Mount Mabilog is a hike and swim destination. The journey starts at Lake Pandin in San Pablo, Laguna and heads you to the summit of Mount Mabilog with a moderate climb for most part of the course.
#TaleOfTheTrail
At 441 MASL, Mount Mabilog is a feel-good hike. It combines a short climb with mostly moderate ascent and an appreciation of Lake Pandin and Lake Yambo. It’s located at Barangay San Lorenzo, San Pablo City. It’s accessible via Lucena bound bus and stopping by San Pablo City. You can commute to Lake Pandin via jeep or tricycle. We opted to have an arranged tour for convenience.
Map and Elevation
The climb starts at Pandin lake and goes on a moderate ascent for the first two kilometers. The course goes steeper as you ascend the summit going into the third kilometer. The route heads back to the lake.
Trekking Mount Mabilog
From the drop off point, it’s about 10-15 minute easy paced walk to Lake Pandin. Once you reach, Lake Pandin, you’ll immediately be impressive with the huge lake and its scenic backdrop. Lake Pandin is one access point to Mount Mabilog. We had guides on the tour and it was nice that our guide shared a bit of history of the place and the simplicity of their lives in the area. They are mostly self-sufficient since they have plantations and also can catch fish at the lake.
We went on at just an easy paced walk since the ascent is just moderate. It’s a feel good trail and it also gives you peeks of Lake Yambo and Lake Pandin. The two lakes are twin lakes and is part of the 7 lakes of San Pablo. It was also a cool and misty morning that made the trails a lot more convenient. It’s mostly covered with a rural forest feel. The trails are single track and it’s surrounded by different trees, grasslands and plantations. The next kilometer had a short climb and a steep ascent but it’s doable and even went faster on this stretch. One advantage of a short climb is that you can brave these short stretches of steepness.
The trail opens up after two kilometers. You get really a rich nature view from this perspective. The climb also gets steeper from this point. We took the chance to be mesmerized by the surroundings to take photos and rest up before the big climb.
The Trails Goes Steep
I am just impressed by the lush green surroundings. It was a bit foggy though so it could have been better on a clearer day. At least, it was not hot. The heat can really add to a challenging train. With the trails getting steeper, we took more breaks.
There was a nice Kubo before the last climb. We took a rest there and had our snack before the final push to the summit. It was less than 500 meters to the top so we just went on to endure the struggle. We can be challenge by so many ways when the trail becomes steeper. It’s strengthens the quads and also toughens up our lung power. We endured the climb until we’ve reached the summit.
The Summit
Every summit is a reward on its own. Mt Mabilog summit had a view of the lake. Aside from the lake, it gives you a view of the nearby mountains in San Pablo, Laguna.
We took our snacks at the summit. It was fun taking group jump shots while appreciating the scenery. We were also hoping that the foggy backdrop would clear out a bit for a better view of the lake. It did clear out a bit before we started our descent.
Time to Descend
We then headed back down. It took us about 1:30 minutes climbing Mount Mabilog. It should take us less than an hour for the descent. With gravity on our side this time, we went on to go at a faster pace except on the steep descent part where we had to be extra careful.
It was a good workout especially the speed sets heading back. There are some turns in the route that can lead you into a totally different locale in San Pablo and Laguna. It’s always safe to follow your guide as there’s a huge chance of getting lost especially when you take the wrong turn. We brisk walked our way out of the trail since it was mostly flats and descents.
Lake Pandin
We had lunch in the middle of Lake Pandin using a floating raft. It was such a sweet experience to have lunch while traversing the lake. We had fish, shrimps and veggies and it was delicious. All of our food were taken from the lake and the nearby plantation. The view was really refreshing with the green lake waters surrounded by the mountains.
We also took a short trek to the other side, which was Lake Yambu. Yambu and Pandin are twin lakes. It also shows that calm serene feel like Pandin. We then went back to Pandin lake to join the rest for a swim. The lake was really deep as in 63 meters deep, so you really have to wear a vest.
It was fun swimming at the late. The water was fresh and cold. It was just a real challenge going back to the raft but we do find ways to get back at the raft. I also enjoyed the swing in the middle of the lake.
After our time at the swing, it was our time to head back early afternoon. We were back in Manila by 6 pm to end a packed day and an all around adventure.
