Whitewater Rafting and water tubing in Magdalena, Laguna

the end point at the dam

Whitewater rafting is still a young water sport in the Philippines. It was first introduced in Chico River in Kalinga Province back in 1997 by three American whitewater enthusiasts. From then other river trails have been discovered. The most famous one is the wild whitewater rafting trail in Cagayan de Oro City province of Misamis Oriental in Mindanao, southern part of the Philippines. But because it is being commercialize and fares are expensive, only few people can afford to go there. But don't be sad because we learned that Magdalena, Laguna has this kind of experience to offer.
Magdalena, Laguna is just 2 hours travel time away from Manila. 


When we arrived in the office of Mr. Raff, the owner of the rafts, there were two jeeps already waiting for us and each jeep has raft on the top load. We were 30 in our group and there are only two rafts available that can accommodate up to 8 persons. So we were divided into two batches. Since I was having a headache I choose to be in to second batch and waited the paracetamol that I took to do its job. The first batch rode the jeeps that will bring them at the starting point. The rest of us rode again our service coaster together with the local guide to bring us at the end point where we will wait for the first batch.

To be able not to get bored while waiting for our turn we did the water tubing. Water tubing is done by riding the 'donuts' or the inner tube while being sweep away by the water rapids. I was hesitant at first but once I tried it, I didn't want to stop anymore. It was so much fun.

The local kids demo it first

My turn :D

I was still enjoying the water tubing when the first batch from whitewater rafting had arrived. They just handed us the life vests and helmets and the guides carried the rafts and then we rode the same jeep going to the starting point.

carrying one of the two rafts

It was Joe's (the white guy) first time to ride a jeep

After 15 minutes jeep ride, we arrived at the starting point.

Ready- Wear your vest and helmet

Set - strap your feet on the raft's floor

Go - start to paddle and maneuver in the river

For me it was not a heart pounding experience, it was chill-ax while slowly paddling in the 3 kilometer river trail. We are in the height of summer that's why the river has low level of water. The rapids were not strong so we were shaking the raft intentionally just to feel the exhilarating rush.

In the midst of our rafting, we stopped over and did the cliff jumping.

Cliff jumping

After which, we continued paddling until we reached the dam, the end point. At the dam we glided through it while still riding the raft just like what we did in tubing.

gliding

The amount of water flows in the dam is controlled so the rapids here are strong. Gliding was the one I enjoyed the most throughout the rafting but I wish that the gliding area was long enough. It feels like your heart is just starting to beat faster when in just split of a second, you have glided already.

When all of us were done, we just stayed for a little more time to enjoy the cool and relaxing water while the others were swimming and doing the water tubing because on that day we will visit also the Lake Pandin in San Pablo, Laguna.

Though it is not a thrilling, exhilarating and heart pumping whitewater rafting adventure like the ones being promoted in prime whitewater rafting destinations like Cagayan De Oro, Davao and Kalinga it was still a good experience especially if you do it with your friends or family. I think it is best to do it during rainy days when water levels are high and rapids are strong.

As of May 4, 2014 package rate is now P750/head from P550. It is inclusive of jeep transportation from town proper to rafting area and vice versa, shower area, cottage, helmets, vest and guides.

For inquiries and advance bookings, you may contact Mr. Raf Bueno at 09282585554 or liked his facebook page at /MagdalenaWhiteWaterRiverRaftingAdventure