If trail run destinations could be awarded a star for their breath of beauty, this would earn a dozen. The stunning river and mountain landscapes make it perfect for a weekend of running or trekking. As i prepared my hydration belt and waist pouch for our trip to DARAITAN, Tanay, Rizal, June had asked me to bring sandals as we may have to cross some rivers to explore Daraitan.
My mental picture of the place featured copious wildlife, zigzagging streams and rivers, rock formations, including creeping iguanas and river snakes of all varieties which may sting you. Oh, and some of them, I know, could kill you. Since I didn’t have any sandals, I opted instead to just protect my feet with trail shoes and use these in both land and river crossings.
Our journey started at the Pranjetto Hills Resort where we had set up base. Running buddies June, Darryl, their mutual friend Noel, an experienced hiker and biker from Cebu and I ordered for breakfast tapas, rice, eggs and coffee. While waiting breakfast to be cooked, we toured Noel inside the resort, a picturesque retreat with a difference. We were like in a middle of a jungle with all amenities like cabins, swimming pool, patios, cottages, barbecue pits, the works. But that’s another story.
After breakfast, we scurried off to Daraitan, which is about 5 kilometers south of Prenjetto Resort. The entrance is at the left side of the national highway. After another 7 kilometers of bumpy ride on mostly dirt roads leading to the village itself, we were glad to get out in the open and start to explore the river and mountainscapes.
We were greeted by Mang Tinio, one of the regular staff of the village’s barangay as we registered and paid P10.00 each to tour the place. This paradise has been awarded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the “cleanest body of water” in Region IV. Indeed, we were tempted to drink in one of the small streams as the water was crystal clear.
Here, in pictures are our adventure run:
Entrance to Daraitan, a hidden paradise inside the sanctum of Tanay, Rizal
Approaching the thatched huts at the entrance
Now, you know what "ELP" and "ONIR" means?
Start of run across the wooden bridge
Finding firm footing on the rocky trail
Going out of civilization
Crystal clear streams
More of this along the way
Trying to tip-toe above the rocks!
Zillions of decorative stones to take home
Getting my shoes wet
June and Noel just ahead
Now threading on the sand path
Emerging from the stream
A view from above
A view of the zigzagging river
June continues to run upwards the mountain trails
Brisk walking while Noel takes a shot
June stops at a house near a cliff, asking for directions
Reaching the other side of the mountain
Chasing the endless river
A much needed walk break
Entering Daraitan's 'Shangrila'
Glorious view!
White rocks and the little blue lagoon
Taking a break
Serene backdrop
Atop a giant white rock!
White rocks trail
The run continues
Views on my right
More of the scenery
Feels like you can run forever in this scenery
The great walls of Daraitan
More of the white rocks overhead
Hopping on each rock to get near the other side
Atop the marble rocks
Like a giant clam
Noel--nice jump into the middle
By the end of our trip, we had failed to cross any part of the river (thank God!) just content of walking or running along its banks. We learnt enough about Daraitan to know we would be back—and next time would confront the rivers. Daraitan is a fascinating place that offers many things for adventurous runners or whatever type of adventure seeker you are. And on reflection, these outback trail runs are far more rewarding than races in the cities— distance and time notwithstanding.
More pictures in Part 2…
Sir, panay ang practice natin sa trail a:) Daraitan is a nice place, inakyat namin sa UP Mountaineers yung mga bundok dyan sa surrounding areas during the 90s. Would like to go back one of these days…grabe putik dyan pag rainy season. Enjoy your run and stay safe!
N
Hi Ninoy! You’re right, i read some of the UP Mountaineers accounts of your climb here so we were all curious about the place. Like all your experiences, the place is really amazing.:-)
Hi Ninoy! You’re right, i read some of the UP Mountaineers accounts of your climb here so we were all curious about the place. Like all your experiences, the place is really amazing.:-)
Yes Rene!!! di ka nag-aya ha! hehehe!!
Hi Carinz! Cge, schedule natin sa susunod!:-))
nice shots Sir! All of the pictures captured the breathtaking view
. I really laughed at “Now, you know what “ELP” and “ONIR” means? ” , hehehe ^_^
Jhuvy–hehe…they have their own way of writing these things. There is even a LUD station there, both Smart and Globe!:-)
A-ha, river trekking! Just continue walking and you will get to General Nakar-Infanta eventually (in about three days), which was what we did back in ’07
http://miraclecello.livejournal.com/2007/02/26/
Hi Cecil! Yup, we were told by the natives about what you real adventurers/hikers do. i was trying to search something from your blog about Daraitan but couldn’t find it. Anyway, thanks for the link!
one kilometer south of pranjetto hills is the place where i am planning to conduct a 10K & 20K cross-country run. i’ve featured the trail in my blog but i did not mention the place. i was able to recon a 20K-loop and a 10k-loop in the said area. the loop reaches up to daraitan. the trails are challenging. nice pictures!
BR–The terrain, surface and early cool breeze will make it a perfect place to conduct a trail/cross country race. We will be looking forward to this cross country run, sir!:-)
Sir Rene, ok yan. Never thought of that place as a running destination pero parang interesting nga gawin. Now I’m thinking of a place para gawin to. Will PM you pag may lakad kami
sama kayo.
Thanks, Ninoy. We’ll be looking forward to it!:-)
Great pics, a lot of rock hopping. Some nice single path, need to hit those nice mountains I see in the back ground, those will make some great trail running!
Thanks, Brian. The single track paths which are less technical are far and between but over-all, the mostly rocky trails will give your legs a good shake-out.
Thanks for dropping by!:-)
Nice place, Rene!
That place is freezing cold at night, especially at dawn.
We trekked Daraitan and camped over night there once.
It was really a nice place to visit.
Coach, i wish we could take our group there once so they could also enjoy the experience. Thanks for dropping by!
ELP, ONIR, LUD ! haha! nice post Sir Rene. Next time pagbalik natin we should include caving, kayaking, rock climbing, rappelling, and spelunking! ganda e! hehe
Right you are, Darryl. Drinking too would be great after!:-)
Looks like you had fun, Sir Rene! I’m familiar with that place, but have only been there once for a day trip (http://chewingdafat.blogspot.com/2008/03/long-winding-road-part-2.html). My wife has gone camping there twice already, and they went on the same trail you did! They camped for two nights and also went spelunking in the many caves there.
I hope I can do the same thing you did soon! Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Mike, i now see that the place is more of a camping/trekking trip where one has to spend more than a day to enjoy the experience. I’m checking on the link. Hope we could stay there longer! See you soon, bro!:-)
Me and my girlfriend are planning to go there tomorrow, is there a possible camping site? CR? Time travel? Directions from the town proper? Costs? Thank you
I think there are camping sites inside although we just stayed there for a few hours. Its a few kilometers from Pranjetto Resort in Tanay. A signpost will point you there. People will direct you. It didn’t cost us anything unless you want to rent a hut/shade which is very minimal. Beautiful place!
sir ang ganda po..ayain ko mga friends ko dito..
Go, Babylyn! You won’t regret it!:-)