Daranak Falls Revisited

If you are in Metro Manila, in the Philippines, what are the nearest waterfalls to visit? One that immediately comes to mind is the Hinulugang Taktak Falls in Antipolo. But, the last time I visited Hinulugang Taktak, I really cannot believe what I saw. There were piles of garbage near the falls and the area appears to have been totally neglected. I was really saddened by the deplorable state of this falls which during its prime has been immortalized in a famous Tagalog song.

Daranak Falls, July 2012

  The other one is Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna. This falls of "shooting the rapids" fame can be reached after a long SLEX drive through the Calamba exit up to the town of Pagsanjan. It is a tourist spot. Thus, there should be a ready budget for this tour. The long drive would also mean that visitors from Metro Manila have to stay overnight.

       Another alternative that I know is Majayjay Falls also in Laguna. This falls, however, is farther than Pagsanjan. If only Majayjay is easy to reach, we would have opted to travel there. I can still remember its very clear yet very cold waters. Given its distance, however, staying overnight is a necessity.

       The falls we are looking for is clean, refreshing and the travel distance would not require visitors to go overnight. The plan is simply to have a day tour - visit the falls in the morning and get back in Metro Manila by night time. Is there such a falls?

       Given the advent of urbanization and continued neglect of our rivers and forests, I really do not expect a falls of that stature to still exist. Most of the falls, if not all, near Metro Manila, have already succumbed to death. I really hope that there is still a way to save these falls and return them to their former glory. Each time we lose our falls, it is like losing a part of our posterity. The falls and rivers once lost is very difficult to revive.

       I then recalled Daranak Falls in Tanay, Rizal. It is just around three (3) hours drive from the Ortigas extension. It is near enough for visitors from Metro Manila not to go overnight. I think this is a perfect getaway for those who wanted to experience the thrill of swimming in a waterfall under tight budgetary and time constraints.

       My apprehension is the present state of Daranak Falls. After having seen what happened to Hinulugang Taktak, I am afraid that this falls may have suffered the same fate and is no longer fit for swimming. Thrash and wastes may have taken over with what I recall as fresh and clear waters. I can still remember the lush forest surrounding Daranak. I am just not sure however if it has been preserved just like the forests in Subic.

       Despite much hesitation, we decided to try Daranak...

       After an almost three (3) hours drive from the Ortigas extension and uphill from the Tanay Public Market, we saw the sign pointing to Daranak Falls. The narrow road to its parking lot and entrance is now paved making it easier for vehicles to pass. It used to be a five (5) to ten (10) minutes walk.

       It is pleasing to know that the place is still surrounded by much flora and vegetation. The green foliage creates a very relaxing ambiance - undeniably, a momentary escape from urban life. At this juncture, I am beginning to think that somehow we made the right choice of going to Daranak Falls.

       After paying the entrance fee, we passed through a low hanging bridge underneath of which is a river. At that time, the river has an abundant flow of water. I think its tributaries benefited heavily from the rainy season as shown by the fast current of water gushing down through rocks and stones.

       The sight of Daranak Falls is relieving yet short of stunning. However, it still has the allure to attract visitors. The steep descent of its abundant cascading waters is one beautiful sight. According to a worker in the resort, its waters used to be clear but due to the heavy rains that washed sediments into the stream resulted in the water is murky.

       

       We enjoyed our short visit to Daranak Falls. It may not be as exciting as Pagsanjan nor as enigmatic as Majayjay, but Daranak brought back,  even for a moment,  those days when life is simple. I just hope that this falls would not become another Hinulugang Taktak.