I can proudly say that this trip has taught me a lot— courage, faith, trust, and appreciation. These are things that we rarely quantify for our self because more often than not, we lack those. We always have this desire and passion within us but these never came to life because we don’t take heart to accept whatever might happen.
In Daraitan, we took the leap of faith.
pre-Daraitan
It was the end of the first semester of my sophomore year in college and my friends and I planned a hike. It is really meant to be a climb of Mt. Daraitan but that didn’t happen because we arrived kinda late and our guide won’t suggest we push through (Besides, I am still not allowed to climb without permission from USTMC and I don’t want to be breaking rules of my beloved org). Instead, we soak ourselves in the majesty of Daraitan-Tinipak River that streams at the foot of Mt. Daraitan. I have no regrets anyway.
We were a bit unprepared for everything. We were just able to contact the tour guide the night before our visit. His name is Kuya Willy and he is the head guide of Daraitan, may it be the mountain or the river. You can reach him at 09069533470 and he will be the one to arrange stuff for your one of a kind trip. We agreed to meet at MRT Shaw at around 4 am but because of some mishaps, we were able to leave Shaw at 6 and rode a jeepney to Tanay, Rizal. It was a beautiful ride with the cool breeze of December winds kissing our cheeks though. When we reached Tanay, we had an hour ride of tricycle to Brgy. Daraitan. From there, we still have to cross a river using a balsa for just 5 pesos. We had another tricycle again to reach the munisipyo where we met Kuya Willy.
Daraitan is such a simple barangay. Just your usual province. Peaceful. I like it there and it reminds me of my own province, Guimaras. We walked until we meet the Tinipak River. No words can describe the beauty of this flowing water. The current is so strong I made sure I was careful walking through the stones because I don’t want to slip. I don’t even know how to swim.
In Daraitan, we took the leap of faith.
pre-Daraitan
It was the end of the first semester of my sophomore year in college and my friends and I planned a hike. It is really meant to be a climb of Mt. Daraitan but that didn’t happen because we arrived kinda late and our guide won’t suggest we push through (Besides, I am still not allowed to climb without permission from USTMC and I don’t want to be breaking rules of my beloved org). Instead, we soak ourselves in the majesty of Daraitan-Tinipak River that streams at the foot of Mt. Daraitan. I have no regrets anyway.
We were a bit unprepared for everything. We were just able to contact the tour guide the night before our visit. His name is Kuya Willy and he is the head guide of Daraitan, may it be the mountain or the river. You can reach him at 09069533470 and he will be the one to arrange stuff for your one of a kind trip. We agreed to meet at MRT Shaw at around 4 am but because of some mishaps, we were able to leave Shaw at 6 and rode a jeepney to Tanay, Rizal. It was a beautiful ride with the cool breeze of December winds kissing our cheeks though. When we reached Tanay, we had an hour ride of tricycle to Brgy. Daraitan. From there, we still have to cross a river using a balsa for just 5 pesos. We had another tricycle again to reach the munisipyo where we met Kuya Willy.
Daraitan is such a simple barangay. Just your usual province. Peaceful. I like it there and it reminds me of my own province, Guimaras. We walked until we meet the Tinipak River. No words can describe the beauty of this flowing water. The current is so strong I made sure I was careful walking through the stones because I don’t want to slip. I don’t even know how to swim.
There is also this stream of water that, I think, came from the mountain. It is potable, says Kuya Willy. And indeed, it is so cold and refreshing.
After walking, crossing bridges, skipping landmines (aka poops), seeing few other hikers and tourists, exchanging smiles with locals, we finally arrived at the Daraitan River. We took our lunch there and rest for a while. We weren’t able to notice the time because the place is truly breathtaking.
After a while, Kuya Willy asked us if we want to go to the cave. Without hesitation, I eagerly said yes but one of my companions is scared. She said she would rather stay there and take dip in the water. But later on, we were able to persuade her. It rained when we continued to leap from stone to stone so we still wait for the rain to stop. What’s worse is that it made the rocks more slippery. I nearly slip in one of the big rocks. Whew!
This is the hardest part of crossing those rocks. You can really see that beneath you, the current is really strong and one fall will mean your life. Kuya Willy said that the water beneath is deep and once a tourist fell and it took hours for them to see his body. You have to cross slippery bridges made of woods. But I say to you, it is truly rewarding. I was in the middle of one of the bridges when I took these.
Here’s my friend, all smiles after she conquered her fear. That stone is one of the hardest to cross and after clinging on to it she said, “Take a picture of me. I need evidence.” She even managed to have that smile on her face. Brave.
We went inside a cave. I fail to have a decent picture because it’s dark and we don’t have enough flashlights. I was only using my phone to take pictures then. The cave frightened me at first because one, it is so dark. Two, I can hear the strong current and my i-don’t-know-how-to-swim instinct is being triggered. And three, I’m really afraid of snakes or any slimy animal that we might encounter inside that cave. But none of those really matter. I am there and I conquered them all. There is also a small swimming pool inside. The water is so cool but we decided not to stay there long enough.
We get out the cave and struggle of crossing rocks and crossing bridges begin again. This time, we are braver.
We had our time in the Daraitan River before we finally left.
Daraitan is really amazing. The people are really nice. It’s a hidden paradise and a good place to unwind, free your spirit, and conquer fears. As my friend posted a picture after our visit she quoted, “In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take.” Truly, after the knees shook and the heart beat fast, you will feel valiant, bolder, and stronger.
It was already getting dark when we left Daraitan. I will definitely go back here, I told myself. And when that time comes, I will be ready to take Mt. Daraitan.
