Mt. Gulugod Baboy Dayhike

As trekking and hiking become popular to the millenials, some of the companies created trekking and hiking clubs for employees to enjoy and socialize. Last month, our company trekking club hiked to Mt. Gulugod Baboy which is located in southern Batangas, specifically in Anilao where most scuba diving activities are done. It is actually a well-known diving site in the country and Mt. Gulugod Baboy is a famous side trip.

BACKGROUND

MT. GULUGOD-BABOY
Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
Jump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini
LLA: 13°42’55″N; 120°53’43″E; 525 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2
Features: Scenic views of Batangas Bay and Balayan Bay

http://www.pinoymountaineer.com

We are more or less 70 employees who traveled 4hrs from Manila to Anilao, Batangas. Our trip was smooth and fast except for some glitches when we lost twice. lols ?

Anyhow, we safely reached Philpan Dive Resort which is usually the jump-off. We rested for awhile, had breakfast and started our trek late at 7am.

The last group to ascend.

Passed this mark in Sitio Malagaclac.

Took some photos along the way.

We started ascent here.

With our moutain guide.

Go team! ?

There were cow and chicken along the trail. Can you spot the chicken??

I love taking photos randomly. This is one of my favorite during our hike.

The famous tree marking the peak of Mt. Gulugod Baboy.

The scenic view of Batangas bay from the peak of Mt. Gulugod Baboy or “pig’s spine” (1st peak).

The name was derived from the countours of the hill that looks like a spine of a pig. I wasn’t really able to figure it out.

We passed some campers eating breakfast on the peak. We saw around 20 tents that morning.

At the 2nd peak.

While waiting for the others, we had some photos taken here. This is what they called “Gitna” or the middle / center (2nd peak).

I started trekking to the 3rd peak.

Yey, I have reached the 3rd peak.?

I rested and savor the view. It was windy up there.

Mt. Pinagbandirahan (3rd peak).

Mt. Pinagbandirahan is the mountain’s local name. Pinagbandirahan or Pinagbanderahan means “where the flag was hoisted”.  Coming from a root word “bandera” which means flag. According to legend, a battle took place within this mountain and the victor’s flag was hoisted on one of its peak after the battle was won during WWII. It is historically accounted that a Japanese warplane crash landed in one of the peaks and thus to commemorate, a flag was hoisted in the peak and to name Pinagbandirahan.

After spending 30 minutes at the peak, we decided to descend. This is a backtrail so we descended back to Philpan Dive Resort.

We planned to go to Sombrero Island after hike but the weather did not go along well. Some did swim at the resort after the hike and others chose to rest. It was a successful event and memorable to all employees who have participated.

Since this is a company event and all expenses were paid by the organizers, I prepared a simple itinerary which you can follow easily.

ITINERARY

0200 ETD Manila via private vehicle. (Option to take bus from cubao to Batangas Grand Terminal (Php157) – take Mabini bound jeepney and drop at Philpan dive resort Php35)
0600 ETA Philpan Dive Resort or Brgy San. Teodoro
0700 Start trek
0800 ETA Gulugod-Baboy (Peak 1)
0830 ETA Gitna (Peak 2)
0900 ETA Pinagbanderahan (Peak 3).
1000 Descent to Philpan or Brgy. San Teodoro
1100 ETA to Philpan. Lunch.
1530 ETA to Manila

WHAT TO BRING?

1. 1-2 liters water (depends on how much you consume)
2. Trail food
3. Toiletries and personal med kits
4. Packed Lunch (you can buy this at the jump off area or bring your own food pack)
5. Swimwear (you can go for a swim or dive after hike)
6. Extra clothes & slippers

TOTAL EXPENSES

Fare
Bus To Batangas: P157
Jeep To Philpan: P35

Guide Fee: P500
Registration Fee: P30

SIDE TRIP

• Sombrero Island
• Sepoc Island

As always, follow #leavenotrace principle.

Let’s go hike! ?