Our wandering feet threaded the deadly pedestrian lane where a recent accident happened to get to the waiting spot for jeepneys going to Tanay, Rizal. Honestly, I did not consult my geography book nor google maps to see how far the town of Tanay is from Rockwel Business Center in Ortigas Avenue. I was holding on to Kimmee's words "Isang sakay lang". At the end of the journey, Kimmee did keep her word. It was indeed just one ride from Ortigas to Tanay, Rizal. It's just that it was some two hours of butt-numbing jeepney ride!
Rizal is a mountainous province perched on the western slopes of the southern portion of the Sierra Madre mountain range. We've passed through Cainta, Antipolo, Teresa, Morong and Baras before finally reaching the town of Tanay. The view on the way to Tanay was really great! After Antipolo, where the city seems to be busy, the road became less congested and we've seen more of nature's beauty. We've passed through the curves along the mountains of Rizal. We've seen a great view of the vast green land down the hills. It was also cold and the breeze was refreshing. It cleanses the lungs from the pollutants of the city.
We had lunch at Chowking in Tanay Market. It was a hearty lunch after a very long drive. On the other hand the weather wasn't really cooperative. A shower rinsed the dusty road that made the air thick and humid. After filling our empty tummy, we crossed the street to have a quick look at a factory outlet. Since we were not really that prepared for this one-ride impromptu kind of trip, I bought myself a pair of slippers and pants. After a quick shopping spree at the factory outlet we headed out to Save More for bottled water and some chips.
From Tanay Market, one has to hire a tricycle to get to the entrance of the state-managed Daranak Falls. Since Kimmee was the one who brought us to Tanay with her "isang sakay lang" pitch, we have her do the negotiation. She sealed the deal at Php 50.00/person (x4). She also had the driver pick us up at around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. According to Kimmee, it was already a good deal because the going rate is at Php 200 per trip. The driver's initial asking price was Php 300. The other choice was to take a jeep and drop off at the big sign that says "To Daranak Falls" and take a 2.5 Km walk/hike. Hence, the Php 200 deal was all good for the four of us.
The tricycle ride was in itself a feature/highlight of the trip. Just imagine the four of us fitting into a tricycle. What made it more of a challenge is the non-stop rain keeping the temperature cool. The wet feeling made it colder.
From Tanay Market, one has to hire a tricycle to get to the entrance of the state-managed Daranak Falls. Since Kimmee was the one who brought us to Tanay with her "isang sakay lang" pitch, we have her do the negotiation. She sealed the deal at Php 50.00/person (x4). She also had the driver pick us up at around 4 or 5 in the afternoon. According to Kimmee, it was already a good deal because the going rate is at Php 200 per trip. The driver's initial asking price was Php 300. The other choice was to take a jeep and drop off at the big sign that says "To Daranak Falls" and take a 2.5 Km walk/hike. Hence, the Php 200 deal was all good for the four of us.
The tricycle ride was in itself a feature/highlight of the trip. Just imagine the four of us fitting into a tricycle. What made it more of a challenge is the non-stop rain keeping the temperature cool. The wet feeling made it colder.
 |
| Kimmee and the backpacking geek |
 |
| Just imagine fitting the four of us in this tricycle! |
