Mt. Nalayag Monoliths
Gives directions and what to expect for the Nalayag Monolith Hike
Difficulty - 6/10
Distance - 11-13 kms
Elevation - 580 m / 1902 ft
Time - 4-6 hrs
These figures are all approximate guesses that the guide gave me at the time I did the hike I did not have a watch or gps to calculate the distance or elevation
Directions
To get to the registration it took me probably 3 hours from Batangas so plan ahead as the the Guides start early. It is best to get there id recommend 5:30 to get your guide and everything in order. Be sure to bring water and food with you as there are no stores till you reach the end of the loop.
To get to the registration and get your guide if you type in the BNB address right beside it which is 315 B Bagong Sitio Pook, Barangay, Lobo, 4229 Batangas, Philippines (See Map Beside).
Another option is to google maps "Nalayag Monoliths Trailhead" To get a good visual idea of where you need to be. It will be very easy to spot once you get there.
Background
The Mt. Nalayag Monolith's are 3 fascinating rock formations in the province of Batangas. These Monoliths are located a short ways outside of Lobo and are situated at a height of 552m / 1811ft above sea level.
From the monolith you will have exceptional views of the Batangas province and nearby mountains including Mt.Masculot (pictured below from the first monolith)
What To Expect
Upon arrival you will register with the guide which will cost between 500-750php (Equivalent to 9-14$ USD). They will then get you to sign a waiver which clears them from any liabilities if anything were to occur. This can be daunting being in a developing country but the guides are great and will make sure you are safe. You do not have any obligations to do anything you don't feel safe doing!
The hike all and all is not a technical hike. The difficulty of the hike would be from elevation gain but again the hike is very manageable for anyone and even the access to the tops of the monoliths is relatively painless.
Leaving through the trail head starts going through some park like scenery a nice gravel path going through grasslands littered with coconut trees. This section I would estimate to be in the realm of 2-3 km's. This then leads you to denser forests with a couple river crossings and bridges. Once past this section you will arrive to the base of the 1st and largest Monolith and stare up a ladder made of tied up sticks.
It might seem like a daunting climb up a ladder made of sticks but it is well worth it! At times the ladder does bring you beyond 90 degrees climbing. This will lead you to the top of the first Monolith which has the capacity for probably 10 - 15 people and is roped off.
Once you have climbed this one it is time to leave your camera behind and climb the next so that you can get your epic Insta worthy picture taken on the next Monolith.
Climbing the second and third monoliths are a little steeper and more challenging but very doable. They have chains and ropes to assist your climb.
Once you have climbed all you have wanted and taken all the pictures it is all down hill from here. You will be taken down through densely vegetated coconut tree growth down to a local village. Here they have a convenience store so buy your guide some snacks and water. From here a local will drive you back to the trail head parking lot and accept any tip you can afford to give them.
This was a truly memorable destination and you will not be disappointed if you decide to try the hike out!
While you are here be sure not to miss out on checking out the local beaches and lighthouse a great way to cool down after a long hike! Odds are while you were driving to this destination it was dark so the beaches will not be able to be missed on the drive out.
