One word to describe this place: STUNNING. Every time I go to a new place, I always put my expectations down. Yes, I do some research and I can see all these beautiful photos but trust me, once you experience it yourself, the result is just so different. Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Anilao, Batangas is what I can call “pure beauty”. Rolling hills plus a scenic view of Batangas with the West Philippine Sea in the background touching the skies, it will just leave you in awe. And for only Php 600, what more can I ask for? So here it is: a complete Travel and Budget Guide to the famed Mt. Gulugod Baboy of Batangas.
Mt. Gulugod Baboy has always been on my list. It’s a very easy climb that will give you a picturesque view at the summit. Perfect for photography and of course, instagram-worthy shots. Two weeks ago while I’m battling with my final plates, I decided to go out and take a breather. And where shall I go? Of course, mountain it is. Together with my new gang (whom I met during my Mt. Balagbag-Maranat Falls Traverse climb. That’s the best part of the climb, being good friends with people you meet along the way) we hiked on a Friday since that’s our free day. It’s a takas climb since these girls have their curfew and no one knows that they’re climbing. Anyways, let’s start the journey. Here’s a short background of Mt. Gulugod Baboy:
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
Escape From Manila
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Batangas is through a bus from Taft-Buendia. If you’re coming from the north (just like I am), you can ride the LRT line 1 and drop off at Gil Puyat station. From there just walk towards the bus terminal. We rode the DLTB Co. bus (they have free wi-fi!). Bus fare is Php 157 / 125 (student). Drop off at the Grand Terminal.
From the Grand Terminal, ride a jeep and drop off at Mabini. Fare is Php 35. Then ride a tricycle to the barangay. Just tell the driver you’re going to Mt. Gulugod Baboy or Philpan Dive. Fare is Php 40/head.
The Climb
Since we’re all team takas, we left Manila at 9am and arrived in Batangas around 12 noon. We decided to take our lunch at a karinderya near the jump off. It was good however, we felt like the sisig has something to do with what 2 of our friends felt while climbing (they were the only ones who ordered it). They felt nauseous and even threw up while on our way. It was also scorching hot since it was around 1 pm when we climbed.
As for the fees, you have to pay Php 35 for the registration fee and we hired a guide for Php 400. A guide is not required however since it’s our first time climbing the place, we decided to hire one.
The road to the summit was a bit hard because of the cemented road. Halfway through, there’s a place where you can rest, buy soft drinks and even leave your bags (just don’t leave your important stuff). The folks are very friendly. You can reach the summit in just 1 hour but it took us around 2 hours. Even though it’s a relatively short mountain with an easy trail, for some reasons, it was really tiring. But reaching the summit was oh so worth it.
The Summit
We reached the summit around 3 and it was the perfect time. The sun was not that scorching hot anymore and it was a good time to take photos. Green hills with the blue sea on the background. It was just astounding.
This reminds of the Windows XP Wallpaper. Haha
Spotted this couple at the summit. #RelationshipGoals
Portraits on the Mountain
Of course, our climb wouldn’t be complete without some portrait and creative shots. That’s the reason why we climbed actually, haha! We even bought some malong just to get that instagram shot we’re eyeing for.
The famous tree of Mt. Gulugod Baboy
Vitamin Sea
After climbing, we went directly to Philpan Dive Resort to have our dose of Vitamin Sea while watching the sunset. Entrance fee is Php 60 since we’re not staying overnight. Read the full post, just click on the photo below:
The Squad! (From L-R: SJ, Er, Me, Jessa, Janet, Jessa) Photo by Pierre.
Itinerary
0900 – Departure from Taft-Buendia
1200 – Arrival at Grand Terminal / Jeep to Mabini / Tricyle to Barangay
1230 – Arrival at Barangay / Lunch
1300 – Start Trek
1500 – Summit
1630 – Start Descent
1800 – Swimming at Philpan Dive Resort
1900 – Pack up
2000 – Departure from Grand Terminal
2300 – Back at Taft-Buendia
Budget Breakdown
Bus from Taft-Buendia to Batangas Grand Terminal – Php 157 / 125 (student)
Jeep from Grand Terminal to Mabini – Php 35
Tricycle to Barangay- Php 40 / headRegistration Fee – Php 35
Guide Fee – Php 400 (Php 67 each)
Entrance Fee to Philpan Dive Resort – Php 60Tricycle to Mabini- Php 40 / head
Entrance Fee to Philpan Dive Resort – Php 60Tricycle to Mabini- Php 40 / head
Jeep from Mabini to Grand Terminal – Php 35
Bus from Batangas Grand Terminal to Taft-Buendia – Php 157 / 125 (student)
Total Damage – Php 562
This place is definitely worth coming back to. And thankfully, we had a perfect weather when we came here. This is my first ever climb in Batangas and I know that there’s a lot of mountains there which makes me excited. Oh Batangas, I’m definitely coming back to you.
Semester is officially over! Hopefully Typhoon Lando will leave the country soon so I can start my adventures now. I have so many plans. And ever heard of Hulugan Falls in Laguna? We might go there soon. *cross fingers!* Thanks for reading. Till the next adventure.
Shoutout to @pierreguevarraa and @erererwan for the awesome photos.
Life is too short to live without adventure.
Cheers~!
– Justin –
