These days, opportunities for exploration are becoming more frequent. Which I think is good enough so that more people would get to appreciate the world around them. Climbing mountains is one particular way of thrusting a person into a world of challenge and pleasure.

I started climbing after earning a degree. Since then, the call of the mountain has been pretty difficult to ignore hence it became a habit. There is this specific mountain in Batangas, Philippines that I admire because of its sheer beauty – Mount Gulugod-Baboy.

Gulugod-Baboy (pig’s spine in English) is the common term pertaining to the mound of land that traverses the Calumpang Peninsula in Mabini, Batangas. The mounatin’s name was derived from physical description of the contours and extensive surface of the hills that look like a pig’s spine. Through the years, this mountain has attracted both newbie mountain-enthusiasts and hardcore mountaineers for its luxuriant peaks and valleys, unhindered views of the sea, spectacular display of colours during sunrise and sunset, and some relaxing star-studded sky view at night-time. Moreover, its close proximity to the greater Manila area made it an accessible hiking destination.

I got the chance to scale this mountain wayback 2012 with some of the most awesome mountain enthusiasts through the VAC group. As I understand, the group chose this mountain for its moderate slopes ideal for beginners and of course, a relaxing climb. Although the start of the trail is quite challenging — a sheer cemented road. As for me, I totally enjoyed walking as I can take some precious time to rest going up, at the same time, enjoying the splendid scenery which can be seen all throughout the trail. So, at an unhurried speed, Gulugod Baboy more or less takes 3 hours to climb

Sample Itinerary

(Overnight) Itinerary:

Day 1

07:00 – Departure from bus station in Buendia

09:30 – ETA Batangas City terminal, rent a jeep

11:00 – lunch somewhere in Anilao

12:00 – ETA Philpan Dive Resort

Trek your way to registration site. Register and pay fees.

13:00 – Start trek; rest from time to time

15:00 – ETA Mt. Gulugod-Baboy (peak 1)

Set up camp in peak 2

Walk your way to the highest peak (Pinagbanderahan)

Sunset viewing

19:00 – Dinner, socials.

22:00 – Lights out

Day 2

06:00 – Breakfast (you may wake up earlier and walk to the highest point for sunrise viewing)

07:00 – Break camp

08:00 – Descend

09:00 – ETA registration site/log out

09:30 – ETA Philpan Dive Resort. You may have the option to go home already, or go beachneering nearby Maricaban and Sombrero islands. (We did go to Maricaban in our case)

Day-Hike Itinerary:

07:00 – Departure from bus station in Buendia

09:30 – ETA Batangas City terminal, rent a jeep

11:00 – lunch somewhere in Anilao

12:00 – ETA Philpan Dive Resort

Trek your way to registration site. Register and pay fees.

13:00 – Start trek; rest from time to time

15:00 – ETA Mt. Gulugod-Baboy (peak 1)

17:00 – Descend.

18:00 – ETA registration site/log out

19:00 – travel back to Manila

How to Get There:
By way of private transportation. In Buendia, hire a van to take you to the Jump-Off Point. Rate is at Php3500-4000/one way all-in (inclusive of gas, driver and toll fees).

by public transportation. In Buendia, ride a bus to Diversion in Batangas. From Diversion, take a jeepney to Anilao. From Anilao, you can either ride a jeepney to Philpan or hire a tricycle. Haggle.

Don’t be a wasted soul. Be ‘juan’derlust. Take it easy ebri’juan’.