Daranak Falls | Calinawan Cave | The Mesmerizing Falls of Tanay

  Date : April 18, 2014 | Author : Jeric Par Esplana | Category : Travel Blog

Daranak Falls

Daranak Falls considered to be the most popular waterfalls in Tanay and the top choice as weekend getaway by tourists nearby Manila. Rizal Province is truly a home of amazing natural wonders especially the country's beautiful falls. This place isn't about this waterfall, it also features Batlag Falls, Calinawan Cave and Grotto.

How to get there: It's so easy to get here with a travel time of 2 hours only. Just ride a UV Express or a Jeepney in Star Mall (MRT Shaw) that is going to Tanay, Rizal, fare is Php 70.00. The market in Tanay is the last stop over where the tricycle going to Daranak Falls is waiting for tourist. A tricycle ride is Php 100.00 per person and it will take at least 45 minutes before reaching the jump-off area, you can haggle if you’re in a tight budget. Once you arrived in the jump-off area, you need to pay Php 50.00 per person and ask for an assistance if you're going to avail a cottage. 

Bridge

You'll need to walk in this metal bridge. The place was totally innovated for the convenience of the tourists. You can see different structures such as bench, statue, colored walls, cottages and souvenir shops. It's better if you visit this place during weekday to escape the crowd and to see the real beauty of the place. 

Romantic Rock Formation

The famous heart-shape rock formation of this place. It is definitely eye-catchy and you'll absolutely love to have a shot with your partner in its center. Be part of this area where you can rent a nipa hut made cottage. The price will depends on what size you want to avail.

Group Shot

It is better if you visit this place as early as 6 AM because you'll have the chance to look for the best part where you can put your things and enjoy alone. You can locate this area from the west part of the the place. It is so clear, well maintained its cleanliness and you'll feel the coldness of the water. There's no traces of vandalism within the area. Don't just stay here, there's a lot of side trips that you must try. Ask the local where you can get to Calinawan Cave and their Grotto.

Stairway to Grotto

You should surpass this 346 steps before reaching the Grotto. The Blessed Virgin Mary statue nestled on top of the hill, it is 200 meters above sea level and a good vantage point where you can see the beautiful scenic view of Tanay. It's one of the most challenging race routes which is about 45-degree vertical climb to the Grotto.

Our Lady of Rawang

This is the second travel destination of the place. You need to prepare yourself for a hundreds of steps but very rewarding views upon reaching the peak. There are people in charged that guides the tourist who are planning to visit the Calinawan cave. It's a 30 minutes trek and very exposed to the scorching sun so better put a sunblock before heading to this destination.

Jump-off Area

This is the entry point of Calinawan Cave, it will only takes a 10 minutes trek from Grotto up to this area. You'll wait for your turn for the locals monitoring of the tourists inside the cave and you will pay an entrance fee of Php 20.00 per person. The tour guide will first orient you regards the protocol of do's and don'ts inside the cave before entering. 

Limestone Formations

The very beautiful and surreal limestone formation image of a dog inside the Calinawan Cave. It's one of the must see stalactites that you need to discover on your own. Due to its popularity, Calinawan Cave already a primary target of major film productions when they need a set for fantasy or magical throne. It was disappointing since the cave has been a place of attraction for television programs and movies, some formations were inevitably ruined. Some parts that looks so real were just made by humans for TV/Movie purposes. 

Calinawan Cave is from the tagalog root word "Linaw" which means clear. It's from the historical event between american-japanese war who witnessed by our ancestors. In addition to that, Calinawan cave is composed of seven levels and only two were open as the others are not yet explored.

The Connection

Our guide explains that the glitters from rocks inside the cave are natural minerals appearing like a crystals. Some of it (larger glitters) are not natural anymore because it was made for TV production purposes only. Stalactites and Stalagmites are made through years and not just year but many years. 

Exit

This area is the end point of the cave. The place is wonderful and very welcoming so it's very worth to visit. It's also one of the safest cave because it is perched on the upper ground and is not prone to flash floods even in rainy days.

Travel | JePar

--Reminder--

As a Travel Blogger, I am sharing all my experiences, guides and the expenses in every trip I have been so that you can also experience this trip to specific place with your friends or family. Be responsible enough by: following the rules and regulations of the place, learn to protect and maintain its genuine beauty, be nice and respectful to local people, observe cleanliness, leave no trace

--Itinerary--

0445 - Meet Up (Starmall Shaw)

0500 - ETD via Public Vehicle

0700 - ETA Tanay, Rizal

0745 - ETA Daranak Tourism Office

0750 - Registration 

0800 - Daranak Falls

1000 - Preparing to leave

1030 - Ascend going to Grotto

1100 - Grotto

1130 - Descend going to Cave

1200 - ETA Cave Reg. Area

1210 - Lunch

1300 - Orientation

1310 - Caving

1400 - Preparing to leave

1445 - ETA Tanay Market

1645 - ETA Manila

--Budget--

Note: Rates are subject to change without prior notice

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
Bus	Novaliches	Shaw (Starmall)	Php 35.00	1 hour
UV Express / Jeep	Shaw	Tanay	Php 70.00	2 hours
Tricycle	Tanay	Daranak Falls	Php 100.00	45 min

Registration Fee	Php 50.00
Cottages	Php 100-300.00
Batlag Falls (Side Trip)	Php 100.00
ESTIMATED EXPENSES (group of 6)	Php 500.00/head