Back in the old days, people used to know Nueva Ecija primarily as a place for harvesting rice. Endowed with vast plains and rice fields, the province earned the name “the Philippines’ rice bowl”. Today, however, Nueva Ecija is also increasingly becoming popular as a resort destination, with leisure accommodations popping in every municipality.
Among them is the town of Pantabangan, home to Pantabangan Dam. One of the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the cleanest in the country, the dam is a major source of hydroelectricity.
Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, the dam’s scenic location is also a focal point for a number of resorts in the area, including Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm, an agritourism site lauded for its ridgeside cabins.
Location
Resting at the heart of Pantabangan, Farm Ridge is located approximately 4 hours northeast of Manila via NLEX. The hillside property is flanked by greenery and the majestic Sierra Madre Mountain Range,with cabins directly overlooking the dam.
Accommodations
Farm Ridge features seven cabins, ranging from a spacious, barkada-friendly farmhouse to luxe wooden cabins fit for couples and small families. All, except the farmhouse, are built with a private pool and have a private balcony for enjoying the cool breeze. Be sure to bring a sweater. It gets nippy in the evening and early morning!
Amenities
Farm Ridge accommodations come with these amenities:
- BBQ stall (minimal fee)
- Plenty of green space for unwinding
- Free parking
- Complimentary WiFi
Hiraya Cabin
This triangle-shaped cabin comes with a loft and floor-to-ceiling glass walls for admiring the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.
In-room amenities:
- Loft/ attic with 2 double beds
- Living room
- Pantry
- En suite bathroom with heated shower
- Outdoor pool
- Spacious private balcony/ view deck with patio set
Matahum Farmhouse
Made for large groups and families, this two-story guesthouse comfortably sleeps 6 but can house up to a maximum of 10 persons. The first level features a spacious receiving area with glass walls, while the second floor can serve as a special venue for gatherings (rented separately). Extra bed is charged at P200 each.
In-room amenities:
- 2 bedrooms with bunk bed (doubles)
- Living room
- Pantry
- En suite bathroom with heated shower
- Spacious private balcony/ view deck with patio set
Amihan Cabin
This gorgeous, IG-worthy wooden cabin is a favorite among couples and small groups of friends (4 to 6 people max).
In-room amenities:
- Loft/ attic bedroom
- Living room with direct access to view deck
- Pantry
- En suite bathroom with heated shower
- Mini outdoor pool (available by January 2022)
- Spacious private balcony/ view deck with patio set
Malipayon Cabin
One of Farm Ridge’s newest cabins, Malipayon features a unique hexagonal design and warm wooden interiors. It can accommodate 4 to 8 persons max.
In-room amenities:
- Loft/ attic bedroom
- Living room with direct access to view deck and pool
- Pantry
- En suite bathroom with heated shower
- Mini outdoor pool
- Spacious private balcony/ view deck with patio set
- Outdoor picnic area with bench and chair
Marahuyo Cabin
The newly built Marahuyo translates to “enchantment” in the vernacular, and enchant it does. Designed with rustic wooden panels and flooring and floor-to-ceiling glass walls and an upper and lower view deck, it affords guests an unbridled view of Pantabangan Dam and Sierra Madre.
In-room features:
- Loft/ attic bedroom
- Living room with direct access to view deck and pool
- Pantry
- En suite bathroom with heated shower
- Outdoor pool
- Main view deck and upper view deck
Activities
Aside from admiring the scenery, guests can also do vegetable picking at the farm for a nominal fee. They may also enjoy BBQ nights and backyard camping – even with small pets in tow! A fee of P300 is charged per pet for maintenance.
There’s an in-house resto where you can order meals.
Last-minute tips and reminders
- Bringing alcoholic beverages is allowed.
- No smoking within the premises. Smoking in cabins is subject to a fine of P500.
- Extra beds may be requested at P200 each.
The Essentials
- Business name: Farm Ridge by Desmond Farm
- Address: Km 3, Brgy Malbang, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija
- Contact: 09615325940 / 09673104480
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/farmridge
- Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/KPWLE3MM8M4DuQzS8
- Check in/ check out: 1:00 pm/ 11:00 am