Quick getaway to Mount Daraitan and Tinapak River by Motorbike
 |
| Tinapak river view once you end a 5km pass through dirt roads from Sampaloc en route here |
Sometimes you just need to quickly scratch that 'Ride Itch' and Mount Daraitan and Tinapak River can be one of your destinations for this. A moderate 60km ride from Metro Manila, leaving early morning will get you there a little over an hour and find yourself back in the city by lunchtime.
 |
| What the road looks like turning left from Sampaloc en route to Mount Daraitan and Tinapak River, a bumpy 5km stretch |
The best way getting there is via Marilaque and around 4km after the Sampaloc intersection (where the fake Shell station is), there will be a sign to the left leading you to a long stretch of unpaved road (roughly 5km) which is quite challenging for newbies as the road is very uneven and includes 30 degree inclines and drops. For regular motorbikes, the roads are shock killers, dirtbikes are the norm here. Do avoid when it's raining, it will be a totally uncool ride experience.
 |
| After probably 5km, 15 minutes of traversing dirt and mud, you are rewarded with this view |
After the 5km stretch of rough riding, you will be rewarded with a lovely mountain riverside view.
 |
| There is a raft which transports you to Daraitan. Motocross bikes can make the crossing as the streaming water is around 1-3 feet deep in some portions. It's great for 4 x 4 pundits too. |
The real beauty of Daraitan requires a hike lasting 45 minutes which will take you between forests and a modest rocky trail which demands fit bodies. Photo above shows the raft transporting guests from the entrance area.
Take note, if you want to make the hike, have to register with the LGU unit, no registration and payment of 'silly fees', no crossing allowed.
 |
| A 45 minute hike traversing forests and rocky trails will reward you with this view from within Daraitan |
Photo above is from a previous 2016 trip but that's the view you will get once you make that hike. There are actually plenty more to see, from caves to high plateaus but be bombarded by endless surreal unearthly rock formations while inside.
 |
| Customary Horse selfie :) |
Anyway, this is a moto blog and not a mountaineer's, so let's leave this post as as is, and as shared, Daraitan is one quick getaway destination which is quite lovely if you enjoy challenging trail rides amidst a scenic mountainview and river backdrop.
 |
| From Manila, Daraitan will be a 60km+/- journey depending where you come from the Metro |