Unwind Amidst Natural Beauty at WK Forest Reserve and Campgrounds in Tanay, Rizal

WK Forest Reserve and Campground is a beautiful natural retreat located in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines. This forest reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is a popular spot for camping, trekking, bird-watching, and other outdoor activities such as star gazing and astrophotography. The campground offers basic facilities such as restrooms and showers, and visitors can pitch their own tents or rent one on-site.

Experiencing nature anew at WK Forest Reserve and Campgrounds

WK Forest Reserve and Campgrounds has quickly become a favorite among 4×4 enthusiasts. The site is only accessible by hiking, motorbike, or a 4×4 vehicle. During the summer, experienced drivers can also bring their 4×2 SUV. The campsite provides a safe and secluded location for camping, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns and main roads. There are three different types of camps to choose from, with two of them having access to modern toilets and outdoor shower facilities.

The Open Camp, located closest to the toilet, is an open area that provides the perfect opportunity for star-gazing. The Forest Camp, situated just above the Open Camp, offers plenty of trees for shade and a refreshing breeze to enjoy while lounging in your hammock. The newest campsite, the Overlooking Camp, provides an incredible view of the mountain range and river.

Q&A with the owners, Wendy Ang and Kristina Bascon

What made you decide to open a camping site?

In contrast to other countries, we have limited access to natural and safe campsites here in our own country. For instance, the United States offers plenty of National Parks where you can camp with minimal environmental impact. Why can’t we do the same here? We realized there are few local spaces or campsites where you can truly immerse yourself in nature, such as a forest. We found that camping without electricity or Wi-Fi is more authentic, allowing us to disconnect from the outside world and be present at the moment, fostering positive mental well-being. In today’s digital age, we find it challenging to take a break from our devices and engage in meaningful activities. As individuals in the digital industry, we can attest to this. Camping has been a valuable tool in recharging and focusing our minds, leading to better health and overall well-being.

Our second consideration was preserving even a small piece of land and helping the locals generate sustainable income. When we first arrived in the area, it was evident that farming was the primary source of income for the locals. However, their farming practices involved cutting down and burning trees, which is detrimental to the environment in the long run. Only a portion of WK has been converted into a natural campsite, and we are currently developing a portion for farming while leaving the rest untouched for the ecosystem to thrive. From the beginning, we have strived to be inclusive in our approach.

What is your favorite aspect of camping and overlanding?

For the past three years, we have actively pursued overlanding to relieve stress, spend time with like-minded individuals, and promote environmental awareness. So many of our fellow overlanders are on the front lines of disaster relief efforts, and contributing to such a noble cause has made us feel more appreciative, grounded, and connected to our community. This is why we love this activity so much.

Another aspect we enjoy about overlanding is the opportunity to experiment with different camping gear and explore uncharted territories. The sense of wonder we experience when venturing into unknown areas and stepping outside our comfort zones is indescribable.

What is your most memorable camping experience?

Each camping experience is unique and memorable, but our first time at the Overland Expo left a lasting impression on us in terms of preparedness. We quickly realized that our equipment was too basic for the two-day event. The heat was intense, especially from noon until 3 PM, and there were no toilets or bathing areas available, only a river that flowed toward the lake. Moreover, the temperature dropped drastically at night until the early morning hours, which was quite challenging. It was a fun and valuable learning experience despite being hard for a beginner. We thought we were fully prepared but were not, and we found it hilarious in hindsight.

The second experience was almost a month-long camping trip around the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada. It was our first camping experience outside our country and one of the most difficult we have ever had.

What qualities do you think a camper (or overlander) must possess?

Keeping one’s sense of wonder alive is essential because that’s where adventure and discovery lie. It’s easy to become complacent and think we know everything, especially if we’re familiar with a particular activity or sport. Therefore, we must strive to maintain a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences.

Moreover, we must be flexible because things can go wrong no matter how much we plan. Being adaptable and willing to adjust our plans when necessary is crucial.

Patience is also important to cultivate as we spend time in nature. We must understand that nature has its own timing and processes and is never in a hurry. Everything unfolds beautifully according to its season, and we must learn from mother nature. Our ancient philosophers emphasized that “patience is a virtue,” especially when camping or overlanding.

Finally, we must always respect the environment, locals, and fellow campers or overlanders. We share this world with others, and it’s our responsibility to treat them and their surroundings with the utmost respect.

What advice would you give to new campers and overlanders?

Overlanding may look glamorous on social media, but it requires stepping out of your comfort zone every time. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re curious enough, take it one step at a time. Purchasing camping gear and preparing your vehicle for overlanding can be expensive if done all at once, so it’s best to start with what works for you. Avoid the temptation to bring every piece of camping equipment you think you might need. As you gain experience, you’ll realize that some things are unnecessary. While getting caught up in worrying about what could go wrong is easy, don’t forget to enjoy the journey!