Tayak Hill: A DIY Guide to a Chill climb

Tayak Hill: A DIY Guide to a Chill Climb for Beginners

Mt. Cristobal peeking behind the clouds, as seen from the summit of Tayak Hill

Sometimes, the daily grind  just takes its toll on our body and mind that we need to unplug from time to time. However, what if you only have a day off and you don't want to batter yourself by doing the popular day hikes near the city? 

Then, Tayak Hills in Rizal, Laguna is the best for you. It has a very, as in, veeerrrry chill and safe trail. Aside from that, it has a particular serene aura and beautiful view of the surrounding towns of Laguna and the infamous Mt. Cristobal. 

Background

Jumpoff point: Brgy. Tala, Rizal, Laguna, in front of Rizal Elementary School

Trail Difficulty: 2/9
Height: 560+ MASL
Trail Class: 1
Beginner Friendly? Definitely!

Tayak Hill is situated between the towns of San Pablo and Rizal, Laguna - overlooking the Seven Lakes of San Pablo on one side and the mighty Mt. Cristobal on the other side. It is within Tayak Adventure Nature and Wildlife (TANAW). There is an entrance fee of P30 for Lagunense and P40 for non-Laguna residents.

Moreover, it is in the area of the protected landscape of Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal so abide the rules in order to avoid any inconvenience on your part.

Be guided accordingly

The Team

The newest hiphop sensation; Dj, Pearly, Venz and Ian

The date of the climb was January 27, 2018, Saturday. It was drizzling the entire day which added more thrill to our impromptu trip. 

How to get There

1. From Manila, ride a bus going to Lucena City. Ask the conductor if the bus will pass by San Pablo City. Travel time, 2-3 hours
2. Alight at San Pablo Medical, then ride a trike or a jeep going to Bayan
3. From Bayan, you have to walk a bit to find the jeepeneys going to Nagcarlan. Jeepneys going to Nagcarlan are parked in front of a Fire Station at Barleta Street so you will not really miss it. 
4. Ride a jeepney with Nagcarlan signboard. Ask the driver to drop you off at Rizal Elementary School. This will take you about 30 mins and 17 pesos per head. 

Fire Station

Barleta Street

The Trail

The trail starts in front of Rizal Elementary School. It is about a 6-km stretch, has a wide, cemented road, that cars, and even small trucks can pass through it. You can ride a tricycle going all the way up to the TANAW or you can choose to walk for a fuller experience. Take note that if you ride a trike, it will only take you at least 30 minutes to reach the summit. Meh. No more adventure. The tricycle ride will cost you about P40 per head. 

Google Map: Trail going to Tayak Hill

Cemented Road to Tayak

If you choose to walk instead, this will take you about 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. The trail is covered by trees, so you will not be sunburned. For everyone's safety, walk in single file and do not occupy the entire road if you are a group. There are quite a lot of blind spots here, that vehicles can be a hazard if you do not take precautions. 

The Michael Jacksons

There are almost no threats in getting lost in this trail. Three-fourths (3/4) along the way, you will find a forked road. Both are well-established with one going up with a sign saying "To Landingan." DO NOT GO THERE. It might look like the right way since it's going up but it's not. Go straight up ahead instead, to the road going down. Continue walking on for 10-15 minutes. Then, you will finally see the entrance to the Tayak Adventure Nature and Wildlife.

Do not follow the road sign

Inside TANAW

Tayak Adventure Nature and Wildlife (TANAW) is within the Mt. Banahaw- Mt. Cristobal Protected Landscape so rules shown above are strictly enforced. 

Tayak Adventure Nature and Wildlife

After paying the registration fee, you can immediately proceed to the summit which is only 30 - 45 minutes way. The trail going up is a stone stairs under a canopy of trees. You can feel the wind getting stronger as you go higher and higher.

The Hiphop Girls

As of the day of the writing of this blog (February 3, 2018), everyone is required to take a detour away from the stairs as a construction project is going on. According to the staff, the municipal government is planning to create a Noah's Ark-like viewing deck atop the Tayak Hill.

You will go right, midway to the summit into a dirt part. Here, you will walk on the side of the hill which incidentally makes the trip more thrilling. Strong wind and beautiful scenery make up for the lack of stairs which we did not mind.

The detour towards the summit

The Prairie and the Summit

Everyone were in even higher spirit when we finally reached the clearing. It looks like a prairie in the 90's TV show Heidi. We broke into a run - excited to reach the prairie. We spent about 30 mins, just letting our inner child play in the grass and take pictures.

Everybody loves Kung-Fu fighting, hooo!

I can show you the world (lalalalal)

After a while, we proceeded to the summit where the iconic stone cross is located. You have to take note that this is also a pilgrimage site so keep your noise at the minimum. Again, a five-minute-long stairway connects the prairie to the summit.

Mt. Cristobal at the background

We spent few quiet minutes atop the summit - just enjoying the scenery and have a few snaps taken. We had the entire summit to ourselves. Soon, the clouds started to descend obscuring much of the view, and lowering the temperature even more. After we had our fill of experience, we started the descent on the same path.

We took shelter on one of the three nipa huts on the prairie as the rain started to grow stronger. Tip: If you do not have a poncho or umbrella, you can use a garbage bag as an improvised poncho.

We backtracked our way down. There are some eateries near the registration area where you can have your lunch and even buy toiletries and wash up. But since it was cold, we decided to cap our activity on Tayak Hill. Yeah!!!

Looking for your next adventure?

Are you ready for your next great adventure? Booking.com is the best website to reserve lodgings and accommodations for your next trip. And guess what? Booking.com also offers free cancellation giving you the flexibility like no other website is offering. Your next great adventure lies in your fingertips, so BOOK NOW!
Booking.com

The BASURABAG TEAM, TEAM NO LIGO

Sidetrips

Our Laguna Trip was not yet over since there are many other things to do near Tayak Hill.

Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery and the Nagcarlan Museum

The only one of its kind in the Philippines - the Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery houses the remains of the notable people of Nagcarlan, Laguna.

Grounds of Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery

Nagcarlan Musuem

The Underground Cemetery and the Museum are free of charge. But I highly recommend to drop cash donations to their donation box for the upkeep of the place.

How to get here: In front of Rizal Elementary School, ride a jeepney going to Nagcarlan. Fare is P10 each, travel time: 10-15 minutes

Barleta Street Food Trip

Food Trip in Laguna

End your day with an energizing foodtrip at Barleta Street. Isaw, betamax, BBQ, helmet (chicken head), adidas (chicken feet), bulaklak, and many more.

TIPS and Things to Consider

1. Always, as in always practice, "Leave No Trace Principle." Taking care of the places we visit is part of our responsibilities. The Tayak Hill is a serene place but even it cannot escape the scourge of vandals. So please. 
2. Follow rules and regulations of the Protected Landscape and the museums. The best way to ruin your day is to be caught doing prohibited acts. You may be thrown out of the premise or worse, into jail.
3. Take note that you are not allowed to take photos inside the underground cemetery. You will not be accompanied so it is all up to you to follow it. Be a good citizen.
4. Bring big plastic bags, like garbage bags for your trash and improvised poncho if needed. 
5. Exercise! It may look easy but if you are not in shape, the chill trail of Tayak Hill will still be unforgiving.
6. Bring positive attitude. Positive attitude will keep you warm despite the setbacks and difficulties you are facing. We were under the constant rain almost the entire trip, but it was not enough to dampen our mood. 

So, now that we are here at the bottom, what are you waiting for? Grab your bags now and let's go!