Today’s blog took me wandering around my hometown to look for something new to write about. Growing up as a Rizaleño, I want to show the entire country and maybe the whole world that our place maybe underrated when it comes to tourism, but wait until you get to know our province. We may not have the best white sand beaches, we may not have the fanciest hotels, but we have everything in the middle that will equally satisfy the cravings of the intrepid traveler. Let’s travel to a town nestled at the foot of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range on the east and at the shores of Laguna Lake on the south – welcome to Tanay, Rizal.
I got lots of idea going on concerning the itinerary and at the same time considering the low budget. Instead of bringing a car, we took the public jeepney from Cainta (since I’m from Cainta) bound for Tanay. The province is only a jeepney away from Crossing Terminal in EDSA Shaw area passing by the Ortigas Extension route. If you’re coming from Quezon City area, there are Tanay bound jeepneys in Cubao Ali Mall. Reaching Tanay would take approximately 2-3 hours depending on the day and the traffic, but starting your journey early would definitely save you some time.
From Cainta, Tanay took us about an hour before we got off at the town’s transport terminal where we will need a tricycle to take us to our destinations. However, overcharging tricycle drivers is a common case according to a lady we bumped into the jeep so she walked us towards the terminal where she thinks would give us a reasonable fee.
As we head up the mountain, we saw a staircase at the side of the road and decided to take quick stopover out of curiosity. Taking one step at a time, we made our way up the 200-step staircase and ended up on a Grotto where devotees offer candles and prayers, and serves as a local exercise area where they can enjoy the fresh morning air. At the peak of the Grotto is a 180 degree breathtaking view of the Laguna Lake where a long range of mountains surround the abundant body of water. This grotto is only one of the 3 Grottos that I know in the area, Regina Rica in Sampaloc holds a 70 foot tall statue of the Blessed Mother, which unfortunately we weren’t able to visit.
Not far from Calinawan Cave, still in the same baranggay, we went to the town’s famous Daranak Falls which is nestled between the mountains of Sierra Madre. The 14-meter high falls cascade from rocks to a catch basin of emerald waters where visitors enjoy a refreshing cool bath. The endless flowing water and the luscious green vegetation surrounding creates a serene atmosphere except for the huge number of visitors and the loud videoke echoing around the area. To avoid the crowd, we went to a river, followed it upstream and settled on a small pool enclosed by rocks enjoying the more peaceful environment. The best time to visit the place would probably on a regular weekday if you want to experience a peaceful time with Mother Nature.
Crossing a wooden bridge and heading your way up a cemented trail will take you to Batlag Falls which unfortunately we weren’t able to see since the entrance personal was requiring me to pay P150.00 for bringing in a DSLR camera. According to them, the falls is a private property and they want to avoid publications and media use without their consent so paying A HUNDRED AND FIFTY PESOS ONLY would take care of the damage. Instead of paying, I kindly asked if I can only take a peek of what’s inside and saw a guy shooting with his DSLR camera, so again I kindly and respectfully asked if they charge the guy with the same amount and they said NO since they only allow DSLR cameras for families and big groups only.
Disappointed with the rules, we went back to Daranak Falls instead and ate our P40.00 lunch of a hefty serving of rice and laing good for two. We were suppose to eat our lunch in Batlag. I should’ve kept my camera inside my bag.
Now, here are some fast facts that may help you on the trip:
1. I don’t actually know the jeepney fare from Crossing or Cubao but just to give you an approximate, jeep fare from Cainta cost P38.00.
2. The tricycle charged P380.00 for renting his vehicle which took us from the terminal to the Grotto, Calinawan Cave, Daranak Falls/Batlag Falls, Parola, and Tanay Church covering a half day trip (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
3. Calinawan Caves entrance fee is P20.00, and we gave an additional P30.00 to Marilou for guiding us. You might want to bring your own flashlight.
4. Daranak/Batlag Falls Fees:
Daranak Entrance Fee – P20.00
Batlag Entrance Fee – P50.00
Daranak Entrance Fee – P20.00
Batlag Entrance Fee – P50.00
5. Daranak has cottages available for rent and free use of restrooms. There are also vendors selling food and local products in the area.
6. If you’re planning to shoot Batlag Falls, make sure your camera is inside your bag to avoid paying P150.00.
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