Daranak Falls Tanay Rizal Travel Guide

Background

Daranak Falls is located in the municipality of Tanay and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province of Rizal. It is just about 70 kilometers and two hours drive away from Metro Manila. Because of its closeness to the National Capital Region, it became one of the most sought tourist destinations during weekends. According to its past history, it has often been used as a location for television commercials, and film shoots. Moreover, it is facilitated and maintained by the local government.

Daranak Falls has a height of 14 meters or 46 feet. In addition, the bluish emerald clear cool waters cascade down into a 30 feet depth catch basin in the middle of boulders and thick vegetation. The water flows into the river where hikers can follow through. Daranak Falls came from the Tagalog word Dadanak which means “to flow”. As of today, Daranak Falls is one of the most visited falls in Rizal. It is just nine kilometers away from Tanay proper. Family, friends, bikers, and riders can do a picnic, swim, relaxation, and sightseeing in the enchanting waterfalls surrounded by lush forests.

Name: Daranak Falls
Address: Tanay, Rizal, Philippines
Feature: a wonderful view of the 46 feet waterfall

My adventure to Daranak Falls

I was longing for weekday pleasures these past several days because I was so bored at the house. For this reason, I search on Youtube for the place where I go on a road trip by myself. I pick Daranak Falls as the next tourist attraction that I will visit because it’s not too far away from the National Capital Region.

Before I go on a road trip I pray for God’s guidance because I believe the Father hears our prayers and I believe that above the storm, the smallest prayer will be heard by the Father if the one praying is in the proper condition that the Father wants. Anyway, it was Friday morning when I left my house and ride a taxi going to Starmall EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) Shaw. I leave early in the morning because I want to avoid the heavy traffic and long waiting lines of commuters at the public transport terminals. After reaching the EDSA Starmall I immediately went to the terminal of the UV Express vehicle going to Tanay, Rizal.

After waiting for several minutes for the van to be full of passengers, our van starts heading to Tanay, Rizal. Then one hour and thirty-three minutes of smooth land travel, we reached the Tanay Public Market. I immediately look for a small cafeteria where I could have my heavy breakfast. After breakfast, I ask one of the store owners where the tricycle terminal going to Daranak Falls. He immediately replied to me and pointed me in the right direction and I follow through with what he said to me.

After thirty minutes of a tricycle road trip on a well-cemented road, I reached the barangay hall where Daranak Falls is situated. The tricycle driver told me that I need to walk for thirty-four minutes to reach the falls. So after paying him the tricycle fee, I immediately walk towards the entrance of the falls. A few moments later, I made it to Daranak Falls in Tanay Rizal. I see some parking personnel and a few stores that sell a variety of snacks.

To be honest, I didn’t really know what to expect at the moment I arrive because I thought it was just an isolated waterfall. To my surprise, it was more like an amusement park from my perspective because many tourists swimming in beautiful blue water. I really wish that I could have brought my pair of extra new shorts and underwear to go swimming in the shallow part. Then I said to myself there is always the next time.

Without a doubt, the place is satisfying and well maintained. Also, the water in the falls is so cold and the view is so relaxing to my own two eyes. The falls are covered with a lot of towering trees and lush green. It was my first time here but I desire to get lost for a longer period of time in my life. It’s definitely a fabulous waterfall to fall for near Metro Manila.

In my opinion, the falls is good for family, friend, and group outing because the ambiance here is so really nice. According to one of the locals living beside Daranak Falls, many tourists and solo travelers visit this place during the summer season to enjoy the emerald green color water of the falls and there are lesser people visiting Batlag Falls. In addition, it is more enjoyable during the weekdays when fewer people visit the falls.

Then he reminds me of an epic line to be very careful when walking because the stones are slippery when wet. For this reason, I was laughing so hard that the other visitor was disturbed. Anyway, I enjoy soaking my feet in the cold water and taking Instagrammable pictures of the beautiful Daranak Falls for thirty minutes. Then I said to myself that I needed to enroll in swimming courses in the future to learn the proper way and technique of swimming confidently in deep water to feel great.

As I continue to explore more about the surroundings, I find out that Daranak Falls and Batlag Falls are sister falls. In fact, Batlag Falls is just a few meters away from Daranak Falls and is less crowded. Undoubtedly, I’m loving all the secret spots near Metro Manila. There are shallow catch basins in Batlag Falls and it’s good for groups of friends and family who want to commune with mother nature. On the other hand, I saw some trash in the falls which makes me sad. Nevertheless, I order some local souvenirs at the mini store such as t-shirts and food.

After staying for nearly two hours and twenty-five minutes in Daranak Falls and Batlag Falls, without further ado I ride a tricycle going back to the barangay hall and the main road. It was 1 pm when I ride two jeepneys going back to Metro Manila. I arrive home late in the afternoon. The best thing about this adventure and experience is that I was able to get back home safely and soundly before the peak rush hour at night. In the following days, I can’t wait for my next travel adventure. On the whole, my adventure to Daranak Falls sums up this quote “say yes to new adventure”.

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Daranak Falls

4AM – Meetup at EDSA Crossing in Mandaluyong City
4:45AM – Departure going to Tanay municipality
6:50AM – Arrival at Tanay supermarket and terminal, breakfast and buy packed lunch
7:55AM – Start trekking going to Daranak Falls
8:35AM – Arrive at Daranak Falls, explore, picture taking, and swimming
10:45AM – Arrive at Batlag Falls
11:50AM – Lunch
1:15PM – Grotto
2:40PM – Calinawan Cave (optional side trip)
4:30PM – Arrive at Tanay Church
5:30PM – Sunset viewing at Tanay Parola
6:45PM – Departure going back to Mandaluyong City
9:30PM – Arrive at Mandaluyong City

Note: this sample itinerary is just a basis and not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors.

Things to bring on your visit to Daranak Falls:

Pocket money
Two bottled mineral water
Slippers
Extra set of clothes
Toiletries
Backpack
Small towel
Packed lunch (optional)
Valid ID for emergency purposes
Rechargeable batteries or power bank (optional)

How to Go to Daranak Falls (by commute)

Option 1:

From Ayala, Makati City, ride an MRT train to go to Starmall EDSA-Shaw.
From the Starmall EDSA-Shaw, walk for a few meters to find the UV Express terminal or jeepney terminal. Then ride a passenger jeep or van going to Tanay Public Market. It’s a one-hour and thirty-minute ride through light to moderate traffic.
From Tanay Public Market, ride a tricycle going to Daranak Falls. The tricycle fare is 200 pesos per trip and it’s only good for four people but it will change depending on the driver you are negotiating. In addition, you can ask the tricycle driver to wait for your group or just come back at the agreed time.

Option 2:

From Marikina City, ride a jeep going to LRT (Light Rail Transit) Santolan station.
Then ride a UV Express at the terminal going to Tanay Public Market Transport Terminal. Afterward, ride a tricycle bound to Daranak Falls.

Option 3:

From Pasig City, ride an airconditioned bus from Robinsons Galleria Ortigas going to Tanay, Rizal. Tell the bus driver to drop you off at Cainta Junction.
From Cainta Junction, ride a jeep going to Tanay municipality and alight at Tanay Public Market. The jeepney fare is 45 pesos and above.
Then ride a tricycle going to Daranak Falls.

Option 4:

From the Araneta Center Cubao Station and from the Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City, ride a passenger jeep going to Antipolo City and drop off at the Ynares Center. The jeepney fare is 35 pesos and above.
From the Ynares Center, ride a jeep going to Tanay. The jeepney fare range from 25 pesos to 30 pesos. Afterward, hire a tricycle that will take you to Daranak Falls.

Option 5:

From the Cubao jeepney terminal, ride a jeep going to Binangonan.
From Binangonan, ride a jeep going to Tanay and tell the jeepney driver to alight you at the Tanay Tricycle Terminal. Afterward, hire a tricycle going to the parking lot of Daranak Falls.

Note: If you have a private vehicle then pin Daranak Falls on your Waze app or Google Maps. If you’re coming from Metro Manila you can take the Tanay-Sampaloc road or you have the option to proceed to the Marikina–Infanta Highway also known as Marilaque Highway. Keep driving as you will pass the Baras municipality until you reach Tanay. On the other hand, if you’re coming from the Southern Luzon region you can take the Manila East Road also known as the National Highway. Along the way, you will pass the municipality of Angono, Binangonan, Cardona, Morong, and Baras before reaching the municipality of Tanay. In addition, the entrance going to Batlag Falls is inside Daranak Falls.

Reminders and Tips:

The entrance fee in Daranak Falls is 75 pesos per head. On the other hand, the entrance fee in Batlag Falls is 100 pesos per head for adults and 50 pesos per head for kids.

Bringing any alcoholic drinks inside the falls is prohibited by the management.

There’s no need for any reservation because walk-in is allowed in Daranak Falls but make sure to arrive early in the morning. The parking fee is 50 pesos and after parking your car, you have a short walk going to the falls.

The picnic shed with umbrella cost 300 pesos while the picnic table is around 200 pesos. On the other hand, pitching a tent is 200 pesos while a pictorial or prenup session cost 1500 pesos.

Bringing a tent is allowed and you can do it overnight at Batlag Falls which is situated at the top of Daranak Falls and it’s a walking distance only.

Renting a cottage or a picnic table to put your important belongings cost 200 to 300 pesos.

Bring your food and water if you have a low budget for travel because the price of food there is so expensive.

If you want to take a dip and enjoy the water but cannot swim, you don’t need to worry because they offer a life vest or large floating inner tube device which you can rent for a minimal amount in the stalls. Renting a life vest cost 50 pesos per head while renting a salbabida costs the same which is 50 pesos per head.

Daranak Falls is every day open to tourists (Monday to Sunday) which starts from 8 am opening hours up to 5 pm.

Flying a drone in the vicinity of the falls is strictly prohibited by the management. So if you’re a content creator don’t bring any drones with you.

Restroom and shower rooms are available near the falls.

There’s no need to bring a vaccination card.

As a visitor, we need to always observe the Leave No Trace principles to keep the area clean and maintain the beauty of the falls. In addition, carry your trash with you or put it in the right designated garbage bin.

Playing loud music is not allowed inside the vicinity of the falls because it can disrupt other tourists and it can affect the tranquility of the place.

Bringing of styrofoam materials and personal pets are not allowed inside the falls.

There are many available resorts and hotels near Daranak Falls where you can stay overnight.

The approximate budget for a solo traveler is 1,300 pesos to 1,600 pesos.

Above all, because of the low entrance fee avoid visiting Daranak Falls during regular holidays and long weekends because it’s very overcrowded there and you can’t really appreciate the beauty of the falls.

There you have it, wanderer, and falls lover. Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things. In general, I greatly desire this Daranak Falls travel guide has been valuable to you. Moreover, don’t forget to share this with your circle of friends or groups if ever you plan to visit Daranak Falls. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. See you on my next adventure.