Birthday Climb at the Pig's Spine (Mt. Gulugod Baboy) + Fortalez Island

               To leave you stunned. Towering at 525 MASL, you can purely enjoy Mt. Gulugod Baboy's vibrant scenery of rolling hills, the 360-degree scenic view of Batangas with the West Philippine Sea and dramatic view of the sky in the background.

Gulugod Baboy, means pig's spine, because of the contours of the hills. “Gulod”, however, means hill; “pig’s hill” can also depict the pastoral scene of the mountain. The mountain has three peaks, the first is 470+ MASL "Gulugod Baboy", the second is 485+ MASL "Gitna", and the third which is the highest peak at 525+ MASL "Mt. Pinagbanderahan" (or as what the mountaineers referred to as the real Gulugod Baboy).

Jump-off point: Philpan Dive Resort, Anilao, Mabini

LLA: 13°42’55″N; 120°53’43″E; 525 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: Half-day / 1-2 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-2

Features: Scenic views of Batangas Bay and Balayan Bay

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So let's talk about how my first DIY (do-it-yourself) - KKB (kanya-kanyang bayad) organized / birthday climb event went:

0700: Arrived at Philpan Dive Resort, the jump-off point of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. We tidied up a little, (paid Php 5.00 for the use of the comfort room) and then proceeded to the registration area.  

Registration / Environmental fee - Php 35.00

We started at 0740, the initial trail is an uphill concrete road (which I thought was the only ascending part of the trail).

The 2/9 difficulty was actually purely assault, we were at least fortunate that the sun's atmosphere wasn't that scotching.

As you trek, you will pass by residential areas, and you will not only be greeted by its locals, or the mountaineers, but also number of dogs, cows and cow's dung.

Always keep proper trail etiquette. 

Climbed up their first mountain! Proud of these ladies (L: my sister, Marga; R: my friend, Mai)

Mt. Gulugod Baboy's famous ancient tree (landmark)

Thank you DIY Travel Philippines, I met these friends who joined my organized event. You are all very nice and sweet. Yay! Till our next climb. *hugs*

Group photo: From left to right: (standing) Robie, Rhea, Rustan, Diana, Marga, Kim, Florence, Mai, Ken, Rizza (sitting) Rap, Jeric, Arnelle, Gello

Around 1200, we arrived back at the jump-off, tidied up, and changed clothing. We were hungry yet we opted to eat our lunch at the Island.

Originally, our plan was to visit Sombrero Island, yet the boatman told us that due to unfortunate extreme waves, crossing the said island might be risky. We were then given other choices: Fortaleza Island (also known as Oscar Island), or Masasa Island, one of Tingloy's best kept secret. You can either take public transportation (Tingloy Port), or rent a private boat, rental to Masasa from the jump-off is around Php 6,000.00.

Hop aboard to your designated boat for a 30-minute ride to the island.
(buhis buhay shot hahaha)

With my sister :)

Sombrero Island from afar. The island resembles the shape of a hat.

1300, group photo before we dig in - lunch :)

1345, we went out to explore the island. The sun was truly scorching - do not forget to apply sun screen and hydrate!

starfish

"Hiiiiii"

Haha see! It was hoooot!

(Click on images to enlarge)

Ride back to the jump-off. Look who's busy updating her snapchat? Lol

Summary of expenses:

(MT. GULUGOD-BABOY)

Php 5,500.00 - RT van transfer

Php 5.00 - use of comfort room 

Php 35.00 - registration / environmental fee

Php 800.00 - guide fee

(WITH ISLAND - FORTALEZ ISLAND)

Php 2,500.00 - RT boat transfer (max of 10 pax)

Php 800.00 - two cottages

Php 100.00 - island entrance fee per head

Php 3,500.00 - lunch 
          Inclusion of: 6 kilos liempo, 4 kilos fish, 4 kilos rice,
          1 gallon water + ice and use of necessary utensils

Php 35.00 - shower fee back at the jump-off point

Damage: 15 pax = Php 1,100.00 - 1,200.00 

Our final itinerary:

0300 - 0330 Meet up at Welcome Rotonda, Burger King

0400 Depart

0700 ETA Philpan Dive Resort, tidy up, registration

0730 Start trek 

0900 Summit, photo ops, photo ops, photo ops

1030 Start decent

1200 Jump off 

1215 - 1230 Tidy up, hop to your boat 

1300 Arrival at Fortalez Island (Oscar Island) 

1300 - 1700 Lunch, swim, photo ops 

1700 Depart

1730 Jump-off, tidy up

1815 Depart

2130 Arrival in Manila

Verdict:

Mt. Gulugod-Baboy will truly leave you in awe. Considering its minor difficulty, I will recommend it to all non-climbers, or beginner. Again, don't forget to bring along with you at least two liters of water to keep you hydrated and application of sun screen is advisable. Fortalez Island on the other hand was surprisingly beautiful, there are sea urchins though, so take care of your steps. You may also want to bring your snorkeling gear, or you can rent it for Php 200.00.

Got questions or concerns?
Feel free to hit me a private message in any of my account, or email me at rizzajoanna(AT)gmail(DOT)com. I provide you Kuya Globert's (our Gulugod Baboy and Island contact person), or the contact details of our van transfer. THANK YOU! *smiles*

"Kill nothing but time.

Leave nothing but footprints.

Take nothing but pictures.

Keep nothing but memories."

All photos are mine unless stated otherwise. Feel free to use, but please give credit. Thank you.

More photos on my facebook: Rizza Salas


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April 20, 2016

Mt. Gulugod Baboy
Fotalez Island (Oscar Island)

Anilao, Batangas, Philippines