(UPDATED 2023) CALBAYOG ZIPLINE : An Exhilarating 750-Meter Zipline Experience of Gliding Above the Ocean to Another Island

This adventure happened on my first solo travel to Calbayog. I visited some of the city’s historic sites which were well-preserved and maintained, explored two majestic waterfalls and experienced the exhilarating and fulfilling zipline adventure which I’m going to tackle here in this blog. Unfortunately my trip went wrong for I misjudged my trike driver. If you’re curious about my solo Calbayog travel, here’s my previous article.

Related post : Exploring Calbayog : My First Time to Travel Solo…And What Went Wrong?

Meanwhile here’s my zipline adventure memoir.

Upon arriving at Brgy. Malajog where the Calbayog ZipLine and Malajog Ridge Nature Park are located, I was greeted by the accommodating and attentive staff who assisted me in everything I was going to do in this adventure. (Big thumbs up for their services👍) After I registered my name in the logbook, signed a waiver and paid for my ride, the staff also asked me about my health if I was physically ready to avoid any unpleasant incident that might occur.

And then, there was a brief orientation about the policies, rules and regulations before proceeding to the zip line. The guide also shared some information about the place. One of the things I learned was that, this Calbayog Zipline was the first zipline ever constructed in SAMAR in Region VIII.

The Trek in the Ridge

Before I reached the zip line launch deck, I had to climb the 915-meter steep ridge in Malajog, uphill and downhill. It was almost a one-kilometer hike. I found the trek exhausting even though it was not difficult since the trail was already cemented and developed. There were even hand railings along the paved stairs. The way was also covered with shades from the forested area in the ridge. There were limestone outcrops along the trail which fascinated me because they were not destroyed but rather left alone in their usual state, I guess.  Here are my photos, I just screenshot these because I was filming the whole time.

I was literally out of breath when I reached the summit. But the spectacular view of the sea, the Daraja Islet and the beach in Malajog diminished my tiredness and later made me feel calm and relaxed. I was in awe with the scenery that made me forget the coming frightening thrills of riding a zipline.

The Zipline Experience

Nervousness struck me when it was my time to ride. I was so nervous that I wanted to pee. But luckily at the top, near the zip line launch deck, there was a comfort room. So yey! I had nothing to worry about where to pee, lol.

When the staff started to put gears on me, I heard the rattling sounds of the metals and carabiners. I could feel the tightness of the harness being attached to me. And when I was lifted to a superman position I saw the whole view up front and down below! That’s when I started to freak out! 😫 I never thought that the height of 57-meter above sea level to the platform was so deep. It scared me! It made me really anxious. It was so deep that I wanted to yield to this whole zipline ordeal. I have no phobia in heights but I have a fear of falling (or basically this may be the same thing with heights, lol). 😂The sight made my heart beat fast and my hands sweat profusely!

On the positive side, I was still delighted with the staff in the zip line launch deck because they didn’t push me or make me feel like I was rushed. They just waited for me to be ready physically and most especially, emotionally. .

 And so it happened!!!

I was indeed tense and my body was stiff as they released me. I was so frightened that I wasn’t enjoying my ride at all. Just look at this face, HAHAHAH! I wanted to cry and I wished that I would arrive at the landing spot immediately and get out of this incredibly terrifying situation right away.

But then again I wanted to make this experience memorable so I just let go of my fear and embraced the challenge! I was literally shaking as I freed my hand from holding the harness. I spread my arms and flew. Eventually I enjoyed the cool breeze, the stunning scenery and everything that I experienced as I glided over the ocean until the end of Daraja Islet where the the crew waited for my landing. The fun it gave me made me realize that I was mistaken in wishing beforehand that this experience would end, I wanted more of this zipline adventure, haha!

Finally, I was able to tick this off in my bucketlist. This adrenaline pumping adventure in Calbayog shouldn’t be missed because it is such an exhilarating and fulfilling experience. I never thought I would be able to overcome my fear. I was glad I did it and not let my fear drown me.

The Quick Tour in Daraja Islet

Upon arriving in Daraja Islet, I had to wait for other zippers (persons who ride a zip line) because I will be joining them in the boat ride in going back to Malajog. While waiting for them, I took the opportunity to roam around the islet. The island coastline is composed mostly of limestone rocks and pebbled gray sand. The scene might not look marvelous compared with the fine white sand in other beaches but the island has clear waters and a stunning view.

Moreover looking from afar, the island seemed to have two tiny mountains covered with bushes and trees. It was just enchanting to look at. A little island with two tiny mountains or somewhat like a mother mountain/hill and a child mountain/hill, isn’t it cute! 😍HAHA!!!

I wonder what’s in the underwater world of Daraja Islet. It would have been great to take a quick dip. I would love to explore more but there was not enough time as it was now time to leave.

THE FUNNY PART_{^{( Well, I find this funny🤣.)}}

The advantage of being fat…yes I’m a flabby chubby woman hahaha! 🤣 I was able to push through to the last part of the zip line where the crew was waiting. And these two zippers got stuck about 50 meters from the landing deck, and they have to be rescued. So a member of the crew attached himself with harness to the cable wire and dragged them down to the end. I guess my heavy weight enabled me to reach the end. haha 🤣 Just kidding… I asked the staff why it happened. It was because the strong wind battled against the gravity of the weight of the zippers. And that was why, they got stuck.

MALAJOG BEACH

This is the beach of Malajog where the boats dock. You can really tell in the photo that a lot of people go there to go swimming. Malajog beach, also called Look Beach, is one of the frequently visited beaches in Samar. It has gray sand and clear waters.

I MADE FRIENDS

These are the two zippers who got stuck in the zip line. They were my companions in the boat ride. I instantly made friends with them. The perks of traveling. 😊 In a strict sense, it was not really solo travelling because somewhere along the trip, I was able to interact with people, and was lucky enough to become friends with some of them.

THE VLOG

So before I end this blog, I’d like you to know that I made a vlog about my exploration around the town of Calbayog including my zipline experience. I apologize in advance for my awkwardness, but believe me I tried.  I’m not good in speaking too, so please bear with me. HEHE 🙂 .If you do like my video don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBm_O45IgHnPoqBPuB0v21g .  Thank you so much. 🙂 ♥

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT AND WHERE TO STAY IN CALBAYOG

Check out this link : Exploring Calbayog : My First Time to Travel Solo… And What Went Wrong?

HOW TO GET THERE

For more information,inquiries, latest news and updates about Calbayog Zipline, visit their FB page.

Calbayog Zipline and Malajog Ridge Nature Park

Disclaimer : This information was taken from the FB page of Calbayog Zipline and Malajog Ridge Nature Park.  I give my credits to the owner.

Location : Barangay Malajog is 16 km north of Calbayog City Proper.

🚙     When you are in Tacloban City, you may drive or take a van that travels to Calbayog City.

🚙     When you are in Catarman, you may drive or take a van that travels to Calbayog City through the Lope de Vega Road.

🚙     From Allen, you may ride a van that travels to Calbayog and tell the driver that your drop off point is Brgy. Malajog or the Calbayog Zipline.

🚙     When you are in Calbayog City, drive 16 km north to Barangay Malajog for 30 minutes; or from the bus terminal, take the red-colored Motorcabs (locally called center-car) bound for Barangay Malajog. Fare is Php 25.00 per person.

Schedule of Operation

⏰     During summer time, the zip line is open on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

⏰     And now that summertime is over (it ended on June 12) it is now back to normal operations which is Saturday and Sunday.

⏰     Walk-in guests are welcome and may arrange for a special schedule or book in advance by calling Calbayog City Tourism Office through these numbers:

📞    0960-214-6409

📞    0917-566-2564

📞    0917-272-5291

You can make an appointment thru their FB PAGE Calbayog Zipline and Malajog Ridge Nature Park

Rates:

💰      Php 300.00 for seated position

💰      Php 350.00 for Superman

💰      Php 20.00 trekking only

All-in Entrance, trekking, zip line ride, boat ride, tour guide.

Latest News about CALBAYOG ZIPLINE

✅ Facebook Page: CALBAYOG CITY TOURISM OFFICE

✅ Location : Nijaga Park, Gelera St., Calbayog City, Calbayog, Philippines

✅ Email Address: calbayogtourism@gmail.com

TIPS AND TRICKS

💡      Please be advised that this zip line adventure may be delayed or cancelled in case of heavy rain, strong winds and rough water in Malajog Beach. And if there is an overflow of guests, cut-off time may be earlier than previously announced.

💡     Wear comfortable clothes, shoes or trekking sandals because you will hike through an almost one- kilometer ridge. Bring water for hydration and trail snacks for energy booster.

💡    Bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s hottest rays. You are going to hike, ride a zip line, then ride a boat in this adventure where you might get sunburn. Travelling is fun, but always protect your skin from the harsh heat of the sun. Always use sunblock before sun exposure. In my case I use Sevensense Sunblock Spray because it’s handy, non-sticky, fast absorbent, white pigment free and preservative free.

💡      In case you bring a lot of stuff, you may leave your valuables to your guide. He/she will just wait for you at Malajog Beach.

💡      There is an age limit of 15 years and older. The ride will take an average of one minute.

💡      Leave no trace. Let us be responsible travellers. As a kid, I was taught by my mother to keep my trash inside my bag. I have made that a practice up to this day. It’s just a simple act but has a great impact for the environment. Just bring your trash and throw it to the garbage bin if you find one. Please… It’s just as easy as a snap of the fingers.

💡      Enjoy the ride. Drop the fear because fear is just temporary and regret is forever.