Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Mt Gulugod Baboy of Mabini, Batangas

|| DATE:

Gulugod Baboy means "pig's spine", so named because this mountain has lots of outlines/silhouettes of the hills as well as it has a wide surface for a normal mountain trail. Mt Gulugod Baboy is a popular hiking destination for first timers. It is the perfect mountain for those who are starting and wondering what does this activity really is.

The mountain is situated at Mabini, Batangas and it would take 1 1/2 - 2 hours to reach its peak. Aside from that, the trail is [I might say] fairly easy so this adventure is considered to be a minor climb. Pinoy Mountaineer rate the difficulty of this adventure to 2 out of 9. Still, a majestic view awaits to those who will traverse Mt Gulugod Baboy.

Cows are visible in your trek to Mt Gulugod Baboy
How to get there?
Take Batangas bound bus at Buendia Terminal going to Bauan diversion. Bus fare is around 140 pesos. Alight from Bauan diversion ride a jeepney going to Mabini which cost 30 pesos. Just inform the driver to drop you at the point going to Philpan Diving Resort. From there, you can take a tricycle going to Philpan Diving Resort which is the jump off site of Mt Gulugod Baboy. Fare is around 100 pesos which is good for 4-5 pax. Tip: If you're going in large group and want a less hassle trip going to the jump off point, I suggest you rent a jeepney from Bauan diversion going to Philpan. Price is 1000 - 1200 pesos, depending on how good are you on negotiation.

We survived the cemented path (photo from Paul Egonia)
Across Philpan is an upright cemented trail which is the starting point of this hike. Honestly, this part is quite tiring and I guess the most challenging part of this adventure. After you passed this long cemented path, everything will be just fine and easy for you. So never give up. :]

Photo op at one of the resting site of this trek  (photo from Paul Egonia)
Other mountaineers trekking Mt Gulugod Baboy (photo from Paul Egonia)
First timers in our group  (photo from Paul Egonia)
The sun also at its peak (photo from Gladys Dizon)
Gulugod Baboy is an open area and more of a grassland environment. The advantage having that kind of environment is as you trek along and get high, you can see the view clearly without trees walling the scene. However since trees are less in the mountain, shades are also few and expect a scorching hot trek in the afternoon.

Gladys and Paula enjoying the view of Mt Gulugod Baboy  (photo from Gladys Dizon)
At the peak - never go here at noon  (photo from Paul Egonia)
All the hard work will paid off as you reach the peak of this mountain. It has an amazing view. And when I meant amazing this is what you will see on top: the Sombrero and Maricaban islands, the Mt Maculot and the Mt Batulao, the Tagaytay highlands, as well as the the Batangas Bay and Verde Island.

The making of the sample photo below  (photo from Gladys Dizon)

That's me being creative with the so called "against the light" setup  (photo from Paul Egonia)

Sidetrip after the hike
Your Mabini, Batangas adventure doesn't end after you reach back the the jump off point of Mt Gulugod Baboy. What's great about this mountain is that the bayan of Anilao is just a short distance from the Philpan Diving Resort. You can also swim at Aquaventure Reef Club or at any resort nearby. Island hopping to Sombrero Island and Marican Island is another adventure you can do here. As for our group, we just decided to stay at Philpan and swim a bit after the long and fun trek. :]

Back to jump off point! Look how sweaty we are  (photo from Gladys Dizon)
Not bad isn't it?  (photo from Paul Egonia)
Breakdown of Budget:
Food - *.**
Bus Fare (Buendia Terminal - Bauan Diversion) - 140 pesos / one-way
Jeepney Fare (Bauan - Mabini) - 30 pesos / one-way
Tricycle Fare (Mabini - Philpan Dive Resort) - 100 pesos / 4-5 pax / one-way
or Jeepney Rent (Bauan - Philpan Dive Resort) - 1000 pesos / 20 pax
optional trips:  Entrance Fee (Philpan Diving Resort) - 60 pesos
Cottage Fee (mandatory at Philpan Diving Resort) - 600 pesos

My favorite self portrait from this adventure:

NPA on the loose?

18 comments:

  1. nice, got ur blog from PEX, buti kapa nakakapag gala ka, ako kasi kahit gusto ko hindi naman pwede mga kasama ko, kaya siguro solo trek ang gagawin ko this year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why not join Baroc Mountaineers (look for their FB page)? I joined them last month on my Benguet hike and the experience was amazing. A very accommodating and friendly group. Di masamang mag solo hike pero mas ok yung may mga kasama sir =] -- http://geejaytravellog.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-first-hike-at-mt-timbak-and-tabayoc-benguet.html

      Delete
  2. isa 'to sa mga favorites ko kc dito nabuo ang mountaineering group namin... :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. The surrounding scenery of the mountain is astounding! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice view! Any idea what's the altitude? Was it cold up there?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Well the highest peak (because there are 3 peaks) stands at 525 MASL (based on pinoy mountaineer).

      During our climb, it was hot/sunny in the afternoon even at the peak. At nighttime it was windy and foggy. It was cold but it's not freezing/chilling cold. ;]

      Delete
  5. Going here tomorrow. So excited! I hope it doesn't rain, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Enjoy po and have a safe hike!

      Check nyo po weather sa batangas, baka maging maputik hike nyo pag maulan dun so doble ingat po

      Delete
  6. Hi Geejay, just want to ask if may guide kaya na pwede ma-hire among locals? May registration site rin ba?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Double Yes Karen. May registration site dun (I just forgot to include on this post), malapit sa isang resort at sa jump-off point. Then pwede na din kayong maghire ng local para maging guide doon na din mismo sa registration site.

      Delete
  7. Thanks, Geejay! Wala rin kasi sa pinoymountaineer info about registration and guide.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Medyo tago kasi ung registration site nila kaya madaling ma missed out. just ask the local where it is para ma-locate nyo siya agad...

      Delete
  8. Hi Geejay! Usually magkano yung rate nila sa guide? Kasi yung ibang natawagan ko 500, tapos 1 way lang. Madali lang ba bumaba from the Summit?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. sorry po pero wala po akong idea sa guide fee. di po kasi kami kumuha ng guide sa hike na to. Trail of Mt gulugod baboy is considered easy kaya po recommended to kahit sa mga beginners

      Delete
    2. Hi geejay,

      Wala naman ligaw na trail sa GB?

      Thanks!

      Delete
    3. wala naman sir. Ok ung trail dito kaya pwede kahit newbies

      Delete

Before Publishing Your Comment Please Click On "Subscribe by email" To Get Comments Update Direct To Your Email




 
Design by Free WordPress Themes | Bloggerized by Lasantha - Premium Blogger Themes | Web Hosting Coupons