Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River, Tanay Rizal

The clear water, white-coloured boulders of rock, towering limestones and a view to top it off, that's Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River's offer to explorers and the like!

It was 2014 when I first came here. It was still in its 'virgin' state. The rough roads going to Barangay Daraitan will greet you. The trail was not yet cemented going to Tinipak river rock formations. No bridge going to Tinipak cave. Only a few stores along the way. No camp site what so ever. It was serene. An outdoor experience!

Arriving at the Tinipak River Jump Off going to Barangay Hall Daraitan , you must cross the bridge via Bangka.
Hopefully, the bridge will be done soon so vehicles may pass directly.
Fair, 5 pesos per head.

20 peso per head ride to Barangay Hall

Two years later, 2016, I saw many difference in the place. One welcomed change was the road was less bumpy. Commuting there was fairly standardize and easy. I was amazed by the transformation of the area around the river ever since typhoons passed by NCR. Some boulders of rock was move here and there. No more path on the other side of the river where we first river trek. There are camp sites around the river. Plenty actually. The atmosphere was like a hidden resort among the mountain range of Sierra Madre. Here are some cons. 1. Too Many People. 2. Too Many People. 3. Too Many People.

20 peso agreed Environmental Fee (March 15, 2015)

Room Accommodation now available here

Camp site 

 In just a short span of time, Daraitan - Tinipak is a favourite go-to-place for people seeking great hiking experience with side trip if not the main goal to swim in Tinipak River. I must have counted more than 20 groups consisting 2 to 30 person per group. That's a lot!!!!

Going up the trail to Mt. Daraitan was like a long queue of passengers in MRT Station. You can see, from the steep assault, people in front of you trying to climb there way. Sucks to be you if you are the advancing-type of hiker. You need to wait for them to regroup at designated rest stop along the way just to advance.

My only concern is, DON'T BE A KNOW IT ALL. I always hike (just recently) like I am a newbie. Following rules. Abiding by policies. If you are in a group - stick with them and don't go showing off that you can go and be the first one on the summit. One cliché for you, it's not the destination but the journey we must seek. I observed plenty Know-It-All along the way, many are those who have just begun hiking and a few seemed veteran. 

Definitely, Daraitan - Tinipak is a Babalik-balikan destination

Another note worthy about the changes in Daraitan is the Tour Guide System and Registration. There are plenty of guides now! Most of which were young adults. Our guide back in 2014 was Kuya Russel, middle aged man who is skilled in night fish hunting in the river of tinipak. 

Near the Summit of Mt. Daraitan

Kuya Jeron, Mt. Daraitan Hiking Guide

Our guide in this hike was Kuya Jeron - the very diligent, karaoke king and very outspoken person. We were entertained from the start to the finish. He took us to ByPass routes to advance some groups.

What to see

Tinipak Cave Swimming pool

Tinipak Cave

Dati Meron ito, Ngayon ba meron pa? (2014)

Lush Vegitation and White Coloured Rock Boulders

Scenic View at the Summit

Jagged Yet Magnificent Limestones on Mt. Daraitan Summit

Clean Water of Tinipak River - Perfect for Underwater Photo Ops lol

  

Panorama Perfect view of the River of Tinipak

Perfect Camp site down below

Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River Itinerary

If you want to know more here is a sample Itinerary and expense sheet for your journey to Daraitan's hidden gem.

ITINERARY

Mt. Daraitan + Tinipak River Dayhike

0400 Take jeepney from EDSA-Shaw to Tanay, Rizal
0530 ETA Tanay, Rizal. Take jeep to Sampaloc, Tanay (P26
0615 ETA Sampaloc, Tanay. Take tricycle to Brgy. Daraitan (P100/person)
0700 Arrival at Daraitan River. Cross with raft and take trike to barangay hall
0730 ETA Barangay Hall; Register and secure guides
0800 Start trek up Mt. Daraitan
1130 ETA summit. Explore the viewpoints / Lunch
1300 Start descent to Tinipak River
1500 Arrival at Tinipak River. Explore the area
1630 Proceed to Brgy. Daritan via riverside trail
1800 Head back to Tanay, Rizal via tricycle

Mt. Daraitan camping + Tinipak River (2 days)

Day 1

0600 Take jeepney from EDSA-Shaw to Tanay, Rizal
0730 ETA Tanay, Rizal. Take jeep to Sampaloc, Tanay (P26
0815 ETA Sampaloc, Tanay. Take tricycle to Brgy. Daraitan (P100/person)
0900 Arrival at Daraitan River. Cross with raft and take trike to barangay hall
0930 ETA Barangay Hall; Register and secure guides.
1000 Start trek up Mt. Daraitan
1200 Lunch along the way
1300 Resume trek
1600 ETA summit. Set up camp.
1800 Dinner / socials
0545 Sunrise viewing at the limestone formations
0700 Breakfast / Break camp
0800 Start descent to Tinipak River
1100 Arrival at Tinipak River. Lunch / Sidetrips
1530 Proceed to Brgy. Daritan via riverside trail
1615 Back at Barangay Hall; tidy up
1730 Head back to Tanay, Rizal via tricycle
1830 Back in Tanay Rizal. Take jeepney back to Shaw / Cogeo
2000 Back in Manila
Daraitan to Tanay via tricycle Php100.00
Tanay to Shaw via FX Php70.00

Day 2

Note: It is also possible to camp in Tinipak River and do Mt. Daraitan as a dayhike on Day 1 or 2 of an overnight trip. 

Finally

Thanks to #TeamAggressive for this #HugotClimb! I learned a lot from you! 

Carlo, Me, Ekay, Danica G in order

Para Fair, Candid lahat tayo dito 

Congrats Danica G for you first Climb!

Malayo man ang Tingin... may patutunguhan din!