DIY Tinipak River Adventure

Tanay Rizal is a go-to destination for people living in Manila who are looking for an adventure. Because of 2 reasons: First is accessibility. It is a 2-3 hour drive from Manila. Secondly, its geography. Tanay, Rizal is in the southern part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges. This means that there are plenty of mountains, trails, falls and rivers to explore. For this trip, we’ve chosen to see the rock formations of Tinipak River.

Driving from Manila we’ve used Waze to navigate to Barangay Daraitan. We left our car at the jump-off point and hopped on a makeshift boat to cross the river. Then, a tricycle ride to the Barangay hall. Here you have the options, hike Mount Daraitan or go straight to Tinipak River. We chose the latter because of the timing and yes, we are not physically prepared for a climb. After registration, the guide conducted a short orientation of the tour. For the Tinipak River adventure, there will be a cave with a pool so I advise you to rent headlamps. Also, we opted to ride a tricycle from Barangay Hall to the beginning of the trail.

The trail required trekking, a bit of climbing, skipping on boulder and crossing a wooden bridge. At the end of the bridge, there is a small cave opening. The cave was pitch black without headlamps. With the help of the guides, we walked slowly deeper into the cave until we reached a natural pool. It was too dark to see the beauty of the cavern but we stayed there for a while and enjoyed the freezing cold water.

After our pool session, we cross the bridge and went back on a different path to go to the river camp site. We looked for a spot near the river and there we had our snacks. During our free time, explored more of the rock formation.

If you walk a little further upstream, there’s a cliff jump spot. Climbing is a little tricky since you need upper body strength to pull yourself up on one of the rock’s edge to get to the cliff.  

My favorite scene here is when I sat on top of a huge boulder in the middle of the river. The sun is at its peak. Lush forest on both sides. Emerald green water in the middle cutting through white giant marbles. Slowly forming unique rock formations. This is Tinipak River.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TINIPAK RIVER

The best time to visit Tinipak River is during dry season. It is from December to May. Also, my recommendations is to schedule your trip on weekdays to avoid crowd.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO TINIPAK RIVER

• Tumbler

• Food / Snack

• Protection from sun

• Dry bag

• Extra clothes

• Trash bag

HOW TO GET TO TINIPAK RIVER FROM MANILA

To get to Tinipak River from Manila via car is to take EDSA (North bound). Exit to Ortigas Ave. Turn left to E. Rodriguez Ave. Follow the road up until you reach Marcos Highway or Marikina - Infanta Highway. Then turn right. Follow the road up Tanay - Infanta road. Turn left to Daraitan Road (rough road). Drive until you’ve reached the parking area. This will depend if it is rainy season or dry season. Travel time is approximately 2 to 3 hour drive from Manila.

TINIPAK RIVER BUDGET

The estimated budget for a Tinipak River day tour is below Php1,000.00. The breakdown of the costs is shown below:

• Environmental Fee – Php50.00/pax

• Cultural Fee – Php20.00/pax

• Tourism Fee – Php30.00/pax

• Tour Guide Fee – Php500.00 per group

  NOTE: Rates indicated above may change

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING TINIPAK RIVER

• Use Waze to help navigate to Baranggay Daraitan.

• Parking Area will vary depending on the depth of the river.

• Signal is weak in some parts of the trail.

• Check the weather. On Rainy days, expect muddy trail, muddy river color and cave may not be accessible.

TINIPAK RIVER TRAVEL TIPS

• To avoid the crowd, start as early as possible or schedule during weekdays.

• Wear appropriate clothing. Expect to get wet.

• Bring Flashlights or rent head lamps in Barangay Hall this is for Tinipak Cave.

• Do not leave trash behind.

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WHAT’S IN MY BAG?

If you want to know more about the cameras, gadgets and travel essentials I use, check this out “MY GEAR”

See you on my next adventure…. Peace!