Day Hike to Mountain with Tinipal River

I went on this trip because of all the good reviews and I love hiking. It was a challenging rock face but I was up to it. I was picked up at my hotel at 4 am and we arrived to the base camp at 6 am. We were shown a map to get to the top summit and where a short cut was by the heart peak. When we got to the heart peak around. 820 am. The trail guide and tour guide had a conversation that I could not understand. I was then told that going to the top summit would take too long based on what time the van needs to be on the road for my return, so it was best to go the short cut and go down the mountain. On the way down we stopped by a local selling pop so we stopped for a rest break. At that time the trail guide mentioned that they have tubes that I could go on down the river. It does not take long and the cost is P 800. Once we got down the mountain I realized it was only 11 am….van was not scheduled to leave until 3 pm!!! So, I got to the place that does the tubing around 1030 ( I already paid the P 800) then was told it is another P 200 because it is slow season…I call it white tax! After the tube ride we did a swim in a small area and had lunch alone in the village. Then I was told we can leave….it was noon!!! When I said the tour is until 3pm I was told that, “itinerary may change without notice”. Three hours early is ridiculous and asked to walk around the area. I feel ripped off….

I went on this trip because of all the good reviews and I love hiking. It was a challenging rock face but I was up to it. I was picked up at my hotel at 4 am and we arrived to the base camp at 6 am. We were shown a map to get to the top summit and where a short cut was by the heart peak. When we got to the heart peak around. 820 am. The trail guide and tour guide had a conversation that I could not understand. I was then told that going to the top summit would take too long based on what time the van needs to be on the road for my return, so it was best to go the short cut and go down the mountain. On the way down we stopped by a local selling pop so we stopped for a rest break. At that time the trail guide mentioned that they have tubes that I could go on down the river. It does not take long and the cost is P 800. Once we got down the mountain I realized it was only 11 am….van was not scheduled to leave until 3 pm!!! So, I got to the place that does the tubing around 1030 ( I already paid the P 800) then was told it is another P 200 because it is slow season…I call it white tax! After the tube ride we did a swim in a small area and had lunch alone in the village. Then I was told we can leave….it was noon!!! When I said the tour is until 3pm I was told that, “itinerary may change without notice”. Three hours early is ridiculous and asked to walk around the area. I feel ripped off….

Distance wise the hike is not challenging. What is challenging is all of the slippery rocks. During our hike, the ground was wet and it rained on the descent. I needed to move quite slowly to avoid falling. Physically anyone can do this hike, as long as they are comfortable potentially slipping on landing in some mud. I’m glad I want!

Local tour guide and our primary tour guide were so friendly and welcoming! We had great conversations going on the hike. The hike itself was really hard! Not for beginners because of how muddy and slippery it was.

wonderfull trip to mount Daraitan astoning views on top;the ascent and descent are moderate difficulty but all the way full with rocks and roots must be trained a litlle bit the heart peak is a must seen;beautiful photos to take up there tinipak river was very refreshing at the end of the day with also a bath inside the cave! take a lot of water,at least 3liters during summer time even if all the trail is at shade my guide claude and his driver and co worker were very nice and kind with me we made jokes and took the time to make the ascent and descent with all the pauses we needed very arangîng and carring people bring some food also as there are not so many opportunities (except delicious cupnoodles)to feed yourself during the trail your turn let’s go!

It's been really nice, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in seeing real rural Philippines and wanting a day out from the city. Just keep in mind it could be rainy and muddy so old clothes that you're happy to get dirty and proper hiking shoes makes all the difference. You'll see locals going up with flip-flops, but getting down it's hard.

My guide John was awesome. He was very knowledgeable and attentive during the hike. It was an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended.

Requires stamina. Bring your water bladder, snacks but light, light clothes for the dip in the river after the hike .

Excited to leave this review! The pros and the precautions! First the pros… my guide, Asia, and driver Rency (I think) were great. On time, fun to talk to, and the local hiking guide they paired us with Alexis, was a beast of a hiker. Guy even walked barefoot part of the way. Now the precautions! I made it to the summit, I’m not an experienced hiker, but I am in good shape. Tip one, DO NOT eat a heavy breakfast, in fact if you can, skip breakfast (I did), cuz the assent to station one is so challenging you don’t want to get sick. Two, bring twice the water you think you need!!! For the summit, you def need two liters, and drink them sparingly to make sure they last. Three, good footwear! Hiking boots preferred. I also had climbing gloves, but didn’t use them. Four, be honest with your physical ability. If you’re not in great shape or experienced hiker, you will not make it to the summit, and if it’s raining or rained recently it will be even more challenging. If you tap out early, there are alternative paths they take you on to get down, BUT getting down is just as challenging as getting up. All in all… the hike whooped my butt, I ran out of water, BUT I feel like a beast for making it to the summit! Letssss goooo!!!!

Intense short hike with a great view from the top. The swim in the Tinipak river was a great way to cool off after with its clear and cool waters. Asia was knowledgeable about the area and a phenomenal guide for the day. Hike guide Willy was great as well and set a good pace over the rocky terrain on the way to the top. Highly recommend.