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Mt. Daraitan; 739 MASL in Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal
Topic Started: Jun 13 2017, 02:39 AM (555 Views)
emancampos
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Mt. Daraitan
Sea of clouds at the Western side, near the summit. There's also a sea of clouds at the Eastern side, which can also be seen from this point. There's a small rock formation here where hikers can enjoy a photo op, having this lovely view as background.

Mt. Daraitan

739 MASL

Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal


Mt. Daraitan is probably one of the must-see hiking destinations for all hikers!

The area is not just about the summit but is also about enjoying the view, fun and experience at the Tinipak River, the Cave, picnic and camping along the Tinipak river where families can enjoy too since there is a concrete pathway, along the river, starting from another jump-off where tricycles or even bikes and 4-wheeled vehicles can go to. The trail is just around 400 meters.

There's a camping site near the summit but for families and most hikers, they chose the camping area beside the river where there's a canteen, toilets and is secured. They can even try night swimming too since the river is just beside this camp site.

It's an all in one eco-adventure as you may call it.

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Swimming, cliff jumping and even caving at this section of Tinipak River

Usually, families directly head to the Tinipak River for the swim, picnic and the cave. They skip the summit since climbing peaks is usually not a thing for seniors anymore. Unless, they are experienced hikers too.

For hikers, they will love the sea of clouds at the Eastern and Western Side of the summit plus the heart-shaped river.

The view of the river, which paints a heart-shaped line when seen from above, gives hikers an inspiring scenery, perfect for photographers.

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If you love nature, the forested hills and peaks will give you a relaxing view too.

The trail is actually not that long since the summit is just 739 meters above sea level (MASL), but the whole trail is lined with sharp rocks all throughout. A one hundred meter length of the trail that you can usually complete in just a few minutes will take you around half an hour to go through since you need to carefully place your every step. The ground is all planted with edged rocks, tightly spaced.

You need to be very careful in choosing where to place your next step. One mistake and you will end up stumbling and perhaps injuring your limbs or head badly. You wont be falling on soft soil but on edged rocks!

For me this is the hardest trail so far. It is still easy though since the summit is just 739 meters above sea level. Under normal trail conditions and comparing with other peaks, you may finish the climb in 30 minutes but due to the presence of edged rocks embedded on the ground all throughout the trail, it will take you around 3 hours to reach the summit.

The only forgiving stretch is the so-called 'Shoulder'. It is a 100-meter stretch of grassy spot, where you can get a good view of the sea of clouds at the Western side.

Despite the punishing trail from start to finish, it is a fulfilling challenge indeed. Anyway, the view and experience is worth the climb ;)

This climb is recommended for all except the seniors and kids.

A good compromise will be allowing the able ones to take the climb and then the rest (kids and seniors) head to the main camp site near the Tinipak River for the sight-seeing, photo ops and breakfast. Kids are not allowed to swim in this section of the river since the water current is strong and the water is 11 feet deep at its center.

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bamboo bridge/wooden bridge leading to Tinipak cave. This view is taken near the cave's entrance.

When the climbers have reached the Tinipak river, they can join the kids and seniors and have lunch together. Afterwards, they can head to the cave before proceeding to the picnic area, which is near the wooden bridge. There's a 400-meter paved walkway along the river from this camp site, leading to the spot where they can hire a tricycle that will take them to the picnic area near the wooden bridge.

This section of the river is perfect for swimming since the water is calm and shallow. There are cottages too where families can spend the night there.

Best day is any day during weekdays since hikers reach 1,000 during weekends.


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Pre-climb briefing and prayers. My gear includes headlamp, trekking pole, gloves and my hiking shoes.

Things to bring and reminders;

1. Trekking Pole
2. Hiking gloves
3. Outdoor Shoes (a must since the ground is all edged rocks)

*** Sa shoes, pag ganito na mabato ay best yung leather kasi protection sa rocks

4. Head lamp
5. 2 liters water
6. Raincoat or umbrella (rainy season)
7. Extra clothes plus soap and shampoo (after the climb)
8. Trail food and packed lunch
9. Maintenance medicine (Hypertension, Diabetes, Arthritis)
10. Knife or hand shovel, for making small pits (in case nature calls)
11. Toiletries, napkins, alcohol
12. First aid kit, especially alcohol, Betadine, gauze bandage, plaster
13. Camera and binoculars
14. Sandals (when you want to swim in the river or the secret pool inside the cave)


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Mt. Daraitan as seen from the Baranggay proper.

SPECIFICATION and BACKGROUND

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
Article history: Created 10/20/14 Last updated 10/20/14

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.The hike up is a (mostly) straightforward 600-meter ascent that might feel steep to those not used to hiking. There are, however, plenty of holds and the trail is well-maintained. The forest environment is similar in characteristics with Mt. Pinagbanderahan, which also lies in the Sierra Madre – but Daraitan has more rewarding limestone viewpoints and a much more challenging hike.

At the summit, one can see the Sierra Madre mountains (E, NE), the meandering Daraitan River, and a glimpse of Laguna de Bay with its outlying mountains (i.e. Makiling and Sembrano) and the mountain within it: Mt. Tagapo. There is space for several tents if you wish to stay overnight. From the summit, instead of returning all the way to the barangay, a recommended route to take is the trail to Tinipak River. Though the trail itself is very similar to the ascending trail, Tinipak River, with its beautiful limestone boulders, is a great highlight and must not be missed! This is also a popular camping ground which gives the option of exploring the springs, natural pools, and caves in the area.

Mt. Daraitan is a great sampler for hiking up the relatively unexplored Sierra Madre mountains, and along with the other attractions in Daraitan, particularly the scenic, lunaresque Tinipak River, is a highly recommended dayhike or overnight destination from Manila.

- Pinoy Mountaineer


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rocks, big rocks, .............. rocks all the way! :D


Tinipak River

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- cliff jump
- swim

Full detail about Tinipak River;
http://s15.zetaboards.com/emancampos/topic/10225493/


Tinipak Cave

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This is just a few steps away West of the river. A wooden bridge is your access from the Eastern side of the river.

This is a beautiful cave. It's a huge tunnel and there's this pool they call 'jacuzzi' around 100 meters from the cave's entrance.

I too took a dip in that cool water.

Full detail about Tinipak Cave;
http://s15.zetaboards.com/emancampos/topic/10225499/


JOIN The PHILIPINE HIKER'S FORUM!

Click here facebook.com/groups/hikersph

#hikersph
#treesph
Edited by emancampos, Jul 12 2017, 03:49 AM.
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emancampos
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Sea of Clouds

Best time to see this is when there's rain during the night.

You need to start the climb by 4am or 5am.

VIDEO:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR3zKZY3e7A


Shoulder

This photo below was taken at around 5:30AM. This spot is called as the 'shoulder'.

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sunshine painted the sky with this set of lovely hues

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groupie, 11 of us

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moon bidding good bye as the sun begins to shine through

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lovely view of the morning!

This shot below was taken at 6:00AM. There's a small formation here where hikers can take a photo op, having this lovely view as its background.

The topmost photo has been taken here also. The topmost photo is the view from the Western side. This one below is from the Eastern side.

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the spot

the view;

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7AM

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silhouette
Edited by emancampos, Jul 12 2017, 04:07 AM.
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emancampos
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Views and more!


You'll enjoy the view of the forested mountains around the Mt. Daraitan too!

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Photo above: Main Camp site to the left of this paved pathwalk. Do you notice that tent? As per info, this camp is filled with tents during peak season. This is along the river. Behind those plants is the view of the river.

There is also a canteen and CR at this site. There's also a camp site near the summit.

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I've heard several uncommon bird sounds too.

Seen some as well. We've even taken photos of crawlers, including a beetle with a shiny yellow and green back.

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edible snail; boiled, cleaned and sauteed

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DarTin, the guide dog

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At first, this dog got us scared since it barked at us as we passed by this certain house near the jump off. The guide quickly said that this dog is friendly and it loves to come along with hikers.

He was right.

I even took a selfie with DarTin while we were nearing the summit.

I asked the guide what the dog's name is.

He said said, "It's Kal."

Then added, "Kalderera!"

We laugh a bit. But mine was mix of grin and pity.

But he's a lovely dog indeed!

Hoping I'll see DarTin again too. :)
Edited by emancampos, Jul 11 2017, 08:17 PM.
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emancampos
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Heart-shaped River

The view from the summit of Tinipak River gives you a heart-shaped line.

This is a photographer's spot. With a good angle and camera, it will give you a really amazing shot.

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Best angle is right at the highest point of this rock.

This photo was taken at lower section of this rock.

One of the best shots I saw on Facebook is that photo showing a guy sitting on a this rock, with the background view showing the heart-shaped river.

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Edited by emancampos, Jul 11 2017, 08:18 PM.
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emancampos
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The Summit

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There were around 3 groups here at the same time. The guide told us that there were arond 1,000 hikers who came here a day before.

So, to enjoy the summit better, try climbing during weekdays.


Siyempre, nandyan ang selfie sa tuktok! :D

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Food

Snack spots are located is several locations along the route. They offer instant noodle soup, bottled water, softdrinks, energy drinks and more. There are tables and benches too where you can eat comfortably or perhaps where you can take a 5-minute nap.

I bought the instant noodle, Bulalo flavor, and the energy drink.

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For lunch, when we reached Tinipak River at around 12PM, we looked for a 'carinderia' where there's enough tables and benches for everyone of us. We easily found one.

I carried in my bag a 'packed lunch' that I bought from Jollibee in Farmer's Plaza. Nonetheless, I tried their 'Sinigang na Baboy' since I wanted a soup. Others tried their 'Adobong Baboy'.

Two kids in area, aged 12 both, were also selling 'Fruit Salad' at P10 each. The packaging looked like it's an ice candy, by the way. Tastes okay nonetheless. I shared half of my Jollibee FC with these boys.


Some more photos

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pre-climb briefing and prayers

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the climb


Always say 'HELLO'

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met new friends along the trail

Always greet other hikers to find new friends!

Saying, "Hello!", "Where are you from?", "Enjoy!", "Take care!", complement that with a good smile, will surely bring good result.

Dami ko rin nakitang magagandang chicks sa Tinipak river. Yuong sa nag-family outing. :D


FRIENDS THAT YOU WON'T EXPECT TO BE THERE.... pero umaakyat din pala!

Regarding this photo below, as we were descending from the summit, a beautiful lady in red suddenly caught my attention with her smile and said calmly, "Parang kilala kita."

I looked at her for a second but couldn't remember her who she was, since her face is like 'maraming kamukha'.

I simply replied, 'Baka sa hikers forum'. Then I moved on.

Seconds later, I came across these 2 ladies (see photo below) and said that they are from a this certain company, which I happen to know too. Then I said, "Ah kilala ko yan. Si Mam Sheryl."

Then that was when I realized that the lady who greeted me just a minute ago was the president and owner of that company and who is my friend too.

I was a bit ashamed for failing to recognize her. I sent her a PM when I reached home and we chatted a bit about the hike.

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This is her group;

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photo credit to She Edman

Edited by emancampos, Jul 11 2017, 09:28 PM.
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emancampos
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The Trail

Di naman masyado mahaba yung trail but you need to carefully place your every step due to the rocks.

If the ground is not this rocky, you can finish it in 1 hour or perhaps 30 minutes. But due the rocks, it will impede your momentum and reach the summit after around 3 hours instead.

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4am start of climb

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This is our lady guide. Behind her is some sort of a narrow gate, which is just wide enough to allow a person, carrying nothing, to pass through.

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another choke point

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sloped, sticky, rocky ...... I was positioned at the lower end when I took this shot!

Kaya to! :D


2 trails

There are 2 trails that you can choose from.

One is shorter but is harder to climb.

The other one is longer but is easier to climb.

We took the longer route. These photos above are what it looks like.
Edited by emancampos, Jul 11 2017, 08:52 PM.
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emancampos
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pahinga din pag may time!

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exhausted!

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their shoes

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my shoes! .... anyare? .... enebeyen! :D


Yep! Exhausted but were able to complete the challenge smiling and fulfilled!
Edited by emancampos, Jul 11 2017, 08:56 PM.
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emancampos
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The Feeling!


Yung feeling may bonus na naman ang saya! :D

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Ito pa isa!

Siyempre yung may signature post!

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At yung proud!

" Whew! Nakita na rin kita! Kaya ko rin pala akyatin to eh! "

Feeling proud siya. Parang ganito ang sinabi. Well, he should be.;)

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Edited by emancampos, Jul 11 2017, 09:02 PM.
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emancampos
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Photos from my peers

credit to Ren Villaflor Auditor

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Edited by emancampos, Jul 11 2017, 09:05 PM.
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