Rizal Series: The Charming Countryside of Tanay

Laguna de Bay sunset  

February 11, 2012
Tanay, Rizal

Sometimes we don't really have to travel too far, board a plane or cruise in a ship to experience the stunning feeling of being away from the urban jungle. Sometimes, we can find it lurking somewhere near, somewhere within our borders.

This was exactly what I realized on my recent trip to Tanay with Cha, Janet and Kidd. After putting off and postponing this trip several times, we finally  decided to push through, and what a wonderful time we had there! 



This trip was the final leg of our one-day-Rizal-art-and-nature-appreciation series. See posts about Angono and Binangonan. :)

Tanay, a first class municipality, is about two hours and 57 kilometers away  from Manila. 

When we arrived, my friend Kidd led us to a restaurant near the parola. It was already noon and we had a hearty meal -- devouring shrimp sinigang, liempo and  sipping buko juice -- courtesy of our gracious host!

After lunch, we rushed off to our first destination. From the highway, we passed by a dirt road which could be a pain for smaller vehicles like the one we had. We had to get off the trike several times and hike a bit on our trip from Daranak to the town proper. After about 20 minutes ride from the poblacion, we arrived  in Barangay Sampaloc, where Daranak Falls is located. 

Daranak Falls

There is supposedly an entrance fee (P20) to this government-owned park, but for some reason, we got a free pass!  We passed by a suspension bridge which offers a great and relaxing view of the river gliding through the massive rocks down under and the lush green scenery that provides canopy to visitors. Then as I got nearer, I could hear the sound of the raging cascade. And in no time, we saw Daranak Fall's water plunging straight into the blue catch-basin. Oh what a beauty! Daranak Falls is open daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m.. No overnight. :)

Carlo, our guide, ushered us to another cascade located just upstream Daranak. We paid P50 for the entrance to the now privately-owned Batlag Falls. Cottages and tables are also available for tourists (P200). For those staying overnight, there is a P150 fee per person. 

Both Daranak and Batlag may be familiar to some movie-goers since both have been the shoot location for some local films and TV series. During our quick stay there, we saw props used from the last shoot.


I could only hope that the visitors and the local government can keep cleanliness around these two vibrant waterfalls. 

Batlag Falls

After about an hour, we headed back to the town proper so we can still shoot the San Ildefonso Church before sundown. Built from 1573 to 1582 using forced labors, this 405 years old church is the second oldest church in the province of Rizal. In 2001, it was also declared a National Cultural Heritage by the National Commision for Culture and the Arts along with 25 other churches in the Philippines. *Wikipedia.


The church still keeps its old charm. I noticed the massive belfry, the pulpit, the antique religious stuff, and the high ceiling inside the church. 

the 405-year old San Ildefonso Church is at the heart of the town of Tanay

Probably the best part of our quick trip in Tanay was the picturesque sunset at the Parola, the lighthouse of Tanay. The silhouette of the spiral staircase of the lighthouse, the rowing boatman making his late afternoon rounds in Laguna de Bay, and the flash of orange from the sunset sky offered an almost nostalgic view. The whole scene was picture-perfect and I could not resist   capturing the moment through Nika's lens. 

The Parola

And to end our art and nature trip in Rizal, Carlo drove us to a chic coffee shop and restaurant for dinner. 

Roll call: Janet, Cha, Kidd, Ivy, Carlo

Commuting to Tanay:


Ride a jeep or van to Tanay from Araneta Center or in front of StarMall (Edsa cor Shaw Boulevard).


Side trip: Check out Kidd's music box collection! Visit her youtube channel for more! :)