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
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 –
I'm in love with your photos Justin! The landscape is so beautiful! ♥
Cheryle | The Daily Whim
Thank you Cheryle! Your blog is so awesome too 🙂
We'll definitely try this! Thanks for this very informative blog. More power! 😊😊😊
thnx sa info 🙂 sana makasam ka namin next climb
Thank you Paola. 🙂
Hi! Thank you whoever you are. Hope to see you on the trail soon 🙂
Hi Justin! What camera are you using? Your photos are amazing! 🙂 – Trina
Thank you Trina! I'm currently using an Olympus E-PL 3 and a Xiaomi Redmi 1s 🙂
Hi Mr. Justin.. Try to visit din Mt. Talamitam at nazugbu batangas & Mt. Romelo in sinuloan laguna AKA Buruwisan falls.. buruwisan falls is definitely good of its 7 falls.. d ka mag sisisi.. More Power Justin!
Stunning snaps!
Hi po. Is this okay for the first timer? Would you recommend this? 🙂
Hello there. Pwedi po ba sa first timer ito? tsaka sa taft-buendia lang po ba ang sakayan? what would you recommend? im from pampanga. 🙂
About the guide. Na.realize nyo b n needed tlga sya after ng trek? Thanks
About the guide. Na.realize nyo b n needed tlga sya after ng trek? Thanks
I am a resident of Batangas. and we are fond of those mystery etchos. Its better to have one. specially because of the hear says na may nagbabantay sa Mt Gulogod Baboy. there are some place na dapat wag maingay, ksi pag nagalit sila. I dont if thats true but still for safety precautions lang. I already hiked it two times. 🙂 Keep safe!
Great itinerary! Did they sell water at the peak?
Question po. San po pede magovernight? Sa gulugod baboy po ba or pwede sa sombrero island? may fee po ba sa sonbrero island? pag doon nagcamp? thanks
Hi nakakalito ba yung trail? How much babayaran kung overnight sa bundok?
Hi what camera do you use on your photoshoots?
i guess he's using nikon just don't know what model, can you share your settings?thanks..:)
Hi Sir! Do you have the guide's contact number? Or anyone from the registration? Thank you!
It is okay to stay at night at the mountains?
It is okay to stay at night at the mountains?
hi po do you have any contact number po ng guide..thanks!
Thanks! It's my next minor climb 🙂
Saan po pde mag stay pag overnight?
Hi, may mga nagtour po ba sainyo doon paakyat o kayu-kayo lang po?
Hi! Thanks for this blog post! I am just looking for a mountain to hike this long weekend and stumbled to your blog. cool photos! I'll try to follow your itinerary (but will put minor tweaks hehe).
Wow galing… nice creative shot
Hey bro!! I love your review! This makes me excite most. I'm planning to do a sole climb maybe on the second week of December. I love your photos too, you have a great eye. Thank you for this blog, this is so helpful!
Wow!! I love your pictures! <3
Hi, can we go there anytime po ba or need namin mag notify in advance ? Thank you.
Hi. Thank you for sharing this. But are there tents available for rent near the area? We are planning to.go there next month. Thanks for the response.
Is this place okay for campers? We plan to stay overnight 🙂
hello do you have any contact from a tour guide that is based there??