Palo Alto Falls

I always wanted to see waterfalls and when I came across an article about a waterfalls in Baras, Rizal,  I immediately checked it online. I read reviews and get directions.

 

Palo Alto falls is  near the metro. It is around 58km from our place and less than 2 hour drive on a regular day. The falls is located in Brgy. Pinugay, Baras, Rizal specifically inside Palo Alto Subdivision which is being developed as a residential area. Isn’t it thrilling to live in a subdivision with a falls nearby !

The roads are fully paved and driving is relaxed with a little traffic along intersections. As you go further from the metro,  you will see Sierra Madre mountain ranges, some scenic spots and interesting activities. There will be portion where roads zigzagged. Palo Alto gate will be on the right side. The entrance is very nice with lots of colourful bougainvillas. The guard will ask you to leave an ID. You then proceed downhill and turn left at the rotunda. There is a sign where the falls is located. The entrance to the falls is on your left so drive slowly as you may miss the turn.

 

 There is ample parking space. There is a reception area where you can pay the entrance fee and use the toilets. The entrance fee is Php100 pesos each and Php300 for table and chairs. You can bring food and drinks and even cook BBQ.  I learned that it is free if you will just stay for 15 minutes to check the waterfalls and take pictures. Since there are 256 steps to take before reaching the falls , 15 minutes are not enough. Wearing  a comfy footwear is advisable to support your feet and legs during the trek.

 

The realty developer has built concrete stairways with some hand railings for easier climb especially for senior citizens. The way the stairways were built adapted to the environment wherein stones and cement used blended with the rock formations. The ascent is very scenic with lots of trees giving shade. 

Concrete benches are  provided along the stairway should you need to rest and catch your breath. There are small cascades in between boulders. One can stop every now and then to take photos. Upon reaching the falls, there is  a cemented clearing with tables and chairs. The area surrounding the waterfalls has been developed. Although it is safer to move around, the natural beauty of the area has been altered. 

The major catch basin has been cemented forming a swimming pool which is about 6 foot deep. The smaller catch basin is about 3 feet making it suitable for children to swim. The water is cold but refreshing.

 

 A BBQ area was also built at one side . Roofless toilet and bathroom are also available. Water used for shower and flushing comes from the hills via plastic pipes. 

Sadly, there are irresponsible visitors who left their plastic bottles and other trash. Please bring plastic bags and take your trash with you when you leave. 

How to get there: From C-5 , drive pass Eastwood City and stay on the left lane  to take the flyover in the direction of Marikina. Drive straight passing thru Masinag, Cogeo and Antipolo. After a long winding road, Palo Alto gate will be on the right.

 

Batlag Falls- A hidden gem in Tanay, Rizal

Located in Barangay Sampaloc Tanay, Rizal are two waterfalls - Daranak and Batlag.
Daranak is quite crowded and one can opt to hike to Batlag Falls which is within distance from Daranak Falls.

Batlag falls is inside the Daranak falls compound so that you pay two entrance fees, P50 for Daranak and P100 for Batlag. After paying the fee, a very steep heart pumping uphill walk will take you to a clearing and tiny wooden plank to reach the falls. You can hire a picnic table for P200 and rubber tubing for P20.

Batlag has changed over the  years . It is now brighter and no longer gloomy with old bamboo tables. The trees are pruned  to let  sunlight in. Whereas before, it looked like a jungle with lots of mosquitoes.  Batlag has two catch basin- one is 4 ft deep and the other 15ft. You will really enjoy the shallower basin.  You can go underneath the cascading waters and will enjoy hydro massage on head and back.

 

Below has the 15 ft deep catch basin.

With the gaining popularity of waterproof cameras, you can now take picture while water is pouring on your self. Rubber tubes can be rented at P20 each. There are several smaller flowing waters and this can be interesting to photography buffs.

You can opt not to rent a table as you can place your things in a clear spot. Just make sure someone will watch over them.

There is no shower room at Batlag but you can wash at the Daranak Falls compound. You have a choice of shower that is free or with minimal payment.

How to get there

From EDSA Starmall: There are vans (GT-express) that are lined up in front of the mall. Look for Tanay bound vans. The fare is  70 pesos. Tanay Market would be the last stop but you can alight at Jollibee. Depending on the traffic, travelling time should be less than 2 hours.

After alighting at Jollibee or the market, you need to ride (open) tricycle to get you to Daranak.  Fare is P200 but if you're a group of 4 you can split it at P50 each. You will reach Daranak Falls entrance in less than 20 minutes

Essentials to bring
- sunblock / sunglasses
- plastic bag / mat
-water / Food
-aqua shoes

Please don't litter; take your trash with you when you leave. Help conserve the environment. Nature is kind to those who are kind to nature.