Nalayag Monolith Climb Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Background

Mt. Nalayag Monolith is a fascinating mountain located in Barangay Balibago, Lobo, Batangas. It offers stunning coastal views of Batangas province and nearby mountains. Mt. Nalayag Monolith has a height of 552 meters above sea level or 1811 feet. It has opened to the public in the year 2017.

Nalayag Monolith originated from the Tagalog word Layag which means “to set sail”. It was said that the mountain was named as such due to its appearance which looks like a boat. On the other hand, its nearby mountain Mt. Masalukot came from the local dialect “salakot” which means a kind of hat.

Nalayag Monolith has a difficulty of 4/9 and has a trail class of 1 to 3. It requires hikers three to four hours of climbing to reach the summit. Its trail is composed of grassland and woodland which makes Nalayag Monolith among the favorable hiking destination in Batangas. Moreover, its unique rock formation and challenging trail attract many local visitors to visit the municipality of Lobo, Batangas, and have a dayhike.

Name: Mt. Nalayag Monolith
Difficulty: 4/9
Elevation: 552 MASL
Jump-Off: Barangay Balibago, Lobo, Batangas
Hours to summit: 3 to 4 hours
Features: tropical forest, agricultural terrain, streams, woodland, rock formation, and coastal view of Batangas province

My adventure to Nalayag Monolith

While I was browsing some dayhike events in the hiker’s group I saw a day hike event in Batangas with a side trip to the beach. The event cost is 1000 pesos only. For this reason, I immediately contacted the group organizer name Manolo, and he immediately send me the itinerary. Upon reading the whole itinerary of the event, I decided to join the Nalayag Monolith day hike event because the schedule is good for me and I haven’t done a hike and beach for a long time. The last time I do a hike and beach was in the year 2016 when I climb Mt. Daguldol.

It was during the summer season (April 2019) when I arrived at our assembly place at Mcdonald’s EDSA Quezon Avenue. We are twenty-three in the group and composed of two private vans. When everyone already arrived at the assembly place, the two private vans left Mcdonald’s and headed to Lobo, Batangas.

The ride is so fast and we arrived at the highway near the registration area of Mt. Nalayag Monolith at  6 am. The rugged coastline and beach of Batangas greeted our group. We have a quick breakfast and final preparation and after that, we go to the main highway and we have our group picture.

After that, we start the hike at a normal pace passing some local houses and villages. The locals who lived there greeted us warmly. Then several minutes later we passed a one-kilometer lowland and unpaved road with lots of towering trees. It is super easy, I feel like I’m walking in the park. Sixteen minutes later, our group reached the forest section of the Nalayag Monolith.

The trail now become an uphill and downhill climb but it was still beginner-friendly. We do some stream crossing along the dense forest and we take pictures of the beautiful rock formation. Then as we hike, one member of the group saw a large snake in the stream hissing his way on the rocks. For this reason, we have to be cautious of the trail we are hiking on.

The trail is composed of mostly coconut trees and many different kinds of fruit-bearing trees. As a result, it was such a relaxing climb. We use the installed ropes to go through the upper section of the forest. Then we saw several houses that sell a variety of food and drinks in the middle of the mountain. For this reason, we take our time to rest before the climb becomes a continuous assault. Our group ordered some fresh coconut juice and a lot of snacks to refreshen ourselves. Then I noticed that we can already see the rock formation of the Nalayag Monolith.

After having a long rest, our group continues the climb. I noticed that as we go up the mountain, the conversation among the group becomes so little and silent. Also, there was no wind blowing and we are sweating heavily as we ascent. We take several take five rest and we eat our trail food inside our hiking backpack.

After that, we ascend at a faster pace knowing that we need to reach the summit of Mt. Nalayag Monolith before 11 am. Our group reached the base of the monolith at 10 am. We left our other things at the base of the monolith and we only bring our camera and cellphone. Then we reached the section where we need to do vertical climbing on a huge rock formation on the way to the summit. It is a 90-degree steep assault on the strategically installed wooden ladder.

Then twenty-eight minutes later we reach the first monolith or the summit of Mt. Nalayag Monolith which is approximately 110 feet high from the base. The view is so relaxing and breathtaking. It’s a 360-degree view on top of the mountain. We can see bluish Tayabas Bay, the magnificent view of the coast of Batangas, and the lush green of the Lobo mountain range.

However, it was too windy at the top of the Nalayag Monolith so we marvel only for several minutes. After that, we have to be very diligent because there are only several people that can accommodate the Nalayag Monolith rock formation.

After enjoying the scenery from the top, we start going down the rock formation. It is very challenging and super scary. However, twenty minutes later, our group finally breakthrough into the rock formation. We take a quick rest and after that, we continue our hike going to the second monolith. Climbing the other rock formation is tougher because we need to hold on to the installed railings. As a result, we spend much more time climbing the second monolith.

Nevertheless, we reached the second monolith after our strong determination. The view is the same and the wind is so strong but I think we are already on top of the world twice. We have our solo picture taken to the other monolith by the other guide. After our group has done taking pictures, we start to descend on a dangerous rock formation which is fifty-five feet high from the base.

For me, it was the hardest part of the entire climb. I feel the knee-trembling experience as I go down. We have to go down slowly and we need to stay gripped at the railing handle. Also, we need to watch our hands and feet closely because one wrong move can lead to an accident. Luckily, our guide assists us one by one in order to come down safely. According to our local guide, they put stairs so that the hikers will be able to witness its magnificent beauty.

Then we take our lunch at the base of the monolith. While eating our packed lunch, I can feel the cool wind coming from the seaside of Batangas. Also, I can see some huge birds flying around which is truly mesmerizing.

After done eating and resting, we continue the descent on the forested trail and woodland of Nalayag Monolith. Later we buy again some coconut juice and soft drinks to quench our thirst. Past 1 pm when we reached the cemented pathway, I opened my umbrella because it was so freaking hot at that time. The sun is gleaming on us. Indeed, it was an extremely hot descent all the way.

One member of the group named Gina was so very happy when I opened my umbrella. As we go down another member told us why am I doing this kind of thing? I should be at the house relaxing and resting. In my mind, because of the intense heat of the sun, the thirst, and the leg cramps, she said that kind of thought.

Anyway, we arrive back at the jump-off point at 1:45 pm. I thank God for successfully completing another dayhike in the beautiful province of Batangas despite the fact that we went through hardship. We go inside the van and the van takes us to the picturesque Malabrigo Beach resort.

We snap photos of the beautiful beach and we have sightseeing. Then I remember the verse in the Bible that he assigned to the sea its limit so that the waters might not transgress his commandment. One hour later we wash up and we had a drinking session in our rented cottage.

It was 5:30 pm when our van left Malabrigo Beach. Inside the van, we can see the glorious sunset painted orange. After a few hours, we have our dinner at one of the famous food restaurants in Batangas. We ordered sisig with rice and we share thoughts about the next mountain we will be climbing on. One hour later, we go inside the van again and I have a good sleep. We arrived in Quezon City around 10:30 pm. It was 11:20 pm when I came home safely.

I want to thank Tagay Mountaineers for organizing this Mt. Nalayag Monolith dayhike event. I love Lobo, Batangas. It was such an unforgettable weekend. Overall my adventure to Nalayag Monolith sums up this great quote “Time is spent in life and life is spent on time.”

Sample itinerary to Nalayag Monolith

12AM – Meet-up at EDSA Quezon Avenue
1AM – ETD going to Batangas
5:20AM – ETA Lobo, Batangas, registration, secure guide, briefing, and breakfast
6AM – Start hiking
6:40AM – Arrival at the water source, rest
9:20AM – Summit of Nalayag Monolith
10:30AM – Start going down
1:30PM – Arrival at the jump-off point, end of the hike
2PM – Going to Malabrigo Beach, swimming, socials, rest and wash up
5PM – Going to Lomi House in Batangas
6:30PM – Dinner
7:30PM – ETD going back to Manila
10PM – ETA Manila, end of the day tour, home sweet home

Note: this sample itinerary is just a guide and is not 100% perfect due to many factors such as time management, unexpected circumstances, traffic, necessary adjustments, delay, the pacing and cooperation of the group, participants, etc. You can finish the day hike event earlier than expected or later than what is posted above.

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Nalayag Monolith:

Flashlight
2 liters of bottled water
Trail food like a jelly ace, banana, and biscuit
First Aid Kit for wound and personal medicine
Set of extra clothes
Extra pocket money
Cellphone and camera
Slipper
Powerbank
Trash bag or plastic
Swimming attire for the beach side trip
Toiletries for washing up
Cap, a scarf that could not be easily blown away by the wind
Umbrella
Valid ID for emergency purposes
Vaccination Card
Booking confirmation for hikers who will stay at the resort or Kubo
Sunblock (optional)
Powerbank (optional)
Gatorade (optional)
Arm sleeve (optional)
Gloves (optional)
Packed breakfast and lunch (optional)
Whistle (optional)

How to Get to Nalayag Monolith

By private car 

Open the Waze app and pin the Balibago Barangay Hall in Batangas.

Reminders and Tips:

• Mt. Nalayag Monolith is a minor climb and it’s very ideal for beginners in the hiking scene. However, it is not suitable for people with a fear of heights.  

• The best time to climb Nalayag Monolith is during the dry season because the trail become so slippery and hard to navigate during the wet season. Also, don’t forget to waterproof your essential things during this season.

• Climb at your own risk. Prepare and condition yourself before the climb. Do lots of jogging or some cardio exercise to boost your stamina and endurance.

• Strictly follow the Leave No Trace principles. Dispose of waste in a proper manner.

• For better satisfaction, I highly suggest getting a packaged tour going to Nalayag Monolith. The inclusion in the package tour is round trip private van transfer from Metro Manila to Lobo, Batangas, and vice versa, tour coordinator fee, driver meal, parking fee, environmental fee, registration fee, local guide fee, and beach entrance fee. On the other hand, the exclusion is food and drinks, shower fee, and cottage fee. 

• Please take note that the organizer of the packaged tour has the right to cancel or reschedule the event with prior notice if the weather condition is not favorable and the desired number of target participants cannot be reached.

• Respect the locals and respect their territory because we are only there to climb the mountain.

• Mt. Nalayag Monolith and Eco-Trail are closed every Monday.

• The tour guide fee is 550 pesos and it will be paid to the tour guide before you start to hike. A maximum of five guests can be assigned to one tour guide. Meanwhile, the registration fee is 120 pesos which include 100 pesos entrance fee and 20 pesos for the tourism fee. The payment shall be made upon registration for the referral slip.

• As of May 2022, Mt. Nalayag Monolith and Eco-Trail is open to all hikers and organizers who want to hike the mountain.
  

Notable fees:

• The mountain guide fee is 550 pesos good for five mountaineers.
• The parking fee is 50 pesos.
• The environmental fee is 20 pesos.
• The entrance fee is 100 pesos.
• Porter per kilo (optional)
  
  
  

Guidelines and Rules to follow:

• Proceed to Pasalubong center/tourism office. Fill up all the necessary documents such as the registration forms and pay corresponding fees.

• All payments shall be made at the tourism office by authorized personnel. After payment and registration, proceed to the jump-off point at Sitio Punas for briefing, waiver, and clearance. Mountaineers who will arrive ahead of time can use the municipal lobby as their waiting lounge. This is a friendly reminder from the Municipality of Lobo and the tourism office.

• Nalayag Monolith is only allowing 200 pax of mountaineers per day and is open from Tuesday to Sunday only. Also, mountaineers must be accompanied by an accredited tour guide.

• No referral slip is no hike. You can get the referral slip from the tourism office.

• The first batch of mountaineers must ascend not earlier than six o’clock in the morning and the last batch not later than 10 am. All mountaineers who will arrive past 10 am will be no longer entertained and allowed to hike for the day.

• Please keep clearance and submit at the endpoint holding area after the climb for the release form and certificate. For more inquiries call 09175029249.

• All hikers must wear proper climbing attire. 

• Always stay on marked hiking trails and established routes. Stay attentive at all times.

• Alcoholic beverages, smoking, and firearms are strictly prohibited.

• No poaching and no jump shot when taking photos at the tip of the Nalayag rocks.

• Always make a headcount before and after the climb.

• Observe proper language and avoid cursing or swearing to evade heated discussions among each other.

• Use the designated lavatories to maintain cleanliness and don’t leave your things unattended.

• All hikers who ascend must be at the visitors center or end point of the hiking trail not later than 5 pm.

• Children who are 12 years old and below are not allowed to hike Mt. Nalayag Monolith and Eco-Trail. On the other hand, children who are 13 to 17 years old may do the hike but will not be allowed to climb the monolith. In addition, they should be accompanied by a legal guardian and will have an exclusive tour guide.

• Above all, hikers who are under the influence of alcohol and drugs are not allowed to hike Mt. Nalayag Monolith. Also, mountaineers who are 66 years old and above are prohibited to climb.
  

Hike schedule:

• 5:30AM – open for registration
• 6AM – the start of the first climb
• 10AM – the last group to climb
• 2PM – last team to go down from Nalayag Monolith
  
  
  
  

If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future. On the whole, I hope this Mt. Nalayag Monolith day hike guide has been helpful to you and inspired you to try hiking. If you have any inquiries and comments kindly message me. Thanks for your time to read my blog. God bless us all.