STAR Trail Challenge 2017 and Tanay Adventure Camp (Rizal)

The finish line of the Star Trail Challenge in front of Maharlika Hall

Mother and son

Crossing the finish line

The STAR (Sierra Trail Adventure Race) Trail Challenge 2017, where my grandson Kyle participated in the 1.5-km. (gun start: 7:30AM) Kid’s Race on December 10, 2017, brought us to the Tanay Adventure Camp  (TAC), a place suitable for family bonding, team building, excursions, retreats, bikers, runners, hikers and war gamers. Their slogan is "Building Character Through Adventure."  

Though just 1-hour ride from Marikina City (via the Marikina-Infanta Road), the TAC was  still a long 2.5-hour drive from Manila, with views of the scenic Sierra Madre mountain range along the way.

Kyle on stage with his medal and certificate

Organized by Pinoy Trails and Be Trail Ready, there was also 8-km. (gun start: 7AM), 12-km. (gun start: 6AM)  and 21-km. (gun start: 5 AM) races as well as the First Hoka One One Downhill Challenge.  

The latter race was automatically participated in by runners wearing Hoka One One which are powerful downhill running shoes.  It rained all morning but this did not stop runners from competing.  With my daughter Cheska guiding him, Kyle finished his first ever race in third place.

Log House

Barracks I & II

The 3-hectare Tanay Adventure Camp, just 1-hour ride from Marikina City (via the Marikina-Infanta Road along the scenic Sierra Madre mountain range) and a 2.5-hour drive from Manila, was established in 2011.  It has a swimming pool; 2 well-designed, 230 m. long zip lines; 50 ft. high wall climbing facility; an extreme mud slide; rope courses; mountain bike and ATV trail; campsite and accommodation facilities.  

Swimming Pool

Obstacle course

Canteen

Its multipurpose hall (Maharlika Hall) can accommodate up to 400 persons (seated, no tables) and 300 persons (seated with tables), respectively.  It is equipped with a stage (that can be used for events), its own kitchen area (for prepping up foods for your occasions) and comfort rooms both for male and female(each has several cubicles inside). Rates: PhP25,000 for 12 hours, 8AM – 8 PM, PhP2,100/hour for every succeeding hour.

Private Rooms and Open Cottages

Tanay Adventure Camp offers:

• zip line/high ropes - PhP300/pax
• paintball - PhP300/pax, 30 bullets
• paragliding - PhP3,500/10-15-min. flight
• 40 ft. wall climb/basic rappelling course/ropes course & obstacle course/team building games/navigation/orienteering/basic mountaineering/outdoor ethics/physical exercises - PhP150/pax
• Swimming/campfire/bonfire/smokers night/spelunking/cave exploration/water trekking/hiking to Daranak Falls/jungle lane/jungle environmental survival training/basic first aid – PhP150/pax 

50-ft. high Climbing Wall

Campsite

Campsite Shower Rooms

Tanay Adventure Camp has triple-decker camping areas suitably provided with tents. They rent out the tents (PhP350/night, good for 4 pax) and sound system/tables and chairs (PhP1,500/day).  For those not into outdoor stay, the camp also has dormitory/sleeping quarters that can fit up to 200 persons. 

The second floor  of  the Log House (the ground floor is an office), located at the very highest part of the campsite, has a master bedroom, a kitchen, toilet, dining area and receiving area.  Good for 6-10-pax.  Barracks I (90-pax) & II (104-pax) are both are equipped with their own main comfort rooms and a room with 10 cubicles each (5 on each side) with a sink in the middle. Rate: PhP350/pax, PhP150/pax per succeeding night. 

View of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range above the sea of clouds from TAC

The 4-6-pax Kubo (PhP1,500/night) has a receiving area with a kitchen sink and a room equipped with a double deck bed.  The 8 apartment-type Private Rooms have airconditioned rooms with private bath and a dining area. Rooms 1 up to 4 have a single queen size bed while rooms 5 to 8 have double deck beds. 

Access to swimming pool is free for those staying overnight. Check in is 2 PM and check out is 12 noon the next day.  The Nipa Hut Cottages, beside the pool area, can be rented for PhP600/day + entrance fee while the viewdeck can be rented for PhP3,000/day + entrance fee.

Tanay Adventure Camp: Sitio Malaanonang, Brgy. Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. Tel: (632) 664-5720 and (632) 267-5170. Mobile numbers: (0925) 732-7248 (Sun), (0933) 437-3106, (0915) 596-6179 and (0947) 457-1164 (Smart). Email: inquiries@tanayadventurecamp.com.  Website: www.tanayadventurecamp.com.ph. Entrance fee: PhP50/pax (8AM – 5PM) and additional PhP100/pax for overnight stay.