We left Quezon City at 0420H bound for Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, one of the most recognized diving sites in Philipiines. But we are in for a different adventure and that is to scale Mt. Gulugod Baboy, so-called for its resemblance to a "pig's spine". There were actually five of us who answered the challenge for this climb.
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| We are Skookum! |
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| A great day to climb |
We arrived at the scenic town of Mabini, Batangas at 0630H and went straight to the market for breakfast and for us to buy some provisions. And after having our fill of Pork Nilaga, Liempo, and Giniling, we headed straight to the PhilPan Dive Resort in Anilao, the jump-off point to Mt. Gulugod Baboy.
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| At the public market...for breakfast and to buy food |
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| Skookum...at the registration area |
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| We are ready to rumble :) |
After fixing our things and a short prayer, we commenced hiking at 0815H.
The hike actually began on a concrete pavement opposite Philpan Dive Resort. The initial climb (
and so we thought it was only the initial climb but it was pure climb all throughout until you reach "Teletubbyland") was a pure ascent passing by residential areas until we reached the "intersection" where a store cum rest area is located on the right side of the road. Facing the said store is the actual dirt path leading to Mt. Gulugod Baboy. Previously, there was a sign board that was posted here but at that time we were there it was already gone.
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| The beginning of the trail looks like this. |
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| Paahon...ng walang hanggan |
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| ayun daw yung trail sabi ni Engr |
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| going to the dirt trail |
The dirt path started with a stairway-like ascent, until we were greeted by a glorious view of Sombrero Island and Balayan Bay. I do not know if it is just us, but it really is such a relief to see a nice view of the sea amid the surrounding greenery.
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| That's the store at the start of the foot path |
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| And then....there is that amazing view |
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| awe-inspiring |
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| hike...haik...haik..hike |
At 0850H, we arrived at the first house along the dirt path. Since members of the big group that already went ahead of us were the first ones to reach the said rest station (
and we never knew that the second house is just a few steps ahead), we had to rest along the trail while tending to Bette who suddenly felt under the weather.
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| the first house / rest station along the trail |
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| the second house / rest station...playing with basketball with kiddos |
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| hardcore hikers |
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| ok na daw sya... :) |
We then decided to take it easy and turn to "Team Relax" mode by spending more time chitchatting with each other as we were really not in a hurry anyway. Besides, we decided to put a gap between us and the other group of mountaineers so that we can have and enjoy the summit for ourselves after they are through scaling it. Hence, I really do hope you would not mind if this post gets flooded with photos. Anyways, it will provide you with additional information.
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| At the 2nd House |
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| Gulugod 5: Allan, Jaime, Gani, Oliver and Bette |
More than an hour had passed when we decided to leave the second house and commenced hiking. While we had brief rests along the trail and of course pictorial sessions, we were able to reach the fourth and final house at 1045H. At 1110H, we left the confines of the trees as we reach the open trail ("
Teletubbyland") Mt. Gulugod Baboy is famous for.
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| Buwis buhay Allan...in his element again |
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| approaching the 4th and final house along the trail |
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| at the fourth house...look at the pile of bottles |
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| syempre dapat maraming pics |
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| hanapin kung nasaan diyan ang uwak... |
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| Just before we enter the open trail |
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| picture...rest mode |
As cows and goats greeted us in Gulugod Baboy's version of "Teletubbyland", we were instantly awed by the view. We then directly went straight to the middle peak. As the sun started to blaze its glory, we proceeded to this tree so that we can at least enjoy a little bit of shade.
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| malayo ang tingin |
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| we are now in Teletubbyland |
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| buti na lang medyo foggy |
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| aprub |
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| approaching the middle peak |
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| teletubbies...where is that talking sun? |
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| oks na oks |
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| a walk in the clouds |
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| and daming amorseco |
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| finally...heehee |
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| ayan pababa na sila...kami naman ang susunod |
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| Allan...aakyat na yan...hehe |
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| lookout |
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| medyo maaraw na |
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| at naghintay kaming makababa yung ibang mountaineers hehe |
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| Mt. Pinagbanderahan...with the famous Gulugod Baboy Tree on the right |
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| Shade is a luxury in this mountain |
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| enjoy life...enjoy nature...we are Skookum Mountaineers |
We then advanced to the famous "desolate tree" of Mt. Gulugod Baboy before continuing to the summit of the tallest of the three peaks. According to accounts, this peak is known as Mt. Pinagbanderahan and Mt. Gulugod Baboy is the peak on the left (NE) as you emerge from the forest. There are different accounts actually, so just be guided accordingly.
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| the desolate tree |
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| Si Allan po yan...with his usual buwis buhay antics |
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| lipad Allan lipad...hehe |
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| at the famous lonesome tree of Mt.Gulugod Baboy |
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| PBB Teens :) |
Lady luck may have smiled on us since thick clouds began to cover us from the searing rays of the sun as we arrived in the summit of Mt. Pinagbanderahan. The view at the top was really so amazing. Maricaban Island and Sombrero Island are visible to the South and a bit farther on the horizon is Mindoro. To the left you will see Batangas Bay, Verde Island and Mt. Lobo. Also visible are Mt. Maculot, Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, as well as, Mt. Batulao, Pico de Loro, and Balayan Bay.
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| Gani..midway to the top |
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| towing the ridge line |
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| talagang may payong pa...Gulugod Baboy at the back |
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| Mt. Lobo, Batangas Bay, and Verde Island |
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| Oist...wag kang tatalon sa ulap...hehe |
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| nagtatanggal ng amorseco hehe |
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| Batangas Bay |
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| Happy Hiker |
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| Panoramic shot (taken from Pinagbanderahan Peak) |
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| Drunken Master hehe |
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| Ano hinuhuli mo? |
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| Left: Maricaban Island Right: Sombrero Island |
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| muni-muni muna kahit umiinit na |
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| sweeties |
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| ayan monopod naman |
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| istatyoo? |
After satisfying the shutterbugs in us, we decided to have lunch at the nearby residential area. We settled at the veranda cum local store past the community wellspring. We decided to have another extended rest period there, spending time taking off amorseco seeds that stubbornly attached to our leggings, socks, and shoe laces.
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| going to the residential area after exploring the ridge |
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| single file... |
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| amorseco |
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| medyo makati rin sya |
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| At the local store...itagay na ang red horse hehe |
We then continued hiking at 1410H and immediately went to the summit of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. We arrived there fifteen minutes later. Since the friendly clouds covered us at that time, we spent a considerable time there taking pictures (particularly jumpshots) and enjoying the view.
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| that is the community waiting shed...the wellspring is on the left...coming from the local store |
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| with Mt. Batulao and Balayan Bay in the background |
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| Pinagbanderahan as seen from Gulugod Baboy |
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| beneath the mountain is a residential area...and a concrete road |
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| At the peak of Mt. Gulugod Baboy |
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| akyat tayo ulit hehe |
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| Jaime |
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| picture perfect |
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| Gulugod Baboy...Skookumized |
At 1515H we started to descend the mountain and arrived at the second house (from the summit) at 1535H where we had a brief rest, just enough to catch our breaths. As the trail is now all downhill, we arrived at the end of the footpath/start of the concrete road in less than an hour from the time we started to descend (1405H).
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| panorama |
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| serene and refreshing sight |
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| nakayuko ka pa diyan hehe |
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| balik tayo ulit...haik haik haik |
Eventually, we arrived at Philpan at 1620H. Since we decided to at least do some beach bumming, we opted to wash up at Philpan Dive Resort for P60.00 and haggled that we be no longer required to pay for the cottage fee. Fortunately, the resort management agreed.
We really enjoyed swimming as we even had the opportunity to do some fish feeding. Of course, we had the golden opportunity of enjoying a truly magnificent sunset.
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| Going to the beach area in Philpan |
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| Boats anyone? |
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| waiting for...??? |
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| Lovers in Anilao |
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| at nag-effort gumawa ng #puso |
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| aysus! |
*Credits to Gani, Allan and Jaime for the photos
Traipsing Chronicles 008
008.031.014
Mt. Gulugod Baboy / Mt. Pinagbanderahan
Minor Climb: 2/9
Highlights: Rolling Terrain, Teletubbyland, Unobstructed views of Batangas Bay, Balayan Bay, Maricaban, Sombrero and Verde Islands
***One can actually finish the hike uphill in 1hr 30 minutes, but as mentioned, we decided to take it easy. Of course, we have our own transportation so we have the luxury of time.
Actual Itinerary
0420H Departure from QC for Mabini, Batangas
0630H Arrival at the Town Center; eat breakfast; buy extra provisions
0730H Left Town Center for Anilao (Philpan Dive Resort)
0745H Arrival at Philpan Dive Resort
0815H Start Trek to Mt. Gulugod Baboy
0835H Arrival at the start of the dirt trail / "intersection"
0850H Arrival at the 1st House
0900H Very long break at the 2nd House / Skookum Stories
1020H Commence Hike
1045H Arrival at the 4th and final house
1110H Arrival at the Open Area
1115H Settled at the peak in the middle (fondly referred to as "Gitna") - shutterbugs
1130H Arrival at the Summit of Mt. Pinagbanderahan - shutterbugs
1215H Went down to the Residential Area
1230H Lunch at the local store
1410H Commence hike
1425H Arrival at the summit of Mt. Gulugod Baboy - shutterbugs
1515H Start trek back to the jump-off point (Philpan)
1535H Arrival at the 2nd House from the summit - brief rest
1550H Arrival at the 3rd House from the summit - brief rest
1605H Arrival at the store at the end of the footpath / start of the concrete road
1620H Arrival at Philpan
Sidetrip Activities
*Swimming at the sea (Philpan Dive Resort) and watching the sunset until 1830H
*Dinner at one of the local Bulalo eateries in Batangas City 1920H
2220H Arrived in QC
Jump-off Point. The trail starts at the cemented road in front of Philpan.
Incidentally, PhilPan is a 9-kilometer drive from the town center. From the junction, you need to take the right turn and just before you reach the port in Anilao, take the left turn. Go straight until you reach Philpan. Parking spaces and rest areas are available.
Registration fee is Php 30.00 per person and the parking fee is Php 50.00.
The trail is established and there are really no tricky portions except that possibility of missing the turn to the dirt path and the fork after the 4th house where hikers need to take the trail on the left.
Wash-up Areas. There are wash-up areas/toilets at or near the jump-off point. They usually charge Php 25.00 per person.
Other Trails. There are actually other trails that lead to Mt. Gulugod Baboy, although the one in PhilPan is the most preferred by mountaineers.
There is actually a road that leads up to Gulugod Baboy. And one of the locals informed us that the road was improved because of the plan of the Mayor to convert the area into a tourist area.
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| See how close the end of the road is...it is literally within the bowels of Mt. Gulugod Baboy |
Sidetrip Activities. Sidetrip activities include a short boat ride to the Marine Sanctuary. Short Trips to Sombrero Island and Maricaban Island can also be made. According to one of the locals who approached us, boats are available for hire at Php2,500.00.
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