For the Love of Sinigang

Weeks before:

I contacted a local guide, Kuya Juanson, and inquired about Mt. Daraitan day hike. He quoted PHP 1,000.00 inclusive of all tour expenses and the guide fee.

He said the hike starts at 3:00 am. I was quite shocked as this seemed too early. I was able to haggle for a 4:00 am start since I planned to go on a weekday. Kuya said the route is very popular and is packed during weekends, but we can start late on a Tuesday. The hike usually takes 6 to 8 hours and will include going up and down the mountains, straight to the river and the nearby cave.

I really don’t know how to hike. I thought I’d just wing it, but not without any prep. So I walked/lightly jogged every morning for weeks leading up to the hike (this really helped get me in shape!).

Morning of:

I love to drive, especially on long winding roads, so this hike started with my drive from Quezon City to Daraitan Barangay Hall in Tanay, Rizal. I got there earlier than expected — left QC around 1:00 am and arrived before 3:00 am.

I parked my car in front of an eatery called Wow Chibugan (a few meters away from the Barangay Hall) and decided to sleep for an hour more. When I woke up, the eatery’s caretaker was up and about, he offered coffee which I obliged and he apologized that owner wasn’t around so he couldn’t fully open to provide breakfast.

Kuya Juanson was on the dot, he picked me up at the eatery at exactly 4:00 am. He was concerned that I haven’t had breakfast so he took me to the nearby sari-sari store¹ for some instant noodles before walking to the Barangay Hall, where he paid the fees, and the Tourism Office, where the local staff gave us a briefing. Found out that I needed gloves, as there were a lot of rock climbing, so I bought at one of the sari-sari stores for PHP 50.00.

The hike:

Mt. Daraitan is known for steep ascents, some rock climbing, and muddy trails. During the assault, I couldn’t hear anything but my heartbeat was deafening. The rocky peaks were amazing but safety should be the priority. Don’t do something dangerous for a good photo, no need to climb to the top if you are not comfortable or don’t trust your balance. Mountain guides are usually great photographers so don’t fret, they’ll be able to make it work.

As much as I enjoyed the hike, I think it was Tinipak river that stole the show. I didn’t expect it to be that pretty. It was truly breathtaking!

We started hiking at around 5:00 am. And because it’s a weekday, no long queues in the photo spots, we were done with the hike, a bit of swimming, and cave exploration just in time for lunch at Wow Chibugan. Good thing, they also have showers (for a small fee of PHP 20.00).

Because the river straddles between two provinces (Tanay, Rizal and General Nakar, Quezon) the local communities in both areas will charge some environmental fees before and after crossing, this was not part of what I paid Kuya, but I remember it was less than a hundred in total (so bring extra cash!). I got a bit lazy as the noontime sun was too hot, so I decided to take a tricycle back to where I parked.

Quick guide:

Activity	DIY Mt. Daraitan day hike with Tinipak River and cave
Jump off	Daraitan Barangay Hall/Tour Guide Office https://maps.app.goo.gl/4rkUXCujycWps18n8
Duration	6 to 8 hours
Difficulty	This requires a moderate level of fitness due to non-stop assault, muddy sections, sharp rocks, and boulders.
Fees	Budget about PHP 2,000.00 (you don’t have to spend it all) — PHP 1,000.00 (all-in for guide and tour fees) — PHP 1,000.00 (extra for tip, community levies, food, shower, and emergency purchases)
Things to bring	– Daypack – Headlamp, as the hike starts early – Gloves, you’ll be climbing rocks – 1.5ml water – Happy snacks! =) – Emergency and personal meds – Insect repellent – Sunblock – Whistle – Phone – Change of clothes, toiletries (can carry with you or leave in your car; waterproof if carrying)
Attire	– Dri-fit shirt – Recommend leggings and arm sleeves against mosquitoes, especially before sunrise – Comfortable hiking shoes/boots, strongly recommend closed shoes instead of sandals, to protect toes against edges

This DIY can be a bit pricey when you’re doing it alone, but with a few friends (maybe a group of 4 or 5) it will be cheaper than an organized hike, although I haven’t priced the gas.

1. Local convenience store that sells almost everything you need ↩︎