I first saw the beauty of Tinipak River in Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal from a friend’s Facebook post. Since then, I told myself “I will go visit this place one day.” Months had passed and that picture was still in my mind so I decided to ask a mountaineer friend if he could accompany me together with my daughter. I was so glad he said yes. We went two times; the first one was with a group of four and then after posting our photos on Facebook, a fellow member/admin of our group, “We are Funtastic Philippines,” suggested that we make it into a FUNLakwatsa so we thought, “Why not? The beauty of Tinipak River and Maytuntong Cave is definitely a sight worth sharing to others.” We made preparations and invited group members who would want to join.
The day finally came and all 21 of us were raring to go. The first two hours was an easy drive, but upon nearing Brgy. Daraitan, we had to slow down. It was approximately a nine-kilometer stretch of major rough road with sharp rocks so it’s best to drive slowly. At the Barangay Hall of Daraitan, one has to pay P20/person for the registration fee and P500 tour guide fee (good for eight people). A short briefing, with special emphasis on leaving no trash behind, was given just before the hike.
A few minutes into the trail you would see beautiful river scenery with rocks and boulders, trees and clear running water.
View along the way
It took us twice the time of the usual 20-minute walk because we would stop, most of the time, to take photos plus a rest break before we descend down the major point of Tinipak River by way of narrow wooden (seemingly rickety) bridge and ladders, and climbing down the huge, white boulders by the riverbank.
The descent to the river – Photo by Romina Dumlao
It was around 11 a.m. by the time we reached the major point of the river. We were all amazed at how awesome this place was. Even though it was my second time, I still marveled at its beauty. There were overnight campers, mountaineers and plain lakawatseros like us, curious about this hidden gem and who were game for a day’s adventure.
Tinipak River – Photo by Art Soriano, Jr.
We found a spot near the entrance of Maytuntong Cave (commonly called Tinipak Cave) where we settled and ate our packed lunches…
Enjoying lunch by the boulders
Kuya Bitoy and Jumbo with the reliable Daraitan tour guides.
…dipped in the brook nearby while chit-chatting the time away as we enjoyed our lunch break.
Usapang sirena (mermaid talk) – Photo by Bitoy Labaniego
Mineral water ready for drinking straight from the brook. Tinipak River was awarded as the cleanest inland body of water by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the whole Region IV.
At 1 p.m., it was time to go spelunking. The first time I went here, I wasn’t able to go in the cave and I promised myself I will not fail the second time around.
Going spelunking at Maytuntong Cave
Entrance of Maytuntong Cave
The cave entrance is different from the ones I’ve seen; you need to climb down into a hole on the ground which is approximately 20 feet deep with the rugged rocks as stepping stones/ladder.
As we went deeper into the cave, we saw glittering rock formations on the walls and ceiling scattered all over.
Glittering rock formations…they actually look a lot better when you’re up close
Those white specks actually glitter like gold and diamonds in the dark, again, better when you’re up close
“Woohoo! We made it this far!” Photo by Art Soriano
Farther on, we heard the sound of gushing water.
Clear water flows on the cave floor – Photo by Art Soriano
Soon enough, we have reached the cave’s natural pool. The water was so clear and cold, but it sure was refreshing. At first glance, there seems to be a deep black hole in the center but it’s actually black sand and it was only waist deep so no worries there.
The highlight of our spelunking was reaching the natural, waist-deep pool in Maytuntong Cave. Photo by Art Soriano
The water in the pool is simply crystal clear!
At 3 p.m., we started our hike back. We were made to pass a different route on the opposite side of the river, with no paved trail, due to a territorial dispute between the barangays of Daraitan and General Nakar. We, the inexperienced trekkers, were literally bouldering! It was really difficult and it took us almost two hours to get back. Thank God, nobody was hurt (except for a few scratches and one of us suffered a dead toenail thereafter – not mine). Nevertheless, the experience was really awesome and memorable. We were all charmed by the enchanting Tinipak River and the awesome Maytuntong Cave. Together, we enjoyed the beauty of nature as well as the camaraderie through the funny and difficult times of going and leaving this place. New friendships were born among us and our Daraitan Adventure never failed to bring a smile on our faces each time we reminisce… and so off we look forward to our next adventure!
We are FUNtastic Philippines (WAFP) Daraitan Trekkers
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