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.

Calinawan Cave - Tanay, Rizal

Calinawan cave is one of Tanay, Rizal's popular destinations. You can detour to the cave before proceeding to Daranak Falls. It is about 2.5 hour ride by UV Express Van from Starmall Edsa/Shaw Blvd to Tanay market. It can be reached by tricycle from Tanay MarketThe road to the cave is rough, unpaved and bumpy. It is about 30 minute travel and will cause some head bumps so be extra careful and hold tight.

Upon reaching the cave entrance, you need to register and pay P200 for the guide and P20 entrance fee. Our male guide is very knowledgeable of the nooks and crannies of the cave as he has been living in the area since he was 10 years old and he used to play inside the cave.

cave entrance

There are fascinating rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave. With a bit of imagination and visual angle one can create images out of the rock formations.

 Watch out for low stalactites where your head can bump into. The guide will tell you when to duck, bend and twist your body to be able to pass through. Some rocks are not to be touched because they can die. Human hands are acidic and the acidity will somehow affect the growth of the rocks.

 If you are claustrophobic, caving is not for you. It is advisable to wear closed footwear to protect your toes and also it can get slippery due to the mud. There are 5 levels inside the cave. You will only be brought to 2 levels as level 3 to 5 are only for the experienced and geologist. The guide can also be your photographer. He will point out to you the better angle to take the shot.

Cave exit

Our guide in yellow tshirt with ID

This is my fourth  cave experience. The first one was Hinagdanan in Bohol and second was Hoyop Hoyopan in Albay and third Enchanted cave in Bolinao. Caving is a wonderful experience especially for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Please be mindful of the surroundings and don't leave trash so that our caves will be preserved.

How to get there:
1-take a UV express van from Starmall bound for Tanay. Fare is P70. get off at Jollibee or Tanay market
2- hire a tricycle P200 one way to Calinawan cave and another P200 to Daranak Falls. Tell the driver to fetch you. Fare back to Jollibee or market is P200