Beyond the Saddle: A Sustainable Tour in Subic’s Hidden River

kristina Punzal
2 days ago
3 min read

Tucked beyond the horseback trails of El Kabayo lies one of Subic’s best-kept secrets—Tingtingin River, a quiet sanctuary cradled by the forest and cared for by the local indigenous (Aeta) community. It’s the kind of place where stories are passed down through riverside meals, and where the sound of cascading falls becomes your only soundtrack for the day.

The House Creatives boys taking a quick swim at Tingtingin River or El Kabayo Falls

Where the Trail Begins: A Local’s Hidden Paradise

Long before travelers ever heard about it, Zed had been hiking up to Tingtingin with family and friends. It was their hidden escape. Years later, he introduced Raf Dionisio of MAD Travel to the community, helping plant the seeds for more purposeful tourism. I, on the other hand, first set foot there just two years ago—and I instantly understood why they kept coming back.

A Salo-Salo Before the Hike

Our visits always start with a good old salo-salo under the trees. We usually pack our own meals—grilled fish, rice, and some favorite commercially available dishes—and enjoy them before the trek begins. The trail winds gently through a calamansi plantation, where the air smells citrus-fresh, and sunlight dapples the ground through leaves.

Last December, we were blessed to spend my birthday and Christmas with the family of Ate Erlinda at El Kabayo falls over food, fun, and games.

Tingtingin Falls: Nature’s Private Pool

The first waterfall you reach is stunning—deep, dramatic, and a favorite for the more adventurous swimmers. But our go-to is the upper falls: peaceful, shallow, and perfect for dogs and kids to swim around in. Up there, Zed always plucks a few leaves of pingol bato—a sour native herb used in sinigang—and hands them to curious guests. First comes a nibble, then the inevitable burst of sourness, followed by laughter. It's a small moment, but it always sparks connection.

A Scenic Descent: Picnics, Horses, and 4x4s

On the way down, the path changes. Instead of trekking through an uphill forest, you pass a gentler but more dense trail with open picnic spots and wooden tables, perfect for resting or enjoying lunch with a view.

It's also the same trail where horses from El Kabayo Stables occasionally pass through, carrying guests who opt for a scenic ride. Some even bring their own 4x4 vehicles, making the river accessible for all kinds of explorers.

Farming the Future: Gardens That Feed and Empower

Just across the main entrance area, you’ll find an organic vegetable garden recently built by MAD Travel with the help of student volunteer groups.

The goal? To help the community grow nutritious, chemical-free crops— like bokchoy, upo, pipino, talong, papaya—and connect them (hopefully) with local hotels and restaurants in Subic. It’s one of many steps toward creating a more circular, community-led economy and a sustainable tour Subic model that benefits everyone.

Go Deeper with Purposeful Travel

If you're craving a deeper dive into the land and its people, MAD Travel now offers curated experiences that allow guests to support the community directly while learning from their way of life, like the Feast in the Forest Tour here in Tingtingin River or more popularly known as El Kabayo Falls. But even a simple visit—one where you walk the trails, swim the waters, and share stories over food—can remind you that this place is something truly special.