WHAT TO EXPECT WITH OUR NAGPATONG HIKE?
This straightforward and beginner-friendly tour, with the side trip to the falls, takes about three to four hours. You will be walking through a tree-covered trail that's full of buho (a bamboo variety that is used for making bamboo matting known as sawali) and binunga (parasol leaf tree, whose fruits are used to improve the quality of sugar, while its barks and leaves are used in making basi).
The path can get muddy and slippery so donning a pair of trail shoes is highly recommended. Avoid flip flops or shoes with flat soles to avoid getting stuck. Guides also suggest that you wear gloves so you don't cut yourself when you accidentally grab sharp portions of bamboos found on the trail. They are also useful as you scramble up the formation as its surface is sharp. The guides have installed wooden ladders supplemented with knotted ropes to help you go up to the top.
On weekends and holidays, expect to have a long queue up the ladders to climb up the rock. As of this writing, they only allow 12 people at most atop the formation for safety purposes. It is common to be delayed by around 30-45 minutes waiting for your turn. Once they have descended will the guides allow the next batch of hikers to go up.
Your patience will be rewarded at the top with sweeping views of the Tanay peaks. Make sure to leave your camera with the guide so you get your IG-worthy poses. You will simply trace back the trail on the return. A good way to end the day is to go to Tungtong falls to have a refreshing swim on its cool and clear waters. Bring snacks for a pleasant picnic.
