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Mt. Masalakot and Nalayag Monoliths; Mt. Masalakot is also known as Mt. Salakot
Topic Started: Jan 20 2017, 10:31 AM (472 Views)
emancampos
Administrator
Mt. Masalakot and Nalayag Monoliths

(also known as Mt. Salakot)


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Mt. Masalakot in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Overlooking the Lobo bay to the West

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Mt. Masalakot in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

Map:
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Nalayag Monolith by Eman Campos, on Flickr


Lobo, Batangas

Lobo, officially the Municipality of Lobo (Filipino: Bayan ng Lobo), is a municipality in the province of Batangas in the Calabarzon (Region IV-A) of the Philippines. The population was 41,504 at the 2015 census. In the 2016 electoral roll, it had 24,929 registered voters.


History

The name "Lobo" may have come from:

- the Tagalog term for "wolf",
- lobo the River Lobo, which flows through Lobo itself, or
- the name of a group of early inhabitants, known as Lolobos.

The town was proclaimed as the "Atis Capital of the Philippines" through Resolution 2011-61 in September 2011.


Geography

Lobo is located at 13°39′N 121°15′E. The town is located near the southern tip of Batangas province, about 145 kilometres (90 mi) from Manila.

Lobo has white sand beaches whose ocean floor slopes gradually for nearly 200 metres (660 ft) before a drop-off. It also has protected mangrove forests and fish sanctuaries.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the municipality has a land area of 175.03 square kilometres (67.58 sq mi)  constituting 5.61% of the 3,119.75-square-kilometre- (1,204.54 sq mi) total area of Batangas.

In 2005, the Lobo municipal government declared the Submarine Garden a fish sanctuary.

When the villagers, fishermen and local fisheries officials discovered that the sanctuary attracted more and more fishes, the entire 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) shoreline and 300 metres (980 ft) fronting the shores have been declared a protected area.

Fronting Calapan City in Oriental Mindoro province and nearby Verde Island, the view is dotted by small boats and passenger ships dragging tails of foam.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobo,_Batangas


Mt. Masalakot

Mt. Masalakot stands at 668 MASL is one of the famous peaks in Lobo, Batangas.

The view from the peak includes;

- Lobo Sea View
- The whole city
- Resorts in the nearby town of San Juan
- Lobo mountain ranges
- Malabrigo light house
- Simbahang Bato

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Nalayag Monolith by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
This one is the smallest of the three monoliths

Nalayag Monoliths

Nalayag Rock formation stands at 552 MASL (meters above sea level).

The monoliths sit on a peak located between Mt. Masalakot and another higher peak.

The trail for this rock feature was created by a local guide name "Russel". This trail is just about a month old. Russel made an expedition to the monolith and climbed on top, took some photos and posted this feat on social media.

The monolith has become a favorite destination for trekkers and mountaineers since then.

As per Russel, he even saw large monkeys (adult Philippine Macaques / since we only have one specie across the country) while trying to reach the monoliths. These primates have moved into the deeper parts of the forest already.

I even saw Crows flying above many times. I heard wild doves too (possibly Zebra Dove or Turtle dove) and Shrikes.

Careful with the trees. There are 2 huge bee colonies right along the trail. These look like a black mound clinging to the base of a tree trunk. These are just around 10 feet from the ground. Careful not to disturb these. You cannot outrun these bees when they come for you. Your guide will warn you anyway. Better yet, ask the guide to caution you once you are about to pass by the 2 bee colonies. Nothing to worry though, because they seemed to have accustomed to the presence of noisy groups of hikers passing by. Just don't disturb them.

The monoliths especially the one in the middle, which looks like a pyramid, is a perfect test climb for rock climbing beginners. I even thought I could not climb it. But seeing frail-looking ladies do it, I was encouraged to go on and try it myself. To my surprise, it was easy. I even climbed faster than most. Just respect the danger. Choose where you land your foot carefully. Choose which rock to cling on. Spread your weight evenly on those 4 points (where your hands and feet rest) and lean more towards to wall. Plant in your mind the line, "If others can do it, there's no reason why I can not." This was my motivation too ;)

Enjoy your hike!

Offer a prayer and respect nature!

With a good camera (360 degree type) you can get awesome photos with it. See this video.


Jump Off Point: Brgy Balibago, Lobo Batangas.
Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulties 6/9
Trail Class: 2/3
Hours to Summit: 3-4 Hours
Day required: 1 Day


Possible Side Trip:

- Malabrigo Light House
- beach adjacent to Malabrigo Light House (with shower, CR and pay only P50)
- sunset photo op at this beach (great shots indeed)
- picnic, camping, bonfire at the beach
- Simbahang Bato
- Virgin Lagoon (travers)
- Punta Verde Dive Resort
- La Bien Resort


Food Trip:

- Special Lomi (resto above 711 in Lobo town proper) P50 per serving
- Bulalo ng Batangas at some points (ask the locals)
Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 07:41 PM.
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emancampos
Administrator
Our itinerary in photos

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
1:30am meet up at Chowking in Araneta Cubao. 2am departure to Lobo, Batangas via a rented Toyota Hiace van

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
stopover at 711 in Lobo, Batangas

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
registration at town's police headquarters

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
prayer prior to trek.

We also had our names registered at the Baranggay tourism committee too. We were provided with tour guides too. The rule says that there must be 1 guide per every 5 trekkers.

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
start of trek

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 02:58 PM.
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emancampos
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Bee colony

Respect nature

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
bee colony

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Nalayag Monolith by Eman Campos, on Flickr
bee colony #2

Again, .... careful with the trees. There are 2 huge bee colonies right along the trail. These look like a black mound clinging to the base of a tree trunk. These are just around 10 feet from the ground. Careful not to disturb these. You cannot outrun these bees when they come for you. Your guide will warn you anyway. Better yet, ask the guide to caution you once you are about to pass by the 2 bee colonies. Nothing to worry though, because they seemed to have accustomed to the presence of noisy groups of hikers passing by. Just don't disturb them.


Coffee tree

We also saw along the trail several coffee trees. This is my first time to see a coffee tree. It also reminded of the Alamid. Remember the Kapeng Alamid?

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
coffee tree


Sampaloc tree

After passing by the bee colony by around 50 meters, we came across a Sampaloc tree (tamarind tree) and took shelter.

We had our 'merienda' (snack), sharing what we had with everyone. I shared my banana with some. Renz pulled out a pack of jellies, another guy shared his chocolate candies, a joiner who happened to be a priest from Palawan offered his 'baon', which included hard-boiled eggs and several 'nilagang saba'.

We then took our very first group photo for this event.

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr


Koprahan site

We noticed a group men preparing hundreds of coconuts, which they have just harvested, for drying.

The coconuts, with husks removed and cut in half already, were actually placed on top of a huge oven made out of a huge pit, filled with red-hot charcoals.

In some areas of the country, they simply let the coconuts dry under the sun.

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

One guy, si 'Tatang, was burning coconut shells. One said that this is for making charcoals.

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

We were somehow enticed to try those fresh Buko juices.

Ren Villaflor, our El Kapitan, the tour organizer, surprisingly removed his shoes and started to climb on one of the coco trees.

He climbed like a pro. He later admitted that he used to do this while he was young. A genuine 'magniniyog' so to speak.

That Buko juice experience was indeed very good! It's even a natural energy booster!

Here are some pics;

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Ren climbs like a pro

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Ren in white, far right

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
hapi means ... energized!
Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 02:53 PM.
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emancampos
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Back to the trail

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr


At the foot of the monolith

Facing the bay and Lobo town to the West;

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 11:32 AM.
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emancampos
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The monoliths

Heading to the ropes leading to the monoliths;

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr


Baby monolith

This is just aroud 2 meters from its base. Nonetheless, you to be careful still since when you lose your grip, you may roll down and plunge to the bottom. See photo below and the photo in the first page.

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr


The real Nalayag monolith

Now, the real deal!

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 12:47 PM.
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emancampos
Administrator
This one below gives the Full view of the monolith from the other higher monolith;

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr


And YES! I did it too!

My first time to climb a rock wall this tall!

This pyramid-like monolith made me nervous at first. I was even hesitant but managed to gain enough encouragement when 2 of my lady companions braved climbing the wall.

Much to my surprise, I found it easy. I even climbed faster than most as I've noticed.

One guy was too good that he never used the rope and climbed like a pro rock climber.

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

The great reward is being able to see what the others have enjoyed to witness!

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

OVERCOME FEAR!

ENJOY NATURE!
Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 12:50 PM.
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emancampos
Administrator
The final climb!

This one was easier since a ladder was constructed, leading all the way up.

There's harness too for beginners who wants a more secure climb.

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr


Upper Ladder;

Posted ImageNalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr


Finally, the reward. Your bragging rights!

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
View of the other monolith from this platform

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Northeastern edge

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Mt. Masalakot in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Northeastern edge

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Eastern edge


Ren, our organizer, show his skills;

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Northeastern edge


Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 01:13 PM.
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emancampos
Administrator
Posted Image
Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
view of the Western side

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
view of the Western side

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
view of the Southern side


Lunch before heading back to jump-off and the sidetrip

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Nalayag Monolith in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 01:23 PM.
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emancampos
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SIDETRIPS:

Malabrigo Lighthouse

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Malabrigo Lighthouse in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo Lighthouse in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo Lighthouse in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

6:30PM

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Malabirgo Lighthouse by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabirgo Lighthouse by Eman Campos, on Flickr


TRIVIA

Locals say that a ghostly entity is guarding the lighthouse. So, be ready for surprises.
Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 03:02 PM.
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emancampos
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SIDETRIPS:

Malabrigo beach


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Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr

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Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas by Eman Campos, on Flickr
Edited by emancampos, Jan 21 2017, 01:48 PM.
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