highlands of the island province also add to its appeal – the mountains, gently sloping hills, caves and rivers serve as gateways to various eco adventures. A short drive from Cebu City is a town rich in eco-adventure possibilities: the Municipality of Balamban.

The one-hour-and-a-half road trip from the city through the picturesque Transcentral Highway is an exhilarating experience of scenic views, cool fresh air, lush landscapes and bird's-eye-views of neighboring areas and islands.  Popularly known as the "Ship Building Capital of the Philippines," Balamban at present has a growing eco-tourism side to it waiting to explored. One can climb Mt. Manunggal and visit the Magsaysay Shrine, savor the famous Balamban liempo, swim at the Cambuhawe Springs, zip line or rappel at any one of the mountain resorts in the area, camp out and reconnect with nature or trek to the Gaas waterfalls.

What’s more to Balamban, soon to rise at the heart of it all is Foressa Mountain Town, a community master-planned by AboitizLand that will redefine outdoor living. Set within 300 hectares of natural terrain, it will be a place where to recharge, renew and refresh the spirit of discovery in its residents.  With this development in the works, Balamban is set to be the next star of Cebu where one enjoy outdoor pleasures right at their own backyard.

More information about the Foressa Mountain Town project is posted at www.facebook.com/ForessaMountainTown and at www.foressa.com. Inquiries may be directed to (032) 411-1623.