The waterfalls of Rizal

Featured in this article are three waterfalls in the province of Rizal: Hinulugang Taktak, Daranak Falls, and Batlag Falls. As a mountainous province, straddled by the Sierra Madre, Rizal is home to many scenic spots and hiking trails which are visited by locals and tourists alike. Mountaineers, for their part, can make these destinations adjuncts to hiking trips to Mt. Sembrano, Mt. Romelo, and other mountains that passes by the Manila East Road. Or they can also visit all three waterfalls as a relaxing daytrip.

Part 2: Hinulugang Taktak
Part 3: Daranak Falls
Part 4: Batlag Falls

OTHER WATERFALLS
Ugong Falls in Sitio Butig, Brgy. Bongbongan, Morong is another possibility; locals tell of yet-unexplored, yet-unpublished waterfalls. Interested groups are encouraged to explore these, and tell us about them.

ITINERARY
0900 Meet up; ETD for Antipolo, Rizal from Manila
1000 ETA Hinulugang Taktak (P8)
1100 ETD for Tanay, Rizal
1200 Lunch at Tanay, Rizal
1300 Proceed to Daranak Falls (P20)
1330 ETA Daranak Falls; picture-taking, swimming
1500 Proceed to Batlag Falls (P20)
1510 ETA Batlag Falls. Explore area; swimming
1600 Return to jump-off
1620 ETA jump-off; head back to Manila
1800 ETA Manila

SPECIAL CONCERNS
Even though this is a Level 0 climb (little or no trekking involved), standard precaution must still be applied. Waterfalls, due to water erosion, make the catchbasin and the vicinity a hazard due to the sharp rocks that may cause cuts and other injuries. Children must be supervised at all times. Otherwise, these are fairly ‘benign’ destinations with beautiful views and minimal effort.

TRIVIA
Other natural wonders in Rizal include the picturesque Talim Island, Calinawan Cave, and Daraitan River (said to be the cleanest river in Region IV). Truly, Rizal is a beautiful land, and its waterfalls highlight this fact in the most dramatic (and wettest) of fashions.

This article is the first of a series that will feature the waterfalls of provinces near Manila: Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, and Bulacan.

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Hinulugang Taktak, Daranak and Batlag Falls