Mount Gulugod Baboy & Sombrero Island (Mabini, Batangas)

The province of Batangas is such a huge area, which is subdivided into 31 municipalities and 3 cities. Loads of interesting tourist sites abound such as the famous Taal Volcano, Taal Heritage, and several beaches in Nasugbu, Calatagan, and San Juan. 

Located in southern Batangas, one can discover the so-called birthplace of Philippine diving sites, Anilao, Mabini. 

Even though Anilao prides itself of this water-related hobby, a mountain named Gulugod Baboy resides in this area, which my friends and I decided to conquer last February 8, 2014, and to conclude our trip, refreshed ourselves in the “atmosphere” of Sombrero Island. 

Gulugod Baboy, which literally means “pig’s spine,” is a range of minor peaks. 

We arrived at 10:00 AM at Philpan Dive Resort, which was the jump-off point going to Mount Gulugod Baboy.

 

Philpan Dive Resort

Before we started our trek, we first met Jocelyn, our guide, and signed up in a Registration Book at a nearby hut. Fee per head was Php 30.00.

Near the Registration Area

We began our trudge via a long uphill cemented road and stopped to take photos beside a sign which said “This way to Gologod Baboy”, which we believed, would be the start of the summit assault.

Uphill Cemented Road

Start of Summit Assault?

 
After 30 minutes of continuous uphill trekking, we took shelter at a resting station, wherein there was a nearby hut selling Halo-Halo, Buco Juice, and softdrinks…and yes, it was Mountain Dew time for me! 

Resting Station

Refreshments...anyone?

According to some trekkers, Mount Gulugod Baboy has three peaks: Gulugod Baboy, Gitna, and Pinagbanderahan. 

At 12:15 PM, I reached the first peak (460 MASL). In here, you could already view from afar the Maricaban and Sombrero Islands. 

Peak 1: Gulugod Baboy

The famous tree

The next peak (485 MASL) was completed at 12:35 PM, and the highest peak (520 MASL) was finally conquered at 1:00 PM.

Peak 2: Gitna

Peak 3: Pinagbanderahan

Grazing cows and some goats were seen along the way…no pigs though haha. 

Pinagbanderahan has a historical background. It can be translated, “Where the flag was hoisted”, and it commemorates the crash landing of the Japanese in early 1942. In the heat of World War II, Japanese airmen had a mishap and crash landed in the slopes of Gulugod-Baboy. To celebrate their survival, they planted a flag in the summit. Since then, locals called it “Pinagbanderahan”. 

As I descended, I once more dropped by at a resting station for two rounds of Mountain Dew, and at 2:45 PM, we arrived at the Balayan View Restaurant near jump-off point for lunch.

 

Back at the Resting Station

Balayan View Restaurant

We ordered their Spicy Squid, Gising-gising, and Calamares, all of which were their specialties. Beware...the first two were really spicy!

 

Spicy Squid   

Gising-Gising

Calamares

Bon Appetit!

After the sumptuous late lunch, we then proceeded to our next destination to refreshen our tired bodies, Sombrero Island. 

Before boarding our two rented 10-seater boats, we first paid our trek guide Php 500.00 (group fee). 

Nearing Sombrero Island

 
At 4:05 PM, we reached the island and were amazed by the white sand surrounding the area.

Arrival at Sombrero Island

 
The island was just a very simple island, which did not have any facilities. It was like you were in a Survivor TV series. 

For photoshooting purposes, the island had several nice spots though.

Natural Benches

Emergence

The view and the water were great except for some instances where some of us were stung by Jellyfish.

Before we said our goodbyes to the island, we paid the island caretaker Php 150.00 per head, and alighted from our boats after docking at jump-off area. We paid Php 2,500.00 for each boat. 

Farewell Sombrero Island!

Undoubtedly, this trip was one of the best I had since I infused an “exercise” portion in the morning and an aura of relaxation afterwards. 

Explore Pinas!