When you think of lazing in a hammock, you probably think of just relaxing at the beach or somewhere in a forest with lots of trees. You probably wouldn’t think of hanging up your hammock over a ravine 80 feet above the ground. For thrill-seekers looking for some crazy new stunt to do, the “Hammock in the Sky” adventure pioneered by Kadlaggan Outdoor Adventure Tours gives you a taste of extreme hammocking.

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Extreme hammocking

Before rock climbers used portaledges (or deployable hanging tent systems) when they would spend multiple days and nights on a big wall climb, they actually used hammocks. In recent years, extreme hammocking has become a thing in other countries. It’s one of those high adrenaline, high adventure activities that is not for everyone.

I’ve seen photos of people hanging from hammocks suspended in some crazy places like over canyons, cliffs or high up in trees. I’ve been dying to try it out ever since I heard it was being offered in my hometown a couple of years ago. “Hammock in the Sky” is just one of the many exciting new adventures being offered by Kadlaggan, an outdoor adventure tour company run by Jojo Villareal who also owns Kadlaggan Outdoor Shop, the first Outdoor shop in Bikol Region created in 1995.

Kadlaggan is your best resource for outdoor activities in and around Naga City, from climbing Mt. Isarog, waterfalls rapelling, caving and more. They’ve been organizing yearly Hammock Festivals and offer the “Hammock in the Sky” adventure at Panicuason Hot Spring Resort and Nature Adventure Park located in Mount Isarog National Park in Naga City. This activity actually went viral when it was first launched and featured in an episode of Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho.

For first time visitors to Naga City, Panicuason Hotsprings and Adventure Park is one of the nearest natural attractions you can visit on a day tour from the city along with Malabsay Falls. Boasting of natural hot and cold springs, visitors normally come here to just relax in the pools or enjoy picnics amidst lush surroundings.

The park also offers other activities like zip lining, crossing their high-rope tension bridge, wall climbing, bike zipline and Tarzan Swing among others. I’ve tried most of the activities before during previous visits, but for some reason, I really really wanted to try the Hammock in the Sky. You’ve got to admit, it’s pretty cool to just hang out and chill like a boss with a view of Mt. Isarog almost 1,500 feet above sea level.

For those who want to try it out, be warned that this hammocking experience isn’t as relaxing as it looks. It involves climbing 350 steps to get to the zipline and Tarzan swing area. From here, I was expecting to just climb into the hammock from a platform and zip to the center like in a regular zipline. Apparently, you have to physically haul yourself to the middle of the zipline Tyrolean Traverse style, stretch out the hammock and secure the points, before you can climb inside and enjoy the amazing view.

Going to the center was fairly easy, but getting back the same way felt like a real workout because of the incline of the zipline. With summer in full swing, it can get pretty harsh if you try this adventure around mid-morning or noon. I’d suggest you try it earlier in the morning or mid-afternoon when it’s not so hot. At any rate, I’m really glad I got to finally tick this off my bucket-list.

Location

The Hammock in the Sky adventure is set up on one of the ziplines located in Panicuason Hot Spring Resort and Nature Adventure Park in Naga City, Camarines Sur.

How to get there

By private transportation

From the city proper of Naga, follow the road from Penafrancia Avenue (the same road going to Malabsay Falls). You will pass San Felipe, Pacol, Carolina then Panicuason.
Travel time is about 30 minutes uphill to the entrance of Panicuason Hot Spring Resort.
The road going down to the resort is one-way with some very sharp curves and steep sections. If you’re taking a car, you have to wait for vehicles coming up to pass (guides with walkie talkie will let you know when it’s safe to pass).
The road going down is passable to off-road vehicles, SUV’s, Jeepneys and motorcycles. People driving lowered sedans may have a hard time maneuvering vehicles.
For those who don’t want to risk driving their vehicles, you can hire a habal-habal driver to take you down from the entrance for P25 per person.

By public transportation

For those taking public transportation, ride a jeep from the terminal going to Panicuason. The terminal is located near the Naga City Market (now called Naga City People’s Mall) near P. Caceres St./Padian Street.
Hire a habal-habal driver from Panicuason to take you to Panicuason Hot Springs Resort & Adventure Park.

Who should try it?

This activity is best for outdoor adventurers, nature-lovers and thrill-seekers who want to experience a different kind of high. I can’t recommend this to anyone who has a fear of heights. The more people join the line, the shakier it gets, so you can expect a bit of vertigo and dizziness if you stay too long. I can’t recommend this for kids either as it involves an upper body workout. I wouldn’t suggest you actually sleep on the hammock the whole day or night (how do you go to the bathroom, right?) but I heard that some of the other guides have tried doing that.

What to wear

Since you will be suspended on the wire with a harness, wear sportswear like leggings or outdoor shorts, dri-fit shirts and hiking shoes or outdoor sandals (with straps) for the hike up. Helmets, harnesses and safety gloves will be provided by Kadlaggan.

What to bring

Just getting up the 350 steps of stairs to the zipline point is a workout. Bring water and snacks for the climb. You can buy food supplies at the canteen at Panicuason. Bring or wear swimwear underneath so you can take a dip after at the springs. You will need to use both your hands for the activity, but I was able to bring a cellphone strapped with a carabiner to the harness to take some shots from the hammock. You can also secure a water bottle and light snacks in the pocket of the hammock, so you have something to drink while you’re on it.

Rates

Entrance fee to Panicuason Hot Spring Resort: P200 adult, P100 for kids.
The Hammock in the Sky activity costs just P300 per person.
Rates of Cottages (for swimming) ranges from Php 200 to Php 500.

NOTE: You can’t just walk in at the adventure park to try this out. Because special equipment and guides are needed, this activity requires prior reservation.