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.
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)
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
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."
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.
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 |
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.
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.
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."
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
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
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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.
OUR ITINERARY:
DAMAGE to BUDGET:
This event cost us 850.00 each
Inclusion of;
THINGS TO BRING
- 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:
Name : Russel Sioco (Kuya Russel)
(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. |
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. :)
ReplyDeleteMagandang 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.
DeleteHi, 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!
ReplyDeleteano po ung brgy na bababaan kapag commute and ano po ung brgy name ng jumpoff thank you po
ReplyDeleteMagandang 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.
DeleteRegarding 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 :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCool photo
ReplyDeleteGanda ng blog mo papa mackoy.
ReplyDeleteYun oh! Maraming salamat kaibigan!
DeleteAbangan mo pa mga susunod kong posts. Rakenrol!:)
Very nice and very informative blog fafa mackoy..hehe.....
ReplyDeleteHope to see u again guys nxt climb...
Goodluck and Godbless
Thanks a lot Sir. jaymes! Nice meeting you and hope to also see you next climb with the team.
DeleteGodbless and Goodluck also. Rakenrol! :)
Nice.. ganda ng blog! Dito ko titingin for my next gala :)
ReplyDeleteMaraming 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:)
Deletemagaling! full of information and napaka helpful para sa mga starters na gaya ko ^_^
ReplyDeletekung may susunod na gala ka, kindly include me. you may email me at boss.wilbur@yahoo.com
Magandang buhay sir.
DeleteTwice 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!
may mga questions pala ako
ReplyDelete1. 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 ^_^
Magandang buhay sir!
Delete1. 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!
Sir pwede po ba mag overnight dyan??thank you :)
ReplyDeleteMagandang 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.
DeleteNice 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.
ReplyDeleteMagandang 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 :)
DeleteHi Sir,
ReplyDeleteIs there any beach resort near Lalayag?
I plan to camp at the beach on Day 1 and hike Lalayag the following day
ReplyDeleteMagandang 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!
Deletenice blog. two thumbs up para sa pagtulong sa locals ng nalayag. apir!
ReplyDeleteMaraming salamat po! Apir! Oraaaaayt.
DeleteHi ano po mas mainam isuot dito? Trekking Sandals or trekking shoes? Tia!
ReplyDeleteHi ano po mas mainam isuot dito? Trekking Sandals or trekking shoes? Tia!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteHi Sir. Ang gwapo nyo naman po. Pwede sumama next hike?
ReplyDeleteHi po may contact number po ba kayo ng guide, di po kasi nag rereply sa FB. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMagandang 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?
DeleteMay cp number po ba ung guide?
ReplyDeleteMagandang 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.
DeleteHello Sir Jojo!
ReplyDeletePlano 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!
Magandang Buhay Mam. Rocci.
DeleteNgayon ko lang po narecover ang account ko. Pasensya na sa delayed response. Nabisita nyon napo ba ang Nalayag nung March?
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.
ReplyDeleteMagandang Buhay Sir. Adam.
DeleteNgayon 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
Ang dami nyo sir, mukang masaya ung climb nyo. Kami sa beach nagcamp tapos inabot ng malakas na ulan.
ReplyDeletewww.vankaizer.com
Magandang buhay Sir. Henry. Masaya po talaga sa team sir at filtered po ang mga members :)
DeleteKada 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 :)
Magandang hapon Sir.
ReplyDeleteMay 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
Perfect Travel Guide to those who wants to go and experience the beauty of Mt. Masalakot Sakit.info
ReplyDelete