Nature has always astounded me during my trips, and one of the best places for viewing nature’s spectacle is found in the municipality of Tanay in the province of Rizal.
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| Location of Tanay |
The Daranak Falls, Regina Rica, Calinawan Cave, and the historic Parola, were just some of the best sites surrounding this specific area, which I have already visited.
Lo and behold, when I further researched Tanay, I found out that in this area, you could experience the cleanest inland body of water in Region IV.
On May 10, 2014, my friends and I went to Barangay Daraitan to see the splendor of the so-called Tinipak River.
If you live in Metro Manila, your initial departure place then would be at the EDSA Central Crossing terminal, wherein you would ride a jeepney bound for Tanay. Alighting at the Tanay Market, you would then choose between a jeepney or a tricycle, which would take you to Barangay Daraitan. As always, for time management sakes, we chose the tricycle.
Arriving at Daraitan at around 10:00AM, we were given a short briefing by the Kagawad regarding the rules and regulations of the area.
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| Arrival at Barangay Daraitan |
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| Briefing by the Kagawad |
We then crossed a wooden bridge, which according to the folks around, is constructed during the dry season. They collapse the structure during the rainy season due to the increase in the water level of the river under it. A two-way (balikan na!) bridge crossing charge is paid by every person amounting to only Php 2.00.
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| Crossing the Wooden Bridge |
To save on time, we rode a tricycle towards the Daraitan Barangay Hall, wherein we paid the Registration Fee of Php 20.00 per head and hired a guide.
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| Daraitan Barangay Hall |
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| Registration Time |
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| Things to do in Daraitan |
After briefly trudging a cemented road, several wooden provincial residences greeted us, and after a few minutes, we were all treated to nature’s spectacle: mountains, huge rocks, and the trees.
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| Start of the Nature Trek |
At 11:50AM, we all took timeout in the so-called campsite, surrounded by trees and rocks, which can be used to rest ourselves for the meantime.
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| Resting at the Campsite |
After several minutes of walking under the intense heat, we saw a sari-sari store and bought refreshments. Only Pepsi products are sold in this area and I don’t know why. A stream was just nearby so some of us just dipped our feet in the cold water.
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| The Sari-Sari Store |
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| Testing the Water Temperature? |
A few more walks and we saw another store with chairs and tables in front of it. Due to this, some of us bought softdrinks once again and utilized the tables for us to eat our packed lunch. Yes…there are no food outlets in Daraitan. You really have to purchase food items for your lunch along the trail before setting foot here.
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| Lunchtime! |
Nearing our target destination we trudged uphill at a certain point and went down a very steep rocky trail.
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| Water at Normal Temperature |
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| Cold water rushing from the cave! |
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| Nature's sculpture |
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| Among the huge rocks |
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| Nature's masterpiece! |
The water had various temperatures, wherein if you go near the cave opening, the water was cold, while as you distance yourself away from the cave opening, the temperature normalizes.
My friends explored the cave and took a dip too….very cold water indeed!
We left the river at around 3:00 PM and as we neared the jump-off point, due to hunger, we ate street food….isaw heaven!
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| Isaw Heaven! |
In addition, we dropped by a small restaurant at the Adame Resthouse, and savored their Special Lomi worth Php 25.00 per serving……ang sarap! In here, you could also take a shower, charge your cellphone, and use the restroom.
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| Adame Resthouse |
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| Amenities |
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| Menu |
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| Their Special Lomi (Php 25.00) |
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| A hearty Merienda to cap off the day! |
This trek is highly recommended for nature lovers, but due to the steep portions before experiencing the river, I would definitely not recommend senior citizens and children to visit this area due to high possibility of accidents that might happen.
Experience breathtaking nature in Daraitan…only in Tanay.
Explore Pinas!
