Last weekend, I reunited with long-time friends and org mates from my college outdoor club. Since most of my companions haven't hiked in years, we decided on an easy trail where the travel time is longer than the hike itself.
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| with the old gang, Joey, Jules & Alan |
From Paranaque, we followed directions to Gulugod Baboy Campsite (Link to Google maps pin here). By the time we reached the trail head, it was past 10:00 AM. Fortunately, the summer heat was subdued by the wind and a bit of cloud cover. I couldn't be more grateful. After paying the entrance fees, we started our short ascent. From the parking lot, there are two view points you can visit. Facing the sea, we took the the trail on the right side and geez, was it a lucky pick. The ascent took less than 10 minutes! Despite being a very short one, it is a legitimate trail with a reward of a 360 degree view of Balayan and Batangas Bay and other mountains.
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| Alan, Pat and their kids |
After our hike, we grabbed some snacks at a sari-sari store near the parking lot, then made our way to the beach by following the circumferential road toward Barangay Solo. The longer trail up Gulugod Baboy is also along that route, across Philpan Resort. Since the road is lined with lots of beach resorts so just picked one that had reasonable day tour rates and good parking, The Philip Ann Resort, a diving resort. Our random decision turned out to be an awesome choice!
The service at the resort was really good. The staff were super friendly and attentive. Their restaurant offered a variety of food from Asian to Western - and the meaty boodle fight we tried was both affordable and very tasty. It was more than enough for 5 adults and 2 kids. (Travel Note : Day rates cost 599 for adults and 299 for kids, inclusive of welcome drinks, pool use, hut, kayak, aqua shoes rental.)
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| our delicious post hike lunch at The Philip Ann resort |
After lunch, Joey and I borrowed a tandem kayak. it was peak of the afternoon heat, but we didn't really mind. It felt wonderful just paddling around and catching up in the open sea. After returning the kayak, I went for a swim. The underwater scenery was so lively - right by the shore, you can already see lots of colorful fishes swimming around in the shallow water. The water gradually gets deeper though, so you need to watch out if you don't know how to swim. (Travel Note : Life jackets are available if you need it.)
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| at the Philip Ann Resort in Mabini, Batangas |
We left the resort past 3:00 PM, just in time to make it back to Alabang for dinner. What a day well-spent reconnecting with old friends I haven't seen in ages!
Gulugod Baboy Fees (if coming from the campsite area)
Parking Fee - 100 Pesos
Entrance Fee - 100 Pesos (kids are free)
Parking Fee - 100 Pesos
Entrance Fee - 100 Pesos (kids are free)