NALAYAG ROCKS

Location: Lobo,Batangas, Philippines
Major jumpoff: Sitio Maligaya and Sitio Punas, Lobo, Batangas
Alternate trail: Sitio Langkaan, Brgy. Balibago Lobo, Batangas
Elevation: 550+ MASL - Unverified (1,805+ feet)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3-4 hours
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 1-3 with monolith climbing (optional)
Features: Consist of trails ranging from rough road, farm lands, forested area, steep ascent towards Nalayag Rock formation. Nalayag is just a part of Mount Salakot which is 650+ MASL (unverified) in elevation which I did not scale.

Scaling the death-defying second monolith of Nalayag Rocks

MY FIRST NALAYAG CLIMB

I have been here twice. The first time I scaled this was on January 25, 2017 with my PNB Mountaineering Club co-members. It was intended as a fun climb and yet we experienced difficulty then because it rained. That was the time when it was closed to climbers and we just insisted to be allowed to scale it. However, we were not allowed to scale on its monoliths.

The rain had soaked us the first time we climbed Nalayag Rocks

The first time we climbed was memorable because the rain made a difference but we enjoyed it.  Our pacing was very relaxed.  We boarded a private car of our fellow PNB Mountaineering Club member, Jun Lee along with her wife, Rina.  Connie Vasquez and Jing Gumba were also with us.

While at the base of the first monolith preparing to scale it

The base of two monoliths is rocky and ascending towards it has a rope since it is steep going up.  The rocks on its base serve as the viewdeck of the wide expanse revealing the forest below the mountain and as far as the Laiya beach coast of Batangas.

Attempting to scale the midpoint of the first monolith

As agreed with the barangay registration staff, we were allowed to scale the mountain on the condition that we will not climb the two peaks of the monoliths.  Thus, on the picture above, I only climbed up to the midpoint of the first monolith but did not pursue its peak. The same thing, we were not allowed to climb to the second monolith.

MY SECOND NALAYAG CLIMB

While at Sitio Maligaya, the jump-off point for registration and buying some food for pack lunch

The second time I climbed Nalayag was as a joiner of the organized climb of my colleague, Roselyn Napoles.  As usual, we were in a chartered van.  We were blessed with a perfect weather.   By then, there was no food available at the jump-off point.  Because of this, we have to go back to the barangay down Malabrigo Lighthouse to buy breakfast and packed lunch.  

After the registration, we hired for two guides who will be assisting us when we are already scaling the monolith wherein it is the highlight of the climb.  However, the monolith itself is not the peak of the mountain but rather it is just a part of Mount Salakot with an elevation of 650 MASL.  While the Nalayag Rocks because there are two monoliths are only at an elevation of 550 MASL.  In this climb, we only scaled one of its monoliths but did not pursue its summit.

Just started the trek along a flat trail

After the jump-off point, the trek started with road gradually ascending with coconut trees visibly seen alongside.  Because the trail was very relaxing, we tend to stop for pictures.  

Trail along mountain slopes used as crop yielding plantations

Climbing higher gives another picture as the mountain slopes are being cultivated by the locals for crop planting.  From these slopes, it offers a good view down the mountain.  Some of the crops cultivated on it are pineapple, taro (gabi), bitter gourd (ampalaya), sugar cane, string beans and tomatoes. 

The trail that leads to numerous assaults

Climbing higher revealed the lush forest with small water falls on it.  It was like paradise with big boulders of rocks.  Cardiac assaults became evident.  It was fun because we hopped from one boulder to another and crossing creeks and rivulets.

Coconut shells out of copra production

We were amazed that after those endless assaults, we came to pass a flat land where two or three houses were there.  This area serve as the camp site. From there, fresh buco fruits are available for sale.   So, refreshment followed as we took our leisurely rest.  Not only that, I saw a pile of coconut shells ready to be made to a charcoal. These shells were the bi-products of the copra production.  After that, another long trek followed heading to the monoliths.

Waiting for my turn to scale the second monolith

(Photo and cam credit: Efrain Dano Coronacion-Portacio)

Climbing the monoliths were really safe since aside from the close supervision of the guides, they are equipped with ropes and metal staircases.  Only one climber is allowed to climb the monolith. To advance upward, one has to lift his body and extend his arms with force reaching the next ladder stair.  Thus, it takes time for all the climbers to finish the pictorials.  Scaling the two monoliths requires rock climbing and moving on top of the big rock boulders.  A fall is deadly since the base are massive rocks and some are edged like a saw.

The peak of the first monolith can accommodate 12-15 persons while the second monolith which is smaller can accommodate at most 3 people.  However, our guide advised us not to crowd on its peak and we were told to make it just for one person on top.  While the guide is right below ready to assist if accident occurs.  Standing on its peak was the scariest experience I had since the wind was blowing strong and my legs were both shaking.  I felt as if anytime, I will fall.  The photographer, one of our two guides, was on the other monolith (first monolith) to capture us on the peak of the second monolith.

The Malabrigo Lighthouse

The trail descending the mountain was shorter but the first 30 minutes was really steep and almost vertical.  Thus, ropes and metal support were installed for the climbers.  The rest of the trail going down was manageable.

We did not go to the beach after the climb.  We only had a heavy meal in preparation for a long drive going back to Manila.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

01:00  Meet-up in McDo Greenfield District (Mandaluyong City)

02:00  ETD Mandaluyong

05:00  ETA Jump-off point for registration, breakfast and preparation.  Secure guide.

06:00  Start trek

08:00  Regrouping at the campsite

09:00  ETA monolith's base/rest/take refreshments

10:00  Scale the monoliths (you have the alternative to climb both monoliths or just one)

11:00   Early lunch

11:30   Start descent

02:00   ETA Jump-off point

03:00   ETA Lighthouse/Beach Resort/Swimming/Clean-up

06:00   ETD Manila

09:00   ETA Manila

Note:  Waiting time in scaling the monoliths will depend on the number of guests who wanted to climb the monoliths.

HOW TO GO THERE (DIY)

Board a bus from either Pasay, Cubao or Alabang heading for Batangas City Terminal.  From the terminal, take a jeepney with a route to Bayan and tell the driver to drop you off in Don Ramos.  Then, take another jeepney for Capitolio going to SM Batangas.  The last jeepney ride is going to Lobo.  From Lobo, habal-habal is the only option to take you to the jump-off points either in Sitio Langkaan, Sitio Maligaya or Sitio Punas of Barangay Balibago.  Just take note that last jeepney trip from Lobo to Batangas proper is at 5:00 P.M. while the last trip of bus trip from Batangas Grand Terminal going to Manila is at 9:00 P.M.