Sa Batlag Falls - Tanay, Rizal

   The last stop of our Tanay adventure is the Batlag Falls. I had a great experience the last time that I've been there. That's why I'm so excited to go back.

   From Daranak Falls, there is a bamboo bridge that leads to the entrance of Batlag Falls. Those who haven't been there might have a hard time locating the place. From the town proper, road signs pointing to Batlag Falls can't be seen and even the signage at the entrance is made out of tarpaulin. Asking directions to the friendly locals and a couple of research might help.

Batlag Falls

   When I step on to the bamboo bridge, I saw the signage at the other end that reads "Tanay JEST Camp".  At first, I thought the falls is now closed for the public or is now exclusive for a certain training club or school, but as I walk along, I noticed some visitors paying their entrance fees at the small hut located at the end of the bridge.

  I was shocked. The last time I was here, we only paid 50 pesos for our entrance fee but now it is 100 pesos. I thought the new management is now developing the place and adding some improvements so I expected an even better Batlag Falls than it is the last time I was there.

   Just to share, These are photos taken in Batlag Falls a year ago (2012).

A year ago.

    After a short walk up, we reached the old entrance gate of the falls. Two monkeys tied at the trees is seen goofing around, eating fruits. There were no significant changes at the place. The cottages are still there, the rest rooms are still the same, Tanay JEST Camp signage can be seen in the middle.

Tanay JEST Camp is the new name

   Tanay Jungle Environmental Survival Training Camp is its new name. Cool. The first thing I thought is I might see some jungle obstacle, Takeshi's Castle-like scene, thick ropes, tires and some other stuff used by the military in their training. So we walked down the stairways going to the main falls to see what really is new to the place.

the green forest of Batlag

   The ambiance is as peaceful as it is the last time that I've been there. Tall trees shaded the whole area too. It really looked like a jungle out there. There were parts were the water is clear but some parts are blurry.

Clear. Cold. Fresh.

   The natural beauty of the falls haven't faded in years. The mosses added some colors at its picture-perfect rock formations. But the spots where we used to swim were now either muddy or gone. Tables and chairs and even the small cottages were also gone. The shrubs were thicker than before and insects were all around. A lot of stones were covered with mosses and algae. Maybe the management left it that way to really have that jungle effect. The swimming areas were muddy too maybe because of the rain.

   I didn't enjoy swimming because the floor of the swimming area is very muddy. So I spent the rest of our time climbing up on the rocks and taking pictures.

   Sad to say, I was disappointed on what I've experienced this time. The 100 peso entrance fee is quite unreasonable. Batlag Falls is much better a year ago.

 

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