Road Trip: Marikina-Infanta Road

April 30, 2012: It was a very humid Monday afternoon when we decided to make an ocular visit at Barangay Daraitan in Tanya, Rizal.  According to DENR, Daraitan has the "Cleanest Body of Water" in the whole of Region IV.  But before we get there, we dropped by at the poblacion of Tanay to get a glimps of their lighthouse.  Commonly known as the "Parola" or "Dike" to locals, it stands guard to warn water vehicles that land is near.

After a 30 minute drive, we finally reached Barangay Daraitan.  James was very excited and tried out the fresh running water.  Mang Randy, a tour guide of the place, greeted us and told us that a 30 minute hike will bring us to a cave with beautiful pockets of pools of cool fresh water.

On our way home, we decided to turn left towards Infanta Quezon to check if the road going to Infanta was already complete.  Known as the Marikina-Infanta road or Marcos highway extension, the government plans to connect Manila and the port of Infanta through this highway.  Since Infanta is already at the side of the Pacific ocean, ships carrying goods will no longer pass through Batangas port making delivery of good to Manila more faster.

After an hour and half drive through the cool and winding road, we reached the Infanta Quezon boundary marker at 110 kilometer post. 

Every time we visit a place, we make it a habit to drop by at the Catholic church to light a candle and seek guidance for a safe trip.  

A relaxing drive and a scenic view of the Sierra Madre, Laguna de bay and the Pacific ocean was indeed a good stress reliever.  On our next trip, we will make sure to take a dip at the cool waters of Daraitan.