Sa Daranak Falls - Tanay, Rizal

   Our caving adventure in Calinawan Cave is truly exciting. It is not that extreme but it surely exhaust our body. And a nice way to refresh ourselves is a jump to the fresh cool waters of Daranak Falls.

   A popular tourist destination in Tanay, Daranak Falls is just a 20 minute tricycle ride away from Calinawan Cave.

   During summer, a lot of tourist visit this place. The shallow part of the swimming area may be very crowded during the peak season. Well, I hope the swimming area will be less crowded at this time.

Daranak Falls

   Usually, tricycle drivers from Tanay town proper charge 50 peso tricycle fare going to Daranak Falls (Please check our post about Calinawan Cave for a more detailed information on how to get there). 

At the entrance

    Daranak Falls is now managed by Tanay government. The place is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm everyday. Entrance fee is 20 pesos for adults and 15 pesos for the children. Picnic tables can be used for 150 pesos. Cottages are also available for rent for 300 pesos. The use of the restrooms and shower rooms are available for 5 pesos per use. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed inside. [Update: As of March 19, 2014, Entrance for the adults and children is 50 pesos, and the picnic table is 200 pesos]

Rock Balancing

   Upon crossing the bridge going to the cottages area, we saw amazingly stacked rocks on the river. I learned that this art of rock balancing is one of the unique attractions in Tanay. I wonder how much discipline and balancing skills it would take to build those art forms.

   A few minutes after we had our lunch, I walked down the main falls area. And just as I expected, there were less visitors at this time. And the cloudy and not-so-sunny weather is also in our favor.

   The swimming area is very wide. Although it gets pretty crowded during summer specially the shallow part. The left part which depth ranges from 3 to 6 feet deep is where most people stay. Then a rope divides the area from that shallow part to the deeper part of the swimming area. The right area which is near the main falls is 15 to 30 feet deep. Life buoys are available for rent for only 35 pesos and lifeguards are stationed in every corners of the swimming area.


   The sound of the flowing water, the smell of fresh air and the view of this magnificent falls is enough to put your body into relaxation. I enjoyed jumping off into the 20 feet deep water and swimming across the water. This was the best fresh water swimming I had in years. In fact, as I am writing this down I want to go back there again.

   Almost every corner of the place is also perfect for photo shoots. Some parts were natural beautiful landscapes and some are man made.

   In front of the main falls is a small waterfalls with raging waters, where it feels like you're being massaged as its waters run your skin.

   All in all, the 20 peso entrance to this place is very worth it. Good thing the government maintained its cleanliness. I will surely add this up to my yearly activities during rainy season.

Killed Bills

These expenses covered my whole Tanay adventure
(Calinawan Cave, Daranak Falls and Batlag Falls).

45.00 - Jeepney fare from Pasig to Tanay
133.00 - Chowking lunch (399 for 3 persons)
100.00 - Tricycle fare from Tanay Town Proper to Calinawan & Daranak
20.00 - Calinawan Cave Entrance
33.00 - Tour Guide (100 for 3 persons)
20.00 - Daranak Falls Entrance
50.00 - Picnic Table (150 for 3 persons)
30.00 - 1 bottle of Mineral Water
5.00 - Comfort Room Fee
100.00 - Batlag Falls Entrance
50.00 - Tricycle fare from Daranak to Tanay Town Proper
45.00 - Jeepney fare from Tanay to Pasig

Php 631.00 - TOTAL