Nagpatong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls Dayhike Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Introduction

Nagpatong Rock Formation is a famous hiking destination located in Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. It offers panoramic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Nagpatong Rock Formation has a height of 560 meters above sea level or 1,837 feet. It officially opened to the public in the year 2017. Nagpatong Rock Formation has a total of 3.30-kilometer trail length. It’s composed of two unique separate rock towers facing each other. The cliffs are made of big rocks that are stacked together.

Nagpatong originates from the Tagalog word “Patong” which means rocks are piled on top of one another. It was said that the mountain was named as such due to the layering of rocks found on the cliffs of the mountains that are accumulated together. In addition, Nagpatong Rock Formation is just a one hour and forty-five minutes drive from Metro Manila. Because of its closeness to the city and the fascinating rock formation, it become one of the most hiked mountains in Tanay, Rizal.

After the climb hikers can take a dip in the refreshing water of Tungtong Falls or climb Mt. Masungki as part of a twin hike. So if you love hiking and a thrilling adventure include Nagpatong Rock Formation on your bucket list.

Name: Nagpatong Rock Formation
Difficulty: 4/9
Elevation: 560 MASL
Jump-Off: Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Hours to summit: 2 hours
Features: stunning rock formation, scenic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range, and Tungtong Falls

My trip to Nagpatong Rock Formation

I want to relieve my stress and I miss hiking in Tanay, Rizal. For this reason, I search on the internet where will my next climb will be. One day I finally found a day hike event that features Nagpatong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls. To be honest, I was a little bit hesitant to join the event because I found out that the descending part is so scary. Nevertheless, I join the day hike event to test if I will conquer my fear of height.

It was Saturday evening when I left my house and ride a train going to the pick-up point in KFC, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Because I arrived so early at the pick-up point, I order one piece of chicken and a soft drink for my late dinner while waiting for the van. Then after one hour and thirty-seven minutes of waiting, our van finally arrived and pick me up. The van left Araneta Center around 1:40 am and headed to the registration area of Nagpatong Rock Formation in Tanay. Two hours later we finally arrived at our destination.

Some of the members in the group take a quick breakfast in the small store beside the registration area. While having breakfast, our tour coordinator collects the money for the event and he gave us a bag tag. After that, we have a final preparation for the climb and we leave in the van some of the things that we don’t need for the climb. Then at 4:40 am our local guides have been introduced to us and we have a very short orientation about the Nagpatong Rock Formation trail and policy inside the mountain.

Past 4:55 am when our group circled to have a prayer and thanksgiving to God for letting us see another day and for having a safe trip. Past 5 am when we started the climb and we walk on a cemented pathway followed by a dirt trail. The twenty-five-minute trek is fairly easy. After one kilometer we reach the first resting station where various food and drinks can be bought.

Then we reached the slope of the mountain which is an average assault in rocky terrain wherein we need to walk on the grass side of the trail because in the past days it has rained. For this reason, we are now sweating heavily as we continue the climb. Then I noticed that the trail doesn’t have a long ascent involved. It is just a moderate climb in the forest. We take several rests and finally we reach the base marker of Nagpatong Rock Formation where we take solo pictures.

It took us one hour and twenty-four minutes to reach the base of the Nagpatong Rock Formation. Our group saw the long ladder and was amazed by what we saw. It is a super long steep installed wooden ladder to be able to reach the summit. We have to wait for our turn since there are groups already at the famous Nagpatong Rock Formation summit. Then our guide told us that in the past years during weekends and holidays, mountaineers will have to wait a long time to take solo pictures at the top of the mountain because there is a traffic jam just below the summit.

After thirty minutes of waiting, we start to climb a steep bamboo ladder and we need to use both our hands and feet while holding onto the ladder and rope. We feel literally the adrenaline rush but our guide told us that we don’t go fast, just take it easy and one step at a time. In my perspective, this is one of the most difficult parts of the entire climb. It is a vertical climb almost 90 degrees ascent with no safety equipment and harness. It was a scary, intense and unforgettable experience for us.

Nevertheless, we reach the Nagpatong Rock Formation summit after having a strong determination and will. It’s truly worth the wait. It took us two hours and twenty-five minutes to reach the summit of Nagpatong Rock Formation. The view is superb and 360 degrees. We can see Masungi Georeserve, Mt. Masungki, and other mountains in the Sierra Madre mountain range such as Mt. Irid and Mt. Tukduang Banoi. It was very refreshing and rewarding to behold the beauty of nature. The greenery of the place is so stunning.

The rock formation is fascinating and it looks like a giant rectangular block. It is one of the most iconic rock formations I’ve ever been to. Moreover, I think it was more impressive if we witness a sea of clouds and a rainbow. Then I have a short talk with our guide, he said that the Nagpatong Rock Formation can only accommodate seventeen people at a time for the safety purposes of the hikers.

Moments later our local guide went to the smaller tower and we have our group picture taken at the summit of Nagpatong Rock Formation. After that, we have our individual pictures taken by our local guide. For taking individual pictures, the rest of the group would hide behind the rock formation so we would not be seen by the camera. Some of the members do jump-shots and selfies while others have a risky posts sitting on the edge of the cliff. Then one member flew his drone camera to have an awesome view of the rock formation. In my opinion, the Nagpatong Rock Formation summit is very similar to the summit of Mt. Secret in Bulacan.

After snapping pictures and doing the TikTok dance at the summit of Nagpatong Rock Formation, we start our descent. In my opinion, the descent is scarier and more challenging than the ascent. Before I start to go down the mountain, I said to myself is it right to be scared and bare your heart out for the umpteenth time knowing there are wildlings on the watch and you never cared because what’s the sense of trusting when you stop trying? Then I lift up my eyes to the mountains and said to myself where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the creator of heaven and earth.

Even so, we need to carefully watch our footsteps and our body, especially in the part where a rope is the only thing that we will be holding on to. It’s a heart-pumping experience. We can see below that there isn’t much margin for an error or one wrong move on the narrow side of a cliff. Also, we need to take our time and make sure we have a stable footing on the way down the ladder. Undoubtedly, there is a local guide that will carefully assist us to pass through the difficult section of the mountain where one wrong step can lead to an accident or even death.

For me, it was the hardest part of the entire climb. It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime moment. For the most part, I was so nervous as I had never done it before. My two cents for this section are that the Local Government Unit should create a solid and organized structure for the safety of hikers and should have medical staff on the ground in case of an emergency.

Anyway, after twenty-five minutes we finally breakthrough and reached the base of Nagpatong Rock Formation. We take a quick rest and continue our descent going back to the barangay. The descent was really straightforward passing through shaded woodland and some exposed spots. After one hour and thirty-six minutes, we arrived at the barangay. We order food and drinks to reward our exhausted bodies after a successful climb.

After done having lunch, we start to trek going to our side trip which is Tungtong Falls. For the most part, the trail is easy and manageable, our group passes a well-established exposed trail and we do a stream crossing. Then we reached the sixty-five-degree downward trail which is a difficult one. Forty-five minutes later we reach the Tungtong Falls. We see the beauty of the falls and we enjoy having a dip in the cold water of the falls. It is quite astonishing that there is a kind of waterfalls in this place. For this reason, we take many pictures at the falls as a souvenir of this majestic place.

We stayed at the Tungtong Falls for one hour and forty-three minutes. After done swimming and having a moment of serenity at the falls, we backtrack our way going back to the jump-off point. Then I was able to wash off the mud in my hiking sandals from one of the running streams we pass by. As we are near the barangay, I saw a carabao pulling a makeshift cart used by a father and son. It was a compelling sight to behold. We reach the jump-off point at 2 pm and we tidy up. Later we give thanks to our friendly guide and our van left Tanay, Rizal at 3:30 pm. We arrive at Quezon City around 6 pm.

Without a doubt, it was a great weekend getaway exploring Nagpatong Rock Formation. This is a remarkable experience for me. Also, I finally conquer my fear of heights and another mountain has been conquered in the beautiful province of Rizal. Praise God for he created heaven and earth and I’m joyful that I’m able to witness his beautiful creation. Overall my hiking adventure to Nagpatong Rock Formation sums up this famous quote “Getting to the top is optional, getting down is mandatory.”

Things to bring on your visit to Nagpatong Rock Formation:

1 to 2 liters of bottled water
Trail food
Extra cash, clothes, and slipper
Flashlight
Extra plastic
Camera
Powerbank
Toiletries like bath soap and shampoo
Sunblock
Alcohol
Handkerchief
First Aid Kit
Body and bath small towel
Personal medication
Gloves
Arm sleeve (optional)
Rainjacket during the wet season (optional)

Sample itinerary to Nagpatong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls

1:30AM – Meet up and pick up at a designated place
2AM – Departure going to Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
3:45AM – Arrival at Barangay Cuyambay, secure guide, orientation, and breakfast
4:30AM – Start trekking
6:45AM – Nagpatong Rock Formation summit, take pictures
8:30AM – Start descent
10:15AM – Arrive at Barangay Cuyambay, early lunch
11:30AM – Trek going to Tungtong Falls
12:20PM – Tungtong Falls, swimming, photo-ops, and free time
3PM – Back at the barangay, wash up, rest
4:10PM – Departure going back to Metro Manila
6:40PM – Metro Manila

Note: the sample above itinerary can be changed and is not absolutely 100 percent perfect due to many reasons such as delay, traffic, pacing, emergency, etc.

How to Go to Nagpatong Rock Formation

By commute

1. From Makati City, ride a bus, jeep, or train to go to Cubao, Quezon City. 
2. Then from Cubao, ride a jeep going to Cogeo Gate 2. 
3. From Cogeo Gate 2, ride a jeep going to Barangay Cuyambay. 
4. Then from Barangay Cuyambay, ride a tricycle going to the barangay hall. After that register and secure a guide.
5. From the barangay hall, you can ride a tricycle or walk your way going to the main jump-off point.

By private vehicle

Download the Waze app and open it. Pin the Masungi Georeserve (Marilaque) Highway. From there, look for Ynares Multi-Purpose Building in Barangay Cayumbay, Tanay, Rizal. Take note that you won’t see this from the highway so ask the locals there.

Reminders and Tips:

• Nagpatong Rock Formation is a minor climb and it’s an ideal mountain for beginners, those who do not have fear of heights, and nature lovers. On the other hand, It’s a little bit difficult for those who have fear of heights nonetheless don’t worry because the guides are very supportive.

• The registration fee is 100 pesos per person and the environmental fee is 30 pesos per head. The entrance fee in Nagpatong Rock Formation is 20 pesos per peson while the entrance fee in Tungtong Falls is 10 pesos per peson. On the other hand, the shower fee is 20 pesos.

• The local guide fee in Nagpatong Rock Formation is 500 pesos and it’s good for a maximum of 5 people while the local guide fee for Tungtong Falls is 250 pesos good for a maximum of 5 people. 

• The tricycle fare from the barangay hall is 25 pesos. On the other hand, habal-habal ride cost 50 pesos. Note: All fees and fares may change without prior notice.

• It is better to bring gloves because there are rock formations that are very sharp. Also, you need to be very careful when climbing up to the rock formation.

• The best time to hike Nagpatong Rock Formation is during the dry season as the trail is not that hard to navigate and it has an excellent view at the summit.

• The hike going to the summit of Nagpatong Rock Formation takes about one hour and thirty-five minutes at a moderate pace and with several rests. The total hike to and from the summit of Nagpatong Rock Formation takes five hours at a normal pace and with plenty of stops. Some experienced hikers can finish this within three hours or less but I highly suggest you take it slowly to better appreciate the beauty of the mountain. 

• If you plan to do DIY (Do it yourself) bring at least 1,500 pesos for a safe budget.

• If you join an organized tour going to Nagpatong Rock Formation, please take care of your valuable stuff because the organizer of the event will not be liable for any lost or damaged things.

• There is a number of small huts scattered along the trail in which you could eat your trail food. 

• If your group has more time left you can do a twin hike. It takes an additional one hour and thirty minutes to reach the summit of Mt. Masungki. The guide fee for Nagpatong Rock Formation and Mt. Masungki twin hike is 750 pesos good for up to five people.

• Always be prepared before doing any climb. You should be fit and healthy. Do warm-up exercises such as long walks and jogging because Nagpatong Rock isn’t for the faint-hearted.

• Don’t forget to wear hiking sandals and dry-fit clothes.

• There are food stalls and sari-sari stores at the registration site so you don’t need to worry if you forgot to bring any food or water before the climb. In addition, you can buy noodles and Lomi special for an affordable amount.

• Start the climb as early as 4:45 am to avoid long queues and to see the sunrise at Nagpatong Rock summit. 

• Expect a huge flock of hikers during weekends and holidays. You need to be patient, especially on the base of Nagpatong Rock Formation because there’s a long queue.

• For more information and inquiries about climbing Nagpatong Rock Formation kindly contact this number – 09128933059 or you can go through their official Facebook page.

• Above all, climb and take photos at your own risk. I’m not in favor of doing death-defying posts or standing and sitting at the very edge of the cliff. Remember, a true mountaineer observes safety first at all times. 
  
  
  
  

There you have it, adventurous people. Explore local destinations before looking overseas. You might be surprised by how many hidden gems your country has to offer. On the whole, I hope this Nagpatong Rock Formation day hike guide has been advantageous to you and inspired you to try climbing this wonderful mountain. If you have any questions and suggestions kindly leave your comments below. Thanks for reading.