Conquering Daranak and Batlag Falls

The first time saw a waterfall was on 2011. "Isang sakay lang" (just one ride) was all it takes for my then girlfriend, Kimmy, to convinced me and 2 other QAs to agree on packing our bags on the way to Tanay, Rizal.

Our wandering feet threaded the deadly pedestrian lane where a recent accident took place, t get to the waiting spot for the jeepneys going to Tanay, Rizal. Honestly, we didn't even did a research on how long that one ride would be or how far is Tanay from Rockwell Business Center in Ortigas Avenue. I was holding on to baby's words "Isang sakay ang". At the end of the jurney, baby did keep her word. It was indeed just one ride from Ortigas to Tanay, Rizal. It's just that it was two hours of butt-numbing jeepney ride!!!



Rizal is a mountainous province perched on the western slopes of the southern portion of the Sierra Madre mountain range. We've passed through Cainta, Antipolo, Teresa, Morong, and Baras before finally reaching the town of Tanay. The view on the way to Tanay is really great! After Antipolo, where the city seems to be busy, the road became less congested and we've seen more of the nature's beauty. We've passed through the curves along the mountains of Rizal. We've seen a great view of the vast green and land down the hills. It was also cold and the breeze was refreshing. It cleanses the lungs from the pollutants of the city.

We had lunch at Chowking in Tanay Market. It was a hearty lunch after a very long drive. On the other hand the weather wasn't really cooperative. A shower rinsed the dusty road that made the air thick and humid. After filling our empty tummy, we crossed the street to have a quick look at the factory outlet. Since we were not really prepared for this one-ride impromptu king of trip, baby and I bought each a paid of slippers, shorts, and shirts. After a quick shopping spree at the factory outlet we headed out to Save More for bottled water and some chips.

From Tanay Market, one has to hire a tricycle to get to the entrance of the state-managed Daranak Falls. Since baby was the one who brought us to Tanay with her "isang sakay lang" pitch, we have her do the negotiation. She sealed the deal at Php 50.00/ person (x4). She also had the driver pick us up at around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. According to baby, it was already a good deal because the going rate is at Php 200 per trip. The driver's initial asking price was Php 300. The other chice was to take the jeep and drop off at the big sign that says "To Daranak Falls" and take a 2.5 hike. (Oh hell no!) So the Php 200 deal was very good for us.

The tricycle ride was in itself a highlight of the trip. Just imagine the four of us fitting into a tricycle.

Just imagine us 4 fitting in this tiny tricycle!

After the wet and bumpy ride, we reached the location!

Yep! We paid the entrance fee...

The park is only open from 8am - 5pm. Better yet plan your trip ahead. In case you want to stay overnight, you can stay at Batlag Falls. It is a private property with huts you can rent for the entire night.

The hunts. I'm not sure though whether these are the huts for rent.

Stream below the bridge. You have to cross a bridge as soon as you enter the park.

There's an old wooden bridge that you have to cross, you just have to be careful because it's too old, it's brittle and slippery and very wet!

Aireen taking pictures and that's me at the end of the bridge.

Daranak Falls is a big falls coming from Batlag Falls upstream. Whatever is flowing from Batlag goes to Daranak. We decided to see Batlag Falls first, since we will pass by Daranak on our way back.

To get to Batlag Falls you have to take a 5-10 minute steep hike.

The Backpacking Geek and AceKream

Onti na lang beb! Push mo pa...

It's kinda tiring, since we just came from work but the scenery took those tired feelings away.

Woah!

And finally we reached the gate!

Since it is a private property, the fee is a relatively higher. We paid Php 50.00 each. According to the "manong" who welcomed us, overnight is allowed. There concrete cottages that can be rented. I just forgot the prices he quoted.

Crossing another bridge

First look at Batlag Falls

There are 4 falls in Batlag

Tables and chairs all over the place

You can make use of the tables and chairs all around the place. Some are on the shallow portion of the stream, so you can eat while feeling the light tickling sensation from the smooth flow of the cold falls.

Getting closer and wetter by the minute

The cold water will really invite you to take a dip! The thing is, the rain just stopped when we arrived. The water at the top of the mountain came rushing in via Batlag Falls. The water became very dangerous. The strong gush of water resulted to the erosion of the river banks. Result is unlimited choco fondue and choco lava!

We didn't have the opportunity to take a dip on the cold water of the falls. More than the discoloration of the water, swimming was prohibited due to the danger it may cause. Of course we don't want to go home in a body bag so we decided to just take pictures!

Choco Fondue after the rain...

Choco Lava

Refreshing

Rock Balancing, no glue used. Just balancing.

After the adventure of going to Tanay, it was time to pack and go home!

The hike to the relatively stable grounds before riding the tricycle

Yass! That was tiring!

It's getting dark and we're absolutely tired yet happy! With all the hiking and trekking, we needed the energy to go back to the city. We asked for places to eat local food. The guy who's cleaning the shower area suggested that we try Parola or Halamanan. Parola (light house) is a restaurant serving local dishes. It's called Parola because it is situated beside a light house. We decided to have dinner at Halamanan because it's along the road with jeepneys plying the Tanay-Crossing (Shaw Blvd.) route.

Chosuey

Liempo and Sinigang

 The dinner was superb! The soup sourness was perfect! And the rice serving was just enough for all the food that we ordered!

After the meal, the total bill for each of the four of us was just Php 170! (whoah!)

Then there's the Isang Sakay to Crossing (Shaw Boulevard). Upon reaching Crossing baby and I took a cab to go home.

When we reached home, we took a shower and crashed on my bed. We woke up the next morning fresh and ready for another trip!