About Mt. Mabilog
Situated in San Pablo City, Laguna, Mt. Mabilog is a beginner-friendly hiking destination that offers stunning panoramic views of the Seven Lakes, including the enchanting Lake Pandin and Yambo. With its manageable trails, lush greenery, and refreshing breeze, this mountain is perfect for day hikes and nature escapes. Mt. Mabilog is not just a trek—it’s a peaceful retreat for adventure seekers and weekend travelers looking to reconnect with nature.
Mabilog measures 441+ MASL and difficulty of 2/9, Minor climb, Trail class 1-3. Hiking this mountain can definitely bring an extreme and remarkable experience because of its muddy trail. Still, there's a wide picture of the Laguna and the nearby mountains, such as Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. Not only that, the reflection of the sky can also be seen on the water of the seven lakes.
Today, our adventure is a combination of hiking, waterfalls, and heritage sites as part of our Batang Hamog Climb for Independence 2014. We arrived at Pandin Lake at around 3:40 PM. From afar, the lake looks like a mirror that is an extension of the sky. The area is surrounded by trees, coconuts, and other plants, perfect for relaxation. The ambience in the area is cool, the air is fresh, and the water is clear.
We left Pandin Lake at around 4:37 PM and started trekking. The first part of the trail is well-established and serves as the trail for the locals and their horses to transport local products. The next part was complicated because of the forked trails pointing in every direction. Then, the ten to twenty-minute assault on the campsite.
The Summit of Mt. Mabilog
Upon reaching the summit, we took a few minutes to rest and started pitching our tents; the others were preparing our sumptuous dinner. We camped overnight on the summit and had the same old routine, sharing a lot of stories and surprises. It was a long night with laughter, welcoming two newfound friends from Israel.
The summit, which also serves as the campsite, has a wide area that can accommodate several tents. It also has a perfect view of Mt. Banahaw, the "Holy Mountain", and Mt. Cristobal, the "Devil's Mountain." During our ascent, the summits of these two giants seem to be playing "peek a boo" by hiding in the clouds. The lakes are like mirrors with the gorgeous reflection of the sunset. The wind is fresh, cool, and relaxing.
Cows, horses, and goats are spread in the area, so expect animal poops. During our overnight stay, I got insect and ant bites; insect repellent location is highly recommended. Also, dogs were visiting the summit, so make sure that your leftovers are stored properly. And remember the “Leave No Trace” principle.
I slept for only two hours, then woke up at around five thirty in the morning. Prepared our breakfast and started our descent to Pandin Lake. Had an hour break by the lake. This time, we were able to blend with the locals and discover their culture. After the lunch break, we headed back to the parking area and proceeded to Bunga Twin Falls. This gorgeous waterfall is forty-five minutes' travel from the jump-off.
After enjoying the relaxing ambience of Bunga Falls, we proceeded to our last destination, the famous and old Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery. From Bunga Falls, it was almost an hour's travel to Nagcarlan. It was almost sunset, and the caretaker was about to close the gate when we arrived, but we asked him if we could still enter. When he said YES, we hurriedly entered the main gate at the door of the underground cemetery.
How to Get to Mt. Mabilog
In Kamias, ride a Jam liner bus bound for Lucena. Alight in 7/11 near San Pablo Church. Besides the convenience store, ride in a jeepney bound for Nagcarlan or Liliw and alight at Pandin Lake entrance. Then, the start of the hike.
Summary
A hike to Mt. Mabilog may be short and simple, but the experience is truly rewarding with its scenic views of San Pablo’s Seven Lakes and refreshing natural ambiance. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or just someone seeking a quick escape from the city, this mountain offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Mt. Mabilog proves that sometimes the most memorable journeys come from the simplest trails.
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