Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas is frequently recommended for neophyte climbers. It is an easy climb with a picturesque view of Janao Bay, Batangas Bay, Balayan Bay, Tingloy Island, and Sombrero Island. With its minor difficulty of 2/9, this mountain which stands at 525 meters above sea level is one of the favorite destinations of mountaineers.

The pastoral view paid off the trek.

After my two minor climbs in Taal Crater Lake and Mt. Pinatubo respectively, I now go for my third… to Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Climbing this mountain was my ardent desire for almost three years now. Thanks to my office mate Rodett, a “Dora” girl like me who organized this exciting trek with our two office mates Ja, a hardcore climber, and Tetchie.

Yours truly

Trivia

Gulugod-Baboy literally means “pig’s spine” so named as the contours of the hills resemble the spine of a pig.

How we get there

Our meeting place is in McDonald’s in LRT Buendia, 4:00 am meeting time. We had a fast breakfast and by 5:00 am we boarded the bus (JAC Liner) going to Batangas Grand Terminal. Travel time was one and a half hours only. From the terminal, we rode a passenger jeepney going to Mabini. We took a direct route going to the jump-off point and paid P100/per head.

Taking some rest before we climb

The registration fee was P35/head. We have Janice with us, so we are so confident that we can reach the summit even without a trail guide. But since we were all angels with a good heart (naks!) we want to help local tourism. We hired Nancy, a mother of three for a fee of Php500. Before we climb, we had bio breaks in a house that accommodates trekkers just across the registration area. We paid P5/head.

Going us is a bit tiring

Our trek started across Philpan Dive Resort in a cemented uphill path by 7:40 am. Along the way was a sari-sari store that sells basic goodies including a pole trek. Tetchie and I bought this gear to ease the climb.

Tetchie and her happy smile

just another climb to beat

The cemented trail was steep. When we hit the forested area I was already catching my breath. We were now trekking the mountain. Halfway, Nancy brought us to her house to take some rest. She was selling cold treats like soft drinks and ice candy. We bought ice candies to beat the summer heat.

Rodette and her happy smile too

It was getting steeper and steeper as we went on and more sweats were coming out. The moment we had difficulty in breathing, we paused shortly and looked at the magnificent view of Batangas Bay. Nancy pointed to us Sombrero Island and Tingloy Islands which are recommended side trips for this trek. 

Watching the panoramic sea view restored our energies and so we continued traversing the grassy part. They say this trek is for beginners, but for some unknown reason, this one wore me out fast. Hooh!

Janice our guide and mentor

We started rejoicing when we caught glimpse of the first peak. I was captivated by the sight, it was so stunning, so clean and so green.

The three peaks namely, Pinagbanderahan (Peak 1), Gulugod Baboy (Peak 2), and Tore (Peak 3) are worthy to climb on. But just like the other trekkers, we only explored Peaks 1 and 2 and had our photo ops. Of course, this climb will never be complete without this, which is the second reason why we are here! Hahaha!

After our memorable photos to treasure, we sat on the grass agape with wonder. The fresh scent of the air was so rejuvenating. I can’t explain how happy I was as we were gazing upon another God’s wonderful masterpiece. I found delight looking at the lush scenery, the perfect blue sky that hovered over us, the vast expansive sea view, campers, grazing cows, swaying grass, and fellow trekkers with their unstoppable photo ops.

almost halfway there

I was once asked by my colleague the reason why I want to climb the mountain under the scorching heat of the sun. What benefit do I get from this activity? Well, I simply answered, I found a comfortable place that offers me insuperable fulfillment, peace, and tranquility.

The beautiful view atop the peak of Mt.Gulugod Baboy

Refreshed and satisfied we descended by 11:10 am. Going back was easy now. It was then I used my trekking pole to avoid sliding down fast. We had our lunch of tapsilog (Php60) and soft drinks (Php20) in a small sari-sari store in Barangay Maligaya. And then we had our halo-halo delight (Php25) near the jump-off point.

I just love the view and the fresh mountain scent

Our climb at Mt. Gulugod Baboy, albeit short, was a great one. I was thankful to my buddies for we did it with flying colors. Yahoo!!! Though a minor climb, this adventure is another memorable experience for a busy mother like me who seldom goes for a group activity, but wishes to go anywhere, if given ample time.

With Ate Nancy, our trail guide

Quite true, even Grade 1 pupils can make it on the summit. I am looking forward to going back to Mt. Gulugod Baboy in the future, with my hubby and my two kids.

One Day climb only

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