Exploring Mt. Daraitan

Exploring new places is what I like the most.. Those places not so much visited, nature well-preserved, great view, calm environment. These, me and my former colleagues encountered when we trekked to MT. DARAITAN..

Daraitan is located in Tanay, Rizal. It will take at least 2-3 hrs. to arrive to the barangay proper. Me and my friend (Neyz) took time to research on how to get there and what to do.

I waited for those coming with us in Ortigas while Neyz waited at the junction area where we took a jeep going to Tanay market. Upon arriving at the market, I took the liberty to ask where the ride going to Daraitan was. Take note that there are only 2 scheduled ride going to Daraitan (9am and 3pm) and one ride from Daraitan (9am). Otherwise, you need to get a special ride.

And guess what, all of us rode the jeep on top of it.. Exciting!

It was an adventure, scary yet thrilling ride going to Daraitan..

Look at the calm river we crossed going to the barangay proper..

this ride only cost 5 pesos..

And our trek began..

We arrived at our campsite around 6:30-ish.. And we're all famished. Off to setting up our tents and campfire to cook.

Of course, there were group shots in between..

It was long night indeed. What I like about the place is that even though it's in Rizal, you'll feel you're somewhere far from the busy metro -- quiet, hearing the flowing river is calming, no wireless signal unless you go somewhere higher..

Some of us took turns keeping the campfire burning.. We got up around 5:30am, prepared breakfast for the exciting part -- trekking the mountains..

foggy morning..

Group shots before the trek..

And we went exploring Tinipak River with me as the official photographer ('coz I'm the only one who brought an slr..)

We also went swimming.. Cool waters!

Love the amazing rock formations!

And the adventure continued..

Spelunking was the challenging part..

We went back to basecamp tired, hungry yet happy.. And we didn't went home without a final dip in the river. I, personally, want to go back to this place and next time, up to the summit of the mountains..

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