Mt. Daraitan + Falls (Day Hike Trip) - Aug 20, 2016
Mt. Daraitan is located at Tanay, Rizal. Its difficulty is 4/9.
Had our meet-up at Mcdo Buendia and left by 3:30 AM. Arrived at Daraitan’s jump off by 5:30 AM and started trekking by 6:00 AM.
Upon arrival at Daraitan, we passed by the hanging bridge and took a tricycle ride going to the barangay for the registration. It was not an east hike because the trail was so muddy that’s why it took us 3 hours to get to the summit. We passed by 3 stations before we reach the top. With every station, there they sell water, gatorade and softdrinks, as well as buko salad flavored ice candy. Water and gatorade costs P50.00 and P10.00 each for the ice candy. The summit was not that wide that’s why its kind of crowded. Forgetting about how crowded it was, the view was amazing, specially itsheart shaped river view from the top. I got to have a picture with 4 of their spots. It has not been easy to pose for those pictures. Lol. The rocks were to pointy and there’s only a little space for you to safety your feet in place. Its kind of fulfilling after ofcourse. Stayed at my spot for a few minutes to enjoy the view but had to leave where I am sitting since there are still others waiting for their turn.
We then proceed to the falls. I guess it took as an hour or an hour and a half to get to it coming from the summit. Had our lunch upon arriving at the waterfalls. My colleagues really enjoyed bathing by the falls, it was cold and clean. Sadly, I was not able or didn’t got the chance to bathe with it as I was on my “girl thing”. You know what it is.
By 1:30 pm, we started trekking back to the barangay. We took the traverse going down. Its a combination of rocky and muddy kind of trail. When my feet and trekking sandals can’t handle the mud anymore, I decided to trek barefoot. It also started raining when we’re almost near the barangay. Good thing we have our raincoats ready.
While on the trail, I was able to have a small talk with this little boy named DJ who’s selling ice candy. He is a grade 3 pupil. He sells on weekends and goes to school on weekdays. I asked some things about him, his family, his life during weekends. I asked him where his mom is and he answered, “Nandun po, naglalaba ng mga damit namin.”, and his father “…nagtatanim po.” Didn’t understand the firsr few words though. He even added “Yung mga kuya ko po puro sigarilyo, kami lang po nyan masipag (pointing to his fellow little brother who’s selling as well).” I got more interested about him and at the same time, felt sad hearing about his story. Imagine, for a little boy to climb up and down the whole day just to earn money. I handed him something after our talk and said “Mag-aral ka ng mabuti ha.” He responded “Opo.”.
We arrived at the barangay after two and a half hours of trekking. Took a bath at the barangay as well for free. Lucky me. Hehe. For the use of cr neart the hanging bridge, there’s a fee.
On our way back to Manila, our tire got flat. Really thankful that the driver has an extra tire ready, well, everyone who owns a car should always have. It has been hard for him to replace the tire considering its raining hard. Though he stayed calm and still managed to smile even after all is done.
Had our dinner and stopover at Tapsilogan ni Ate Vivian just near Sta. Lucia. The tapsilogan has been awarded by Jessica Soho’s show as the champion for having a good and tasty tapa. Guess the show and the people made a right decision as their tapa really does taste good and their other food as well ofcourse. Nothing against the price since its serving is big and tasty.
Arrived at Mcdo Buendia around 9:00 PM.