Mt Gulugod Baboy of Mabini, Batangas

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?