Daraitan is a discovery itself. It is situated at the northeastern part of Tanay and is hardly known up until now. Many places here are yet to be explored and that is why it’s a perfect spot for adventurers.
It boasts its crystal clear waters and surrounding giant rocks which extend for miles. It also houses many caves which were just cleared recently for tourists. Yet one of the greatest views you would enjoy is being atop all these wonders on the peak of Daraitan’s mountains.
There’s more to it that could be written. The only thing to do is experience it yourself! Be sure to get ready for this crazy adventure and be amazed of how beautiful Daraitan is! Read on to get a gist on what you’d be exploring. So get those adrenaline juices up and rediscover Daraitan!
HOW TO GET HERE
PRIVATE TRANSPORT
- Take Marcos Highway (Marilaque Highway) and travel east going to Tanay.
- It will be approximately a 1.5 hr drive and upon reaching Tanay, there would be a sign to the left pointing to Daraitan.
- Follow the bumpy road down until you reach Daraitan Barangay Hall.
***But if you want it quick, just click this link at follow google map directions
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
ROUTE 1
- Travel to Shaw Boulevard near Star mall (cross to southbound side)
- Shaw to Tanay Market
- Find jeepneys going to Tanay Market. Fare is 53 pesos per person
- You could also look for the FX to Tanay Market.
- Tanay Market to Sampaloc
- Tricycle ride costs 160 pesos.
- Sampaloc to Daraitan (barangay hall)
- Habal-habal (wide motorcycle) ride is 60 pesos per person
ROUTE 2
- Travel to Shaw Boulevard near Star mall(cross to southbound side)
- Shaw to Tanay Market
- Find jeepneys going to Tanay Market. Fare is 53 pesos per person
- You could also look for the FX to Tanay Market.
- Tanay Market to Daraitan (barangay hall)
- Ride a jeepney to Daraitan. Though I think only 2 trips are ongoing. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. You have to be extra early to ride here.
- Alternately, you could ride a tricycle to Daraitan but will cost you around 500 pesos a day. Also note that the ride to Daraitan is on a rocky terrain that is why tricycles will get you there longer than Habal-habal rides.
THE BUDGET
Well not including the transportation expenses (which are discussed above), the rates are fairly simple.
Environmental Fee: 100php each
Guide Fee: 500php (1-5pax) which includes hiking and visiting Tinipak river.
THE HIKE
Reach the top and be at the highest point in Daraitan! Enjoy the cold breeze, the sunset, and the sunrise! You’d be amazed how beautiful the clouds are during sunrise! These pictures don’t even compare what the eyes could capture.
The hardest part would only be the part where you’d be climbing for hours with your heavy backpack, running out of water, rain pouring, slippery slopes, sharp rocks, blade grasses, splinter trees, the occasional snake, and much more. You may want to challenge yourself by asking your guide to use the steepest route. Well, at least you know before trying right?! I’m not even a professional hiker/climber. In the end, its worth the climb! Certainly worth the climb!
Enjoy the morning glaze atop Mt. Daraitan’s rocky summit!
Lots of rocks means lots of fun climbing!
The one they call Daraitan’s heart – directly facing the morning sunshine!
There’s really no bad angle with this view.
Now how did he get there?
And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll witness the sea of clouds as well!
So I guess we’re really lucky finding this spot.
Now as the clouds dissipate, a beautiful mountainous facade reveals!
One final look before going down?
Test your will and reach Daraitan’s highest peak! (Sept 2011)
Start the day with a great view of the sea of clouds atop Daraitan’s peak. (Sept 2011)
River Trekking and Rock Climbing
With lots of jagged and bizarre shaped rocks along the way, it would be impossible not to stop and take out your camera for a shot. Beautiful as they may seem, these rocks are also armed with sharp edges that may cut your skin. And that’s saying it in a nice way. You’d also find yourself occasionally applying those rock climbing skills of yours.
Now if this won’t urge you to swim, then I don’t know what will.
Great view, great weather, and great friends are a pretty darn good combination.
Cold waters at Tinipak will surely refresh your soul! (Sept 2011)
Be weary of large rocks when crossing Tinipak River!
Swimming
It wouldn’t hurt to relax for just a little right? Why not try swimming on Tinipak’s cold waters and feel nature run by you. And by the way, there is a place here where the water is as cold as ice. Despite the elegance, it is a very dangerous area. A wrong grip would cause you to fall on the edgy rocks.
It’s nice to hang around a little bit and enjoy the cool waters at Tinipak River.
Spelunking
We visited the most popular cave here which is the Cave #5. There are lots of caves here but not all of them are ready for tourist. Well if you like dark places, then feel free to roam Daraitan’s caves! You’ll see a lot of stone structures – forged by water through time. Note: Don’t drink the water here (I knew someone who did! lol). Do have a lamp or at least know how to set your camera for literal dark photography. You’ll miss the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites, and occasional hovering bats! Pretty thrilling!
Remember to keep your head down and walk slowly!
Ice cold waters rushing out thru the entire cave. No drinking!
Daraitan deserves a second look. With so many places to explore, one visit would not be enough especially when tied up to a busy city schedule.
We initially planned to go on the waterfalls which the natives were talking about but the head said that it was not still open for tourist because of safety purposes. Nevertheless he gave us other choices and we opt to his alternative and traveled a different road.
After a long trek through Tinipak, we reached a place called Palanak where stones strangely are black compared to Tinipak’s white rocks.
After trekking Tinipak, Palanak welcomes you with it’s black rocks!
Before beginning to explore, its a good practice to secure where your tent would be positioned first. The area has a large wall of black rock which can really serve as a protection from strong winds.
The first things you would notice in the area are the weird shaped rocks which really drives your urge to climb them. You could try your rock climbing skills in here. Do note that you have the responsibility of your own safety since no harnesses will be available.
If not a good swimmer, you should avoid going into its deep waters which could even be up to 20 feet deep. The current is really strong, do not attempt to be a hero unless you are one (haha).
Due to the depth in certain parts of this area, many fishes thrive here. Extra care should be considered since the gush of current is really strong and water levels rise fast even when it just drizzles.
Even with its dangers, its still a paradise for doing photo shoots. Uneven surfaces lead up to shallow areas in the middle of the river which could be a perfect for your own gallery or keepsake. It’s also nice to shoot from high above the rocks since you get a different angle in every climb you make. Though the weather was not really in our favor, rain shots were still terrific.
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