Sampaloc Inn: an Accessible accommodation in Tanay Rizal

Front facade of Sampaloc Inn

For the night, we stayed in Sampaloc Inn during our quick get-away in Tanay. There are quite a few considerations on how I chose where to stay. We came from Daranak Falls that afternoon and would go to Sierra Madre Resort the following day so I was thinking of settling somewhere between the two. With the help of Google maps, I decided Sampaloc Inn was the perfect place. Located roadside, it is very accessible and felt safer to go to plus the rates are affordable.

Rates

Arriving there at early evening, we we're shown the rates available (which I had already researched prior to my trip). We were given the room key and upon entering the room located on the far end of the hallway, we decided the roadside rooms would do better so there will be a view. I requested for it and was promptly accommodated. Their housekeeping entered one of the rooms and quickly made some final touches to make sure the room is clean.

   

       Deluxe rooms

We stayed in a deluxe room. It is a room with basic amenities like non-cabled TV, a DVD Player (DVDs are free to borrow from the front desk), hot and cold shower, closet with hangers, and a dining table with 2 chairs. The bed is a double bed with two pillows that I wish is thicker and fluffier. The room is airy, spacious and clean not to mention it smelled fragrant. I specially like the wide sliding glass windows that can be opened to let the cool breeze of Tanay to enter the room. The aircon is cold and quiet in our room but I guess climate in Tanay is that cool so we ended up turning off the AC came 3 AM. I had a comfortable stay in Sampaloc Inn.

one of the Filipino breakfast served

The Inn have their own restaurant and the only food we got to try is their breakfast. I loved their sinangag (cooked rice sauted and added with seasonings). It is available for room service.

   friendly frond desk

The front desk is helpful enough giving us directions and tips on traveling to our next destination the following day. Although Sampaloc Inn is a simple accommodation with basic amenities, I wouldn't think twice staying here again. 

Commuting to Sampaloc Inn

1. From Star Mall Van Terminal, ride a van going to Tanay. Stop would be the terminal in Plaza Aldea.

    Fare is P70 and would take 1 and 1/2 hours.

2. From Plaza Aldea, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc. It is a 35 minute uphill drive/travel. Fare is P26.

3. Drop off at Sampaloc Crossing then a ride a tricycle to Sampaloc Inn. It wouldn't take you 5 minutes and        

    the ride is P10.

My Hopes for Batlag Falls

We, maybe are all familiar with the saying "Hitting two birds with one stone". That exactly is what you will experience when visiting Daranak Falls in Tanay Rizal, for in that same area just a 10 minute uphill walk is another falls equally worth visiting.

Batlag Falls is the strongest cascade out of several smaller falls in the area. Comparing to the other falls I've been to, the water flows gentler. The place is shady and offers a dreamy-like sensation with the cool breeze brought about by the several trees around the area. The smaller cascades scattered around made me feel like I'm a princess in a fairy tale wandering in the garden of my kingdom.

There are two pools created by the water flow ideal for swimming. The catch basin under Batlag falls is shallow, about 8 ft deep according to the caretaker of the falls. Some Korean tourists are happily swimming when I got there. On the left is another pool which is deeper, about 20 feet in depth. Moss grows abundantly in the moist rocks adding green to the surroundings. In some areas, vines are creeping in the trees and it the ground and it kind of looks like an enchanted forest as well.

There are cottages and a man-made swimming pool on the lower part of the falls area. The water flows directly from the mountains making it cold. The sight of the pool didn't quite appeal to me though, it seemed not to harmonize with the natural surrounding although I think it is a good addition for those who prefer the clearer water as the falls catch basin looked kind of murky to me, probably because of the rains the night before I visited.

One thing that makes me sad is the fact that when I got there, there are numerous cigarette butts scattered almost everywhere, some plastic wraps in some areas and in one area, a huge untidy pile of alcoholic beverage bottles. There's a string of artificial flowers adorning the falls which I think had been hanging there for quite a while for it isn't in good form anymore. I understand that was a props used by a TV show who had a shoot there but it wouldn't hurt removing it afterwards right? It isn't a good sight.  It kind of destroys the natural beauty of the place.The owner collects Php50 entrance fee and I couldn't imagine why this area can't be kept clean like Daranak Falls. I'm sorry for the word but after seeing the garbage area on the way to the swimming pool, I was totally disgusted and decided to go back to Daranak falls right away. I hope visitors and the owner as well, do both their share in preserving gifts like this. Other than than though, I still find Batlag Falls as a beautiful place and can just be improved more or at least, maintained.

For now, the beauty of Batlag Falls can still conceal the trash left about by irresponsible people but I'm hoping visitors and the owners both do their share.  If it get's cleaned up, this place will be a total charm,  a more enchanting place. You now that something we see only in our dreams as a perfect place? - that can be Batlag Fals.

Sierra Madre Resort, A Resort with a Scenic View

Dreaming of a quiet bonding moment with someone or probably a place to spend with friends? Sierra Madre Resort is a good option. Located at the top of the mountains of Tanay Rizal, it exudes a very intimate atmosphere. This is the place where the only noise you will hear is the howling of the wind. It is too serene that time seems to stop and everything becomes perfect.

When we arrived, we quickly started exploring the area. We walked along a pathway that offers a scenic view of the surrounding mountains. Well, the truth is almost all areas in the resort is scenic. We walked down the slopes until we reach the Spring valley, a part of the resort located far from the main building. It has a more private pool, one is color blue, the other is green with its water coming directly from the mountain. The pool is surrounded by a garden of manicured lawn and pine like trees. Again, needless to say, it has a picturesque view of the mountain ranges.

From the pool area is a pathway to the plight of stairs leading to  the Sto. Nino Falls. It is a waterfalls about 20 feet, spewing an ice-cold and clear water and is surrounded by moss adorned boulders. It doesn't have a pool where the water drops yet for some reason, I found myself enjoying standing under the cascade with the water pouring in me. :D The air is cooler in that part f the resort, with the thick foliage and trees trapping most of the sun's rays out and prevents it from warming the area.

We retraced our steps to get back near the spring valley pool and saw another branch of pathway leading to the prayer mountain. It is a series of stations of the cross and once we reached the top most part of it, we realized we're in another mountain. Cool! And the wind is cool too, cool enough that we didn't realize we're already being burned by the sun.

Few hours of exploring and we then decided to climb back to the main area, where the cluster of rooms and main pool area is located. It is gorgeous there. There is a platform built adjacent to the pool where tables and chairs were set up, it is overlooking the mountains and the wind is freely caressing my hair. That's where I found utmost relaxation. Nikko and I just sat there, ate pizza and chilled over Eraserheads' songs. I wanted to swim in the pool after the meal, I ain't  a good swimmer and wanted to practice more. The pool looks so inviting, however when I checked it out dirt was already noticeable on the floor of the pool and there was a frog floating in the main pool. Although Nikko removed it, I wouldn't ever swim in a pool enjoyed by a frog, not in the next million years, haha!

I checked out the shower area near the main pool and was a bit disappointed that almost no water is dripping from the faucet. I just wanted to wash my face to freshen up a bit but it was near to impossible. I'm not sure if this is how it always is, I'm thinking that maybe because it was a Wednesday and no other guests are in there but somehow, I still feel we should have been able to use those basic amenities. Sierra Madre is a very nice place, location wise and if only the main pool looked clean and there's water in the shower room, then it might have been superb.

The resort offers rooms/suites that can accommodate maximun of 12 people. They also have rooms for 2 people. The rooms I believe is devoid of television since it's the resorts aim to have their guests do nothing but to commune with nature and feel the tranquility of the place. Being a nature lover, I would agree with that except when it's night time and there's nothing else to do really. They have zip lines by the way.They also have a restaurant but was not able to try it since we brought our own food.

The resort has a Greek themed garden, highlighted by a Gazebo and Greek statues. It made sense, as the resort is in a high area, perfect with cool climate and a stunning view, no wonder it makes one feel that it is the home of the gods. There are flowery vines that made the place even lovelier and a hanging bridge  tucked near the pine trees.

Overall, I enjoyed exploring the vastness of Sierra Madre Resort. It is a refreshing treat to my senses, location wise. It is a serene place perfect for total relaxation and I would reiterate, should I have been able to use the main pool and there's water in the shower room, I'd say this place is perfect.

How to go to Sierra Madre Resort from Manila Via Commute

I found out two ways commuting there, first is the more scenic route which will involve more zigzag roads and mountain views.

Ride a jeep or FX from Cubao to Cogeo. FX fare as of this writing is Php35. From Cogeo (already a part of Antipolo), ride a jeep going to Sampaloc (a barangay of Tanay). Fare is Php52 to the resort. Sierra Madre will be on your left. Last trip of jeeps passing by the resort from  Sampaloc to Cogeo is 6 PM but depending on the volume of passengers and the weather, it is always safer to leave earlier, about 5 PM. That's according to the jeepney drivers I asked in Sampaloc.

That or the second way is when you're visiting Daranak Falls in Tanay first.

From StarMall in crossing, ride a van going to Tanay Rizal, fare is Php70. From Daranak Falls, it is always wiser to go back to the terminal in Plaza Aldea to have a guaranteed seat. From the terminal, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc. Travel time is about 30 minutes. Fare is Php26. From Sampaloc, ride a jeep to Cogeo. Fare is Php10. Sierra Madre is on your right. Last trip of vans from Tanay to Crossing is 8 PM.

The Blogger Would Like to Share: Tips on Creating Your Do-It-Yourself Travel

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.

The Blogger Would Like to Share: Tips on Creating Your Do-It-Yourself Travel

Team Building in Momarco Resort

It was a morning full of excitement. At last, the day of our long awaited and carefully planned team building had arrived. The weather was not as you would wish it to be when you are headed swimming (It was raining). Most of us just came from our night shifts and we haven’t slept as well (I’m one of them) yet it didn’t do anything to impede our high spirits.






From what I know our call time was seven in the morning. Right from work, we headed to McDonalds Valero and waited for our other colleagues to arrive while enjoying the breakfast Abs, our manager bought for all of us. Thanks TM! All of my teammates already arrived but we're still stuck in McDo because our driver arrived late. Of all the people to be late huh? It’s kinda annoying but things like that wouldn’t really matter much when you’re with people who are so fun to be with. It’s 8:30 AM when kuya driver arrived. We got into the van. And before I knew it, we’re already traveling the stretch of C5, then we're in Antipolo and other Rizal towns that I’ve never been to. It was two and a half hours travel but I never got bored. How can you be when everyone around you seems so jolly? With all the teasing, funny stuffs and Pinoy Henyo ongoing, you’ll really love it that you’re with them.






It’s around 11 AM when we reached our destination, Momarco Resort located in Tanay Rizal. Well, honestly I was not too impressed the moment I arrived. To be fair, I can say that the place is beautiful, probably it was just because I was expecting far more than what I’m seeing. But one thing that I really appreciate about this place is the vast land planted with so many trees. Everywhere is green and it’s relaxing to the eyes. The air is fresh too, it’s like when were mountain trekking. The resort provided barracks type accommodation and we checked our rooms.






I shared room with Irene, Hailey and Rona) An hour later, we headed to the Gazebo, where meals are being served, to fill our protesting stomach. It’s lunch time! We had Fried tilapia and chicken pastel. It’s our free time from after lunch to 5 in the afternoon before we start our team building activities. Some of us kinda felt lazy because of the seemingly cold weather, added the fact that perhaps, our tired and sleepy body's asking for a little rest, so instead of splurging in the inviting pool or discovering the place, we decided to take a nap before it’s all action time. Too bad for me, I wasn’t able to sleep no matter how tired I felt; maybe my body’s looking for the comfort of my own bedroom.






About 4 PM it rained hard and were stuck in our rooms, some are already enjoying the waters of the pool in the pouring rain. The activity was rescheduled after dinner. Rona and I had some chat while waiting for the two ladies to wake up. When they woke up at nearly 6 PM, the rain already stopped and we decided to give in to the inviting waters of the pool. That’s when some eerie things started to happen. Two of our colleagues have third eye and it seems both of them are seeing things, which continually happened even the day after, which eventually ended when we dropped by a church in Cainta (on our way home) and a priest aided us in prayers.




Never the less, this is the team building I surely will never forget in my whole life. A lot of fun, the best team, the best colleagues, the best team building activities and games, the best drinking buddies, the never ending stories, laughters, laughters and a great bonding. Here are more pics!