My weekend just got more exciting when I had the privilege of experiencing firsthand Nuvali’s latest outdoor attraction, Camp N. It will be opening to the public very soon and here’s some of what you may expect.
It was early Saturday morning when we went to Camp N, a six-hectare facility featuring obstacle courses, outdoor challenges, and other activities in a vast landscape of greens and attractions. And upon arrival, the first things I noticed were the towering posts and cables of the rope courses.
Our visit began with some formal introductions about the facilities, brief orientation and some safety tips, question and answer, and some warmup stretches. And in order for us to truly explore what Camp N had to offer, a game was set where points were given upon completion of some courses. Points vary depending on the difficulty of the course and accumulated points translate into prizes! Shortly after, we were off to explore.
(click image for a larger view)
Camp N is divided into sections where distinct activities are found. The first one that you’d notice is the Rope Courses and Initiatives area where the high and low ropes are located. Adjacent to it is the Aerial Walk where there’s a little bit of everything for everyone and where we spent most of our time. On the other side are the Obstacle Courses which we only got a look and further back is the Adventure Tower where the roller coaster type zip line is found along with the free fall and rappelling and climbing walls. Located all the way back are the Greens & Patches area.
Despite having our safety discussion earlier, the site operator still goes through the safety instructions on how to properly use the devices while we were being suited up in them. The equipment they use were really topnotch and they were very thorough with suiting us up so we had that extra confidence in facing those arguably intimidating courses.
The Aerial Walk was the first course that we took. Because of the orientation and the limited number of participants that can get in at a time, we had to wait our turn. I admit I was a little nervous about doing this particular course because it gets to a pretty high elevation at the third level!
— Press Release —
Nuvali’s Latest Summer Attraction is “Camp N,” A Premier Outdoor Adventure and Team-Building Hub
Within the heart of Nuvali lies “Camp N,” touted to be the eco-city’s premier outdoor adventure and team-building facility that serves as an incubation for self-discovery through obstacles and challenges testing one’s physical limits, mental abilities, and even character and values. Located just south of Manila, Camp N is convenient for bonding among coworkers, families, and friends looking for active fun this summer season.
“We designed Camp N in such a way that outdoor play and self-discovery are integrated seamlessly so people can enjoy bonding while being surrounded by nature. Camp N’s philosophy—expressed through providing people outdoor amenities where one can commune, learn, grow, and interact socially—jive perfectly with the sustainable philosophy of Nuvali being an eco-community,” said John Estacio, Nuvali general manager.
Camp N’s thrills-based and skills-based facilities include the Adventure Tower, which has the biggest rollercoaster zip line in Asia, as well as free fall, wall climbing, and rappelling facilities. The Obstacle Course has three challenge levels from basic to advanced, encompassing a broad spectrum of skill levels. The Aerial Walk is a series of rope-based challenges set high in the air. The High and Low Rope Initiatives is a series of balancing platforms and tightropes set just a little above ground and requires the participation of small groups.
Right beside Camp N is Greens & Patches which serves as a tree nursery, a demo organic farm, as well as an art and meditation center for those seeking an introspective approach in self-development. Guided tours and programs will soon be offered here so guests can learn about nature’s processes and gifts.
Camp N’s lush and scenic trails include paths for trail running beginners and mountain biking for kids and adults.
“Camp N is for everyone and anyone who is not only looking for some outdoor adventure fun but also a place where they can recharge and connect with other people or even themselves, while being surrounded by nature,” said Estacio.
“The presence of Camp N provides the community a convenient outdoor adventure stop. For Nuvali’s existing communities, it’s a fun learning camp within the neighborhood where they can take their kids out to play and learn. As Camp N evolves further, there will be more activities that will develop their physical and creative skills all within the comfort of nature, added Estacio.
On April 16, Camp N will be the venue for the first leg of the “AXN Ultimate Thrill 2016,” a multi-stage adventure race similar to The Amazing Race, also popularized by the AXN network. Adventurers will go through intense obstacle challenges in Camp N and the first 20 finishers will head to Boracay for the final round. Only 200 teams from Manila may join the AXN Ultimate Thrill 2016. Registration is through the AXN website.
To get to Nuvali, one can take any of the five South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) exits at Mamplasan, Sta. Rosa, Eton-Greenfield, Silangan, and Canlubang. Nuvali is also easily accessible via public vehicles from major centers like Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Balibago.
Nuvali is a 2,290-hectare mixed-use development of Ayala Land that straddles the cities of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao and Calamba in Laguna. It is an integrated self-supporting eco-city that is home to 12,000 residential units, two business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, two prestigious schools, and the 150-room Seda Hotel, which can provide accommodations for staycations and teambuilding activities. As a veritable stomping ground for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, Nuvali offers nature amenities such as its 35-kilometer mountain bike trait, a multifunctional lake, hiking paths, and a wildlife and bird sanctuary. Ayala Malls Solenad has over 400 shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it the primary go-to leisure destination for residents in Laguna, Tagaytay, Batangas, and Muntinlupa.
Where is Nuvali located? What makes it unique?
Nuvali is a master planned mixed-use development that sprawls over the cities of Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao, and Calamba in Laguna. The estate currently covers 2,290 hectares, and is Ayala Land’s largest estate development to date.
As Ayala Land’s largest eco-community, Nuvali strives to integrate nature and man-made structures in a harmonious balance where a lifestyle of responsibility and sustainability thrives equally to allow for economic prosperity, while at the same time building communities that flourish in an ecologically-sound environment.
What is Camp N?
We refer to Camp N as Nuvali’s incubator for self-discovery, a special place for people to be involved in activities that promotes self-discovery, good health and environmentally sustainable living. This six-hectare parcel taps into people’s adventurous spirit and their desire to learn more outside the conventional way of learning new things.
Participants come to learn by themselves through thrill-based activities and events and the staff functions as facilitators to guide them through it. Different zones challenge both physical and mental skills.
As with the entire estate, Camp N is aligned with our vision to bring people closer to nature while providing an environment conducive to learning. It will be open for teambuilding, for challenging individuals in personal discovery and growth.
Where is Camp N located in Nuvali?
Camp N is located within the heart of Nuvali, right beside the Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary.
Shuttles to and from Nuvali terminal to Camp N will also begin regular schedules beginning April 16.
What amenities can be found in Camp N?
Camp N will be launched in phases, For the public opening on April 16, visitors will be able to enjoy the following attractions:
- Adventure Tower (Rollercoaster Zip Line, Free Fall, Climbing Wall, Rappel Wall)
- Obstacle Courses (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced)
- Aerial Walk
- Low Ropes and High Ropes
- Kids activities: Strider play areas, camping groups
- Nature activities: Running and biking trails
- Greens & Patches (a demo organic farm)
The Orientation Hut will be a welcome area for visitors to be briefed on the facilities. Camp N also has a shower area, clinic, parking area and soon-to-open canteen and camp grounds.
What differentiates Camp N from similar activity-centered destinations?
Camp N is unique as an incubation hub, where the facilities, the environment and staff and crew were specifically built around the concept of helping visitors through a journey of discovery. There are activities that will challenge every individual to learn something and grow from it.
Who would enjoy and benefit from Camp N’s offerings?
Camp N is perfect for companies who wish to engage in teambuilding activities, for schools with students in supervised field trips, for social groups and organizations, and for individual walk ins. This is the place to hone their strengths and possibly learn to overcome their weaknesses.
Is there an age limit for visitors?
There is no age limit but there is a minimum requirement for height at 4 feet. Guests must not also exceed the weight limit of 270 lbs.
Are there prerequisites for people to enjoy the facilities?
We require that participants are in perfect physical condition to enjoy Camp N’s outdoor facilities. We strongly advise pregnant women and people with health conditions such as hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and orthopedic problems, among others, not to use the facilities.
What is Greens & Patches?
Greens & Patches is a thriving demo organic farm and nursery spanning three hectares inside Camp N. Greens & Patches features a variety of endemic and indigenous tree and plant species. Within the coming months, we will expand activities here to include fruit and vegetable picking. We’re also proud that every single vegetable and root crop in the folk song “Bahay Kubo” can be found, enjoyed, and learned from in Greens & Patches.
This farm and nursery will also be developed into an area for art workshops, group-led meditation sessions and other serene activities.
How will organizations sign up for teambuilding sessions arranged by Camp N?
To schedule team-building sessions, guests can contact Camp N by phone through +63 977 84CAMPN or email camp-n@lakbaykalikasan.com.
| Package | Inclusions | Price |
| Infinity | Zip Line, Free Fall, Rappel Wall, Climbing Wall, Aerial Walk, Obstacle Course, Initiatives, High Ropes |
₱1,300 |
| All-Challenge | Zip Line, Free Fall, Rappel Wall, Climbing Wall, Aerial Walk, Obstacle Course, Initiatives |
₱800 |
| All-Gravity | Zip Line, Free Fall, Rappel Wall | ₱600 |
| Zip & Air | Long Zip Line, Climbing Wall, Full Aerial Walk | ₱500 |
| Jump & Air | Long Free Fall, Rappel Wall, Full Aerial Walk | ₱450 |
| Zip & Jump | Long Zip Line, Long Free Fall, Rappel Wall | ₱450 |
| Short Stint | Short Zip Line, Short Free Fall, Level 2 Aerial Walk | ₱450 |
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A few minutes later, it was our turn!
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The Aerial Walk comes with three levels, each level going higher off the ground and gets more difficult along the way. Aside from balance, upper body strength may come in handy to help you stabilize and pull yourself along the course. And since I was already there and everyone kept pushing to finish level three, I swallowed my fear of heights and kept pushing until I reached the final and most intimidating part of this course—zipping back down to the ground! From the third level you get to do this twice and it’s only here where you’re the one harnessing yourself to do the zip line. The height might be intimidating, but conquering that intimidation just feels awesome! Besides, it’s the fastest and easiest way to get back down! 😀
Completing Aerial Walk really boosted my confidence that I didn’t really hesitated when I went to the low ropes (which weren’t really that low) and reached the top relatively fast. And since we already spent a significant amount of time already, we quickly went on to the Adventure Tower area.
The Adventure Tower is a six-in-one tower of adventures as it hosts the climbing wall, rappelling wall, two levels of free fall, and two varying levels of zip lines. The first two should be self-explanatory and the free fall is exactly how it sounds like: you’re strapped in a harness and you just walk right of the ledge, kind of like doing a bungee jump, without the bounce. Their zip lines are very unique though as unlike a regular one which just goes straight down, theirs is pretty much like a roller coaster, and it’s only the third one of its kind in the world. There are two different levels of these zip lines from this tower.
I think I still have my adrenaline rush when we arrived at the Adventure Tower as I just signed up to do the wall climb without really thinking. The wall used for this purposes was the one on the left as the one on the right was designated for rappelling. The left side is also the more difficult of the two but fortunately I was able to again conquer my fear of heights and was able to reach the top. And then afterwards I went inside the tower to do the rappelling! 😀
I was standing on the ledge when I realized that I haven’t really done this before! Fortunately, I got great advice on how to do it so despite the fact that falling several stories was at the back of my mind, it went really, really well.
We did not have enough time to ride the zip line from this tower and we were just famished from all the activities at the time so we had to conclude our adventures here. And what do you know, I actually earned 16 points along the way without really consciously thinking about it!
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I honestly had a blast despite my very limited time with Camp N! I started the day being anxious on whether I can actually do any of those balancing acts in midair but ended feeling proud that I was actually able to accomplish all that I did—which were all challenging in one way or the other. Their excellent equipment, well trained operators, and emphasis on safety gives you that extra layer of security to accomplish your activity, however daunting it may seem. And all these makes Camp N an excellent place to do confidence-building activities, whether it be personal or for groups. And aside from the thrilling activities that we did, there still are the obstacle courses from basic to advance for those who’d like to keep themselves grounded. And if you prefer to be absolutely relaxed, there’s also the Greens & Patches area. I guess everyone from all fitness levels are covered here! And the availability of toilets with showers in the area is pretty convenient. In short, I love Camp N! ❤
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