Not even my lack of sleep can stop me from packing my stuff and taking this adventure - Mt. Daraitan and Tinapak River, with spelunking on the side. Our group of twelve people assembled at 7-Eleven, Star Mall (Crossing) at 4 a.m. From there, we crossed the street and took the Tanay, Rizal route jeepney.
(Friendly reminder: Don't forget to bring your jacket when travelling as early.)
The jeepney ride took us around 2-3 hours of travel time. Upon arrival at Tanay's terminal, we took a tricycle that led us directly to Brgy. Daraitan. Allot an hour for the tricycle ride, by the way. Then, we took the raft to cross the Daraitan river and another tricycle ride to the barangay hall. You will have to register there. A guide (5:1 ratio) will be provided then.
Their customized raft built using two small boats.
If you have climbed Mt. Pico de Loro, Mt. Daraitan's trail is kind of similar to that. It's mostly ascent - 600 meters as stated in PinoyMouintaneer's website. The good side, there are parts of the trail wherein tree branches were converted into "handle bars" to help the hikers, especially since many first timers climb Mt. Daraitan, too.
During our climb, it was sunny, which was actually a good thing. Besides, the vast forest along the trail protected us from the scorching heat. However, the path heading to the summit was muddy, since it rained days ago according to our guide.
After 3-4 hours of hiking, the sky greeted us and we found ourselves smiling at the mountain's summit. It was full of pointy rocks, which when climbed will give you a better view of the Tinipak River and the forest below (just please take extra care). I braved the rocks just to have have a wonderful shot at the summit. Oh, the things you do for a good shot.
Thou shall love the mountains!
What a beauty!
Two thumbs up!
We ate lunch at the area and prepared ourselves to descend towards the direction of the river. We started walking around two in the afternoon. After a few bumps and slips, we thankfully made it safe to our next destination - the Tinipak River.
However, we didn't stop there. My boyfriend and I, together with our friend Kat, wanted to make the most out of our hike. So, we decided to continue and explore the cave, which was another 30-minute walk, while the others chose to rest and bathe at the river.
The water source at the foot of the mountain.
It was not enough that the summit showed us more than what we expected because we were more mesmerized by the "Hidden Paradise." I'm talking about the beautiful rock formation in the photos below. I bet it was the most amazing part of the river.
The Hidden Paradise
Tinipak River's rock formation before you enter the cave.
.jpg)
Cheese!
Upon crossing the wooden bridge to the cave, this is the view to your right.
And the view to your left.
The sun was starting to set so we hurried towards the cave's entrance. With headlamps on, we stepped inside the dark, stoned beauty. The sand and flowing water greeted us and at the end of the cave was a cold pool of water. We didn't disappoint the water and we immersed ourselves even if we were still wearing our clothes and shoes. *brrr*
Inside the cave
The flowing water waiting for us.
We went back to the part of the river where the rest of the group was waiting for us. It was already dark when we started hiking for another hour back to the barangay. Everyone was tired but it was a happy kind of tired - fulfilled - that is.
Shout out to my boyfriend Neil who never failed to assist me
throughout our hike. Thank you! :)
Dahil balang araw..
Budget reference:
Jeep from Shaw to Tanay – P58
Tricycle to Brgy. Daraitan – P100/person
Raft - P10
Tricycle to Brgy. Hall – P10
Registration – P25
Lunch (rice) - P10
Guide - P500/5-6 pax
Tricycle to Daraitan River - P10
Raft - P10
Jeep to Tanay highway - P100/person
Jeep from Tanay to Shaw - P58
No comments:
Post a Comment