ESCAPE TO MT. DARAITAN
If you want a nature trip near the Metro, Rizal is the best destination for adventure-seekers. The province is known for many waterfalls, mountains and nature resorts— Tanay is considered Rizal’s Tourism capital.
Coming from Masinag, Marikina, we took a jeepney bound to Puregold, Antipolo. We then took another jeep headed to its end route, Tanay Market. Located in Tanay Market are jeepney terminals going to different parts of Rizal. Mt. Daraitan was our first agenda of the day. We took a jeep bound to Barangay Daraitan and a rode a tricycle that will take us to a river besides the barangay where the drop off point of Mt. Daraitan is located.
MUD
The travel going there was like a rollercoaster ride will all its ups and downs, but instead of a trail of rocks and flat soil, we had mud. And from the looks of it, we thought the trail would be too. After crossing the river using a “bangka” and another tricycle ride, we reached the drop off point of Mt. Daraitan.
After we registered at the barangay hall of Daraitan, we instantly went for the hike. Well, the mud didn't disappoint us. The trail was all mushy and mud. It was roughly two hours of mud until we reached Tinipak River with its rock formation.
Nothing compares to its lush clear waters and grand limestone formations. For a first timer, i wanna take a lot of picture on every angle at every step of the way. It was a different experience, for sure.
DARANAK FALLS
During summer, Daranak Falls is packed with tourists and overnight campers. Luckily, we visited the place before summer began. We arrived 30 minutes before Daranak closes. Wew. The place had been commercialized as if to look like a nature resort. Since its almost closing time for the day tour, it was the perfect time to take pictures— less crowd and it gave us a clear and exclusive view of the falls.
ITINERARY:
Cubao to Puregold, Antipolo: roughly 1.5 hours of travel thru jeepney | 35PHP
Puregold, Antipolo to Tanay Market: 2 hours via jeepney | 28PHP | The jeepneys going to Tanay pass right in front of Puregold.
Tanay Market to Sampaloc: 1 hour via jeepney | 26PHP | Tanay Market is also a terminal to go around Rizal. You can opt to ride a jeepney or a tricycle going straight to Tinipak River/Daraitan (100PHP).
Sampaloc to Barangay Daraitan: 30 minutes via tricycle | 50PHP | From Sampaloc Barangay Hall, hire a tricycle going to Daraitan. The driver will drop you off a stream, that would be Tinipak River.
Tinipak River: 2 minutes via “bangka” or boat | 5PHP | Although you’re already in Barangay Daraitan, the jump-off trail or the registration hall is at the barangay hall, on the other side of the river. You just need to cross over the stream to head to the barangay proper.
Tinipak River to Daraitan Barangay Hall: 10 minutes via tricycle | 10PHP | After crossing the river, there are tricycles waiting on the other side heading to the barangay. You can either walk or ride a tricycle going to the registration hall.
Mt Daraitan Registration Fee: 20PHP
Guide fee: 500PHP | We took a daytrip which only costs 500PHP, if you wish to go for an overnight hike, it costs 1250PHP, good for 10 people.
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Barangay Hall to Tinipak River: 10 minutes via tricycle | 5PHP | Same way going back.
Tinipak River: 2 minutes via bangka | 10PHP | Same way going back.
Tinipak River to Daranak Falls: 30 to 40 minutes via tricycle | 400PHP | You can negotiate with your driver on the price.
Daranak Falls Entrance fee: 20PHP | 20PHP for daytrips. 300PHP for picnic sheds and 150PHP for picnic tables.
Daranak Falls to Tanay Market: 1 hour via tricycle | 100PHP | There are tricycles outside Daranak Falls.
Tanay Market to Antipolo to Cubao: 2-3 hours via jeepney | There are also FX going to Shaw.
* Prices may change and travel time may vary.
Here’s a video compilation of our Tanay trip by Mischa De Guzman.
FOOTNOTES:
Credits to Mischa De Guzman, Cheloi Marasigan, Athena Cruz | Tanay, Rizal | December 2014
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