Dumbfounded by Daranak Falls

When some of our officemates decided to go to Tanay, specifically in Daranak, I no longer have to mull over but to join them. I already heard of it's finest falls, Daranak and Batlag, from my relatives and friends. Though it would only be a day trip, much to our likeness to spend over night. We boarded a passenger jeep, rented it for ourselves and left Manila at around 8am. 

 

The trip took a couple of hours but kept us away from boredom. And with friends packed with their own wittiness, the trip alone was totally fun.

Daranak falls is located in Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal, a few minutes from Tanay market. It is a government-owned park and part of the Laguna watershed. Daranak Falls nestles quietly at the foot of the Tanay mountains, preserved with the natural vegetation, complemented with beautiful waterfalls, ponds, and rivers cascading through elaborate tropical trees and plants.

 

As soon as we set our feet on the ground, we can't help but be amazed by the wonder of nature. Lush greeneries surrounds us. The feel of the cool breeze on our cheeks amidst the scorching heat of the sun. 

We've decided to stay at Batlag Falls, where there are very few people. Batlag falls is situated near the top of the falls. We all stayed in one cottage. Everyone had his own share of task, from food prep to taga-bantay ng gamit. Others started to have fun by taking pictures and videos of the place, others started to drink.

Knowing our stay would only be for a day, I didn't think of bringing any clothes. In short, I have no plan to get wet. But the waters and the falls enticed me. Cold, clear and clean. And that completed our stay in Tanay.

One thing I've noticed, since Daranak isn't just any ordinary falls to visit, is that they need to maintain it's beauty and cleanliness. Build more huts and cottages. Put a store that holds all items and so as to provide convenience for visitors. Well-kept road and pathways because it's too rocky and quite slimy. And promotion from local government. For sure, they could still attract tourists, local and foreign, and they don't wanna be left out by any other falls.