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 BatangasBay.
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.
Story and Photos by Joseph Mendoza