Climb: Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Anilao Mabini Batangas

Mt. Gulugod Baboy - my second hiking experience in my whole life, first for this year, and definitely would not be my last. My first hike was in Mt. Pico De Loro in Maragondon Cavite, and my experience there was really awesome that made me now a mountain climbing enthusiast. And so when I was invited for a climb in Gulugod Baboy, I said yes without hesitation and just felt the excitement!

Mt. Gulugod Baboy or “Pig Spine” in English was named after because of its similar formation to the spines of a pig. It is located in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas which stands 525 meters above sea level. The mountain is rated with a minor climb specification and difficulty to 2 out of 9. That’s why most mountaineers would recommend this for the first timers.

Here’s how we reached the place…

From Buendia terminal, we took a Batangas bound bus going to Bauan diversion or the grand central terminal. The fare was Php 157. Then from there, we were able to ride a jeepney that routes to Mabini and we just told the driver to drop us at the Philpan Diving Resort or the jump off site of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. And our fare was Php 100 each. We also negotiated the driver to just pick us up in the afternoon after the climb as we thought that it would be harder to commute going back to Bauan diversion.  And fare was just the same for Php 100.

We arrived at Philpan Diving resort at around 9am and then we registered there right away. The registration fee costs Php 20.

Then at around 10am we started already our trek to summit. You would be surprised on the first part or the starting point of this hike because it was a long steep cemented road. You would really be challenged and sweat hard at first, considering that it was not yet officially the start of the trail. That’s why I would suggest going on a jog some time if you want to lessen the challenge. J

You can also find a store at the end of the cemented road where you can buy buko juice, their ‘famous’ halo-halo as they claim, and some food for your refreshment before starting the trek officially.

Official trail to summit

As we started, the trail is steep but it was fairly easy. That's why we finished almost half of the trail for almost one hour only.

There are also small houses or resting site halfway of the trail where you can stop, relax, and buy some drinks.

At one of the resting site. Halfway of the trail

And along halfway of the trail, you can glimpse on some of the amazing views around. For this mountain is more of a grassland surroundings, trees are unseen and so bushes around are the ones only covering the scenes or views along the way. And that’s why you should expect the burning heat of the sun in the afternoon while trekking.

View along halfway the trail

Try to bring an umbrella if you can

Then as we get closer to the summit, the scenery is just really amazing. The space between the two peaks is just like a playground [looked like a teletubbies land], that’s why we actually took some time here just to rest, relax, and take advantage on taking some pictures.

                                                                                          Just acting on our own :p

                                                                      The tree on the middle of the grassland surrounding

Closer to the summit

As you reached the peak of the mountain, you will witness a 360 degree breath-taking view of Batangas sea and mountain. The view is really lovely, wonderful, and amazing. You would be really thankful for this magnificent gift of nature we have in life :)  

Sumbrero Island from afar

We spent almost 2 hours just relaxing on the summit and didn't mind the heat of the sun. We talked, we ate, we played, and we just had fun! This is one of the precious moments you wanted to treasure.

Chillin' at the summit

                                                                                Aira and Euan having fun with the scarf.

                                                                                                        Group shot! :)

Day hike at Mt. Gulugod Baboy was another awesome, enjoyable and memorable experience. And for sure this won’t be my last climb, as I am just starting to long for having a trek, hike, and climb adventure.

"Somewhere between the bottom of the climb and the summit is the answer to the mystery why we climb."    

-- Greg Child