2024 MT. GULUGOD BABOY DAY HIKE GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

I was running out of breath and I kept asking myself, “Why have I allowed myself to be here again?” I was drenched in sweat. My legs felt like they’re going to give up on me. The bag felt heavier on my shoulders. Despite the unspoken regrets, my feet still continued for I know what awaits up there. It’s a love and hate relationship with the mountains. I hate the assaults as much as I love the challenge and the priceless reward at the summit. You would say how you would never want to find yourself doing it again yet these words will be gone in the wind as soon as you bathe into the awe-striking scene at the peak. For several months, I’ve longed for this feeling. Gladly, we’ve got mountains nearby that can be hiked already and Mt. Gulugod Baboy is one of those.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy’s Trail

Mt. Gulugod Baboy is a minor climb with 2/9 difficulty level and a Trail class of 1 to 2. It features a panoramic view of the bays, rolling hills covered in green and several known mountains in the south. The main jump off point is at Philpan Dive Resort in Barangay Anilao, Mabini, Batangas. It takes an hour or two from that point to its peaks. Be reminded though that the trail has seemingly unending assault. On the first few kilometers, you will be walking on a steep concrete road. Thus, wearing of a pair of trekking shoes or sandals with a very good grip is highly suggested. It’s mostly shady but it gets open as you approach its peaks. There are various trails as well; hence, hire a guide especially if it’s your first time.

The trekking experience may be a tiring one but it gets refreshing at some point. You may encounter lots of dogs, cows and goats on your way. There are also several houses that you may pass by. The best part? You can get a glimpse of Batangas and Balayan bays from time to time.

Since vehicles can be driven straight to the parking lot of the campsite, a group with kids and oldies could also enjoy the peaks. On some days, you could even see a family carrying picnic and camping essentials no matter how bulky they are to the mountain.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy’s Peaks

Gulugod Baboy is a Tagalog word which means “pig’s spine”. It was said that that mountain was named as such due to the outline of its peaks that resemble a pig spine itself. It has three peaks: The Gulugod Baboy (470 MASL) , Gitna (485 MASL) and Pinagbanderahan (525+ MASL).

The highest of the three peaks actually has a history the reason why it was called as Pinagbanderahan. Around 1940’s during the World War II, a Japanese aircraft crashed into it. With sheer luck, the Japanese airmen in it survived. To celebrate the chance to life, they hoisted a flag at the mountain; thus, pinagbanderahan. Pinagbanderahan is a Tagalog term which came from the borrowed word, bandera, which means flag.

The first peak is on the left if you’re coming from a long trek and the other two are on the right, adjacent to one another. Regardless if which peak you are standing on, the experience is a feast to the senses. Its peaks promises a 360-degreee view of the bays, hills and the mountains. From that point with a good clearing, you may get a view of the Balayan and Batangas Bay, Maricaban Island, Sombrero Island, Isla Verde Passage, Mt. Maculot, Mt. Halcon, Mt. Marami and Taal Volcano.

Getting To and Away

Mt. Gulugod Baboy is located at Mabini, Batangas. If you wish to take the longer trail, you should proceed at the jump off at Barangay Anilao, Mabini, Batangas. However, if you would want to take the shorter trail, you may proceed directly to Mt. Gulugod Baboy Campsite. A sedan could make it to that point despite the steepness of the road. Be extra cautious though especially on steep turns.

How to Go to Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Option A: By Commute

1. From Cubao or Buendia (near LRT Gil Puyat Station), take a bus bound for Batangas City Grand Terminal. Fare ranges from Php 170.00 to Php 200.00 depending on the point of departure and bus liner.
2. You may either alight at the Grand Terminal or at the Diversion Road. From the drop off point, take the jeepney to Mabini or Anilao.
3. Get off at BGT.
4. Take a tricycle to Mt. Gulugod Baboy Parking Lot.

Option B: By Private Car

Pin Mt. Gulugod Baboy Tourist Assitance Center on the mobile map application that you intend to choose. You may refer on the map below.

Getting Away (by Commute)

Be mindful of the time especially if you are commuting to Mt. Gulugod Baboy. The jeepneys from Anilao to the Grand Terminal would only travel up to 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. As an alternative, you may enroute to Bauan and take the jeepney to Grand Terminal in there. There are also vans (at the narrow street across Jollibee Bauan) going to Alabang via Tagaytay-Calamba Road through SLEX. The last trip is usually at around 6:00 PM.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy Day Hike Estimated Budget

Bus fare (per person, v.v.) – Php 400.00
Jeepney fare – Php 40.00
Tricycle fare – Php 50.00
Environmental fee: Php 50.00
Land owner’s fee: Php 30.00
Guide fee: Php 125.00
Food: Php 300.00
TOTAL: Php 995.00

*Take note: The estimated budget is based on a group composed of four commuting trekkers who will do the back trail. If you plan to charter a tricycle from the campsite back to the parking lot instead of doing a back trail, the rate is at Php 450.00 to Php 500.00 per ride.

Important Fees at Mt. Gulugod Baboy

1. Environmental Fee – Php 50.00 per head
   Upon registration, an environmental fee is collected at the Tourist Assistance Center (parking lot) before the trek/.
2. Landowner Fee – Php 30.00 per head
   There is a local near the campsite who will approach you and ask you to write your name and address prior to your trek to the campsite. Also, he collects Php 30.00 per person for the land owner fee since the area is a privately-owned one.
3. Guide Fee – Php 500.00/ Php 700.00
   The guide fee depends on how many trekkers will there be. A group of 1 to 4 people shall pay Php 500.00. A group of 5 to 8 people, on the other hand, shall pay an amount of Php 700.00.
4. Parking Fee – Php 100.00
   If you intend to bring your own car, you should pay an amount of Php 100.00 at the Tourist Assistance Center/ parking lot for the parking fee.
5. Comfort Room Fees
   There are shower and comfort rooms at the Tourist Assistance Center. The association however, collects certain fees for its maintenance.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy Sample Day Hike Itinerary

03:00 AM – ETD Metro Manila/ Quezon City
05:00 AM – Batangas Grand Terminal
6:30 AM – Mabini, Anilao
6:45 AM – Mt. Gulugod Baboy Tourism Assistance Center
7:00 AM – Start Trek
8:30 AM – Summit/ Campsite, Breakfast
9:00 AM – Try the other Peaks
11:00 AM – Descent
12:30 NN – Anilao, Lunch
2:00 PM – Rest, Dive, Chill at the Beach
6:00 PM – Home Bound
10:00 PM/ 11:00 PM – ETA Home

If you wish to hang out in a Private Resort after a tiring trek, you may visit one and stay for half a day for only Php 150.00 to Php 250.00.

Things to Remember Before Visiting Mt. Gulugod Baboy

1. Always bring your most recent medical certificate or swab test result (at least three days prior to your trip) and a valid ID.
2. Contact and properly coordinate with your local tour guide. If you were not able to contact one prior to your visit, go to the Tourism Assistance Center directly to get a barangay-accredited tour guide.
3. There’s a shower and comfort room (with certain fees) at the parking lot.
4. It is best to visit on weekends especially if you intend to stay for a night at the campsite.
5. If you plan to camp, you must bring your own tent and other camping essentials.
6. There’s a variety store at the campsite. However, the goods sold are limited. They can cook for you, though. Just provide the ingredients and tell them the dish that you would want to be prepared.
7. You may always bring your own food and cook but remember to take everything that you have brought with you as you leave the premises. Remember, Leave No Trace.
8. There’s a comfort room at the campsite.
9. There’s a parking space near the campsite.
10. The network signal at the trail is strong. It’s pretty weak at the campsite, consequently. Enjoy the nature instead

Important Contacts

For a hassle-free trip, you may contact Kuya Globert Sapunto, the head of the Mt. Gulugod Baboy Guide Association. You may reach him at +63 921 573 9964. He will meet you at the parking lot upon your arrival. Just make sure that you’ll coordinate your trip properly with him.

Trek and Dive

After spending half of our day at the campsite, we took the trail back to the parking lot. We decided to end the day with a good dive since there are lots of dive spots near Mt. Gulugod Baboy. You may either dive the next day after spending a night at the summit or campsite.