Hiking Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Our adventure today takes us to a mountain south of Metro Manila. Mt. Gulugod Baboy (other variations Mt. Gulugod-Baboy) is located in Anilao, Mabini in the province of Batangas. Gulugod-baboy is a Filipino phrase that means "pig's spine." The mountain got its name from the contours of the peaks which resemble a pig's back as seen from Janao Bay.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Mt. Gulugod Baboy details

Mt. Gulugod Baboy - Mabini, Batangas

Mt. Gulugod Baboy, despite being called a mountain, may also be referred to as a hill. This is because of the fact that the distinction between a hill and a mountain remains subjective and unclear. (As you may know, the maximum height of a hill is still being contested.)

I'm taking a picture of my friend Raine doing a Teletubby jump

Mt. Gulugod Baboy fun moments

Other Teletubby moments...

So what's the big deal? Mt. Gulugod Baboy stands 525 meters above sea level. Typically, landforms reaching 500 feet (152 meters) are called hills.  However, later ideas suggest that landforms reaching the height of 2000 feet (610 meters are regarded as mountains, hence those below it are is referred to as hills.

My friends going up to peak 2 (reminds me of the film Hamburger Hill)

Whatever type of land formation Mt. Gulugod Baboy might be, the real confusion lies when you're about to reach the summit. First-timers to the mountain (like myself) will surely get confused when they see the three peaks in the range. The first question that would surely pop out into your mind is, "Which among these peaks is Mt. Gulugod Baboy?" One would normally assume that the highest peak is Mt. Gulugod Baboy, however, locals would say that the highest peak is actually Mt. Pinagbanderahan and the leftmost peak is Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Some would then say that the name Gulugod Baboy is the general term that describes all three peaks.

The lights from the fishing boats and the moon give out a very picturesque view during the night

What I liked most about the mountain aside from the easy climb is the chance to take quality pictures with its very picturesque surroundings. 

Check out the pictures that we took:

The Backpack Adventures conquers Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Reminds me of the Japanese anime Dragon Ball Z

Super Dax

Wonderful!

My friend Raine relaxed while watching the incredible sunset

Amazing sunset as seen from the peak

What I like most about Mt. Gulugod Baboy is its straightforward and relatively easy trail. That's why this mountain is usually used for Beginner's Climbs or just for conditioning for an upcoming major climb.

Board a Jam bus heading to Batangas City Terminal

Mountain details:

Height: 525 meters above sea level
Major trailhead: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas
Climb time: 1 hour - 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on your pacing
Difficulty 2/9

(Overnight) Itinerary:

Day 1

8:00AM - Departure from the bus station in Buendia
10:00AM - ETA Batangas City terminal, rent a jeep 
11:30AM -lunch somewhere in Anilao
12:30PM - ETA Philpan Dive Resort*
*Don't pay any registration fee here.

1:00PM - mini trek to the REAL registration site, Register and pay fees here.
1:20PM - Start trek
2:00PM - Rest midway to the peak, you may choose to sleep or eat halo-halo sold in a store in the vicinity. (shocking but true)
3:30PM - Continue trek (for sure the heat of the sun is not that hot compared to that an hour ago.)
4:00PM - ETA Mt. Gulugod-Baboy (peak 1)
4:30PM - ETA Set up camp in peak 2
5:30PM - Trek highest peak (Pinagbanderahan)
7:00PM - Dinner
8:30PM - Socials
10:00PM - Lights out

Day 2

6:00AM - Breakfast
7:00AM - Break camp
8:00AM - Descent
8:50AM - ETA registration site
9:20AM - ETA Philpan Dive Resort*
*From here you have several options to choose from

Option 1: Head home
Option 2: Sombrero Island
Option 3: Maricaban Island
Option 4: Marine Sanctuary


In case you chose Option 1, you should board a jeep to Mabini town proper. From there you could board a van heading to Manila.

In case you chose Option 2,(Our group chose Option 2), you should coordinate with the people on the registration site, they will find you a boatman to bring you to Sombrero Island

In case you chose Option 3, you should coordinate with the people on the registration site, they will find you a boatman to bring you to Maricaban Island. Take note that the island is further than Sombrero Island, hence more expensive.

In case you chose Option 4, you should coordinate with the people on the registration site, they will find you a boatman to bring you to the Marine Sanctuary. Take note that this is an open sea if you're not a swimmer at least take the liberty to inform the boatman.

Getting to Mt. Gulugod Baboy:


From Buendia or Cubao, ride a bus going to the Batangas Grand Terminal (P160-P200). From there, ride a jeepney going to Anilao (P40-50). Tell the driver to drop you off at the Philpan-Mabini Junction. 

Ride a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to the registration site of Mt. Gulugod Baboy (P40-50). 

Ratings
Crowd
Cleanliness
Overall Ratings

Comments

  1. ano ano ung mga dapat suot at kailngan sa mountain hiking?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For this one, basic lang, hiking shoes, hiking shorts, long sleeves na manipis na damit would do. 2 hour climb lang ang Mt. Gulugod-Baboy.

      Delete
  2. Hi bro. No need for a guide ba for G. Baboy climb? If we do an overnite, is cooking allowed or even safe? Are there no security/safety issues kasi walang monitoring authority for the climb? Tnx.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! No need for a guide! Cooking is allowed. You'll be shocked may small community near the peak. Regarding safety issues. There would be people who'll be asking for money pag nasa peak na kayo. Ask for a permit. Yung iba dun namemera lang.

      Delete
    2. Tnx a lot, bro! More power to your adventure blog. :)

      Delete
  3. dude, question lang, magkano binayad nyo dun sa boatman for sombrero island? tsaka ilan kayo?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi pal! With regard sa boatman nasa 3K din binayad namin pero patak patak. Bale P200 lang binayad ko. You can haggle naman pero I suggest you visit the place when you have a big group.

      Delete
  4. Kahit ba hindi professional climber kaya yun akyatin ng walang tour guide and first timers?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello there. Yup kahit grade 1 po kayang akyatin ang bundok na ito. =)

      Delete
  5. Hi Neil, you think I can go trekking there ALONE? How much did you pay for the fess etc at the registration?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Edgy! When we went in, we payed a small sum of P30 pax. Then on the peak we were charged (again) by a man claiming to be the owner of the mountain. We payed him with a punch. (Just kidding)
      You could hike it in 30 minutes enjoy the view for an hour then go back down in 15 minutes. Hence my answer is YES you can go there ALONE. =)

      Delete
  6. hi sir.may contact person po ba kayo para sa guide sa mt. gulugod baboy?plano po kasi namin mag night trek dis weekend?sat night po..thanks--kath

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! You don't need a contact person sa Gulugod. Sobrang dali nung climb and sobrang straight forward.

      Delete
  7. Hi SIr. Ask ko lang, marami bang resorts sa vicinity ng jumpoff? Magaganda ba yung beaches nila? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there pal!

      Oo tol marami dun lalo na sa may beach.
      Regarding the beach, gray sand and di ganun kaideal for swimming (malapit kasi yung mga resort at kabahayan) I suggest rent a boat at pumunta kayo sa Sombrero Island like what we did.

      Delete
  8. Hi sir! how far po ang pagitan ng peak 2 going to peak 3?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gold Miller. The distance between the two is just about 3-5 minutes depending on your pacing. Kitang kita mo na yung dalawang peak once you see them. Sayang wala pa akong panoramic shot nung pinicturan ko sila. =)

      Delete
  9. Hi, thanks for your post. How much was the registration cost?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Boss san sa philan yun real registration site? Madali lang ba hanapin? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey bro. nasa may restaurant yun. katapat lang yun ng jump off point. madaling makita. You could ask the locals.

      Delete
    2. Salamat boss! Last nalang. May marecommend ka ba na resort? Plano kasi namin na magovernyt hike. Yun rented van di ko sigirado kung san safe magpark. Thanks!

      Delete
    3. Hi bro. Last time we visited sa tuktok kami natulog. Although marami namang resort sa jump off point marami kayong pwedeng pagpilian. =)

      Delete
    4. hello po.. pwede po ba mag pitch ng tent dun? :) balak din sana namin mag over night. thanks

      Delete
    5. Hi Suri! Pwedeng magpitch ng tent dun. Nagover night din kami dun before nagisland hopping.

      Delete
  11. Ideal ba pumunta this coming Holy Week? Madame kaya tao? By the way, i also have some follow up questions pa, please text me at this number 09213189473

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Bro! Ideal ba pumunta this coming Holy Week? Marame kaya tao? By the way, may mga follow up questions pa ako, i drop a message on your g.plus account. thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey there bro! ok naman pumunta ng Holy Week. I think marami naman talagang tao sa Gulugod kasi may community doon. Regarding climbers, mas maganda nga ung marami dahil mas safe. =)

      Delete
  13. Pwede bang mag-overnight sa Sombrero Island?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! Sad to say pero hindi po pinapayagan na magovernight sa isla.

      Delete
  14. hi sir how much po budget?? lahat lahat na! thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nung pumunta kami nagdala ako ng 2K. Nag Sombrero Island din kasi kami. =)

      Delete
  15. Hi sir, meron din bang mga boat going sa mga island na ndi na need irent un bang naghhntay ng ibang pasahero pa parang jeep.... balak kasi namin umakyat , dalawa lang kasi kami..

    Thx and more power~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hades Hebe, meron pong mga mererentang bangka papunta sa isla na parang Jeep yun nga lang kumbaga chance passenger kayo may 80% chance na di kayo makahanap ng available na bangka na dalawa lamang ang kulang pero take the chance. Wala namang mawawala kung susubukan.

      Best way is to also ask the other mountaineers kung merong may planong pumunta sa Sombrero Island and if willing sila na makiride kayo sa bangka.

      Delete
  16. Hi sir, meron din bang mga boat going sa mga island na ndi na need irent un bang naghhntay ng ibang pasahero pa parang jeep.... balak kasi namin umakyat , dalawa lang kasi kami..

    Thx and more power~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hades Hebe, meron pong mga mererentang bangka papunta sa isla na parang Jeep yun nga lang kumbaga chance passenger kayo may 80% chance na di kayo makahanap ng available na bangka na dalawa lamang ang kulang pero take the chance. Wala namang mawawala kung susubukan.

      Best way is to also ask the other mountaineers kung merong may planong pumunta sa Sombrero Island and if willing sila na makiride kayo sa bangka.

      Delete
  17. Sir meron din bang boat na papunta sa ibang island na ndi na need i-rent, un bang maghhntay ng pasahero parang jeep...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hades Hebe, meron pong mga mererentang bangka papunta sa isla na parang Jeep yun nga lang kumbaga chance passenger kayo may 80% chance na di kayo makahanap ng available na bangka na dalawa lamang ang kulang pero take the chance. Wala namang mawawala kung susubukan.

      Best way is to also ask the other mountaineers kung merong may planong pumunta sa Sombrero Island and if willing sila na makiride kayo sa bangka.

      Delete
  18. Hey! your blog is very helpful especially the comments, they've got almost all I need :) I just have ask; do you think its safe for two females to camp on the peak? And is the sunrise great up there? THanks a lot!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, it's safe for you guys to camp at the peak so long as you don't attract lots of attention. to be sure ask a male friend to join you. :) i don't know about the sunrise but I love the dramatics of the sunset.

      Delete
  19. question lang po sir, ung maricaban island ba e yun ung kay "Ka Oscar"? hehe.. tawag kasi namin oscar island.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahahaha. Sorry tol hindi pa ako nakakabisita sa Maricaban Is. and I haven't heard of oscar island too.

      Delete
  20. Hi Neil pwede ma ask if you know any contact person sa boat

    kasi they were offering us this price which I think masydaong mahal eh hope you can answer

    Boat ride - Php. 2500.00 (8 persons)
    Environmental fee - Php. 150.00 (per person)
    Resort entrance (this where we will clean up) - Php. 60.00

    Total per person (8 person travelling) = Php. 522.80 (mabigat sa bulsa for a day tour)

    Michael - Mountaineer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there michael. I think they offfered us the same price. Licky for us marami kami when we visited so maliit lang ang pinaghatian namin. Sadly, wala akong contact diyan as of today. Sorry if I can't help you on that.

      Delete
  21. https://youtu.be/kk-F7izumDw

    Yes I remember when we go there last april... SUREAL!!! As a photo enthusiast the 360 view is one of a kind to capture...The video link above is our travel to Mt. Gulugod Baboy.. Enjoy! :D

    ReplyDelete
  22. https://youtu.be/kk-F7izumDw
    It was one of a kind experience to see MAbini, BAtangas 360 degrees... Link video is or daytrip experience to Mt. Gulugod Baboy... Punta po kayo at akyatin ang Mt. Gulugod Baboy! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. san kayo kumain nung mami?

      Delete
    2. May mga resorts po sa ibaba ng bundok. =) Makakabili kayo ng supply dun.

      Delete
  23. Good afternoon po, pwede po ba malaman kung magkano ang nagastos nyo? gusto po sana namin ng friend ko i try umakyat kaso 2 lang po kami

    thank you very much po

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi AJ since kasama ako ng isang mountaineering group nung umakyat ako sa Gulugod, 500 lang ang nagastos ko. Di pa kasama dun ung side trip to Sombrero Island and food budget. prepare at least 1,500 pesos pax. Sobra pa un.

      Delete
  24. sir safe po ba 'to kung magisa ka lang papanik? babae po ako e gusto ko to panikin ok lang kaya? di kaya ako maligaw?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! Yup safe naman po ang mountain for solo mountaineers. Saka straight forward lang yung trail in 30 minutes nasa peak ka na. =)

      Delete
  25. Sir, madali lang ba sundan yung trail? Kaya lang kahit mag-isa at hindi magguide? Thank you, Sir!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! Yup madali lang po yung trail no need for a guide. kaya mo siyang akyatin in 30 minutes. =)

      Delete
  26. Sir, madali lang po ba sundan yung trail? Kakayanin lang nang solo hike at walang tulong na guide? Thank you, Sir! :))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. =) Hi Dora, yup madali lang po yung trail. You could hike it up solo.

      Delete
  27. Hi. Ilan ang max capacity ng boat? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! The boat that we rented has the capacity to carry 12 people. =)

      Delete
  28. Hi! I just wanna ask if merong safe and malapit na parking area sa jump off, daytrip lang. Salamat! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! May mapagpaparkingan po sa may jump off point. Maraming resort dun and for sure safe naman po yun wag lang talagang may visible na mahalagang gamit inside the vehicle that might tempt people.

      Delete
  29. Good day.. hanggang ilan po yung capacity ng boat papuntang sombrero?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Keep on writing, great job!

    My blog: lasertest

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi guys! we're planning to go here on Feb 14th. Naghahanap kami ng makakasabay sa boat papuntang Sombrero island, coz 4 lang kame. Anyone?

    ReplyDelete
  32. hi! we will be going there this sunday coz monday is a holiday yay. nung nag overnight po ba kayo may iba pang campers na kasabay? :) safety issues lang dn hihi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there!
      Yup nung nagovernight kami maraming mga nagcamp with us from different teams.
      You might be shocked dahil near the peak eh may isang barangay. May mga manghihingi ng tong sa inyo hahaha.

      Delete
  33. hi, ask ko lang po kung safe po bang mag over night? i mean may mga makakasabay ka din bang ibang climbers? and pwede po bang mag bonfire sa mt gulugod sa gabi. and kung pwede kaya mag pitch ng tent sa registration? pasensya na sa madaming tanong. salamat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Good eve, Opo safe naman po magovernight sa taas. Pero I suggest di ka nagiisa. May maliit na barangay malapit sa peak so di ganoon kasecluded ang lugar.
      Regarding the bonfire, I doubt kung pwede.

      Delete
  34. Hello po sir, ask ko lang po kung kaya siyang i-hike ng one day lang?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sobrang kayang kaya mo i-day hike to. Actually you can go up and down Gulugod Baboy 10 times or more in one day. =)

      Delete
  35. Hi! Paano papunta pag from Laguna? Thank you! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there!I'm not really sure but if there is a van heading to Anilao, then that's all you need to reach its jump-off point.
      I hope that helps. =)

      Delete
  36. Hi sir me and my friends are planning to climb gulugod baboy nxt month.... May nagsabe samen from anilao may trike na papunta sa philpan dive resort... If ever magkano ung regi fee?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! Nung time na pumunta kami 25 pax ang environmental fee. Baka nagtaas na ngayon. =)

      Delete
  37. Hi po . Itatanong ko lang po kung magkano nagastos nio po sa sombrero island ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! Since medyo malaki yung group namin, less than 1k ang share ko going to Sombrero Island. If my memory serves me right nasa 600 lang ata nagastos ko for boat fee and environmental fee sa isla.

      Delete
  38. Hello po,
    Tanong ko lang po may mga last trip po ba ung mga jeep at tricycle pa mabini kasi po balak namen magnight trek bukas? Safe po bang magnight trek?
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! The mountain is so small and easy to climb (compared to Pico and Batulao w/c are easy hikes) the only danger that it might pose are the farm animals that you'd find on the trails.
      May mga tao ring nakatira dun so... (I'm not implying things but you should worry about more about people more than the mountain)

      Delete
  39. Hello,
    May last trip po ba ang jeep at tricycle ka puntang gulugod kasi po plano po namen magnight trek bukas? Safe po ba magnight trek sa gulogod ?
    Thanks! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! I'm not really sure kung until what time ang last trip ng local transpo. Nagrent kasi kami ng jeep. He left us during day one and returned nung hapon after we texted him. Safe naman po siguro mag night trek. The thing is the danger that you'd face is similar to any mountain pag magnanight trek ka. =)

      Delete
  40. Since dun na po paregister di po kaya crowded masyado kung overnight kami dun weekend worried lang na baka marami pumunta at maenjoy stay dun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! Malawak naman po yung camp area near the peak. I think hindi siya masyadong magiging overcrowded. =)

      Delete
  41. Sir Neil, salamat sa pag-sagot ng mga tanong. Malaking tulong sa amin dahil papanhik po kami sa weekend. Salute sir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marami ring salamat sa pagbisita sa aking blog isanglibongalitaptap. Ingat kayo sa pag-akyat this weekend

      Delete
  42. Sir Neil ask ko lang kung saan magandang mah hike? First timer namin ng mga kabarkada ko. Gusto sana namin eh yung may maliliguan kami ng libre. Ex. Ilog, sapa, falls. Yung hindi lang hiking magagawa namin. Pati rin mag tampisaw. At syempre yung libre or mura lang. Kasi konti lang kami at tipid din sa budget. From batangas po ako. Baka may maisa suggest kayo. Thanks a lot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, impressive awesome. Try Pico De Loro. May falls yun where you and your friends could get wet while at the same time get challenged in hiking the highest peak of Cavite. =) Mura lang yun since nasa Batangas ka na. Please do check out my blog about the said mountain. Thanks a lot!

      Delete
  43. Hi Neil. What time are earliest start na pwede mag hike? Planning a day hike sana this weekend

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Neil, what time earliest start ng hike? planning a day hike sana on a weekend...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! Well you can start whatever time you want. It's just a 30 minute hike anyway. Mas maigsi pa if iraratrat mo. =)
      I suggest mga 6AM para di mainit.

      Delete
    2. Hi po. Pwede po kayang magstart maghike ng 4am? Hindi po ba required magparegister? Thanks po!

      Delete
    3. Hi there! pwede naman po. I suggest na magparegister po kayo. It's a way for them to know if you got back safely or not. Saka tulong niyo narin sa local government ang kakarampot na reg. fee nila.

      Delete
  45. Hi sir Neil,question we will climb only 2 person can we spend a higher expense s trip?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! Nope you won't unless you are going on the Sombrero Island side trip. =)

      Delete
  46. Goood day sir. Just wondering if merong specific sites para mapag tayuan ng tents near the summit. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Goood day sir. Just wondering if merong specific sites para mapag tayuan ng tents near the summit. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi sir Christian! Marami pong area na puwedeng pagtayuan ng tents sa peak ng Gulugod.

      Delete
  48. hi sir.ask ko lang po ano po exactly name ng place para sa registration fee. Para po hindi kami maloko ng mga hunghang. for the 1st po namin aakyat eh. may route sign naman po ata papunta sa peak. allowed po ba magluto at magcamp site sa peak

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Philpan Dive Resort.
      You can cook at the camp site.
      Ingat lang though... may isang matandang lalake na naniningil sa peak. Sasabihin niya sa inyo lupa niya ang pinagcampan niyo. Huwag kayong magbabayad.

      Delete
  49. Sir ask lang, anong maganda na beach pero affordable? 7packs lang kasi kami. Thankyou

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there saang province ang gusto mo?
      Batangas has several like Laiya, Lian, Munting Buhangin
      Quezon also boasts Cagbalete Is, Pagbilao...

      Delete
  50. Hi sir ask ko lang, may mga marerent ba natulugan or tent dun sa area?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there! As far as I know walang marerentan ng tent dun. Pero maaaring sa mga resorts sa jumpoff point meron.

      Delete

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