I've mentioned this many times that mountain climbing isn't my thing. However I'm glad that a member of the family is finding his way up the mountains literally. I just recently saw those stunning photos posted by my brother on Facebook so I asked him to share how it went through. He has never been involved in any serious mountaineering trips ever so the fact that he accomplished two mountains in two months, there's a real thrill up there that I couldn't relate for now.
I am yet to make a DIY itinerary to Mt Binacayan in Rizal, his first mountain climb, will do that sometime soon. What I will share to you is the DIY trip to Mt Daraitan and Tinipak River in Tanay, Rizal. Both of these mountains are very suitable for beginners like my brother who isn't a mountain climber pro. The location is very ideal too because these are just couple of hours away from Metro Manila. Many mountaineers definitely recommend Mt Daraitan because it is considered as a minor climb category qith lots of cemented pathways though you'll have to prepare yourself against hard rocks and muds. After all, what is mountain - climbing without these? Dont worry, you can always hold on to the branches of many different trees of different sizes - these are your saviour when you feel like there's nothing or no one to push you up.
How to get there
The best meetup for a group is always halfway of everyone. Since EDSA avenue is a favorite pickup point, in the middle is somewhere in EDSA Crossing. McDo in Greenfields is a favorite meeting place. I used to pass by there almost every day, I only got the answer now why a sight of oversized backpack bags and persons wearing mountaineering outfit is common. From there your group can walk for 15 minutes to reach to Starmall's van terminal. Find the one that is bound to Tanay. The fare is only Php70 per head and the commute time is 2 - 3 hours. Upon reaching Tanay, another ride for an hour via jeep for Php100 per person is needed to reach Barangay Daraitan. From there, a tricycle ride for Php15 will take you to the base of Tinipak river in about 15 minutes.
Ronnie and his schoolmates from Gallanosa National High School in Irosin our hometown (they are the same buddies he was with during Mt Binacayan climb) left lunchtime. They arrived in Tinipak river late afternoon so they stayed there by putting a camping tent where they will sleep overnight then wake up early morning to climb Mt Daraitan.
Since this is a forest, it is highly recommended or should i say it's common sense to bring food and water. There are cottages along the river worth Php 200 for rent as well but their group have tents. Please make sure to bring a jacket or a thick mat because it is cold when the night comes. Also bear in mind that even though this is a DIY trip itinerary to Mt Daraitan, it is required to hire a local guide. For every ten persons, the fee is Php1200. Don't try to haggle too much because these are the cheapest amount they can charge for a day and overnight guiding to make sure your group is safe from anything that no one wants to happen.
Ronnie said their guide was all around - he collects water from the river, helped the ladies bring their heavy bags, their "taga - tagay" or the one who pours the liquor to each of their glasses while they were drinking lightly before the slept. He was also a very social person - cracking jokes and telling them of notable experiences he had as a mountain guide to Mt Daraitan.
If you don't have any contact with a local and certified guide of Mt Daraitan you can ask help from the barangay hall of Daraitan. Ronnie said the local guides are many these days so a guide usually gets an average of 1 or 2 climb per month unless he / she is contacted by a previous joiner of a group. Another thing that I can't get, why it is a common activity in every group's mountain - climbing itinerary to drink alcohol. While it is a great way to bond with your buddies, please make sure that everyone drinks moderately ESPECIALLY the guide. He's the captain of the ship. Need I explain further why? As early as 5am, they started climbing Mount Daraitan. They reached the summit around 8am so it is a 3 - hour bout. From up above they can see the majestic mountain range of Sierra and the Tinipak River. They werent able to see a sea of clouds. The guide says it only happen when it rained the night before.
By 12 noon, they are back in the base of Tinipak river and there they swam in the cold waters. This river is blessed with white rocks called boulders. Just be careful because it can be very slippery to step on it or it has sharp points. There are certain areas in the river that suddenly gets the water level rise up without indication so be very careful as well.
It isn't a good idea to sleep overnight on top of Mt Daraitan. It is cold much more than doing it along Tinipak river. If I'm not mistaken, the local municipal unit doesn't permit so because the summit is a smaller space compared to Mt Apo. This is also a good way of protecting the flora and fauna of the top. My heart bleeds everytime I learn of a mountain or a tourist spot being exploited or abused too much by certain individuals for their own advantage. For instance, the Pinagrealan Cave, Lion and Rhino head rock formations in Norzagaray, Bulacan may perhaps be one day be wiped out because of a mining company that were given legal permits for 50 - 75 years more!
That's it. If you are planning to climb your first ever mountain, definitely recommending Mt Daraitan in Tanay Rizal!
If you don't want to have a DIY trip, you can meet buddies, join tour packages and day hikes to Philippines #1 backpacking group, DIY Travel Philippines. For more Mt Daraitan and Tinipak river reviews, please see below:
That's it. If you are planning to climb your first ever mountain, definitely recommending Mt Daraitan in Tanay Rizal!
If you don't want to have a DIY trip, you can meet buddies, join tour packages and day hikes to Philippines #1 backpacking group, DIY Travel Philippines. For more Mt Daraitan and Tinipak river reviews, please see below:
- Mt. Daraitan, Side Trip to Tinipak River and Cave Itinerary via Itinerary.ph
- Ride to Daraitan River & Tinipak Rocks via Travel Up
- MT DARAITAN: The Brightest Gem Within The Heart Of Sierra Madre via A Wanderful Sole
Note: This is only a sample Mt Daraitan and Tinipak River itinerary and budget. Please make sure you have conducted a thorough research for your own trip.
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