At times life in Manila can feel like I am punching a time card in Monday thru Friday just so I can clock out on the weekend and flee to the green. We get wound up all week to finally unwind and let ourselves sink into the weekend. The concept of having a day to unwind was sparked by this fascinating piece. This particular day off we let time unfold at our leisure while soaking in Mount Purro Nature Reserve with the ultimate companions.

Our odd pairings for the day were packed lunches, rain boots and bathing suits.

Mount Purro is nestled away in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. While it is a nature reserve it feels more like we crossed the river and were away at grandmother's cabin. Our day of unwinding included short hikes, exploring, lots of swims, yummy food and no busyness!

I don't do any exploring without our yumboxes.

As we scaled the small trail our final destination was the Asian Lounge where kuya dropped us and to my surprise was included in our day pass fee. We had this whole place to ourselves! Around the corner were clean bathrooms, showers and a sink. I am not sure if the television even worked because we didn't escape Manila to be held hostage by the boob tube. :)

You know what they say, 'When in Mount Purro let your toddler play with a large garden knife.'

A sweet little bird in a swing.

Behold, the glorious water that aided in our pure relaxation. Let me be very clear, this was pure relaxation because the kids swam and played with each other while the moms had real conversations. For hours. And hours. It was perfect.

Mount Purro has a lot to offer but we didn't explore much else the nature reserve had to offer because we were so content being here. A visit is always best when it leaves you wanting more and Mount Purro did that for us.

Unwinding with the ultimate companions is always a bonus. Whenever I explore with Alma and her crew I know the day is going to be long and full, in the best way possible. We are going to stretch it out to get the absolute most of our time by squeezing every last minute out of the clock. (ppssst: Alma is the chamber of secrets, she has all the best tips and places over at kidsmorefun.com. Thanks to her for suggesting we visit Mount Purro.)

'Over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house we go.' This song played through my mind our whole lunch. The buffet lunch feels more like a family meal at your grandparents home rather than a paid lunch. The table wasn't just set for guests but for family.

The Christmas decor stole my heart. No one does Christmas like the Philippines.

The open ceramic cupboard and embroidered details were so personal it felt like an invitation. 'Please come visit with your family and love and bond. We want you here.'

Part of the reason our time at Mount Purro felt so leisurely was because of the service. Our bags (and children :)) were all carried for us, the Asian lounge was completely ours and the accomdating ates served our merienda pool side. Our requests were accepted with simplicity and done without fuss. Truly remarkable service is found at Mount Purro.

Jump in ...3...2...1!

No demands were made. No checklists. We meandered and wandered how we pleased. The pool stole the show for the day so after lunch we headed back up for more hours of swimming and imaginative play.

Our poolside merienda of turon, fresh gabi chips and dalandan juice. Salamat ates!

After a day of decompressing in nature with time on our side and great company, we were rejuvenated and ready to punch our time cards again. Until next time Mount Purro. ♡

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Mount Purro Nature Reserve

Barangay Calawis, Antipolo City

To make a reservation: reservations.mpnr@gmail.com

Office hours: M - F 9:00 am to 6:00

Front desk hotline: 542-3005

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For overnight bookings, kindly fill-up our quotation request form so that we may send you a complete quotation. We usually respond to bookings and inquiries within 48 hours. Important Reminder: Filling out of the form does not guarantee a slot.

Monday - Sunday: Walk-in basis only. For groups more than 10 pax, prior reservation is required, ease take note that only cash or cheque payments are accepted on site.

Hike, Eat, Swim

(7 am - 6 pm)

(Inclusive of use of buffet lunch + use of facilities: mess hall, day swimming, free guided hike [refer to schedule], asian lounge, shower facilities, cabanas)

erienda - P100 per serving

dults - P750

Children (3 to 7 years old) - P550

Children (2 and below) - FREE!

chedule of Free Hikes:

5:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 4 PM

(Appropriate hiking gear is a MUST!