Climbing Mt. Gulugod Baboy

One thing that I admire whenever I go on travel is seeing magnificent view of places and surroundings. Seeing such things make me feel relaxed and at ease. Indeed, the joy of having a great view wherever I go is so irreplaceable. And this is what I’ve experienced few weeks ago when I joined a climb to Mt. Gulugod Baboy organized by Ivan of Batang Lakwatsero. The view from the top when reaching the summit is truly priceless.

Climbing a mountain isn’t an easy thing to do. I’ve received several invites from my friends to start up a trip to some mountains but organizing such travel isn’t my forte. I mean I can plan for a 5-day trip with any activity but not a climb. It isn’t an easy task since at the first place I’m not good at climbing, it isn’t my skill. So let’s just leave it to the mountaineers.

I’ve been bugging Ivan to take me on his one of fun/easy climbs but whenever there’s an invite, it could be I have a trip or I don’t have a budget, until I saw his Facebook invite for a day hike to Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Batangas. Good thing, I don’t have much trip last month so I undoubtedly confirm my attendance to that.

How to Go to Mt. Gulugod Baboy?

According to wikipedia, Gulugod-Baboy is the general term that describes the hills that traverse Calumpang Peninsula. It has three peaks: Gulugod Baboy, Pinagbanderahan, Tore. It is reached through several passages: Anilao, Panay, Bagalangit, Ligaya, Laurel and Malimatoc I. We chose the first one as our jump off point.

The group met at Jam Liner in Buendia-Taft Station at 3:00 AM. We rode a bus to Batangas Port and left the terminal at 4:00 AM, fare costs around PHP 160.00. In two hours time, we reached Batangas Grand Terminal and from there we rode a jeepney that goes to Anilao Batangas. We hired the jeepney to take us straight to Philpan Resort, the jump off point for the climb, and take us back to the terminal before sunset. The two-way fare costs us PHP 200.00 per person for a group of 14.

We then started walking from the jump off point at 7:00 AM.

Passing through this path reminds me of my last year’s hike to Taal Volcano.

We were just starting but it was already challenging because of the steep path. But all along, I thought we were already starting the climb until I saw the sign that leads to the mountain. It was then just a preamble to what we will come upon during the climb.

Challenging Yet Fun Mt. Gulugod-Baboy Climb

After taking a quick rest from one of the nipa huts along the road, we then started our ascent.

Although, Mt. Gulugod-Baboy is just a minor climb with difficulty level of 2/9 which can be hiked for one to two hours it’s still a difficult mountain to climb for me because of the steep pathway. Also, mind the bag that I’m bringing which becomes heavier and heavier as I hike up.

The mountain is covered by trees and grasslands which is actually good as it also protects us from the heat of the sun. In spite of that, it is still also recommended to climb early so not to take much burden when the sun is on its peak.

Climbing is for the tough ones I must say. You have to endure the hardships. Good thing the weather is so good that day that we don’t have to endure so much pain. One must also be attentive and alert with his or her surroundings. One must be careful in every action he or she takes during the climb.

If you love taking pictures, shooting while on the move isn’t advisable here. Don’t shoot while you walk.

After about an hour and a half, we finally reached camp area. It feels like a light that gave me hope that we’re nearing our destination.

It takes me half an hour (including stops for picture taking) to finally reach the summit.

The Summit

Although a day hike is enough time to visit this mountain, one can also set up a tent and spend a night here.

Reaching the summit… finally. My group mates were already there while me and Leah was still here taking some photos.

The hike is demanding but the view from the top is priceless. The scenery is so breathtaking. The experience is so moving.

Situated 525 meters above sea level and at its peak, I was able to see Maricaban and Sombrero Island.

According to wikipedia, you can also see from the summit, from east to west the Janao Bay, Maricaban Strait which bears Sombrero and Maricaban Islands, a distant, faint blue Mindoro, Verde Island (SW) and Batangas Bay. The city and port of Batangas is visible on the west, following a farther Mt. Daguldul. To the north is Mt. Maculot, and even Mt. Batulao and the Tagaytay highlands.

And meet my climb buddies…

And it’s an honor to climb with the most passionate and persistent climbers I’ve ever met, Tramping Philippines and Batang Lakwatsero. Of course, including two of the most fun climbers I’ve ever met, Myra and Dolor. Thanks to them, they keep our trip so amusing.

We spent the rest of our stay on top of the mountain taking photos and mesmerizing the scenery surrounding the mountains.

I had all my complaints in my mind during the hike that I will never climb again but as soon as I get to this area, it was all gone. I love it here. Maybe, I could try another one.

All the hardships were gone just because of this view.

Going Back

After about 15 minutes, we started our descend.

A local official approached us for the registration. We paid PHP 20.00 per person for the registration or environmental fee.

The hike back to our jump off point is much easier. It only took us about an hour and a half to reach our jump off point. But before reaching it, we stopped by one of the resting areas in locality and had some halo-halo for refreshment. It was indeed better than of Chowking’s. We all liked it.

It was around 12:00 PM when we finally reached the area where we started to hike. We then had our lunch in one of the huts inside Philpan rest area.

Climbing ain’t an easy activity to do. You’ll encounter a lot of hardships along the way but as soon as you get into the summit, all those feeling of difficulties will be gone. A great pot of achievement and happiness awaits on top of the mountain.