Mt. Gulod Dayhike Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Introduction

Mt. Gulod is a private mountain that offers a relaxing view of the sea of clouds, sunrise, and panoramic views of the Sierra Madre Mountain range. Mt. Gulod is located in Sitio Ibucao, Brgy. Laiban, Tanay, Rizal. Because of its vicinity to Manila, the stunning sea of clouds, and the serene place, it’s become one of the most visited hiking destinations and camping sites in the province of Rizal.

Name: Mt. Gulod
Difficulty: 1/9
Features: picnic and camping site, a possible sea of clouds, stargazing and marvelous view of the Sierra Madre mountain range

My trip to Mt. Gulod

After many months of sitting in front of the computer and being stressed, I decided to hike again, this time in the province of Rizal. I just want to take a short break and enjoy nature for a while and let go of everything that makes me feel stressed.

For this reason, I join an organized tour going to Mt. Gulod and being a solo joiner I arrived at the meetup place at 4 am at Shaw Greenfield Mcdo but the van left Greenfield around 4:45 am because some members are late in the meetup place. As a result, we arrived at the jump-off around 6:30 am and started the hike.

Because it was raining the day before the trip, the trail going to Mt. Gulod campsite is so muddy, so we have to be very slow and careful with our steps. We have a short walk for at least 30 minutes, the trail is so easy and we arrived at the campsite at 7 am.

I was stoked by the magnificent view and serenity of the place. Undoubtedly, I deserve this kind of view and it’s worth the trip. Furthermore, mountain breeze is a welcome respite if you are from the city. Also I noticed that Mt. Gulod is a kid-friendly and pet-friendly place too. Then we saw a store near the campsite so we have our breakfast first, we buy Cornsilog.

Beautiful view at Mt. Gulod — Beautiful view

We saw a bountiful of beautiful flowers in the surroundings and we admire them and take pictures of them. Indeed, it’s a beautiful morning at the mountain.

the store near the campsite of Mt. Gulod

Picturesque view at Mt. Gulod — Picturesque view

Then we start walking again towards the summit and we saw a nipa hut, we take pictures there and after that, we take a lot of pictures and videos of one of the famous attractions, the view deck of Mt. Gulod, where you can enjoy the sea of clouds, unfortunately, we are late arriving at jump-off, so there’s no sea of clouds. But the scenic view of the ridge is still so beautiful and relaxing. I can see the Sierra Madre Mountain range in a 360-degree view and we breathed in the fresh air. For this reason, I found myself smiling more lately.

After done snapping some photos and videos, our group headed back to the jump-off point. After forty minutes of hiking, we finally reached the jump-off. Then we saw a small store there and we buy some food and fresh coconut juice.

overlooking at the summit of Mt. Gulod — The blogger overlooking Sierra Madre mountain range from the summit of Mt. Gulod

We finish the hike at 11 am. Then we have our lunch and side trip at Sierra Madre Mountain Resort. Therefore, we ordered rice, fried egg with tapa, and milk tea for our lunch. Then we have a short talk about the mountains we climbed before like Treasure Mountain and Mt. Secret.

After our lunch, we explore the place and we feel like we are in Baguio City. We can see lots of tall pine trees and the place is so peaceful. I love the vast greenery and the swimming pool below. Also, we can see lots of couples doing prenuptial shoots for their wedding preparation. In addition, the place is pet friendly too and it’s good for family bonding. Our group stayed at Sierra Madre Mountain Resort for two hours. Then later we come back to Manila safe and sound. Without a doubt, it’s a quite enjoyable day tour. Overall the trip was awesome. Indeed, it’s definitely a great weekend for me.

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Mt. Gulod

2AM – Assembly
2:30AM – ETD Manila to Tanay, Rizal
4:30AM – ETA Tanay, brief orientation, start trekking
6AM – Viewing of the sunrise and the sea of clouds at Mt. Gulod view deck
7:30AM – Breakfast near the campsite
10AM – Washup, tidy-up
11AM – Going on a side trip
12PM – Lunch
1PM – Free time, explore the side trip place
4PM – ETD from Rizal
6PM – ETA Manila, end of day tour

Note: this sample itinerary is just a basis and not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors.

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Gulod:

Packed breakfast and lunch (optional)
1 to 2 liters of water
Trail food
Umbrella or cap
Extra clothes and extra money
Personal hygiene kit
Flashlight or Headlamp
Camera
Toiletries
Trash bag for your waste (Leave No Trace Principle)

Tips:

If you go to Mt. Gulod, don’t visit on weekends because it’s overcrowded there, I suggest you go on weekdays.

According to the locals, the best time to go there is around 5 to 6 am, so you can see the sea of clouds and catch the sunrise, you can bring food and snacks. But bring your own garbage bag. Do not leave your trash.

Make sure to bring your own flashlights or headlamps and be ready with appropriate clothing if ever you plan on staying overnight at Mt. Gulod campsite because it’s so cold there according to the locals.

Entrance Fee
Day tour (from 5AM-5PM) – 120 pesos per head
Overnight (from 4PM-9AM) – 250 pesos per head

Tourguide
100 pesos for 5 persons
Additional 20 in excess

Reminders:

Mt. Gulod is a minor climb and it’s a perfect mountain for beginners and newbies. In addition, it has a well-established trail.

Day tour walk-in is allowed but overnight camping is strictly upon reservation.

Please observe safety first. You should only walk through designated trails to prevent accidents.

There is a signal for all network users but there’s no electricity. Also, there are comfort rooms but a shower is not allowed as the water source is limited only.

Respect the locals and respect the place. You can bring food but put your trash in the right manner after eating. Moreover, don’t leave your valuables unattended.

Smoking is only allowed in the designated areas.

The golden rule of traveling – Leave No Trace (LNT). Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, keep nothing but memories.

The hike to the summit of Mt. Gulod will last for forty-five minutes or less at an average pace and with minimal rest.

The lights off start at 11 pm. Please observe silence and respect other guests. No shouting in the middle of the night.

Picking flowers, fruits, and other plants is not allowed. Any damage to property will be penalized.

Bikes, motorcycles, and 4×4 cars can enter the site. However during the rainy season, if the trail is super muddy, you might need to trek for about fifteen to thirty minutes from the intersection up to the site.

You can have a side trip to other resorts nearby after the climb.

They have free and safe parking space for bikes and motorcycles.

Eat at the jump-off point because they don’t have cooked foods at the small store near the campsite during weekdays.

The day tour fee in Mt. Gulod is 120 pesos per head. On the other hand, the night tour is 250 pesos per head.

Last but not least, always be a responsible hiker and camper, do not litter, and bring your own trash when u go down.

Other fees:

The tent pitching fee is 100 pesos.

The tent rental fee is 700 pesos plus and it’s good for 2 people (waterproof with a rubber mat), 500 up to 2 people (semi-waterproof with a rubber mat).

Open cottage day tour is 300 pesos, overnight is 500 pesos.

Kubo room or nipa hut cost about 2000 pesos and it’s suitable for 8 people.

A prenup, business promotions, and other pictorial and video shoots are 500 pesos per head, and it’s good for 4 hours. The excess hours are 120 pesos per head and per hour.

Motor Habal is 150 pesos per head one way to the camping site.

No corkage fee.

How to Get to Mt. Gulod

By Commute

From Cubao, ride an FX van or jeep bound to Cogeo Gate 2. The terminal is located near the MRT station, in front of Jollibee, and along Aurora Boulevard. The fare for the FX van is 40 pesos while the jeep fare is 36 pesos.
Then drop off at Cogeo Jollibee near the overpass then turn right. After passing the market you will see a 7-Eleven convenience store on the left side and after that, you will see the jeepney terminal.
Then ride a jeep going to Sampaloc, Tanay and drop off at Sitio Mayagay 1 or Martessem. The fare is 60 pesos.
Enter Mayagay 1 and then follow the road going to Barangay Laiban and turn left at the intersection with Mt. Gulod signage or look for Jungco Residence (the house before the basketball court). Fill up the registration form and settle your fees after that you will be guided and assisted to the site.

By Private Vehicle

From Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal turn left going to Barangay Laiban. Then turn left again to see the Mt. Gulod signage.

There you have it. Take time to make your soul happy and let the mountain set you free. Overall, I hope this Mt. Gulod travel guide and reference has been helpful to you and inspired you to visit the mountain. Also, don’t forget to share this with your companion, friends, groups and loved ones if you ever plan on doing the Mt. Gulod day hike too. Have a good day. Thanks for reading.