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Sunday, December 4, 2016

Mt. Masalakot & (Lalayag) Nalayag Monolith

NALAYAG MONOLITH


NALAYAG MONOLITH located in Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas.
"An exploratory climb to promote and save"

Nalayag Monolith: 552 MASL
Major jump off: Brgy Balibago Lobo Batangas.
Specs: Minor Climb
Difficulty level: 4/9
Trail class: 2/3
Hours to summit: 3-4 hours
Date Climbed :
December 4, 2016
December 18, 2016
November 19, 2017

Check this out on my Youtube channel:
Mt. Masalakot and it's Nalayag/Lalayag Rock formtion


Mt. Masalakot including it's Nalayag rock formation (simply called as Nalayag Monolith)


According to the locals, this precious piece of nature is in danger due to mining and the community is against this massive destruction of nature. President Rodrigo Duterte assigned Ms. Regina Paz "Gina" La'O Lopez as the Secretary of the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). An environmentalist, she heard the voices of the local community and asked for this operation to stop immediately.


"The environmental impact of mining includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water by chemicals from mining processes. Besides creating environmental damage, the contamination resulting from leakage of chemicals also affect the health of the local population."

-          Wikipedia



Lioness Rock Formation wasn’t saved and let’s not wait for Nalayag Monolith and/or any other mountains will also be a victim of this destruction. It’s better to keep Nalayag rock this way unspoiled and at peace. We could also endorse it to the public as a new hiking destination but with consequences like; disturbance on its wildlife, vandalism, destruction of its natural form and etc.

For these consequences, we could raise awareness like Basic mountaineering Course (BMC) and Leave No Trace (LNT Principles) to everyone who wish to visit this spot and other must see places in the Philippines.

I was invited by Team Bakal to join this exploratory climb and as we were the first team that was given the chance to explore and had a closer look to the Nalayag rock dated December 4, 2016, a flag of Team Bakal was placed at the top of the Nalayag Monolith. However, we did not had a chance to reach the peak of the Monolith as there’s no established trail yet going there.


Team Yapak - Yapak Travelers
After a couple of weeks, me and my friends decided to go back with some new friends to see the Monolith dated December 18, 2016. Luckily, the local guides established a new trail to have it traverse that starts at Barangay Balibago and a safe way going to the peak of the Monolith. My team was the second group who visited the place but we are the first team that had successfully summited the highest rock or the Nalayag Monolith and it is almost same as to the monolith of Pico de Loro in Maragondon, Cavite. After this event, we also decided to make our official group which was established January 27, 2017 named after my blog, Yapak Travelers or simply called "Team Yapak".




Local guides asked for our support to publicize this magnificent massive stone as a new hiking destination and as an addition to their means of livelihood. By means of tour guiding other hikers/tourist, it could be an income to support their family.




OUR ITINERARY


Around 6 in the morning, our team arrived at the Lobo, Municipal, Police Station for registration and paid P20.00 each for the environmental fee. This will also serve as our help on their future projects in Lobo. We laso had a quick group photo as a proof of our registration taken by a Police officer. After that, we went back to 7/11 in Malvar street and met up our guides that we hire, then helped us to go straight to the Jump-off; Barangay Balibago. Travel time took us almost an hour while seeing the ocean views, neighboring mountains and Mt. Halcon from afar. We also passed a historical lighthouse which is also included on the latter part of our itinerary.


Faro de Punta de Malabrigo (Malabrigo Point Lighthouse)


Rocky channel - way to Nalayag


Due to road construction, first part of the trail comes with a long walk within a rocky channel, "a warm welcome under the sun". According to our tour guide this is passable by a Monster jeep and he can suggest one that we could rent when we come back.

The place is very quiet and peaceful, only few local’s lives here.  Schools are too far from their location and "I can’t imagine how many kilometers their children needs to walk just to go to school". Looking forward to conduct an outreach program on the next school year.



The welcoming green forest in a Rocky channel - way to Nalayag



First water source


There are few slight ascend then we had a quick stop over at the first water source. The water is safe to drink and it’s a bit sweet. We had a smooth trek up to this part and we did not encounter any problem.

Another part of the trail is river trekking which is very similar to Mt. Damas (click here to see description). It is still accessible but not highly suggested to hike during rainy days because it’s very risky. There are also streams serves as the pool area where you can enjoy the refreshing cold water from  a Spring.









River trekking - way to Nalayag



Wooden bridge


We crossed this bridge made of wood and sort of metal as its backbone. You can only pass through it by walking at the center for safety. It’s also an indication of a more challenging trail and it is mostly covered by bearing fruit trees like mangoes and coconuts.

Stunning views from it's neighboring mountains like Mt. Tilos as the nearest, which the team already climbed a week before. As described by other members the descend part of Mt. Tilos on it's boulder's trail is the most challenging part as this require full rock climbing, rock scrambling and multiple rope segments.








It's good to know the community means of Livelihood:

This forested trail is leading to a coconut plantation (3rd image) which is a potential camp site. Aside from transporting Coconut to the market they also use coconut shells into to coals, coconut oil and coconut coir (1st and 2nd image). After this is the “Atisan” – Sugar apple plantation (4th image) a sneak pic as Mt. Tilos was also captured.

Community means of Livelihood - way to Nalayag rock formation

Passing through this location requires crossing of Barb wire fence. Not a sign of danger for restricted areas but simply not to lose their cattle. This spot commence the 1 hour assault trail, so expect that slopes will get steeper as you go higher.


During the assault - way to Nalayag rock formation

The trail is not well established and guides need to clear and make a new trail to make it passable during the assault. Gloves are not required but highly suggested.

The assault part worn's us out. Good thing that trees are covering the trail throughout the climb. "I can't imagine how would I look like if it's not."







A quick groupie from the early birds (first to reach the foot of the Nalayag rock formation)

The early birds at the foot of Nalayag Monolith


and the rest of the team after the assault trail.

The rest of the team at the foot of Nalayag Monolith


According to our guide they are seeing numbers of monkeys playing around these rock formations. And they won't show as they are afraid of people who visit this spot. On the other hand, we had so much photo ops but not making any disturbance and of course, the day won't end without doing the Team Bakal's signature group photo.

Team Bakal - Nalayag Monolith



Rock climbing - way to Nalayag rock formation



We started using our rope from here, not that technical but this is just a preparation for a more challenging way up to the highest rock formation.

There are actually 3 elevated parts or rock formations wherein you will see scenic views from the beach to the mountains. It comes with a bigger and superb  must see views that Batangenos will surely be proud of.










way to the Peak of Nalayag rock formation

From the 2nd rock formation to the highest one, rope segment is required in order to reach it's peak. The 1st rock formation stands 6 to 7 feet, second is estimated to be in elevation of 50 to 60 feet and the highest is from 100 to 120 feet (from the foot of the Nalayag rock formation). Again this is just estimated, MASL and level of difficulty is still unknown.



Despite of the strong wind on the rope segment, finally reached the second peak.


Nalayag Monolith
"Discover and capture great adventures."






NOTE:
For your safety and the Nalayag rock formation's preservation:

Apply BMC and LNT practices
Maximum of 4 to 6 heads at the 2nd peak and at least 5 to 10 person's on the monolith
Always ask for assistance from the guides
Don't just depend on your rock climbing expertise, use rope for safety
Be extra careful taking selfies, strictly no jump shot and/or life risking photo operations
Do not stay at the foot of these rocks when someone is making their way up/down it's peak




Acknowledging the helpful Team Bakal's equipment for our safety:
Not required but highly suggested





After a challenging exploratory climbed. We had a simple boodle fight at the beach near the Historical lighthouse.

Two thumbs up for another successful event!


#SquadGoals


"Don't change the mountains, let the mountains change you."
The aim of this blog is to inform, educate and motivate my readers and to appreciate God's creation.


END OF ITINERARY



__________________________________________________



After few days, our guide called and advised that they just established a new trail from a different town/barangay that is much easier going to Nalayag rock formation to make it traverse. But, there will be another P20.00 registration free from the other jump-off as help to the said community.



SLIDESHOW

Way to Nalayag rock formation - www.yapak101.blogspot.com


OUR ITINERARY:
  • 01:00 Assembly McDo MUNOZ 
  • 01:30 ETD Munoz
  • 02:00 ETA TFC pick up
  • 06:00 ETD to Batangas
  • 06:15 ETA PNP Lobo Poblacion / Registration then Proceed to Jump-off
  • 07:00 ETA Jump off
  • 08:00 Start trek
  • 11:00 ETA Nalayag rock formation
  • 14:00 Start descend
  • 16:00 ETA Jump-off
  • 16:30 ETA Light house 
  • 17:00 ETA Beach Resort/ swimming/rest
  • 23:00 ETD to Manila 


DAMAGE to BUDGET:
This event cost us 850.00 each
Inclusion of;
  • Registration and environmental fee
  • Sharing for the Guide fee
  • Rent of Van, cottage, long table, kitchen wares, cook set, stove and etc.
  • Food: inclusive of rice, chicken and pork bbq, fish, "pancit canton", fruits and a lot more.
  • We also paid the drinking water, electric usage and entrance fee at the beach.


    THINGS TO BRING

       
    • Water atleast 1-2 liters depending on water consumption
    • Packed Lunch
    • Breakfast
    • Trail food
    • Sandals for river trekking 
    • Slippers
    • Gloves
    • Extra clothes
    • Poncho/rain coat 
    • Mess kit
    • Trash bag
    • Personal medication 
    • Toiletries
    • Extra Money 
    • Camera 
    • Powerbank
    • Extra batteries


    Sir. Russel Sioco


    You may contact the Head Tour Guide on his facebook account:
    (You can also hire him if you need guide for Mt. Tilos)

    "all guides are friendly, very kind indeed. Well, I must say everyone from Lobo have big hearts and hands that are willing to help."








    If you wanna be here, lemme help you!

    HOW TO GET HERE?


    We preferred to hire a van for this event.


    Click here.
    For Google map directions

    Directions via Google Map - From: Farmers Plaza to Lobo, Malabrigo, Batangas.


    42 comments:

    1. Kudos. We tried to go there with the help of locals but not able to climb the monolith. Instead, napunta kami sa kabilang peak. :) Dami streams dyan etc. :)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay sir! I remember you sent me message thru fb. Hope to see you sometime in Lobo. Anyway we are planning to go back in Mt. Tilos for the "boulders trail" this 2017.

        Delete
    2. Hi, may I ask, saang bus kami pwede sumakay pa lobo, dalawa lang po kasi kami ng bf ko na mag try ng lalayag monolith, and yung rope po wala pang nkalagay sa way pa monolith no? thank you po!

      ReplyDelete
    3. ano po ung brgy na bababaan kapag commute and ano po ung brgy name ng jumpoff thank you po

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay Ms. Janelle! Nagrent po kami ng van para sa exploratory climb na ito. Hindi ko lang po sigurado kung anong bus. Pero ang alam kopo from batangas city ay may mga jeepney papunta po ng Malabrigo at pwede nyopo contakin ang ating guide na napaka bait at napaka gwapong si "Kuya Russel" pls.see below for his fb account. Pwdede po kayo mag pa sundo sa Malvar St.na may 7/11.

        Regarding sa rope nagdonate po kami ng additional pang rope at equipments para po sa safety ng lahat.

        Sa jumpoff po is Brgy.Balibago - tutulungan po kayo ng nga guides pumunta doon dahil dadaanan lang po yung bahay nila Kuya Russel. Kung maari po ay message nyo sya, palagi ho syang online. Pakisabi nlang po na ako po nakausap nyo :)

        Delete
    4. This comment has been removed by the author.

      ReplyDelete
    5. Replies
      1. Yun oh! Maraming salamat kaibigan!

        Abangan mo pa mga susunod kong posts. Rakenrol!:)

        Delete
    6. Very nice and very informative blog fafa mackoy..hehe.....
      Hope to see u again guys nxt climb...
      Goodluck and Godbless

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Thanks a lot Sir. jaymes! Nice meeting you and hope to also see you next climb with the team.

        Godbless and Goodluck also. Rakenrol! :)

        Delete
    7. Nice.. ganda ng blog! Dito ko titingin for my next gala :)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Maraming salamat po sir sa pagbisita. May mga kaunting pagbabago po at karagdagan pong mangyayari sa mga susunod na araw kaya abangan po ninyo sa blog post kong ito:)

        Delete
    8. magaling! full of information and napaka helpful para sa mga starters na gaya ko ^_^

      kung may susunod na gala ka, kindly include me. you may email me at boss.wilbur@yahoo.com

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay sir.

        Twice a month po ang akyat namin. Sa ngayon asa Ilocos Sur po ang team para sa Tirad Peak. End of January po sa Mt. Kayangkangan sabihin kopo kayo sir sa full details ng iti.

        Rak!

        Delete
    9. may mga questions pala ako

      1. pwede ba sa beginners ang pico de loro? sa ngayon kasi, daraitan, batolusong, at hapunang banoy pa lang ang naaakyat ko.

      2. gusto ko sana makasubok ng mag lakbay sa loob ng kweba? saan may pinaka malapit at magkakaroon ka ba ng ganitong lakad anytime soon? kung meron, sana makasama ako.

      3. may mga kaibigan ako na mas beginner pa sakin, ano maisusugest mo na akyatin namin for 2017?

      maraming salamat boss buddy ^_^

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay sir!

        1. Opo. Pwedeng pwede po sa beginners ang Pico de Loro as well as ang Nalayag Monolith pwede rin po pero I suggest magprepare magexercise para maski papano ay handa

        2. Caving next kopo is sa sagada pero exploratory po ulit yun kaya hindi kopo alam sir kung magiinvite ba ako since kailangan masigurado po muna ang safety pero sa fb page kopo ay nagpopost po ako ng mga event search nyo lang po ang Yapak101 page sa facebook

        3. Mga bundok po sa Rizal tulad ng Mt. Sipit-ulang, Mt. Balagbag, Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Binacayan pwede rin po ang mga bundok sa Batangas tulad ng Mt. Batulaw, Mt. Susong-dalaga at Pico de loro.

        Comment lang sir kung may mga katanungan pa wag mahiya. Apir!

        Delete
    10. Sir pwede po ba mag overnight dyan??thank you :)

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay Master John Axl! opo sir pwedeng pwede po. Pati ang mga local guides ay may tent na din po . Ready na din po silang samahan kayo at may watersource malapit sa campsite kaya di po kayo mamomroblema sa tubig.

        Delete
    11. Nice blog sir malaking tulong to para sa tulad ko na hndi pa nkakaalam, try nmin sa jan.28 more power sa blog na to at sa team bakal.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay! Salamat master! To be update pa po ito medyo busy pa sa trabaho hehe pero iupdate ko na this weekend. Kontakin nyopo ang local guides naten headed by Sir. Russel sobrang bait po nyan I guess almost lahat ng nakilala ko from lobo is mababait talaga :)

        Delete
    12. Hi Sir,

      Is there any beach resort near Lalayag?

      ReplyDelete
    13. I plan to camp at the beach on Day 1 and hike Lalayag the following day

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay! Meron pong beach near nalayag. Pwede po kayo mismo magcamp sa Malabrigo Lighthouse o sa campsite po ng Nalayag with the guides. Pwede nyo po kontakin si Kuya Russel at pwede nya ho kayong samahan. Apir!

        Delete
    14. nice blog. two thumbs up para sa pagtulong sa locals ng nalayag. apir!

      ReplyDelete
    15. Hi ano po mas mainam isuot dito? Trekking Sandals or trekking shoes? Tia!

      ReplyDelete
    16. Hi ano po mas mainam isuot dito? Trekking Sandals or trekking shoes? Tia!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. I prefer po ang trekking shoes mam as always. Pero kung preffer nyo po is mag river trek kayo, ok po ang trekking sandals - or water proof na shoes (pwede nyopo i-inform ang guide kung sa mas madali o sa mas mahirap nyo po gusto dumaan na may river trekking, may alternate way napo kase going to peak) pwede nyo po i-advise sa ating mga guides.

        Delete
    17. Hi Sir. Ang gwapo nyo naman po. Pwede sumama next hike?

      ReplyDelete
    18. Hi po may contact number po ba kayo ng guide, di po kasi nag rereply sa FB. Thanks

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay! Apologize mam pero according po sa guide is fb lang po talaga. For some reasons yun daw po mas convenient sakanya. Pwede kopo sya imessage para sa inyo. Kailan nyo po balak umakyat?

        Delete
    19. May cp number po ba ung guide?

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang Buhay! Apologize Sir. but according to the local guide eh mas ok daw po na sa fb talaga sya i-message. Pwede kopo sya imessage para sa inyo sir baka may akyat po si Kuya Russel.

        Delete
    20. Hello Sir Jojo!

      Plano po namin umakyat sa march 25 ng friend ko kaso d po ngrereply si sir guide.
      any number nlng po na pwde namin macontact meron kayo?
      pahelp nmn na mareach si koya ^^ thank you!

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang Buhay Mam. Rocci.

        Ngayon ko lang po narecover ang account ko. Pasensya na sa delayed response. Nabisita nyon napo ba ang Nalayag nung March?

        Delete
    21. Hi Sir. I was planning po nag umakyat sa nalayag monolith. Safe po ba sya sa beginner's. Pero may experience na po ako 2 times na ako nakaakyat na Mt. Maculot,one time Mt. Batulao at Mt. Malipunyo.

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang Buhay Sir. Adam.

        Ngayon ko lang po narecover ang account ko. Pasensya na sa delayed response. Yes po sir. Pwedeng pwede naman po ito puntahan maski na beginners lalo po at nakapag Maculot at Malipunyo napo kayo. Basta exercise at paghandaan pa din po dahil challenging po ang trail sa Nalayag.

        See you po on trails sir.
        Godbless

        Delete
    22. Ang dami nyo sir, mukang masaya ung climb nyo. Kami sa beach nagcamp tapos inabot ng malakas na ulan.

      www.vankaizer.com

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. Magandang buhay Sir. Henry. Masaya po talaga sa team sir at filtered po ang mga members :)

        Kada bisita po namin sa Nalayag ay Dayhike lang kaya di pa namin naexperience magcamp pero kung mabibigyan ng chance eh sa beach na dn po kami magcacamp siguro. Babalik po kami doon sa January 2018 sama po kayo :)

        Delete
    23. Magandang hapon Sir.

      May mga katanungan lamang po.
      Maaari po bang maghike mula sa beach papuntang Mt. Masalakot/Nalayag? Plan po kasi namin na magbeach muna at doon magcamping overnight at saka maghike kinaumagahan.
      Or walang trail mula sa beach papunta sa summit at mas maganda na sa campsite sa Nalayag na lang magcamp at saka magbeach kinaumagahan?

      Marqmingb salamat po

      ReplyDelete
    24. Perfect Travel Guide to those who wants to go and experience the beauty of Mt. Masalakot Sakit.info

      ReplyDelete