Mt. Gulugod Baboy Overnight Hike

MT. GULUGOD-BABOY Anilao, Mabini, Batangas

Jump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini

LLA: 13°42’55″N; 120°53’43″E; 525 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2
Features: Scenic views of Batangas Bay and Balayan Bay
Source: Pinoy Mountaineer

Mount Pinagbanderahan or widely known as Mount Gulugod Baboy is a hidden paradise of Southern Batangas that is only three hours away from Manila and features the scenic views of Batangas and Balayan Bay, magnificent rolling hills and a beautiful grassland. This mountain stands 525 meters above sea level and takes at least an hour of a trek to reach its peak.

The Journey

The welcoming trail of Mt Gulugod Baboy is an uphill walk and is considered to be the most challenging part of the hike because you will need to trek on an elevated cemented road plus in our case, under the heat of the afternoon sun.

Once you passed this part of the trek, the trail to the summit becomes fairly easy because it will only take a gradual trekking without the steep assaults. Along the way, you will pass by homes where you can take a rest and have some refreshment.

After you reach the summit, you will notice that there is no designated area as a campsite that is why you can choose where to pitch your tent. Note that the higher you pitch your tent, the better the view especially during night time because you will have a view of city lights. However, the higher the area, the stronger the winds at the same time. So you better choose wisely where you would want to camp!

A store is available near the campsite and also a restroom for your necessities. You can have your breakfast here as they offer goods that are affordable enough. Also, they have Buko (Young coconut) in case you like to taste fresh coconut while enjoying the picturesque view of your surrounding.

After an almost two hours of trekking, we were welcomed by the beauty of this mountain! The magnificent 360-degree view of the ocean surrounding the town and the grassland that gives the New Zealand vibe was indeed worth the exhaustion.

Second peak of Mt. Gulugod Baboy and parts of Balayan Bay!

Later in the afternoon, we were able to witness a very beautiful sunset. The blue sky turned into an orange like pastel color. We were really speechless during this time and it is truly remarkable how nature works.

Spectacular sunset at Mt. Gulugod Baboy overlooking Maricaban and Sombrero Island

The next day, it was already past seven in the morning when we woke up and thought that we have missed the sunrise but once we got out of our tent, we were surprised that our surroundings are still covered with fog.

It was around eight o’clock in the morning when there was a clearing at the summit. The fog was eventually swept away by the cold breeze and once again, the beauty of the mountain unfolds before our eyes.

At Summit of Mt. Pinagbanderahan. With parts of Balayan Bay and first peak of Gulugod Baboy on the background.

TRIVIA: Gulugod-Baboy is the general term to describe the trail traversing Calumpang Peninsula. It is also named as such because the contours of the hills are closely alike to a “pig’s spine.”

SIDE TRIP

After an exhausting hike, we opted to take a dip in the ocean. We choose Philpan Dive Resort which is just a minute walk from the registration area. There are many resorts near the jump-off point and most of these resorts have an entrance fee of Php 100.

If you have more money to spare, you can also opt to visit the famous Sombrero Island, a white sand beach in a small island (you can actually see this island when you are at the summit). It will cost you boat rental of Php 2,800 good for 10 people and a Php 200 entrance fee.

Masasa Beach

At Anilao port, wait for public passenger boats to arrive. Usual time of the first trip is at 10:00 AM. However, boats depart as early as 7 AM as long as the boats are filled with enough passengers. The boat ride takes around 45minutes.

At Tingloy port, ride a tricycle going to Masasa Beach. The tricycle will drop you off at the nearest point going to the beach. Thus, you will need to walk for at least 15-20 minutes to arrive at Masasa Beach shoreline.

Masasa Beach Travel Guide

How to get there?

Ride a bus bound to Batangas Grand Terminal. Buses are available in Cubao or at LRT Buendia. (Cubao- Php 165, Buendia Php 157)
Once at Batangas GT, ride a jeep bound to Anilao. Drop off is at Philpan-Mabini junction or just inform the driver that you will climb Mt Gulugod Baboy and he will know where to drop you off. (Fare is Php 37)
Ride a tricycle going to the registration area. (Fare 120 one tricycle good for four)

Always LEAVE NO TRACE POLICY, Please!
Bring your packed food.
There is a store and CR located near the summit. They sell cup noodles, coffee and an all-time favorite, Buko!
If you don’t like to trek going down, you can hire a tricycle near the store for Php 250 going to Mabini Town or Php 500 back to the registration area.
A guide is not required. If you opt to, you can hire one for Php 500.


	1pax	2pax
JAM Liner Bus at Cubao to Batangas Grand Terminal (RT)	330	330
Jeep to Anilao (RT)	74	74
Tricycle from Junction to Registration Area	240	120
Registration Fee	50	50
TOTAL FARE	694	574
Sidetrip- Philpan Dive Resort Entrance Fee	100	100
Food	100	100
GRAND TOTAL	894	774