2 years ago heard this Matampa Pines which is located at Salay Misamis Oriental and I got interested to visit the place. Aside from the cold weather in the place, they also allowed campers to overnight.
Matampa Pines is a foggy and breezy place where you can visit, relax and experience what it’s like to be reunited with nature under the towering pine trees, majestic view of the wall of mountains, and stunning scenery of the coast with the priceless sunset. Last weekend the traveler family experienced this foggy and beautiful place of Matampa Pines together with our friends. The kids love the big open space for their running and make it their own playground.
The kids experienced how to set up the tent and start appreciating the beauty of the nature gift from God.
The travel time of the little Baguio of Salay from Cagayan de Oro is only around 2 hours max, it depends on the vehicle or traffic. The place is accessible by car, scooters, motors, and even mountain bikes. Any kind of vehicle can enter the Matampa Pines. From the highway, you need to drive around 9.5 kilometers uphill going to Matampa Pines, yes you read it right 9..5 KM uphill. But the good thing about this 9.5 km uphill is from the highway up to the Little Baguio of Salay is all concrete road.
About The Place
You need to discover this enchanting getaway, adorned with picturesque pine forests and embracing a tranquil, refreshing climate, far removed from the urban chaos. It serves as an idyllic haven for delightful picnics, captivating camping adventures, and much more.
The place is perfect for family bonding, Barkada gathering, and overnight, escape from the busy City. The place has a signal but for some locations.
If you planned to visit the Matampa Pines, they are open from 8 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays and 8 Am to 7 PM on Weekends. You can also do overnight at Matampa Pine place which will start from 6 pm up to 10 AM for the following day.
How to Get in Salay Little Baguio
- If you come by bus or van, you will most likely disembark at Salay Bus terminal station.
- You can take “sikad/toktok” to Salay River side 1 and from there take “habal -habal” to Matampa Pines.
- The fare is about Php 100.00 each.
- Or you can ask the bus driver to pull over you crossing Matampa Pines but the only rare you can get transportation “sikad/toktok” going to the Little Baguio of Salay.
Private Cars Tips
For those who travel by private cars
- It is best to make sure your vehicle is in A condition especially the brakes, horns, and radiators as it’s all an uphill trip on a concrete road.
- It is advisable to be at low gear and blow your horns at every curve or turn.
- Use the engine brake when going downhill.
- A sedan vehicle is okay going to Matampa Pines but make sure you are not loaded to avoid problems or trouble because there are uphill curves that you need to lower the gear in order to climb.
You may bring your own food or buy it at stores while still at the Poblacion in Salay. There are picnic tables and a few cottages already available at the pines for affordable fees or rent. The canteen is already available where you can buy some drinks, foods, liquors, or some of the Philippine coffee brands. Matampa Pines has a grilled area if you need to cook some food.
Reminders
- We are all responsible for our own garbage. There are garbage bags around the place and others are beside the cottages. Throw your garbage properly.
- Also, minimize your voice during the night, remember you are not the only person in the area. There are other campers who visit the place to relax and escape the busyness of the City.
Salay Little Baguio Fees
- 50 Pesos Entrance Fee
- Php 200 per table
- Cottages: Day time Php 350.00 (4 pax), Night time Php 350.00
- Overnight Fee: Php 200.00 per person including kids aged 5 years old and up.
- Booking required.
- If you will stay overnight, you will only fee 200 per person + the cottage of 350 pesos.
Travel Tips
- I suggest not bringing your sedan car if you are loaded. If you are using a sedan, make sure you have only 1-2 passengers and light camping gear.
- A 4×4 vehicle or single motor is really advisable to bring, remember it’s 9.5 KM uphill.
- Come early if you plan to overnight and do camping because in the afternoon mostly it will rain and you have difficulty to set-up your tent.
- Bring cash.
- Sleep very late to experience the cold weather and the foggy night and weak-up early to see the beautiful foggy Matampa Pines in the morning.
- They have CR, so nothing to worry about if you have some trouble with your stomach.
Check our video to see what the Matampa Pines can offer to you and to your family.