MT. DARAITAN AND TINIPAK: "The Limestone and Stream Paradise in the Great Sierra Madre"

THE VIEW OF TINIPAK RIVER, MT DARAITAN ON THE BACKGROUND

MT. DARAITAN AND TINIPAK

"The Limestone and Stream Paradise in the Great Sierra Madre"

By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. (Ser Montaineer)

ONE OF THE SUMMIT'S LIMESTONE VIEWPOINT

The wondrous gems at the heart of the great Sierra Madre, concealed by the mountainous border of Gen. Nakar Quezon Province and Tanay Rizal, are "Mt. Daraitan" and "Tinipak". A set of fabled getaway destinations for outdoor lovers and ideal sites to those seeking for combined challenge of hiking, caving and streams escapade. Who would have thought that the places suffered from environmental neglect, threatened with deforestation and massive tourism are still able to preserve their serene beauties. Surprisingly, the reward of reaching these places is like having nuances of hidden paradise. But for those who had come unprepared, the hike through steep terrain up to the 739+masl summit of Mt. Daraitan and the descent via traversing trail could feel unforgiving. Interestingly enough, as one reach the summit one forgets the weariness as the climate becomes noticeably refreshing. While the presence of numerous quaint limestone viewpoints and dramatic features of Sierra Madre seen from the top gives feeling of exhilaration. Most of all, the river which bear crystal clear water, the unique subterranean cave, and the marvelous surroundings waiting at "Tinipak" may remunerate all the strenuous efforts of everyone surveying the area. All these combined makes a very fruitful nature tripping experience.

INSIDE THE SMALL CAVE ALONG THE TRAIL TO SUMMIT

AT THE SUMMIT OF MT. DARAITAN 739+MASL

AT THE OTHER VIEWPOINT IN MT. DARAITAN

AT THE WOODEN BRIDGE TO TINIPAK CAVE

ENTERING TINIPAK CAVE

AT THE STALACTITE SECTION OF TINIPAK CAVE

THE PANORAMIC TINIPAK RIVER AND IT'S GIGANTIC LIMESTONE FORMATION

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Destination’s Profile	Major Jump-off: Brgy. Daraitan, Tanay Rizal Elevation: 739+masl (Unverified) Hours of Climbing: 3-4 hours Days of Climbing: 1 or 2 days Alternate trail: Sitio Cablao, Gen. Nakar Quezon Specs: Minor Climb Difficulty: 4/9 Trail classes: Cemented road, woodland, forested trail Features: Scenic view of Sierra Madre, Limestone viewpoints, Cave and pristine river
Transportation (As of February 16, 2017)	For commuters: P70 - VAN – Shaw Blvrd to Tanay Market First Trip of Van from Shaw: 0400 Last trip of Van from Tanay: 2100                  For private transportation: Head out the trip to Marcos Highway and go through the way passing Tanay-Infanta Road. Afterwards, detour the ride to the rough road heading to Brgy. Daraitan. Park prior the river, or near Brgy. Hall if wooden bridge is available to cross with vehicle. Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours travel time. For tricycle and jeepney service from Tanay to Daraitan: You may contact Jhun at 09067856489
Contacts and Coordination	Head Guide Willy – 09069533470 Tanay Tourism Office - 09989881590
Registration	Register at Brgy. Hall and pay P50 environmental fee. Expect another P25 fees in Tinipak area for Dispute territorial payment and wooden bridge maintenance
Guide fee / Guide assistance	Getting guide is required (1 guide/5persons) P500 per guide recommended for day hike P750 per guide recommended for overnight Local Mountain Guide: Tour guide Jerson - 09261936116
Water source	Available at the Jump-off area and Tinipak
Hiking notes and Precautions	Hiking trend status – Popular hiking destination receiving daily arrivals Reservation and Limit - No reservation, limited for 100 climbers only on week end as per the local official (as of February 16, 2017), avoid mass climbing though Prerequisite – 4 hours day hike experience is an advantage Day hike – Highly recommended Night trekking – Coordinate night trek plan before proceeding Cell phone signal – Present at the jump-off, sporadic throughout the trail and Tinipak Amount of water to bring – 2 to 3L for day hike, 4-5L for overnight Sun exposure – At the community road River Crossing – Weather dependent Terrain condition – The entire trail is established, gradual to steep and slippery when wet. Thorny Plants – Minimal Bladed Grass – Minimal Lipa - Minimal Rope segment – None Limatik – None
Campsite / Camping notes	At Station 3, may accommodate 3-5 tents. Coordinate your camping plan before proceeding and bring enough water (4-5L).
Side Trip and Facilities	Tinipak’ cave and river Shower area – At the Jump-off Sari-sari store  – At the Jump-off
Estimated Budget	P1000s

SAMPLE ESTIMATED BUDGET COMPUTATION

(For manila-based commuters)

Number of participants	4 persons
Duration	Day tour
Transportation	P140 - VAN – Shaw Blvrd to Tanay Market (back and forth) P250 – Tricycle service from Tanay Market to Daraitan (back and forth) P30 – Tricycle from Daraitan river to Brgy. Hall (back and forth)
Guide fee	P125 per person
Registration fee	P75 per person
TOTAL	P1000 (w/ P380 contingency fund)

SAMPLE ITINERARY

0400 Assembly at McDonalds Shaw Blvrd (Edsa Central), near MRT Shaw Blvrd

0430 ETD to Tanay Rizal Public Market

0600 ETA Tanay Rizal Public Market, buy supplies, arrange trike service

0630 ETD to Brgy. Daraitan

0715 ETA Daraitan River, (cross with raft or via wooden bridge if available), trike ride to Brgy. Daraitan

0730 ETA Brgy. Daraitan, Register, Arrange guide assistance

0800 Start trek to Mt. Daraitan

1130 ETA Summit, Explore and Photo opt, Rest and Lunch

1300 Start descent to Tinipak

1500 ETA Tinipak, Explore cave and swim

1630 Head back to Brgy. Daraitan via riverbank

1700 ETA Brgy. Daraitan, Rest and wash, Log out

1800 Head back to Tanay, onwards to Shaw Blvrd.

2100 ETA Shaw Blvrd, Chillax (optional)

2300 Home sweet home