SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – A sports utility vehicle (SUV) is built for tough city driving.
They’re equipped to handle road obstacles like random potholes, heavy traffic, and can even wade through the occasional flooded street in the metro.
But beyond the city limits is where your SUV’s capabilities truly shine.
After all, to drive off the beaten path ignites all your senses: just imagine the crunch of your tires on the terrain, every bump and sway, the taste for adventure, and the scents and sights of nature’s beauty.
So the next time you feel stuck in the concrete jungle, liberate your senses and check out one of these driving hotspots. With the right features in your SUV, this drive will help you connect with nature for one exhilarating adventure.
Sacobia River, Pampanga Province
Pampanga is just a two-hour drive from Metro Manila. On the riverbeds of the province’s Sacobia River, there are off-road trails for you and your SUV to explore.
Because it’s situated right next to Mount Pinatubo, the off-road trails in this area are coated in lahar; a mixture of hot or cold water and volcanic rock fragments. Its consistency is similar to wet cement, which can spell a bit of trouble for your SUV if you’re not careful.
To drive through thick terrain like lahar or mud requires a bit of skill and knowledge. On top of that, your SUV will also need high ground clearance, to not get bogged down, and 4×4 capability for that extra push when the going gets sticky.
Halsema Highway, Northern Luzon
You might think that a highway isn’t nearly as exciting as an off-road trail. But make no mistake; this road’s narrow twists and sometimes-slippery turns have ranked it among one of the most dangerous roads in the world.
At its highest point, Halsema Highway sits at 7,400 feet above sea level and its 150km stretch extends from Baguio to Bontoc. Because it sits along a mountaintop, the highway is prone to dangerous landslides and heavy fog during a storm, making it as unpredictable as any off-road track.
Still, this highway remains a tourist attraction because of its scenic and breathtaking views. The key to making the most out of this drive is to follow all the road signs and warnings placed along the road, especially through the sharp turns.
For trails that go up and down like Halsema Highway, some modern SUVs come equipped with hill descent control. This feature electronically levels your car’s speed as you go down a steep descent, which helps you maintain control no matter the decline.
Danasan Eco Adventure Park, Danao City
Sometimes, the journey to your destination becomes a big part of the adventure itself. This is the case with the drive going to Danasan Eco Adventure Park in Visayas.
The nearly 50km journey from Cebu to Danasan features a variety of terrains – some stretches of nicely paved road, a few stretches where the pavement is cracked and even some parts where there is no road at all.
To deal with sudden changes in terrain, you should always keep an eye out and adjust your speed accordingly. Luckily, some modern SUVs feature a terrain management system. At the turn of a dial, you can change your car’s settings to better deal with different kinds of terrain like sand, rock or even snow.
Camp Sabros, Digos City
One of the Davao region’s popular outdoor hotspots is Camp Sabros. A host of activities like ziplines and cable car rides are available here, as well rooms for visitors who want to stay the night.
In between the base of the camp and the main entrance is a steep 1km stretch of dirt road. Visitors can either trek up the hill on foot or test their SUV’s mettle by making the climb behind the wheel.
With steep hills like these, a hill start assist feature on your SUV comes in handy. This feature stops your vehicle from rolling backwards on a steep incline, and gives you enough time to press the accelerator pedal for that upward push.
Some like it rough
When the hustle and bustle of the city life gets to you, there’s nothing quite like a nature escape to reenergize your spirit and to explore your adventurous side. Whether it’s through volcanic rock or along a dangerous highway, the right kind of SUV can fulfill your drive for a new extraordinary adventure. – Rappler.com
Packed with high-tech features to ensure your safety and comfort, the All-New Ford Everest can take you and your whole family to your next adventure destination – no matter the terrain.
Photos from:
Leylan Romarate/My Cebu Photo Blog
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