Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Daranak Falls: The Pride of Tanay



I've been planning to visit Tanay, specifically Daranak Falls for the past few years. I happen to pass by the narrow road leading there from the highway going to Momarco Resort in 2008 and I promised to go back and see what Daranak Falls look like. I never knew whatever happened and I haven't gone there, not until after 4 years had passed.



It was a Tuesday morning when I arrived and I expected nobody would be there since it's a weekday. I was surprised that there are quite a number of people (mostly families and barkadas) already occupying the picnic tables and cottages, busy grilling meat and sea shells. It is a far comparison though during weekends, the tricycle driver told us guests would reach even a thousand during weekends.



There was a bridge at the back of the small structure where we paid entrance. It's the start of the water system. The water is shallow with rocks scattered on the riverbed. We walked straight to the falls and was amazed. I've seen pictures of Daranak Falls but it still is different when you're seeing it for real. It was nice knowing there's this waterfall just near Manila, a place that somewhat promises relief from the busy streets and lifestyle of Manila. What's best is it's a public area and the government of Tanay only asks for minimal entrance fee intended for the maintenance of the place. I believe they are doing a good job in keeping the place neat.  :)




It rained the day before we traveled to Tanay so the water, although greenish and clean is not clear. I wore my goggles and couldn't see anything underwater. The cascade of the water is strong and I got to enjoy a water back massage towards the end of my stay in the falls. We started swimming at 3PM after the sun was friendlier. That's when most of the visitors packed their lunch boxes and left the place. The water is cold and refreshing, a welcome contrast to the sunny weather. I waddled in the shallow part of the falls and floated in the deeper part of it. It was like I'm glaring at my childhood memories when I was spending my time carelessly and joyously.




Daranak Falls is one of the many reasons why tourists visit Tanay and I understand why. It is a grandeur that can easily be reached from Manila and definitely would offer a day filled with a bit of discovery and fun. :)

How to Go to Daranak Falls via commute:

There are vans going to Tanay parked in front of Star Mall in Crossing. When you're in EDSA facing the mall, you'd find the queue at the most right corner. Fare as of this writing is Php70. It took about 10 minutes to fill the van when we arrived at 9:30AM. Travel time took about 1 and 1/2 hours and stopped at the terminal in Plaza Aldea. Tricycles are available and would take you to Daranak Falls. Usual fare is Php200 per tricycle maximum of 5 people. During weekends,there are tricycle queues in front of the registration area of the falls to take you back to Plaza Aldea but on ordinary days, there's none and you might want to have an arrangement with the driver for a return trip back to the town. We paid Php300 for the two way trip for the two of us.

The Falls hours are from 8AM to 5PM. No overnight stays are allowed. Entrance is Php20 for adults and Php15 for kids. Picnic sheds/tables are being rented for Php100 for the entire day.

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17 comments :

  1. aaww...ang ganda naman jan! and its just near Manila..I think much better ngang magpunta jan during weekdays para minimal lang ang dami ng tao, mas maeenjoy ang place. Thanks for the wonderful post. (:

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  2. Thank you Joyce. Yup ideal yong place for a quick getaway. Siguro mas gaganda pa sya kung clear yong water.

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  3. hindi po ba marumi? nabasa ko sa ibang forum na nagkalat daw ang basura? thanks po!

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  4. Thankfully hindi naman nong pumunta ako don. Maraming trash bins sa area, I think nakatulong yon para maiwasan ang kalat. Hopefully din yong mga pumupunta don maging responsible enough lagi to preserve yong ganda ng place.:)

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  5. how much ung entrance & cottage ?
    allowed ba magdala ng alak??

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  6. Entrance is Php20 and Php15 for adults and children respectively. Picnic tables/cotages is Php100. I'm not sure if drinking is alowed.

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  7. our family used to go there during summer vacation when I was in grade school. Place still looks beautiful kaso parang bumaba yung falls or lumaki lang ako?

    Btw, followed you on GFC! =)

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    1. Thanks for following Stray Pusiket. :)It looks well maintained nong pumunta ako don. I think nga, effect yon ng pagtangkad mo :D

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  8. hehehe ako ung visitor galing sa ksa taga cainta ako pero ndi ko pa napuntahan daranak baga next yr. pag uwi ko

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    1. Hi Charlie. Thanks sa pagbisita. Mas malapit na to sa Cainta, you should visit it pag nagbakasyon ka. :)

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  9. Gudam ask ko lang how to get there if we came from antipolo church?? Thanks we are planning to go there after the alay lakad ehh... :)

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    1. Hi Jennifer. I apologize, I'm not familiar with the route coming from Antipolo. But I'm sure, if you ask around,the residents will be glad to help you out.

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    2. madami yatang dumadaan na jeep from antipolo going to tanay; then pag baba nang bayan sa tanay may mga jeep going to sampaloc.. along the way madadaanan na ang daranak or much better mag hire nalang nang trycicle sa bayan nang tanay para maipasok kayo sa loob.. yun eh kung puclic transport gagamitin nyo

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  10. ask ko lang po if open sila this saturday?? thanks po in advance.. :)

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    1. I think they would be open Christian but it would be better to ask the tourism office of Tanay. They have a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tanay-Tourism-Culture-and-the-Arts/143773262332813. They also posted some info about limiting the number of visitors in Daranak. Please check that out, that might help in your planning. Thanks.

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  11. hi Ms.
    you are amazing! i like the way you write insights about your travels in our islands... I really do! i hope i can meet you one day - soon when the time is opportune - so we can discuss shop.

    You just do your awesome stuff 'coz you make me proud of our 7,108 islas Filipinas!!!

    Eureka & Wanderlust

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the kind words Grace. Here's to our beautiful archipelago, cheers!

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