Mountain climbing has always enlivened me. The burn in my legs, the thin air, the summit euphoria — I live for it. I never remember saying “No” whenever I am invited to join a climb. So when Rose, one of my colleagues, suggested a day hike to Mt. Daraitan last June 3, I immediately raised my hand. Yes, June 5 was the opening of classes. Yes, it was risky. But the mountain was calling. Four others agreed to come. The night before, the four others backed out. Rose and I still pursued it. Luckily, Oliver, Aileen, and Rizza joined us. Five brave souls. One goal: the 2,358 ft. peak of Mt. Daraitan in Tanay, Rizal. .
The Long Road to Barangay Daraitan We left Taytay, Rizal at 4:00 A.M. and reached Barangay Daraitan at 9:00 A.M. after a long jeep, and tricycle ride.
Registration at the barangay hall was orderly. We paid the environmental fee, hired our local guide, and listened to a short orientation on Leave No Trace principles.
10:00 A.M. — We started the assault. The Assault: Where the Real Challenge Begins If you have climbed Mt. Pico de Loro, you will know this feeling. Mt. Daraitan’s assault trail is relentless. Steep, muddy, and root-tangled — every step is a vertical push. The trek was so challenging that I lost track of time. My heart was pounding, my calves were on fire, and my trekking poles were my best friends. Mid-trail, we met two groups descending. One hiker looked at us and said, “Matindi pa sa taas!” My morale dipped. But we chose to go on.
First station, we were physically drained. Gasping, sweating, but smiling. A few minutes of rest, hydration, and we moved again.
Second station, this is where you hit the wall. That feeling of bonking — where your body says “give up” — is real. We ignored it. We ate trail bars, breathed deeply, and pushed.
And then, the sky opened. The Summit: Standing on the Rock And at last — the peak. Oh my God, the view was AMAZING! All fatigue vanished.At the summit of Mt. Daraitan stands a magnificent, white, gigantic limestone formation — jagged, sharp, and proud. I am acrophobic, but its beauty gave me courage. I stood right in the middle of that rocky peak, arms wide, not just for a summit photo, but to soak in the panoramic vista.
Below me was the Sierra Madre mountain range, endless and green. And there, snaking through the valley, was the Tinipak River — like a silver ribbon glistening under the sun. From 739 MASL, it is a view you will never forget.
The Descent: Forest Trail to Tinipak River We thought the assault was hard. The descent through the forest trail was harder. The trail was rock-strewn, muddy, and slippery. Each downhill step tested our knees and endurance to the core. I thought we would not reach Tinipak before nightfall. We were wrong. At 5:30 P.M., we arrived.
The limestone formations of Tinipak River are like the walls of a fortress in an ancient Greek castle — colossal, white, and sculpted by centuries of water. It is not just a side trip; Tinipak is a destination in itself.
We plunged into the cold, crystal-clear water. My sprained ankles and strained muscles were instantly rehabilitated. The river washed away all the pain, and soon, Rose, Rizza, Aileen, Oliver and I were noisy and laughing again all the way back to the barangay station. We got back to Taytay at 10:00 P.M. — exhausted, muddy, and completely fulfilled.
5 Trail Lessons I Learned From Mt. Daraitan (Must-Read for First-Timers)
1. Be prepared for the unexpected “call of nature” — and I mean BUSINESS.
One of us suddenly needed to poop in the middle of the assault trail. So there we were, searching for a “VIP room” — a spot hidden from the trail, digging a cathole with a stick, and standing guard like professional lookouts while she answered nature’s very loud call. Tip: Always bring tissue, wet wipes, and a small plastic bag for pack-out. The mountain is not a CR!
2. Practice Leave No Trace (LNT).
What you bring up, you must bring down. Put your trash in a plastic, inside your hiking bag, and dispose of it properly at the jump-off.
3. Wear proper hiking shoes with aggressive grip.
Mt. Daraitan is muddy and steep. Sneakers will betray you. You will do an unwanted butt-slide on the descent if you don’t have proper traction.
4. Watch out for wildlife.
We encountered two snakes on the forest trail during descent. Stay on the trail, watch where you step, and give them space. They were there first.
5. Bring a raincoat, NOT an umbrella.
It rained heavily during our descent and we got completely drenched. An umbrella is useless on the ridge — it will tangle with branches. Pack a lightweight poncho or rain jacket.
Have you climbed Mt. Daraitan? What was your peak moment? Share your experience in the comments below! And if you’re planning your first climb, save this guide — the challenging climb is stunning, and absolutely worth every step.
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