Mt. Nalayag (Monolith) - Lobo, Batangas

I was amazed upon seeing the pictures of this monolith while browsing the net looking for new mountain to hike as I was assigned by the group to organize another climb. A schedule was set to visit Mt. Nalayag but some of the team members were not available at that time but upon seeing the schedule of Trail Seekers on its Facebook page, I immediately requested its Admin Sir Alvin to reserve me a slot. Unfortunately, Nalayag Monolith was temporarily closed on his chosen schedule so Sir Alvin decided that we climb Mt. Gaduldol instead.

After a few weeks --- Nalayag Monolith is open again to hikers. Immediately, Sir Alvin announced his new schedule... Again I want this one so badly so my name is back on the list.

This hiking destination is making a scuttlebutt and is becoming one of the favorites of climbing enthusiasts. This is a must try for those who love to do dayhikes. It has an amazing view and definitely an Instagram worthy.

Monolith 1.

Monolith 2.

Malabrigo Lighthouse.

In one article I read in the net while searching and trying to get more information about this mountain, one says --- Lalayag (or Nalayag) Monolith is actually a rock formation with three peaks. It is part of a mountain in Lobo town of Batangas called Mount Masalukot. (FYI: Lalayag came from the Filipino word “layag” meaning sail, like that of a boat because it looks like one; while Masalukot comes from the local term “salakot” a kind of hat).

Our Itinerary:

03:30 AM - meeting place supposedly at Jollibee Farmers in Cubao -- since majority of the participants are based in Mandaluyong City and Pasig City. Sir Alvin fetched us at Caltex Boni EDSA.

07:30 AM - arrived at jump off -- our driver missed the right way so we traveled more than 3 hours just to reach Sitio Balibago.

08:00 AM - registration and group photo -- start of trek.

10:00 AM - arrived at Monolith.

12:00 PM - picture taking, lunch, siesta

01:30 PM - start descent

03:00 PM - back to jump off

03:30 PM - Malabrigo Lighthouse, Malabrigo beach, swimming, wash off

06:00 PM - departure --- travel back to Manila

The Trek: June 11, 2017

For a few minutes you will be walking on a road like trail going up (just like in Tapulao, but not as rocky). And before entering the forest with smaller trails, there's a water source available, the one and only water source so make sure you bring enough water.

The last 30 minutes of the climb is pure assault. Good thing for us there are ropes and improvised steel railing (tube bar) strategically placed in most segments of the ascent towards the rock formations. You need to be more careful going up in that part because it is slippery and the soil is a bit loose. The stems and branches of the trees somehow helped us.

The difference between Pico De Loro, Nagpatong Rock and Nalayag Monolith? The flat surface at the top of Pico and Nagpatong compare to the one square meter surface on top of one of the Lalayag tower. And of course, the man made ladder you can use while climbing atop the monolith of Nalayag is quiet safe compare to that of Pico and Nagpatong.

The first rock tower of Nalayag on the left side can accommodate 10 - 15 persons while the rock tower on the right (my favorite) can only accommodate one. Good thing they put a steel chain going up to this rock peak. If you and heights are not in good terms, don't try this one. If you aren’t used to this kind of adventure, this is a no no for you. Be extra careful and wary once you are up there.

An awesome 360 degrees view awaits you once you are on top. Chartreuse mountains surrounds you, it's all green green green....on your left side is the beautiful beach of Batangas.

Sir Alvin, Admin for Trail Seekers

We stayed here for more than 2 hours because we need to wait for our turn in going up the rock tower -- guide are the ones to say if it is your turn since there are other group of climbers as well -- first to arrive, first to climb rule... Since the rock peak can only accommodate a specific number of people, some of us decided to take our lunch while waiting for our group's turn.

We started descending at around 1:30PM.