Camille goes Hiking: Mt. Gulugod Baboy

Hello, everyone! I'm back with another travel blog! YAY (chz) I am going to tell you about our hiking trip to Mt. Gulugod Baboy or Mt. Pinagbandirahan. The mountain is located in Anilao, Batangas and its pure beauty. It is said that it is called Mt. Pinagbandirahan because this is where Japanese troops displayed their flag. However, it's much more famous in the name of Mt. Gulugod Baboy, because they said that the mountain resembles to the spine of a pig.

Going to Batangas we took a bus going to Batangas Grand Terminal (Fare: Php 125/tudent), from the terminal we then rode a jeepney going to Mabini (Fare: Php35) where we took a tricycle (Fare: Php40/head) going to the Jump-off which is Philpan Dive Resort. When we were about to leave Manila, it was already raining, we prayed for the rain to stop but it didn't. When we got to the jump-off are it was still drizzling, so we waited for like 30 mins. hoping that the rain would stop. While waiting, we registered in the "Barangay Captain's House" and payed fees, including environmental fee (Php 30) & guide fee (Php 500). After 30 mins., the rain kind of died down a little so we decided to start the hike since we want to head back to manila before dark.

The climb was supposed to be easy, but because of the weather we had a hard time hiking up. We did not anticipate the rain, so we came unprepared. Before entering the forest, you are going to hike up a cemented road, and it was tiring AF. It is easier to hike on dirt than on a cemented road. It took us about 20 mins to arrive at the foot of the mountain trail. We rested a little, and then continued the hike. Since it was raining, the hike up was foggy, but still beautiful.

You can see here, the type of trail the mountain has, it's kind of loose when its dry so when it rains it'll be all mud. That's what happened during our hike. The trail was muddy and slippery, so when you slip you will need to use your own hands for support because there's no tree to hold on to.

Along the trail, we took the opportunity to take foggy "artsy" photos.

Also, there are houses along the way, you can rest and even buy soda (yes, only soda). During our hike, we encountered many other hikers that did not let the rain spoil the experience. (TIP: When hiking, greet other hikers you meet along the way. A simple "Good Morning/Afternoon" would do.)

This is me and my friend, Maya while taking a rest in one of the houses along the trail.

Our guide was kind enough to take a picture of us, while we are resting in the middle of the mountain.

After a good two hours, we finally reached the summit. The view was incredible like any other mountains. The summit of Mt. Gulugod can be described as rolling hills, because there are several peaks you can go to. When we got there, we first took a rest and eat our packed lunch. After eating, we explored the summit. We went to the different peaks of it and of course took photos.

This is one of several peaks of the mountain.

and this picture made it to my instagram feed! Actually many pics from this trip made it to my feed! HAHAHA because I can't choose just one.

I recommend this mountain to begginers and leisure hikers like myself. Consider this mountain a training for your next climb! Can't wait to climb another mountain again! See you all soon!

With love,

Camille :)

#Hike #Philippines #MtGulugod