A perfect mountain for beginners, Mt. Gulugod Baboy: Mabini, Anilao, Batangas

By: Jepot Mendoza

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Located on the South of Batangas, the peninsula to which is known for the diving resorts of Anilao – the birthplace of Philippine scuba diving, is the place to which Mt. Gulugod Baboy is situated. Gulugod-Baboy means “pig’s spine”, so named because of the contours of the hills. “Gulod”, however, means hill; “pig’s hill” can also depict the pastoral scene of the mountain. In the process, you would normally encounter cows, goats, and in the past, pigs, as you trek through the mountain as seen on Janao Bay. Gulugod Baboy also provides an outdoor enthusiasts a side trip from their diving escapades when you descend the mountain.

The mountain's difficulty is only 2/9 with trail class of 1-3. There are three (3) peaks at the top, and from the top you can see the stunning view of Balayan Bay and on the other side, the Batangas Bay.

At the peak of green hills with the blue sea on the background, you will be mesmerized by the Janao Bay, Maribacan strait, a faint outline of distant Mindoro, Verde Island and Batangas Bay.

TRANSPORATION

From EDSA (Cubao, Kamuning area) or Buendia-LRT (Taft), take Batangas/Pier-bound bus (Jam, Jac Liner, ALPS, DLTB) and get off at Batangas City Grand Terminal in Balagtas, Batangas City.

From there, take Anilao/Mabini-bound jeepney and tell the driver that you're going to Philpan Dive Resort. You'll be dropped off at an intersection where tricycles going to Philpan are available, take one and you'll be dropped off at Philpan Dive Resort.

Travel time from Manila to Batangas Central Terminal is around two and a half hours, moderate traffic considered while Central Terminal to Mabini is around one hour.

Travel costs is around 600-700 Php, back and forth.

Share life outdoors at Mt. Batulao: Nasugbu Batangas

By: Jepot Mendoza

Instagram: JepotMendoza

Twitter: @jepotmendoza

Facebook: Jepot Mendoza (Joseph Paolo Palacio Mendoza)

Vsco: /jepotmendoza

Viber: +63916-598-7171

Telegram: @jepotmendoza

Owing to the exposed nature of Batangas’ friendly mountain trails and summits, Mt. Batulao, situated in Nasugbu, Batangas stands at 811+ meters above sea level, has a very convenient proximity and easy access is a 2-3 hour drive from the busy city of Mega Manila, Philippines. Hyped as one of the top favorites for trekking and mountain climbing most specially the newbies and youth, Batulao is a fitting destination for those seeking a day tour trip, a quick adventure fix. Batulao is mildly challenging 4/9 difficulty that may demand dabs of effort to make to the summit seeing the amazing 360-degree view of Batangas and its neighboring cities.

As of January 2017, Batulao’s well-established open trails, extraordinary view of Batangas, remarkable rolling slopes and picture-perfect settings and landscapes are still well-expressed. Mount Batulao, the mountain is named after two tagalog words: Bato and Ilaw which means “Rock and Light”.

Safety isn’t really a big issue as the area is populated by friendly and hospitable locals. You don’t need to bring a lot on your trail tale to Batulao – just the joy with friends and hope of discovering what lies at the summit of the marvelous mountain. Several stopovers with spacious grounds and delights from numerous sari-sari stores readily available next door – these can be seen either the New Trail Campsite or Old Trail Campsite.

A total of Php 80.00 will be the registration fee for Old Trail (Php 20.00 on the first registration, and Php 30.00 on the two (2) remaining registrations on when you pass peak three (3) and eight (8). For the New Trail Campsite, a total of Php 140.00 is charged. A tour guide is worth Php 500.00 only. (Kuya Andoy is a highly recommended tour guide. He serves as our official photographer as well.) There are also camping areas if you want to spend the night in the mountain. Just bring tents and other necessities and you’re all good.

Seasoned mountaineers, Budding climbers, Trail Runners, Campers and Warriors, grab your networks. Take a two-hour travel. Some bills in your pocket. And a sense of adventure.

  

TRANSPORATATION:

Public

(1) Nasugbu-bound bus, Coastal Mall to Evercrest – Php 104.00 then

(2) optional Tricycle, Ever crest to trailhead P25/person (Approximately 2.5 hours travel time)

Private

From Manila, go to Tagaytay via SLEX (Greenfield exit) then proceed via the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road until you reach Evercrest.

Go past the gate, follow through, turn left at the fork, and then go down the rough road to the trailhead.

ESTIMATED BUDGET:

 Php 600.00 – Php 800.00