Mt. Daraitan Dayhike: First Hiking Experience

Introduction

Mt. Daraitan is a gem at the heart of the great Sierra Madre mountain range which sits near the border of Tanay, Rizal, and General Nakar, Quezon. It offers a relaxing view of the sea of clouds, sunrise, the Daraitan river, and scenic views of the Sierra Madre Mountain range. It is located in Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal. Mt. Daraitan has a height of 739 meters above sea level or 2,424 feet.

Mt. Daraitan is one of the popular mountains located in the first-class municipality of Tanay, Rizal. Bragging all of nature’s excellence from clean rivers and attractive caves which is approximately a hundred years old structure of pillar and pebble rocks to the delightful view of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the beautiful Tinipak River.

Mt. Daraitan has swiftly laid the foundations as one of the most visited hiking destinations in the Philippines bringing thousands of hikers, tourists, and adventure seekers’ souls to its pleasant hiking trails every week.

Mt. Daraitan may have acknowledged way numerous footprints of hikers and visitors in its trail but don’t ever think this mountain is everything fair because beyond its summit view seeming so elegant from distance is its utterly intimidating nature which has sent some beginner hikers home with a broken knee and with questions in their mind, why am I doing this? When will I be able to hike again? and do I really love to go hiking? Climbing this mountain is like sipping coffee, if the motor does not have a key, the buffalo will not fly.

Name: Mt. Daraitan
Difficulty: 4/9
Jump-Off: Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal
Features: Tinipak River, limestone formations, and panoramic view of Sierra Madre mountain range

My trip to Mt. Daraitan

My classmate in college named Bren asked me if I want to hike a mountain and I told him yes because I want to experience hiking. He said in the chat that the mountain we will be climbing is Mt. Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal. Since I have no experience in hiking, I asked Bren if Mt. Daraitan is good for first-timer and he replied yes. Bren asked me also if I do smoking and I replied no, later he told me to do some cardio exercise to prepare for the upcoming climb. He gave me the itinerary, budget, and the things that I should bring in the climb.

It was Sunday in the morning, February 14, 2016, Valentine’s Day when I arrived at our meetup place in EDSA Shaw-Boulevard. We were four in the group, two boys and two girls. The other two girls were Bren’s co-workers. Because we were just commuting going to Mt. Daraitan, we boarded a van at 7 am on Shaw Boulevard. Unexpectedly, we waited for 50 minutes inside the van because it was Sunday, only a few passengers at that time, and the driver was still waiting for the van to be full.

The van heads to Tanay, Rizal at 7:50am. Our itinerary was delayed. Upon dropping off at Tanay, Rizal, we boarded a tricycle going to Mt. Daraitan. The adventure begins. Our tricycle ride lasts for 40 minutes with a scenic view of the province. It was my first time in Rizal province so I was amazed at that tricycle ride. We reach the jump-off point of Mt. Daraitan at 10:15 am. We are already late and we saw a lot of people in the registration area. We pay the registration fee and hire a guide.

Our itinerary is going to Mt. Daraitan summit first before heading to Tinipak River but the local coordinators and our tour guide said that our group will not follow our supposed itinerary because there are a lot of hikers already at the summit and on their way to the summit. So the local coordinator and our guide suggest to us that we will be heading to Tinipak River first before going to Mt. Daraitan summit when there are only a few people at the summit. We have no choice but to follow it or else our trip will be in vain.

Our group started heading to Tinipak River. Bren our group leader has been at Tinipak River and Mt. Daraitan once a long time ago so he knows the place going to Tinipak River. The sun is already high at that time and we feel the heat already. We walk to the river on the other side of the village. The trail going to Tinipak River is flat, well established, and easy. 

The 2.5-kilometer trek from the jump-off point to Tinipak River is one of the most beautiful walks I have ever done in my life. The view is breathtaking. Furthermore, I was amazed by the rock formation, the beautiful river, and the peaceful place. The rushing clear water pounding against the large white rocks was music to my ear as I continue to walk.

Without a doubt, I am engaged in the beauty of nature and have seen this kind of free-flowing river. We saw a lot of people swimming in the pristine river as we continue walking. Also, the water is very clear and surrounded by large marble rocks. Tinipak River’s clean waters, beautiful white limestone boulders, and mountain cliffs that border it are an amazing view to witness by my own eyes. After our hall of fame walk to Tinipak River, we rest for a little while outside the Tinipak Cave.

We open our flashlight and headlamp and go inside the cave. For this reason, this is the first time that I will go inside a cave and experience caving. I’m excited. Then we do some rock climbing as we explore the cave. 

The cave is narrow, dark, deep, and slippery, so we have to be very careful at all times with our footsteps and our head. Also, the cave is formed by marble rocks. At the end of the cave, we saw a natural pool where lots of people are having fun swimming. We didn’t swim at all because we still need to hike Mt. Daraitan and conserve our energy. Overall, our caving experience is good but there was no wind at all inside the cave so we came out sweaty. 

We eat our trail food beside the cave. Later we do a back trail and ride a tricycle from Tinipak River going back to the jump-off of Mt. Daraitan.

We reached the jump-off at 1:30 pm. Therefore, it was time to get ready for my first hiking experience. Our group takes the shorter trail with a steeper ascent going to the summit. Then we started walking an uphill concrete road that leads to a forested trail of the mountain. Moreover, the initial trek was uphill and filled with soothing greenery. For the next one hour and a half, the trail becomes steeper, almost 90-degree slope, and is rocky.

The uphill bouldering was difficult for us. We feel like there’s no blowing wind at all inside the mountain. In addition to this, my bag is getting heavier on my shoulder. I was already drained and exhausted because of the continuous assault. For this reason, I drink a lot of water to quench my thirst and eat a lot of my trail food. This is the first mistake that I ever did in hiking because I feel like I don’t want to hike anymore because I’m full already. On the other hand, the other two girls feel the same, only Bren is not tired of hiking, he is a veteran already.

We rested for 30 minutes in the middle of the mountain. Undoubtedly, the view is already spectacular halfway. After that, we continued hiking, I was trying my best to keep up the pace. I feel the pain in my knee every time I go up. As a result, we take several take 5 rest as we go up the mountain. In addition to this, me and the two girls kept asking our guide how many more hours will it be to reach the summit.

We noticed also there’s no water source inside the mountain, so we need to manage our water inside our bag. It was a very challenging uphill climb since we were under time pressure to reach the summit just before nightfall.

As we went up along the trail, we saw many hikers who were going down the mountain and we greeted each other Good Afternoon and  Happy Valentine’s. Some of them told us that we are near the summit so it give us the motivation to continue hiking. The last 100 meters to the summit is super very steep.

We finally reach the summit late in the afternoon. The thrill of reaching the peak was rewarding. The view from the summit is amazing. The sunset is stunning. The weather is perfect. Moreover, the scenery is all worth it. It was so cold there. All the pain that we’ve been through going to the summit has vanished because the air at the top is so cool and refreshing. The sweat dried on my clothes. Reaching the summit of Mt. Daraitan is indeed a challenge for me as a beginner, but looking at the view from the summit is priceless. Indeed, it was my first time seeing beautiful scenery like this.

I was singing in my head at the top of the summit. We climb and climb and at the top, we fly. Let the world go on below us we are lost in time and I don’t know really what it means All I know is that you love me, in my dreams.

We can see the magnificent and unforgettable view of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the meandering Daraitan river below. Therefore, it captivated us and we take pictures of the beautiful view. Also the rock formations at the summit provide a good spot for our group pictures. We relaxed for a bit and enjoyed the cold breeze.

We stayed at the summit for 45 minutes. I was so happy to reach the top of the mountain. This day may have been empty of what I had anticipated it to be but it turns out to be something that gives me a much superior perspective in life, especially in traveling and hiking. After that, we needed to go down as fast as we can because nightfall is approaching. For this reason, we do back trail. We had to scramble down on a 90-degree slope holding on to tree branches and tough stems. Without a doubt, It’s a very steep descent. 

I sit on the trail sometimes because my knee is trembling. In addition to this, I was practically crawling on the way down. I was sweating heavily. The trail is slippery. Our local guide is so good even though he was wearing only slippers or flip-flops. He was quick and took care of us. He even gave his extra bottled water to us.

We have some discussions with our guide as we go down the mountain. The guide said that this is the only livelihood they had to get through everyday life. Thrice a week they climbed Mt. Daraitan. I said in my heart that the people of Rizal province are so lucky because they have been surrounded by the wonders of nature. 

The night comes in, it was so dark on the trail but we are prepared. We open our flashlight as we continue trekking down. Along the trail, we kept asking the guide. I don’t know how many times we say to our guide, is it still far? is it near? How many more hours will it be to reach the jump-off point?

As we continue walking down, we can see already the lights of the community from distance. We are so happy at that time so we rush our footsteps toward the community. After several minutes, Finally we reach the jump-off point at 9 pm. I ordered two Gatorade drinks and I drink them fast because I was so thirsty and tired. We wash up and later we board a van going back to Manila. We came home safely.

After climbing the mountain I woke up at noon I could hardly go down the stairs because my leg was so sore and it lasted for two days. This is the sign that I’m totally a beginner. While I was writing this, I felt happy recounting the events of that day, as I truly appreciated the beauty of the mountain and the river. It was a solid first experience hiking a mountain.

I will never forget my first hiking experience. Therefore, I thank God and my classmate in college who showed me how beautiful the Philippines is and the scenery created by God. Mt. Daraitan is my mother mountain. I love the surroundings. I wish I can go back to this mountain again with a good company of adventurous people who loves hiking, and nature.

A few years later, I returned to my mother’s mountain Mt. Daraitan via the not-so-steep trail but a lot longer. I took the Mt. Daraitan traverse to Tinipak River. A lot has changed on this mountain but the joy of hiking and its beauty remains the same. At the summit, I saw a sea of clouds from distance and also I saw a sea of crowds in front of me. I feel like I’m an artist while the local guide takes photos of me at the top of the mountain. The Tinipak River is clean as usual and also the heart peak installation is awesome. Indeed, this mountain never fails to impress me.

Sample itinerary to Mt. Daraitan

12AM – Assembly, meet-up
12:30AM – ETD going to Mt. Daraitan registration site
3:30AM – ETA Barangay Daraitan, Tanay Rizal. Registration, breakfast and secure a guide.
4AM – Start hiking via a long trail
6:30AM – arrived at Mt. Daraitan summit, explore the area, rest, and take pictures
7:30AM – Going to Heart Peak
9AM – Arrived at Heart Peak
9:30AM – Going to Tinipak River
11:30AM – Arrived at Tinipak River, lunch
12:30PM – Explore Tinipak River, swimming, caving, photo-ops
3:30PM – Head back to the jump-off point
4:30PM – Arrive at Barangay hall, wash up, dinner
5:30PM – ETD going back to Manila
8:30PM – ETA Manila

Note: this sample itinerary is just a basis and not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors such as the weather condition, group pacing, traffic, emergency, etc.

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Daraitan:

Flashlight or headlamp
Sun and Rain Protection (raincoat, arm sleeves, shades, cap, umbrella, etc.)
2 to 3 liters of bottled water
Trail foods
Personal Medications
Toiletries like bath soap, shampoo, toothbrush, and tissue
Trash bags, extra plastic
Extra clothes and slippers
Extra cash for personal expense
Towel
Camera
Waterproof bag during the rainy season
Packed lunch (optional)
Trekking pole (optional)

Reminders and Tips:

• If you go to Mt. Daraitan, don’t visit on weekends or holidays because it’s overcrowded there, I suggest you go on weekdays. Do not go also during the rainy season because the trail becomes difficult and it becomes a major climb that will require you more hours to finish the hike.

• I suggest before you visit Mt. Daraitan, check the weather forecast first and make sure it is sunny and clear. 

• Pack light. This is very important. Bring only necessary things in the trail.

• The trail going to Mt.Daraitan summit is moderately steep and beautifully forested. 

• Wear appropriate hiking shoes or trekking sandals.

• Don’t forget to waterproof your things. A waterproof bag can be bought near the Barangay Hall.

• I highly suggest hiking Mt. Daraitan during the summer season only or on a sunny day because the trail can become so muddy, slippery and hard to navigate during the wet season. Also, for you not to worry if you will have a good clearing at the summit.

• Mt. Daraitan is good for beginners and newbies, it’s only a minor hike but prepare and condition yourself prior to the hiking event. Do a lot of long walks, leg, and cardio exercises to improve your stamina and to have better conditioning prior to the climb.

• Respect the place and the locals. Remember we are only there to visit the mountain and river. 

• Follow the Leave No Trace (LNT) principle at all times. Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, and keep nothing but memories. 

• Always be a responsible hiker, and bring your own trash when u go down. Keep the mountain clean. 

• You can choose between the long trail or the short trail. I highly suggest taking the long trail as it’s not that steep compared to the short trail. 

• Bring headlamps or a flashlight so you can enjoy swimming inside Tinipak Cave.

• From the summit, instead of returning all the way to the Barangay, I highly recommended taking the traverse trail leading to Tinipak River.

• There are shower rooms, toilets, parking spaces, and food stalls available at the jump-off point.

• Don’t turn on speakers and play music at full volume because it will only interrupt other mountaineers on the trail. Also please be reminded that keeping your voice at a minimal rate is good for nature and fellow hikers.

• The approximate budget and expense for a DIY (Do it yourself) with a group of 5 people coming from Manila is 700 pesos per head including the transportation and the food. The local guide fee is 500 pesos for a maximum of 5 people.

• Last but not least, if you’re coming from Southern or Northern Luzon provinces, I highly suggest getting a packaged tour when you plan to hike Mt. Daraitan for ease and to lessen your expense. Included in the Mt. Daraitan day hike package tour is a round trip private van transfer, tour coordinator fee, local guide fee, drivers fee, parking fee, and registration fee. On the other hand, excluded from the day tour package are personal meals and shower fees.
  
  
  
  

How to Get to Mt. Daraitan

By commute 

Ride a van or jeep in front of EDSA-Shaw Boulevard or in front of Starmall going to Tanay, Rizal. Alight at Jollibee Tanay and ride a tricycle going to the Barangay Daraitan registration site. Travel time for the tricycle ride is 30-40 minutes. Fare is 100 pesos per peron or 500 pesos per tricycle. 

Another option is to ride a jeep in Aurora Boulevard, Cubao going to Antipolo Cogeo, alight at Cogeo public market, then ride a jeep going to Sampaloc, Tanay, then ride a tricycle going to the Barangay Daraitan registration site. 

By Private vehicle

Drive to Marcos Highway and follow the Tanay-Infanta Road. Make a left turn in the rough road that leads to Barangay Daraitan, then follow the road until you see the river crossing and registration hall which is located several meters past the river then park your vehicle. The approximate travel time is 2 to 2.5 hours.

Every hike is a blessing. Value it, cherish it, and treasure it. Not everyone has the luxury of time to hike. On the whole, I hope this Mt. Daraitan travel guide and reference has been helpful to you. Don’t forget to share this with your friends, companions, and loved ones if ever you plan on doing the Mt. Daraitan day hike too. Until next time. Have a pleasant day to you. Thanks for reading.