Tara, hike ta, Sugboanons!
Here are the five most challenging mountain peaks in Cebu! Well, doesn’t that sound like a hiker’s dream, however trend napud ron na daghan ma aksidente tungod sa hiking as Cebu is prone to many geological hazards like landslides, floods, typhoons, and earthquakes. Fear not, we are going to feature five mountain peaks that can satisfy your lust and insatiable craving for scenic mountains where you can create more memories with your friends with many more thrills and giggles while hiking.
What are you waiting for? Here are the five most dangerous mountain peaks in Cebu:
Mount Mauyog
Mountain trekking is one of our favorite hobbies as Cebuanos, even though our mountains do not reach the 1,000 meter height, it doesn’t mean that our mountains are not as magnificent. There’s a unique magic to them, Mount Mauyog is one of them. Not only does it boast its brain-like formation, but it also offers a mind-blowing heart pumping climb. This makes things even better, it has a refreshing mountain breeze that gives you a soothing quick escape from the busy life of the city. The only sad part is that it comes with a hefty guide fee.
Mount Mauyog maintains to be one of the popular tourist destinations in Balamban, while various peaks like Mt Manunggal are also located in this province. However, Mount Mauyog is not for the likes of beginners, it is a test of endurance. Experienced trekkers may struggle due to the steep and narrow path but it depends on your level of preparedness as well as the gear needed to trek.
How To Get There?
- From Ayala Cebu Terminal: Take a v-hire ride bound to Balamban, don’t forget to tell the driver to drop you off at crossing or jump off to Brgy. Sunog, Balamban.
- Habal-Habal: From Crossing to Brgy Sunog, take a habal habal ride bound to Mount Mauyog. Don’t forget to tell your driver to drop you off at the Mount Mauyog starting point to drop you off at the starting point to register for your safety.
Casino Peak
This mountain isn’t called the “Chocolate Hills of Southern Luzon” for nothing. A fan favorite than the neighboring mountain Osmeña Peak — This is Casino Peak. As you reach the top of the mountain, you’ll get to feast your eyes on the ethereal sight that will remind you of Bohol’s scenic topography. Hikers will also enjoy the panorama of Tañon Strait and Badian.
The trek up Casino Peak from the information center is actually very short and hardly considered a trek in my opinion. The total trekking time to reach the summit is ten minutes although it is pretty steep. The track is clear but it is not marked at all.
How To Get There?
- Habal Habal: Ride a habal habal that can take you to Sitio Lugsangan where Casino Peak is located after arriving at Mantalongon Public market. The habal habal ride can cost you fifty pesos per person per ride but there are some who will charge you with seventy pesos per person per ride. The travel time is 15-20 minutes.
- Bus: You can ride the direct bus to Mantalongon in Dalaguete at Carbon. Transit time is roughly 2.5 minutes and bus fare is ₱120.
Mount Kapayas
Mount Kapayas is the second highest mountain in Cebu and it is never easy to climb. Also known as the Lantawan Peak, the mountain is located in Catmon, the northern part of the Cebu Province. It is one of the biodiversity areas in Cebu, therefore it is protected by the local government and residents.
Here’s an important note: before climbing, you need to hire a guide and secure a permit from the municipality and register at the police station. This is for the sake of your safety and also to facilitate the rescue efforts in case of emergencies.
How To Get There?
- By Bus: Buses from the North Terminal in Cebu City head to Catmon and the travel time takes around two hours to reach the municipality.
- By Habal Habal: Ride a habal habal going to the jump off point which will take you an hour
Mount New Bucao
Head to Mount New Bucao and indulge in the spellbinding views of Malubog Lake. Like its neighboring mountain, Mount Tagaytay, it is relatively new and unknown to a very few riders and travelers visiting this peak. You’ll be able to enjoy the ambiance and enjoy the wonderful view without the queues of travelers waiting for their turn.
The actual trail to the mountains starts easy but eventually, the path becomes steeper and more challenging especially during the rainy season. The hike is not for the faint of heart, but once you finally reach the summit, it’s worth it.
How To Get There?
- By Bus: Ride a bus from South Bus Terminal going to Toledo and get dropped off at Julie’s Bakeshop in Barangay Magdugo.
- By Habal Habal: From there, ride a habal habal to Manutu River. There are also jeepneys from Toledo City to Barangay Casoy.
Bocaue Peak
You don’t need to drive far away from the city to experience a wonderful hiking trail in Cebu. Boncaue Peak is located in Bonbon, Cebu City and it is one of the most accessible hiking spots in the city. However, unlike the easy drive, it is even trickier to go up the peak. The challenge might mean nothing but what’s waiting for at the top is a 360-degree panorama of the view of the city and its surrounding mountains.
Most people don’t like to be lost on a hiking trail, but the inevitable will always happen and that makes us feel a little helpless and vulnerable. But getting lost can sometimes lead you to the most unexpected destinations, an exciting character-building adventure.and we learn that from many travel quotes, testimonies, and lessons about that stay close to our hearts if we ever come across Bocaue Peak.
How To Get There?
- Get to Cebu City’s Guadalupe church.
- Hire a habal habal at the back of the church’s premises, to get you to Sitio Napo. Fare is twenty pesos per person.
- From Sitio Napo, take the trail to Mount Babag, then detour the 5-towers trail. I recommend that you hire a guide or someone that knows the trail to avoid getting lost.
And that’s it, mga Sugbuanons! Here are the five most dangerous mountain peaks in Cebu City, but here’s the thing, every rough patch can lead to a beautiful panorama. No matter how challenging it can be, these unexpected pleasures can make you think that life is filled with adventure because life isn’t life without any problems at all.
