6 MT. DARAITAN AND TINIPAK RIVER: THE BOUNDARY OF RIZAL AND QUEZON

Perfect silhouette at the Summit of Mt. Daraitan, the atmosphere is still dark waiting for the sunrise.

First hike for 2015 and I am pretty excited coming back to the mountains. It has been a long time since then, I guess it's almost 8 months of silence. It is by choice, and for safety as well. The year 2014 wasn't really a good year for Pinoy mountaineers. I dunno but out of those numbers we were the one who experienced the kind of trouble. It was August 2014 when one in my group drowned at Mt. Romelo. That was really a bad experience and I'm the one who opened the climb. Thankfully he was saved after couple of minutes reviving his life. Therefore, I decided to stop til start of 2015. 

"The mountains are calling and I must go". 

Words lingering my ears. And I heard that my mountaineering group has been planning for a climb to start the new year. Of course, it's a go. I've been lonely for months bearing the speedy life of the city.

The group decided to conquer Mt. Daraitan in Tanay Rizal near boundary of General Nakar in Quezon. It is about four hours drive from Manila and no need to spend too much time for traveling. This place offers several activities like hiking at the summit of Daraitan and it's well-known for its sea of clouds, swimming at the Tinipak River and spelunking. 

Meet my TOSOC Mountaineers family.

We met at Shaw Boulevard and left at 6 AM with a rented jeep straight all the way to the jump-off point, in front Brgy. Hall of Daraitan. Although travel time is three hours but we stopped in Taytay market to buy foods to cook at the summit. 

Looking at the pictures on Google, I thought there will be river-crossing or riding in balsa but I'm surprised the local community placed a wooden bridge so that jeepneys and tricycles can pass through. We arrived in front of Brgy. Hall on time and took a rest for few minutes and then prepared to commence our climb.

Since we are 13, we are required to get two guides. They're strict with 1:10 ratio. We tried to make a deal, however, they're really strict so we got no choice.

And this is the ascent part..the entire trail is ascent I'm telling yah.

Take 5 is mandatory..no view yet but fresh air is important.

According to Pinoy Mountaineer, this is a minor climb with 4/9 difficulty rating. True enough, minor yet expect of more ascent trails. I can say the trails are likewise as Pico de Loro but I need you to put an extra energy, your lungs and intestines shall require you to get more air. The trail is well-maintained and covered with rocks and muddy. But nothing to worry there are trees to hold.

After four hours of climbing, we finally arrived at the campsite. There are three campsite locations in this mountain. First one is the largest that can accommodate up to 10-15 tents, but it's far enough to get to the summit. Second is about 15 minutes away to the summit and we stayed there, and the last one is at the summit itself.

The campsite is not flat, and it's really hard to pitch a tent. The place was covered with huge rocks and small trees, it can serve up to 7-10 tents.

SMILE even if you don't want to..hingal pa more. 

After we pitched our tents, we decided to visit the summit for the lovely sunset. It is really beautiful with a backdrop of Tinipak River and it looks like the great Amazon River. There are also rock formations on top where you can stand and get your amazing photo. Mt. Daraitan is surrounded by summits of Sierra Madre or I guess Daraitan itself is part of this Sierra Madre mountains.

This is the summit on Sunset and the trail of Tinipak River.

Photoshoot at this boulder at the edge of the summit.

One more photoshoot with Stifler!

Ater the sunset viewing everyone back on their tents and tidy up. We have no problem with the foods, glad "Tok" is with us, he is assigned to do the cooking. We had Sinampalokang Manok and CPA (Chicken and Pork Adobo) for dinner. And....of course lechong kawali for Pulutan! Unfortunately, we only bought one bottle of Empe Lights and two bottles of Ginebra Quatro Kantos.

And then lights out at 10 PM!

I set my alarm at 5 AM for Sunrise viewing, and before my phone buzz I'm already awake and waking up everyone. 

And here we are waiting for the beautiful Sunrise. Although we're not lucky to witness the sea of clouds that time but still thankful for the magnificent view. Per guide, sea of clouds only appear if it is raining the last night.

Patiently waiting for the Sunrise.

My Solo Project, thank you Francis for this photo.

After the Sunrise viewing, we had breakfast and started to break camp. At 8 AM we started to descent to meet the famous Tinipak River. We follow the trail down to the first campsite, but right after the campsite it would be a separate trail down to the river. It's like doing a traverse.

After three hours, we finally reached the neighborhood, which means, we are near the swimming area and the cave of Tinipak. The white boulders piling up along the shallow rivers. We traced the trail at the side of the river to get to the rest house where we can leave our backpacks and get to the river in light packs.

There you go, this is the swimming area of Tinipak River. It has clear and flowing waters and the huge white boulders. It is now notable as tourist destination in Tanay. Some of the groups decided to just stay at the Tinipak River and not to climb at Mt. Daraitan. Although Tinipak River is already part of General Nakar Quezon and Mt. Daraitan is still part of Rizal yet nothing to worry on additional fees.

This is Tinipak River with white huge boulders.

We decided to get to the cave first spending time at the river. And this is my favorite part in the river activities, there will be stepping on steep ladder, wall climbing and crossing the bridge. The mouth of the cave has small opening, enough to one person at a time. It is also required to bring flashlights as you know it is really dark inside the cave. And when you get in, expect of its magnificent formation of limestones and the common stalactites and stalagmites. The water is also pretty cold.

Daraitan and Tinipak River is indeed a place to visit, they have numerous activities to offer from the summits to deepest. No wonder those people don't like hiking are still coming to Daraitan, not to climb but to experience the beautiful rivers of Tinipak with its turquoise flowing water.

My Solo Project inside the Cave.

All in blue..picture picture after swimming inside the cave.

Here's the small basin at the cave, this would be the end of the trail. You gonna love the water here, it's super duper cold. Thanks Francis for the photo.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Your initial point is at Starmall in Shaw Boulevard. Ride FX/Van bound to Tanay and get off at Tanay Market. The travel time would be two hours depending on the traffic situation. Then from Tanay Market, ride a tricycle/jeep bound to Brgy. Daraitan, travel time would be one to two hours.

Note: Tricycle bound to Brgy. Daraitan would bring you straight to Brgy. Hall (like we did) but when rainy season, they will be removing the connecting bridge. Your choice is riding balsa for 5PHP. Also, we didn't do the public transportation, we hired a jeep from Starmall straight to Brgy. Hall. You can contact Joel at 0922-321-4698.

ITINERARY:

05:00 AM: Meet up at Shaw Boulevard

07:00 AM: Departure Shaw Boulevard

09:00 AM: Arrived in Taytay Market (Grocery)

10:30 AM: Arrived at Daraitan in front of Brgy. Hall

11:30 AM: Start Trek

03:30 PM: Arrived at the Campsite

05:00 PM and onwards: Sunset Viewing / Socials / Lights Off

05:00 AM: Wake up for Sunrise viewing

06:30 AM: Breakfast / Breakcamp

08:00 AM: Start decent

11:30 AM: Arrived at Tinipak River

12:00 PM: Explore Tinipak River and Cave

01:00 PM: Lunch

02:00 PM: Arrived back to Brgy Hall Tidy Up

03:30 PM: Travel back to Manila

EXPENSES:

• One guide is 1,250 PHP (overnight) and 850 PHP (dayhike) for 10 pax.

• You can try to haggle to get for a lower cost. I tried my best, but I guess my best wasn't good enough.

• Per research, FX Ride to Tanay Market is 70 PHP. Rented Jeep from Tanay Market to Brgy. Daraitan is 3,000 PHP. Balsa whenever river crossing 5 PHP. Tricycle from River to Brgy. Hall of Daraitan 10 PHP.

SIGNPOST:

• I don't know if there's a strong signal for your cellular phones, but I got LTE using Globe. I don't have problem posting photos real-time during that climb. 

• I brought another phone using Smart sim, but the signal is on and off.

• There is no water sources at the summit. So per head is required to bring 4L of water. 1L for your own consumption and 3L for cooking.

• Guides are included on your food budget.

• Guide may also bring your stuff for 300 PHP.

5 SAGADA: SPELUNKING AT SUMAGING CAVE. ONE OF THE BEST!

Other groups inside Sumaging Cave.

Spelunking wasn't really part in the itinerary. In fact if time only allowed us to be in Sagada without any drawbacks then at least we can have the most favorite caving by chance. Initially and part of the itinerary is just the Echo Valley Tour, Kiltepan Sunrise Viewing and other basics including Bomok-od Falls. However we just found ourselves underneath below-freezing-like Sumaging Cave. 

After our breakfast/lunch, we went directly to Sagada Tourist Information Center to check the prices and packages for the tour. Anyway the reason why we chose Sagada Tourist Center over SAGGAS (Sagada Genuine Guide’s Association Inc.) because of the issue that I heard that they're are private sector and working against the LGU guidelines. So they don’t have the standard prices/packages for each tour..

I heard Echo Valley and the Hanging Coffins can be trek without needed a ride and guide as it is seated back of the Church near the town proper. And since we don’t have enough time for Bomok-od Falls we decided to do Spelunking instead at Sumaging Cave.

It was only the two of us so no option but to carry all the baggage. We have to pay the entire tour package for P1,300 all in (transporation, guide, environmental fee, sumaging cave, echo valley & hanging coffins), nahhh its pretty expensive.

House where you can wash after spelunking and left your belongings. You can also buy souvenir items here.

Before we start our start our trek all the way down, we had to leave our sweater and all things. My precious advice when you go spelunking just wear shoes/trek slippers, short, shirt, or anything you feel comfortable. Unlike us we didn’t know, we were fully covered with thick sweater. Darn!

Ate Mel, our guide, told us to just leave our things in the house and bring important things especially camera.

Stairs, the entrance of the cave.

I was very excited to march all the way down to cave; I know I can do it because I had been climbing mountains so it will be easy. Although this something difference, instead of climbing up, you have to climb down.

This would be my second cave that comes after tiny cave in Bohol. So it pictured my mind that we will be staying for only 15 – 20 minutes or so like the one in Bohol. The trail started with a plain and stone surface stairs however just be careful because those color white stones are slippery.

Stalactites hang from the ceiling; Stalagmites rise from the ground.

Upon arriving at the mouth of the cave, you will hear the chirps of the bats and unusual sounds coming from the bottom. And at the end of the stairs-like stone you still have the visibility as the daylight still passing through. 

Small amount of light at the mouth of the cave.

Ate Mel told us that this is the start of the real deal game. When I look down I no longer have any sense of sight but just a plain dusky black. She started to fire up the petromax and she gave us a little direction what to expect, what to do, and the proper position while climbing down. If it’s necessary to grip your hands on the rock, then do it no matter how dirty and muddy it is. It will save your life.

The Dark is Coming.. Ate Mel and her Petromax.

She told us to be careful because we never know what will happen down. No need to be fast, as she said, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.” Treat the cave with some respect, a careless nudge can destroy them in an instant. Enjoy each and every formation because they have taken thousands of years to develop.

This is just the start of the Challenge. Other groups ahead of us.

After endless of body twists and maneuvered some threatening stunts I realized that the cave is totally enveloped my body. We only have kerosene lamp to light up the trail, it’s totally dark inside. The stones were slippery and the water (I dunno if it was the water or bat’s urine), it’s sticky. I was excited yet my heart pumped fast, mixed feelings, maybe because you don’t know what the things around you.

First Stop, they call it the Pig Pens.

About 20 minutes of the way through the cave we were advised to remove our Shoes and go barefoot. I was like huh? The stones were rough and some spiky that might rip out our skin. I was wrong; the rock formations are no longer slippery even if the water passes through it.

Whoa..I am inside the Woman Organ. Yikes. Peace.

Photo Ops! Red vs. Blue.

Ate Mel told us that the challenges are getting harder but just enjoy the ride. This is one of the reasons why we visit Sagada and she said we are paying her to punish us. She took us more photos as we enjoyed different formations of golden Stalactites and Stalagmites and very clear-cold water. And there was like a huge pool where you can also swim. But I don’t think nobody wants it unless doing the cave connection that you really have to plunge your dead body.

This is Sagada's Best, Numero Uno!

I thought that was the end of Spelunking, but there are more. More formations down and we told her that we will just stay there, to where we were. Ate Mel insisted not to, our Sumaging will never be complete without reaching the deepest pool. So from those words, we were determined to finish the adventure from start to end in any ways.

She showed us what to do, where to step your left and right foot, and where to hold. Everything should be in uniform. It’s simply 1, 2, 3. When she reached down I came next, I can see my body and my mouth venting smoke. Nahhh because of the challenge I was panting, running out of breath but did not feel the cold inside. So that’s why the heat from your body will have to come out.

At the King's Curtain. Whoa it's really like golden curtain.

This is Ate Mel, our excellent guide. English all the way down.

Guess whoat what..looks like Chocolate. Hmm no looks like Caramel Chocalate.

After we reached the King’s Curtain, again, I thought that was the end of the line.

But wait, there's more.

And we received another words of wisdom again from Ate Mel. She’s is really good I must say. She said there are more beautiful formations to check. And she said we are paying lots of money for her and travels more than a day from Manila and will not complete the mission? Darn she really challenged me so it’s a go go.

This time instead of stepping the right and left foot here and there, we stepped his legs just to get down. Whoa..I know I’m big and heavy and fat and and and and okay  she managed to carry us down. Excellent! You can contact her at 0908-186-6852.

Crocodiles Head..well I can't see it. Can you

Sumaging Cave Rice Terraces.

Viola! Truly is, there are more beautiful rock formations at the bottom. I asked Ate Mel if we can drink the ice-cold water and she stopped us from doing so. She said we can but we are not the first batch who reached down so it’s kinda unsafe already.

Me! Silhouette at the Shark's Teeth. 

Approved! The Shark's will gonna bite you. Hehe.

And this part really amazed me from the entire challenge of Spelunking. Actually this is the end of the challenge and she brought us to the wall. She pointed us of some fossils. And I was like fossils of seawater creatures. And she said yes, I know what you were thinking.

We are in the highlands and yet how come these sea creatures able to reach this up..therefore Noah’s time is true.

Fossils!

Ice-Cold-Clear Water!

Let's go Swim. 

When we reached the chamber of the Sumaging Cave, I felt so very proud. I conquered the challenge not just for myself but the chance to see how beautiful the world is. We enjoyed and savored every beauty of the cave, around you is very unusual, very unique, and a treasure.

Rappelling. Stamina mina mina eeee.

After couple of minutes, we decided to go back to the top. We needed to use the rope to get on the other side all the way up. And Ate Mel offered us the chance to crawl on a tiny hole.

So like Sean O’Connell said from the movie, A Secret Life of Walter Mitty: Sometimes I don’t. If I like a moment, for me, personally, I don’t like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it. So there are other views inside that wasn't captured by my camera. I chose not to because I want it to stay in my memories. I am very satisfied, fulfilled and simply gave the meaning of living the life to the fullest.