A Day Trip In Tanay : The Daranak Falls

After that awesome caving experience in Calinawan Cave (Check : Day Trip in Tanay : Calinawan Cave), we went to our next and final destination, the Daranak Falls. The place is actually  not too far from the cave but again, it is going to be another rough journey. After few minutes, we finally arrived in our destination and I was quite surprised that the place is already commercialized. We were greeted with so many people with the place filled with many commercial building.  I actually thought that we are looking for a hidden gem, that we will do some minor trekking just to reach the place but what I saw is merely like a public resort. It was not that bad though because the fall still managed to provide a kind of beauty that you can marvel.
Daranak Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanay. It features a 14 meter high waterfall with deep catch basin (I am not sure how deep the water is but there were areas that are shallow and areas that are too deep so if you do not know how to swim, better be cautious and arm yourself with either a life vest or lifebuoys (you can rent one on the site).If you are looking for a place to unwind and place that is not too far from Manila, then Daranak falls is definitely a perfect candidate. The place allows you to embrace the beauty of nature and despite of becoming a popular destination and all that great crowd, the water of Daranak Falls is still in great condition and I can’t help but to appreciate its beauty.Daranak Falls has been the flagship destination in Tanay but aside from its wonderful nature, the name is also intriguing enough. So why is it called Daranak? Upon doing a research, i found out that Daranak came from the phrase “dadanak ang dugo” or “the spilling of the blood”which eventually translated to Daranak. The reason behind it, however, remains a mystery but much like the Calinawan Cave, this place probably became a battlefield of our katipunero and it might have witnessed a lot of various events in the history.The moment we arrived in Brgy Tandang Kutyo, we had to cross a hanging bridge. Underneath the bridge is a stunning view of cascading waters coming from the Daranak falls. This is actually accessible to the public but you have to get through a different route. The pebbles beside the stream are too inviting that it has become a place for those who are into rock-balancing art. You will spot a lot of these amazing art structures along the stream bank.

The way towards the Daranak falls is no longer a big challenge because the path is already cemented and you will even find a huge canteen along the way. Here’s a welcome sign that is written in both Baybayin (Check : The Basics of Baybayin) and English.After few walks, I can finally hear the sound coming from the waterfall. This is the very first time I have witnessed a real waterfall and I was stunned by its beauty.

We’re lucky enough that despite that we went there on a weekend, the crowd wasn’t so overwhelming which gave me a chance to embrace more its beauty. I think it took me several minutes just standing in front of the waterfall doing nothing but to stare at it. It’s completely mesmerizing!

We were informed that the catch basin is too deep and the first thing that worried me is the fact that the area can be accessed by anyone even kids with less supervision and I didn’t spot any life guards around. In case you do not kn ow how to swim (like me haha) but wishes to reach the falls, you may consider bringing your own lifevest or lifebuoys. Or you may want to rent them. Life Buoys can be rented for Php100. I’m not sure but I think I spotted rental life vests in one of the shops nearby. The pool near the catchbasi, however, is just two to three meters high and they put a rope to guide the swimmers.Near the Daranak fall is just another fall but is easily accessible. You just have to pass through a couple of huge boulder!

Things you should know and consider before going to Daranak Falls
► The Entrance fee to Daranak Falls is Php50 (Children below 3ft. are free of charge)
► The place is open everyday (Mondays to Sundays) From 8am to 5pm
► They DO NOT permit Overnight stays
► The Picnic Table costs Php200 while the sheds can can be rented for Php300
► The rental fee for Lifebuoys (Salbabida) IS Php100
► Styrofore and Alcoholic beverages are not permissible
► Pets are also not allowed in Daranak
► It is ideal to bring your own lifevest or buoys because they are not always available
► If you hate great crowds, it would be advisable to visit the falls on a weekday.
►It could be a bumpy ride going to Daranak Falls so you might consider having a reliable baby car seat for your kiddos for their own safety or better yet check more items at Car Experts for your own safety driving needs

How to Get to Daranak Falls Via Public Transport
►From Starmall (EDSA Shaw), you can ride an FX van bound to Tanay. This will drop you off to Tanay Public Market. From there, you can ride a tricycle that will bring you to Daranak falls. The tricyle fee is 200Php which is already good for 4 person.

Where to Stay in Tanay

In case you are planning to stay in Rizal for a day or two, you can check the list of affordable and “budgetarian” Hotels in the link below!

If you have time , feel free to follow me at my accounts for more updates:

Facebook : It’s Me Bluedreamer!
Instagram :  @bluedreamer1227
Twitter : @bluedreamer_27

Daranak falls is indeed our last destination but I actually visited another Tanay’s hidden gem, The Batlag Falls!

Here are the links to the rest of my Tanay escapade: Feel free to visit the links below
► Pililla Wind Farm
► Tanay Church (San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish)
► The Parola of Tanay
► Regina RICA
► The Calinawan Cave
► The Daranak Falls
► The Batlag Falls