San Jose del Monte (SJDM) is a city in Bulacan that neighbors the northern part of Metro Manila. While it is a fringe location of the capital metro, certain parts of the city have developed into a booming community that caters to the needs and leisures of many people.
With many moving into the more laid-back environment of SJDM, growth in the city’s tourism sector also spurs. SJDM is home to destinations perfect for family bondings, friend getaways, and romantic dates.
Here are four nature destinations in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan you should add to your following weekend getaway plans:
The Grotto Vista Resort is a popular destination for pilgrims during holy week and the Feast of the Lady of Lourdes every February 11. Highlights of the resorts include the 14 Stations of the Cross, a rosary hill, the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto Church, and the beloved Lady of Lourdes Shrine.
Grotto Vista Resort might seem like a worship place instead of a weekend getaway spot. Still, the resort has expansive green spaces and thickets of trees that provide a refreshing change of scenery from all the concrete and steel in the city. The grotto is also a great work that incorporates nature, spirituality, and creativity.
Yes, San Jose del Monte has waterfall respites. Kaytitinga Falls is a three-leveled waterfall destination in Barangay San Isidro surrounded by rock formations and a thick carpet of trees. The falls are the perfect spot to find your inner zen, meditate, and detach from city life temporarily. Kaytitinga Falls is also an ideal alternative if you want to avoid commercial resorts, which are often flocked by tourists and locals.
Because Kaytitinga Falls is one of the natural sites in SJDM, going to the area isn’t as accessible as going to your nearest pool respite. It will take at least an hour of trekking to get to the waterfalls, but the journey is worth it as the falls are breathtakingly beautiful. If you’re living in areas like Camella Monticello and are looking for a weekend trip, plan your next hike to Kaytitinga Falls.
Love camping and hiking higher peaks? Mount Balabag is the right spot for you! This mountain peak lies on the boundary between Bulacan and Tanay, so people from both sides can share its beauty and majesty.
Mount Balagbag has challenging trails and a campsite perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature while getting their limbs moving. At its peak, you’ll find stunning spots overlooking both SJDM, Bulacan, and Rodriguez, Rizal surrounded by tall blades of grass and other verdant patches.
Looking for a quiet respite to go to after attending Sunday mass? Padre Pio Mountain of Healing in Barangay Paradise awaits you and your family for some quiet time. This spot is similar to the Grotto Vista, where you have to climb 150 steps to get to the top of the holy hill.
On top is the gigantic statue of Padre Pio, or Saint Pius of Pietrelcina, an Italian priest known to have exhibited stigmata many times in his life. Seeing his statue may remind you that faith and hard work will help people get over their hurdles in life.
SJDM might be emerging as a metropolitan area outside the capital region, but it doesn’t lack natural hotspots that offer city inhabitants a zen and relaxing environment. Plan your next weekend getaway at these four hotspots in San Jose del Monte and appreciate all the beauty that Mother Nature has to offer.
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