One of the things I miss the most about traveling is hunting down unique beers you can only find in specific destinations. We used to enjoy biking in the Timberland area before the pandemic hit, but sadly most of the bike trails (Blue Zone, Green Zone, etc.) through the regular route up the Wall are no longer accessible to mountain bikers except for special events.
I really wanted to revisit the area just to try out Brusko Craft Beer, the in-house craft beer served at Camp Sandugo, a popular biking and camping destination in San Mateo in Rizal, near Metro Manila.
The last time we passed by Camp Sandugo was during our bike ride loop to Wawa Dam through the steep AFP Housing route in January 2020 before the lockdown restrictions were imposed.
There are a lot of new developments in the area, including a whole bunch of al fresco eateries and cafes catering to bikers where there only used to be dirt roads and small sari-sari stores. At the end of the paved area is another more gradual ascent on a dirt trail with some scenic overlooking views. From the junction, it’s another 750 meters to Camp Sandugo.
For bikers who happen to be craft beer enthusiasts, Camp Sandugo offers a worthy weekend destination in itself just for the craft beer and overlooking view of the cityscape. It’s also one of the nearest camping destinations near Manila.
Recreational camping and glamping has really boomed because of the pandemic, and Camp Sandugo offers a secluded destination Manila ideal for couples, families, and barkadas looking for a spot to spend the night outdoors with access to a restaurant and bathrooms nearby so they don’t have to bring/prepare food.
As of this writing (October 23, 2021), kids and pets are welcome for overnight camping.
Table of Contents
Location
Camp Sandugo is located in Barangay Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal. Rising 400 masl, Camp Sandugo prides itself with having a spectacular view stretching from Laguna Lake to the Metro Manila cityscape, all the way to Mariveles Mountain Ranges.
Food & Beer
Food and drinks are available at Camp Sandugo. The restaurant is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last order at 9:30 PM). They serve all-day Filipino breakfast silog meals like Tapa, Longganisa Lucban, Sisig, Tuyo, etc for P90-P150 a meal.
They also have camp specials/comfort food like Sizzling sisig, calamares, Grilled Pork Liempo, and along with favorites for sharing like Bulalo (P400), and even Pizza and Samgyupsal! On weekends, they serve Breakfast Buffet for just Php 250 per person for walk-in visitors, mini-glamping and camping guests from 7:00 am to 11:00 am only.
The restaurant also serves brewed coffee, Hot Choc, Brusko Buko Juice, Fresh Fruit Shakes, Softdrinks and Gatorade.
The main attraction for beer enthusiasts is the Brusko Craft Beer, a pilsner with a distinct citrus flavor, that has a floral, spicy taste with mild hints of pine. It’s a light and refreshing beer, suitable for mid-day drinking and the tropical weather of the country.
TRIVIA: Brusko is also the name of Sandugo Cycling’s first Filipino-designed mountain bike, which you can read more about in this article I wrote for Multisport a few years ago.
For dine-in customers, the restaurant offers an Unli craft beer promo every Wednesday (for 3 hrs from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm) for Php 500.00/head. If you just want to try out the beer, it costs just Php 75.00/mug.
Camp Sandugo also serves other alcoholic drinks like Yellow Tail Wine, Red Horse, San Mig Light, San Mig Pilsen, Tanduay Ice and more, ideal for those camping overnight.
We don’t eat pork anymore and unfortunately the Pizza wasn’t available during the time of our visit, but the Calamares and Mushroom we ordered were pretty good.
With travel to other provinces still restricted and hard to arrange because of additional requirements, Camp Sandugo San Mateo offers a fun destination for bikers in Manila who want to feel like they’ve gotten away from the city for the day. Be warned, for Pajakoldaway bikers, the ascent going up AFP Housing and to the Camp Sandugo will really test your stamina, but it will make you appreciate the view (and the food and beer) even more.
Camping and Glamping Packages
Enjoying the outdoors is the new luxury travel, and camping and glamping have become a popular weekend activity for many people seeking a break from quarantine living. We only visited on a half-day bike ride and didn’t stay overnight, but if you want a personal account of what it’s like to glamp there, check out this post by Destinations & Tea.
New rates were imposed effective May 24, 2021. Camp Sandugo accepts overnight guests strictly by reservation. No walk-ins. Prices listed are on a per night basis. The same rate applies to kids and infants for entrance, day tour and camping fees.
For overnight camping guests, check in time is 2:00 PM, and checkout is at 10:00 AM the next day. Camp Sandugo charges a corkage fee of Php 200 for walk-in visitors bringing in outside food and drinks. Corkage fee is free for campers.
Premium Glamping Package (for 4 pax)
Package includes a big tent pitched on a massive West=facing private deck with balcony. The tent is furnished with cots, sleeping essentials, towels and amenities kit, its own ice chest/mini-bar, and electricity outlets. The Premium Glamping Package is furnished with its own camp kitchen set including a stove, one (1) butane, and a lavatory. It also comes with a portable toilet (for urinal only). Complimentary bottled waters, welcome snacks and drinks and breakfast are also included in the package.
- Weekdays: Php 4,500/package
- Weekends & holidays: Php 6,000/package
- Additional Persons: Weekdays – Php 350/person; Weekends & holidays – Php 500/person
- Camping fee only. Additional charges for sleeping essentials
- ADD-ONS: Portable aircon: Php 500/night
- Special romantic dinner: Php 1,300/person (strictly by reservation. Set meal includes salad, soup, main course, desert, and a glass of wine).
Standard Glamping Package (for 2 pax)
Package includes a big tent pitched on a West-facing private deck with balcony. The tent is furnished with cots, sleeping essentials, towerls, and amenities, its own ice chest/mini-bar, and electricity outlets. Complimentary bottled water, welcome snacks and breakfast are also included in the package.
- Weekdays: Php 2,500/package
- Weekends & holidays: Php 3,500/package
Mini-Glamping Package (for 2 pax)
Includes entrance fee, a small tent pitched on a shared West-facing deck, sleeping essentials, amenities, electric fan, facility usage
- Weekdays: Php 1,400/package
- Weekends & holidays: Php 1,900/package
Camping Fee (tent not included)
Includes entrance fee, tent-pitching fee, usage of facilities such as cooking area, shower areas, campgrounds, picnic tables. Tent not included, so bring your own tent.
- Weekdays: Php 350/person
- Weekends & holidays: Php 500/person
Entrance Fee – P20/person
For walk-in visitors, limited to common area only. Restricted access to campground.
Day Tour – P150/person
Includes entrance fee and usage of facilities such as cooking area, shower areas, picnic tables.
MTB Tours
For those who don’t own bicycles but still want to experience the trails in the area, Camp Sandugo also offers MTB tours (strictly by reservation). The Camp Sandugo Bike Tour package includes bike and helmet, rental, bottled water, post-ride meal, (4) guide, guide’s meal and drinks.
- Php 600/person (for minimum of 4-10 persons)
- Php 800/head (1 person)
- Php 700/head (2 persons in a group)
- Php 650/head (3 persons in a group
Rules and guidelines
- Only guests with reservations will be allowed for camping. A 50% downpayment is required to secure booking. Downpayment is NON-REFUNDABLE, but transferable, or rescheduled at least 24 hours prior the preferred date.
- Smoking and vaping is allowed on designated areas only. Put out the cigarette ember first then throw on ashtray or trash bin.
- Observe Leave No Trace policy.
- Campers will be responsible for the cleanliness of their campsite.
- Keep the communal cooking area clean at all times.
- Remember CLAYGO. Clean As You Go.
- Guests caught doing any form of vandalism will be charged a fine and shall be refused within Camp Sandugo premises. The customer will also be required to shoulder repairs for damages.
- To respect other campers and local residents, guests are refrained from making any loud music or noises starting 10:00 PM.
- Camp Sandugo allows pets within the premises provided that owners observe proper pet etiquette.
- Camp Sandugo will not in anyway be liable to any losses and damages of its guests’ belongings or property.
- Camp Sandugo has the right to deny entry or remove guests who refuse to abide by our camp rules and regulations.
How to get to Camp Sandugo
The suggested route by Google Maps is via Marcos Highway and through Sun Valley and Forest Hills. This route is NOT PASSABLE.
- Pin on Waze, AFP Housing Gym in Silangan, San Mateo.
- When you arrive at AFP Housing Gym, pin Camp Sandugo.
Where to Park
At the end of the cemented road, there is a parking lot located 30 meters farther. You may park your vehicle here, then trek or avail the pick up / drop off service.
4×4’s, vehicles with high clearance, motorcycles can make their way across the rough road section to Camp Sandugo during the dry season.
There are a lot of eateries where you can get food and refreshments near the parking area.
Those with vehicles (four wheels and motorcycles) must park at the designated parking areas only, with corresponding parking fees. Free parking is given for a minimum purchase of P500 for four-wheeled vehicles and min. worth of P350 for motorcycles.
Bike parking is available right beside the restaurant and campsite area and is free. You can bike all the way to Camp Sandugo, whatever the weather conditions are.
Contact information
For inquiries, please contact Camp Sandugo directly. They were responsive to my inquiries on Facebook. WiFi vouchers are now available at the restaurant.
- Facebook page: Camp Sandugo, San Mateo
- Email: campsandugoph@gmail.com
- Mobile: 0926-0649537