This year, I promised myself that I will travel more and climb more mountains. It’s a year for exploration. I want to explore the world. So when a friend invited me to join their climb to Mt. Daraitan, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. But there’s always a catch to traveling: budget. I am still a student and while I do get some writing and blogging gigs on the side, they are not enough for me to buy everything that I need and want. Perhaps that’s the reason why I love reading travel blogs about backpacking and such. It opens you to another world of experience: traveling on a shoestring. For this climb, my budget is just Php 500. And guess what? At the end of our trip, I still have some money to spend! I was able to climb another mountain, swim at the river and do some caving at a very affordable price (That’s just like a price of a shirt at a mall!). So definitely, there’s no excuse not to travel. If you can afford to buy expensive items, I’m pretty sure that you can visit these places. After all, the experience, the view and just being at one with nature is so worth it. So here’s my complete itinerary and budget guide to Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River.
Here’s a short background of Mt. Daraitan:
Location: Tanay, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Daraitan (village centre), Tanay Minor jumpoff: Sitio Cablao Brgy. Pagsangahan, General Nakar
LLA: 14°36′48.5′′N 121°26′19.5′′ E, 739 MASL (+600)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2.5-4 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: Tropical forest, limestone formations, river trek
A gem at the heart of the great Sierra Madre mountain range, close enough to Manila to do as a dayhike, is Mt. Daraitan, which sits near the border of Tanay, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon. A former logging area, the village that bears the mountain’s name is now an ecotourism site that offers outdoor attractions such as caves, springs, natural pools, and limestone formations. A model for ecotourism, the barangay has an organised system for handling visitors, including trained local guides.
According to itineraries online, the easiest way to go to Tanay, Rizal is either via jeep or fx from Shaw. But since most of us will be coming from the north, we decided to just meetup at Robinsons Cainta (Junction). Our group was split in half, the other will be going directly to the meeting place while the rest of us decided to meet at Sta. Lucia Mall in Marikina. From Cubao, I rode a jeep and dropped off directly at Sta. Lucia. Fare was Php 15. From there, we rode a jeep going to Junction (Php 10). And finally, another jeep going to Tanay Public Market (Php 45).
Once you drop off at Tanay Public Market, you have two options going to Brgy. Daraitan: either ride a jeep or a tricyle. We chose the latter. Tricyle costs Php 100 per head and requires at least 4 persons so it would be best to travel in group.
Upon arriving, you have to pay Php 20/vehicle to cross the bridge.
Note: After crossing the bridge, the drivers might drop you off. Tell them to drop you at the barangay hall instead.
It was a long travel time by the way. We left Robinsons Cainta around 7:00 am and arrived at Tanay Public Market at exactly 7:40 then barangay hall by 9:00.
Once you arrived at the barangay hall, you have to pay Php 20/head for the registration and Php 500 for the guide. (It’s Php 1,250 for overnight. One guide is good for 10pax). Time to hike!
Bayuo. According to our guide, the flesh from this shell can be eaten.
Tibig
We reached the summit at around 12 noon. Since we’re running late ahead of our schedule, we decided to not take our lunch at the summit and head down immediately to Tinipak River.
Next stop: Tinipak River!
Php 5 for entrance. There’s a nearby source of natural drinking water as well as a cottage/cafeteria where you can eat and take a rest.
Lunch!! Finally!!! What’s the best way to eat lunch on a climb? Boodle Fight!
Tinipak River is very near. It’s a couple of minutes away from the cottage. You can set your camp already by the river and swim. But we decided to postpone the river and head to the cave which is just beside it.
The cave is just a small one. It has fresh water at the end part of it where you can swim. Went out for a quick dip.
After swimming in the cave, time to explore the river. I was really surprised by it. It was just so beautiful. The limestone rock formations were amazing. I was honestly not expecting it to be that beautiful.
Our trip to Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River was super worth it. It was just a piece of heaven for me. I’m really grateful I was able to visit it. And of course, I’d like to thank new found friends I’ve met during this climb. That’s probably one of the best things I love about climbing: meeting new people who shares the same passion as yours. To everyone and also to Kuya Elmer, our tour guide, thanks for being part of this awesome experience! 🙂
Yes! I’ll definitely be back. Anyways, here’s a complete breakdown of our expenses:
Budget
Cubao-Sta Lucia jeep = Php 15
Sta Lucia-Junction jeep = Php 10
Junction-Tanay Public Market jeep = Php 45
Tricyle to Barangay Hall = Php 100
Bridge = Php 5 (Php 20 per vehicle)
Registration = Php 20
Tour guide = Php 56 (Php 500/10 pax)
Barangay Hall-Tanay Public Market jeep = Php 115 (we shared with 2 other climbers to rent the whole jeep)
Tanay Public Market-Junction jeep = Php 45
Junction-Cubao jeep = Php 20
Total expense: Php 431
Note: As written on other blogs, it would be recommended to ride a jeep/fx from Shaw Boulevard going directly to Tanay Public Market. We just used this because we did a meetup at Sta. Lucia and Junction.
Thanks for reading guys! There’s some plans for another climb this May as well as a trip to Baguio. Hopefully it will push through as per our budget permits. *cross fingers*
Till the next travel journey!
Life is too short to live without adventure
Special thanks to Jack Serraon for the photos
Cheers~!
– Justin –
Mt. Apo is on my list though I doubt I'll be able to climb it soon since it's really far from Manila. But hopefully, I wish I can climb it within the next 2 years. 🙂
It would be best to travel in group. But on our way home, we met 2 climbers from UST and it took them less than Php 1000 since the tricyle is quite expensive (it's Php 400 to rent it). But you can join fun climbs. There's a lot of groups in Facebook willing to accommodate strangers. After all, it's nice to climb with strangers once in a while. I've done it several times. It's safe since you're all in one group, sharing the same passion. 🙂
It's really a nice place. You'll hear the birds chirping by the summit.
Thank you for appreciating my photos. 🙂 If overnight, a tent is a must. You can stay near the summit or by the river. May designated places to camp there. The cottage is basically a resting place lang as well as a karinderya lang. I would really suggest to travel in group para share share sa pamasahe and guide. We were 9 in total that's why less than Php 500 lang. And don't forget to bring food! Thanks for dropping by! 🙂
I did! My May is already filled with travel plans. 🙂
Thank you for your words Pooja. Really appreciate it. It's really safe though once it gets dark, it's kinda scary since there's no electricity. But overall, it's a place to visit. The guides will really help and secure you.
Thanks Melodi
Thank you for appreciating it. 🙂
it reallly is! wasn't expecting how beautiful it is
Thank you Ling. It depends on the capability of the kid actually. If they have been trained, they can do it. We saw some kids (around 8-12) climbing.
Thanks Jexx 🙂
Thank you Tiffany!
We saw a Ford Ranger by the river. It depends on the car actually since the road is not concrete. The guides are well trained and they are trustworthy. They actually watched our bags while we went inside the cave. But still, you must be alert. You'll never really know. 🙂
Thank you Shayne!
yes. I definitely agree with your last line. 🙂
Overwhelming beauty. I am in awe. Galing mo friend. Those were simply awesome and to have experienced it firsthand. Wow. Amazing. There really is more to life than malls.
Hi Axel! I suggest bring water. A LOT. We usually bring 1.5-3 liters. Also trail food para di kayo magutom habang naglalakad. Go for sweets. Lagi kaming may baong jellyace at jelly sticks. Number one yun na favorite namin. Try to avoid salty foods kasi mauuhaw kayo. Bring extra clothes in case you want to swim at plastic bags na rin. And lastly, wag magkalat. Keep your trash. Respect the place. Para na rin maenjoy siya ng future climbers. Enjoy! 🙂
hey there po ulit kuya justine.. guess what.. you've moved us so pupunta kami sa mt. Daraitan! 🙂 any last payo po and/or tips para sa aming first ever adventure?
Salamat Er! See you sa next climb! 🙂
Ang ganda. Ang galing. Macro, long exposure shots, portraits. I salute you now Justin. Amazing blogger/photographer 🙂
thanks for the input Janice. working on the backend of the blog to make sure the photos load faster. 🙂
thanks Dianne! 🙂
I love your photos. Makes me want to pay the place a visit!
That was quite an adventure for such a small cost. I love the photos! They take quite so long to load though.
That's cool! Never heard of Mt. Mamara to be honest. Will check it out. Thanks for the tip! 🙂
We were there last April 22nd. We were just 4 of us. We did overnight for P1,200 and climb Mt. MAMARA because they say that it's a new trail and it only takes 3 hours back and forth since we were taking advantage of the time. The place was so amazing and something that you would visit again. Next time, we will go there and climb Mt. Daraitan.
Do share your photos once you visit it. Would love to check it out.
it's actually part of the design. but thanks for you input.
hi po ate or kuya justin 🙂 just wanna ask if paano po kung overnight? may dala po ba kaung camp (tent) or dun po kau sa cottage nag stay? and last na po.. please give us some advises or tips kung paano po mas makakatipid and yet sulit po ang adventure po namin. TIA po.. btw, nice pics po.. galing ng photographer 🙂
Great photos, I am sure you had a good time exploring the nature. This year I hope to travel more and get active too.
You are an awesome photographer in the way you captured the home, people, nature and lanes it is giving a feel of the peaceful and place far away from city life . Those thatched roof houses are beautiful. Places is not expensive at all. How is the safety there ?
First off, welcome back to the group Justin! We've missed your fantastic posts and photos. This was definitely a worthwhile adventure and your photos are a great testimony to your trip. WoW! Such amazing photos; each one offered such richness and clarity. What camera were you using? 🙂
Cheers!
I did several trails in Tanay and the place was awesome. I hope to do Daraitan and Tinapak next month.
SULIT!! the place is simply breathtaking. Tanay is so close to my in-laws, I have to see this myself.
When I read this I decided to finally think of going back to nature. One comment though, it seems that all the pics are bigger and the comment box is also big… just an observation.
Oh wow – absolutely breathtaking!! I would love to visit there myself one day!
Another summer adventure to love, by climbing mountains and explore what's within. You nailed it! Hope I can do that also here at Mt.Apo.
Amazing trip! Sulit indeed! Now this becomes part of my list. Is there some sort of accommodation for solo trips? I want to go solo! haha This is an amazing trip you had! thank you for sharing this. Will definitely book mine for this.
I have heard Mt. DAraitan from a friend who'd been to this mysterious place. But aside from the view, the flora and fauna interests me more.
Great photos! I felt like I was on a journey!
I am amazed with everything that you've done and it's all less than P500 + I am in awe of the beauty that you've shown us with the photos. Sobrang sulit at ang ganda! I bookmarked your post for future trips.
Tanay is truly blessed with so many wonderful natural attractions. This place is so scenic!
Lovely photos Justin! And thanks for the details. It looks like fun – do you think kids can manage this hike?
WOW! What AMAZING PHOTOS you have! Thanks for sharing. I like hiking and climbing too! 🙂
That's something different! Thanks for breaking down the cost for us! Will love to try this myself one day!
This is a very beautiful place. I am concerned with safety though especially the trustworthiness of the guide. But it looks like a lot of fun. Can people drive their private cars over themselves?
Looks like a fun adventure! at ang mura lang! btw, ganda ng photos mo 🙂
Thank you! Do share your photos once you visit this place. I would love to check them out and your blog is so cool 🙂
Great place and beautiful pictures. It's unbelievable that you just spend less than 500.00 Php for this awesome adventure. I hope I can visit this place too. Thanks for sharing.
Gly here,
http://destinedtobegreat.14webs.com/
The Wanderlust Keeper
HELLO .. pano po full budget pag 3 to 4 persons lang ? mas mkakatipid pa ba ?
were from las piñas city eh .
Hi Tenten! Of course mas makakatipid if mas marami kayo since madidivide ang expense sa guide fee. For Daraitan, fixed na ang rate so divide niyo na lang ilan kayo. The fare is usually the same lang din naman.
P.S. We share the last name. hihi ^_^
Sir Justin un bayad po ba na 115 sa jumbo jeep mula brgyhall to tanay public market eh per head un? Or un na yun buong renta sa jumbojeep?
Sir Justin un bayad po ba na 115 sa jumbo jeep mula brgyhall to tanay public market eh per head un? Or un na yun buong renta sa jumbojeep?
Sir Justin un bayad po ba na 115 sa jumbo jeep mula brgyhall to tanay public market eh per head un? Or un na yun buong renta sa jumbojeep?
Sir Justin un bayad po ba na 115 sa jumbo jeep mula brgyhall to tanay public market eh per head un? Or un na yun buong renta sa jumbojeep?
Hi Justin. thank you for that amazing blog and photos. Ask ko lang, required ba talaga na kumuha ng guide or pwede mag hike na walang guide? If overnight kasi, i wonder if magstay din ung guide to watch over.
I have 2 boys age 6 and 12 they are quite active, I was wondering if they will be allowed to climb in the brgy. Hall I'm quite confident that they can do this we wanted to have this kind of outdoor activity for our family bonding time
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Great photos! I like the beautiful river. Sana makapunta ako dito with my close friends. Medyo malapit lang siya. Thank you for this awesome post!
Hi! Gaganda ng mga shots! Anong camera po ang gamit nyo? Thanks! Hassle ba magdala ng DSLR?
Astig dito wag lang kayo sasabay sa dagsa ng tao para sulit at makapag cave pa 🙂
thank you for sharing this! 🙂