Tayak Adventure Nature And Wildlife (Tanaw) Park — Attraction in Rizal

Rizal, Laguna is my father’s hometown, so we were one of the first kids to visit TANAW Park back when it was still a dirt trail going up to a grassy peak of a hill. The bike and the huge cross were already there, but no covered resting area yet or any of the stoned steps and concrete view decks existing now. Just raw grassland 736 meters above sea level, and I loved it! We’ve known it simply as Tayak Hill..

When the municipal government pushed for its transformation into a full-blown tourist attraction, private-public partnership made it possible to develop it into an ecotourism park, complete with anything you can imagine. It’s a good experience, still, especially if you visit during off-peak days or late afternoon. The downside though is that it’s highly regulated, there’s entrance and parking fees, there’s noisy Karaoke sessions (though this may be coming from the residents there), and of course commercial establishments c/o of the locals.

Still, the adventure is about the journey going there. From the town center, it’s a long stretch of a narrow winding “Wrong Turn” kind of road. Perfect for riders and cyclists! And when you get there, you’ll have to climb hundreds, maybe a thousand steps to reach the viewdeck. But it’s worth the climb! You’ll sweat buckets, and would have to stop and rest every other 10 steps (lol), but it’s a relaxing feeling when you get to the top and be in awe of a marvelous God-given surprise of a sunset.. The scenery is just amazing. Mount Cristobal at your back, and the sun setting, touching everything below the horizon. It’s close to nature, close to the skies, and closer to God.

Super well...

I was surprised to see a big difference from the "Tayak Hill" I used to visit during holy week few years back to this Tanaw Park that really looks like a park now.

The road from the national highway up to the foot of the 990+ steps is now concrete all through out. There is also a gate where an entrance fee is collected (80p per head for visitors and 30p for locals). Parking fee of 20p for a car, not sure how much for motorcycles.

It sure is good for tourism but I can just imagine hiking on Good Friday with numerous vehicles belching smoke on you during the hike, unless the local government somehow restricts the entry of vehicles during these times. View is still as awesome as when it was merely a hill for hiking. There are trash bins around but I still found some discarded face shields on the ground. Pet friendly, just make sure to clean up after your pets as a courtesy to other visitors.

Eating is not allowed at the peak. But there are some eateries and food stalls before the assault so plan accordingly. Sometimes they also sell vegetables and coconut...

Tayak Adventure Nature and Wildlife (Tanaw) Park is a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains of the Philippines. This park offers an immersive experience with nature and wildlife that is truly one-of-a-kind. From trekking through lush forests to encountering rare animals in their natural habitat, Tanaw Park has it all.

One of the highlights of the park is the canopy walk, which takes you high above the trees for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park also boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various bird species, monkeys, and even a few deer.

The park staff are friendly and knowledgeable, providing guided tours that are both educational and entertaining. The facilities are well-maintained and there are plenty of places to rest and take in the scenery.

Overall, Tayak Adventure Nature and Wildlife (Tanaw) Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Philippines' natural wonders. It's a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the...