A Day at El Kabayo: Horseback Riding, Hiking & Waterfalls Adventure

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“It’s like I’m a subject in a painting having an amazing time at El Kabayo.” These are the words I could describe about my experience at El Kabayo after having my first horseback riding, hiking and the waterfalls adventure.

 I don’t have any expectation going to this place but the experience and inspiration it gave to me was so huge.

I truly admire the people working at El Kabayo. I’m happy that Wildlife In Need, an NGO that specializes in animal care and welfare is managing the stables and continuously making an effort to maintain the beauty of the place and the horses.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT EL KABAYO?

HORSEBACK RIDING

For an affordable day tour of PHP 100 ($2), one would be able to enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the stables, take a selfie with the horses, visit the Subic Bay EcoTourism Garden and go for a tour on the ranch’s white clubhouse.

For a horseback riding experience, one just need to pay for PHP 450 ($9) good for 30 minutes. The price of the ride varies depending on time. For one hour to a whole day horse ride, it could range to PHP 850 – 1,450 ($17 – $29).

One must know that visiting the stables is also saving the animals in need and supporting the livelihood of Aetas.

I honestly decided to visit this place so that I could feature it, and let other people know that going to El Kabayo is like travelling with a purpose. One enjoys the facilities and at the same time help to nourish this wonderful nature.

HORSE PAINTING

Kids & adults will be able to showcase their artsy with the horses, with this unique experience at El Kabayo. I have not tried this activity as when we went here it was raining and some horses need to rest. But I’m pretty sure this is fun and cool thing to do.

TEAM BUILDING & GROUP EVENTS

For a company looking for an extraordinary activity for its employees, I would say that El Kabayo is a perfect place to be.

The stables lines up popular team building activities and games plus some new and quirky ones featuring their friendly horses eager to join in the fun.

One of the interesting games at El Kabayo is the Horse Scavenger Hunt. This competition would let the organizers prepare a list defining specific items, which the participants seek to gather or complete all items on the list. Absolutely, this could build camaraderie within the team!

Other enthralling events to celebrate in this place are family reunions, group outing, wedding and pre-nuptial photoshoot.

ADVENTURE AT EL KABAYO WATERFALLS

Just 20 minutes’ walk from El Kabayo Stables, I was able to visit the fascinating waterfalls managed by a family of Aetas. Aetas are indigenous people living in scattered, isolated mountainous parts of Luzon here in the Philippines.

It was raining when I had my sightseeing at El Kabayo Waterfalls. And to tell you honestly, on that day the surrounding of the said tourist spot is not that attractive. But our tour guide, Kuya Jovit told us that the falls has a turquoise feature on a sunny period and the plants are well-kept before the pandemic strikes.

Even if we are unable to dive in or swim on the two waterfalls of El Kabayo, I would say that the entrance fee of PHP 100 ($2) is still worth it. For a curious traveler like me, I would pay for the price knowing the effort I put going to the place and also, understanding that the fee is like a small help for the people taking care of the waterfalls so that future generation will be able to use and see it as well.

RESTAURANT NEAR EL KABAYO

After a chill wind of a phenomenal adventure, I believe a perfect way to end a trip is by eating delicious food.

As I like to feature many places in one day, I did a research and found out that there is a unique and nature-centered restaurant near El Kabayo.

Just a 15-minute drive from the Stables, I was able to reach the Magic Lagoon Bar & Restaurant.

The place is so quiet and simple. And the surrounding is calm and very relaxing.

I am happy for the restaurant’s convenient location, and I’m excited to taste their food.

For the main course, I ordered Bulalo, Grilled Squid, Calamares, Pork Kinilaw, Lumpiang Shanghai and for the desert I had the Buko Shake.

To me, I would recommend their Bulalo as it is worth it for a group of 5 persons and their Lumpiang Shanghai is so tasty and crunchy, I also like it. The Buko Shake is also a thumbs up for me however, I think the price of it could be lowered from PHP 170 ($3.40) to PHP 100 ($2) as I know that Coconut in Zambales has a raw price of PHP 30 ($.60). For the price of the restaurant’s menu, click here.

All in all, I had a great experience to this floating restaurant. The ambiance is quite refreshing, a good escape from a city life and their food is satisfying with a sweet touch of a lake view and farm animals.

HOW TO GO TO EL KABAYO?

There are two ways to get to the Stables:

1. By Private Car – From Manila to El Kabayo Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone

• Travel Time: 3 – 4 Hours via SCTEX

2. By Public Transportation – From Manila to Olongapo City

• Travel Time: 4 – 5 Hours
• Direction:
  • Take the Victory Liner Bus at Cubao, Quezon City, then inform the Bus Teller that you will go to Olongapo City (fare: PHP 220 per person)
  • Stop at the Victory Liner Olongapo Station and from there take a jeep (fare: PHP 9 per person) going to Harbor Point
  • Once you reach the Harbor Point, rent a Taxi going to El Kabayo (fare: PHP 100)

It’s was a stupendous day to go in these 3 places at Subic Bay.  I’m delighted to present these spectacular destinations with you all.

By the way, please check out my video for this place on my youtube channel.

See you on another adventure!

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