Caves, bike trails, waterfalls, and more: ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ goes nature-tripping in Rizal

 

At the foot of Sierra Madre mountain where the province of Rizal is located awaits a one-of-a-kind adventure. From the breathtaking views of the mountain range  and Laguna de Bay, this province offers you several outdoor activities that will make you come back for more.

Rizal Province is often referred to as the “green province” because it is surrounded by tall and lush green trees. Aside from that, its topography is a combination of valleys and mountains, making it one of the favorite weekend nature destinations of those from the Metro.

 

Quick facts! Rizal province is Manila’s closest eastern neighbor. The province is also a home to well-known artists like Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Vicente Manansala.

How to get there

Going to Rizal, there are several routes and modes of transportation that you can take:

By Jeepney

In Cubao, Quezon City (just in front of Gateway Mall), take a jeepney or an FX taxi going to San Mateo or Montalban, Rizal for only P29.

By Bus

If you are coming from Manila, city buses like RRCG, G-Liner and EMBC are some of the available bus transits with routes going to Rizal province. The commute will only cost you P67.

By Car

To get to the towns of San Mateo and Montalban, you may take Commonwealth Avenue to Batasan-San Mateo Road.

Rizal province is a combination of valleys and foothills, making it a perfect spot for mountain bike enthusiasts. San Mateo, Rizal has a recreational area uphill called The Great Wall of Timberland. In the biking community, you can’t consider yourself a biker if you haven’t scaled the The Great Wall.

Timberland’s The Great Wall is a 2-kilometer uphill climb that will end at the gates of Timberland estates. Most bikers prefer Timberland because it tests their limits through these strenuous 50-degree ascents. But, aside from the brutal climb to The Great Wall, there’s another off-trail road called the Sandugo, where it has man-made fire roads and single tracks for bikers who are more into “technical riding.”

Biyahero tip! In order to maintain the right formation while biking always keep the average speed and effort. Don’t push it, especially if you’re not an expert biker yet! The key is pacing!

Where and what to eat

Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant

Doña Justa Street, Angono, 1930 Lalawigan ng Rizal

Aside from the province’s famous biking trails, there are also drew-ling dishes that you should try during your stay in Rizal.
 

First stop: Balaw Balaw Specialty Restaurant in Angono, a dining spot famous for offering lutong-bahay dishes. One of these is the huge serving of Rainbow minaluto, a hotpot composed of binagoongan rice, fried rice, rice with squid ink, chicken, pork, and salted egg! For only P1,600, your squad may now enjoy this sumptuous meal.

Sinigang na daing na bangus na may gata
 

Balaw Balaw offers meals with a twist! One of these is the sinigang na daing na bangus na may gata, this is not your usual sinigang because Balaw Balaw made it more flavorful by combining the distinct flavors of tamarind and coconut milk.

Dinilawang kanduli

From sinigang, why not also try dinilawang kanduli that is cooked with tamarind extract. In Angono, locals prefer dinilawang kanduli as their pulutan during drinking spree!

Ginataang kuhol
 

Aside from the delicious meals, Balaw Balaw also serves exotic seafood dishes like ginataang kuhol. These river snails are cooked in coconut milk with different spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric, and chili.

Biyahero tip! There are two ways on how to eat kuhol: By sucking the meat by your mouth or by taking out the meat by a toothpick.
 

Desserts

Being the “Arts Capital of the Philippines,” this might be the reason why locals are creative enough to always come up with unique yet delicious meals! After stuffing your mouth with Balaw Balaw’s specialty, it is now time for desserts. One of the restaurant’s specialties is their turon – with so many versions to try.

“Watcha gon do with that dessert?” indeed.

Since, Rizal is known for having such creative values, they even add a whole lot of twists to the all-time Filipino dessert turon. In Balaw Balaw, the usual turon stuffed with banana and langka strips now has different flavors to choose from such as maple bacon turon (turon with maple syrup and bacon strips sprinkled on top of it), cookies and crème turon cookies, and salted caramel.

If you’re ready to go on a food-venture, here’s a list of Four dishes from Rizal province that you need to try before you die!

Where to go

Daranak Falls

Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal
 

Daranak falls is a 14-high meter waterfalls hidden on the mountainside of Sierra Madre Range. If you want a cheap trip but still want to wonder at Mother Nature’s creation, this place is indeed worth a visit! For only P50.00, you may enjoy the refreshing waters of Daranak Falls that will surely tempt you to take a plunge. But, if you just want to relax while gazing at the beauty of this falls, there are also some cottages nearby with prices ranging from P200-P300.

Biyahero alert! Danarak Falls is often crowded during the weekend because of its accessibility from the city.

Calinawan Cave
Tandang Kutyo, Tanay, Rizal

To those who want to try spelunking for the first time, Calinawan Cave is the perfect spot for you because the tourist trails are just easy with pathways being big enough to pass through. And for P20, get ready for an awesome spelunking experience!

As you enter the cave, you will be welcomed by its stalagmites, stalactites, and freely flowing spring water. Into to the deepest part of the cave,  you will see its chambers and openings. What’s different about this cave is that there are paths leading to towns like Montalban, Baras and Pililia.

Tinipak Rock Formations
Barangay Daraitan, Tanay, Rizal