Casino Peak brings you a mountain relaxation with a landscape that looks unlike the usual Cebu mountain views. The rocky hills stretch across the horizon, creating rows of rounded peaks that are often compared to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. Read on to find out what to expect at Casino Peak, how to get there, and how much to prepare for your trip.
Where Is Casino Peak?
Casino Peak is located in Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu, an upland area known for its cool weather, farms, and mountain trails. The peak sits within a cluster of rolling hills and is close to other popular hiking destinations, including Osmeña Peak, Kandungaw Peak, Lovers Peak, and Sunset Peak.
A Short Climb to the Top
Unlike some of Cebu’s more demanding mountain trails, reaching Casino Peak does not require hours of trekking. The hike begins near the roadside and involves a relatively short uphill walk before reaching the rocky summit. Even with its short trail, the climb can feel steep in certain sections, so proper footwear is still recommended.
Cebu’s Chocolate Hills-Like Landscape
The main attraction is the view from the summit. Rows of green, rounded hills spread across the surrounding countryside, creating a landscape that gives Casino Peak its Chocolate Hills comparison. On clear days, the elevated viewpoint also opens up views of Cebu’s southern mountains and surrounding communities.
Catch the Sunset
Casino Peak is also a popular spot for watching the sky change colors toward late afternoon. The open summit provides little shade, so visitors planning to stay until sunset should bring enough water and a flashlight or headlamp for the walk back down. Arriving before golden hour also gives you enough time to explore the surrounding viewpoints.
Combine It With Other Peaks
Since Casino Peak is close to several other hiking destinations in Mantalongon, visitors can make it part of a larger mountain trip. Experienced hikers can also reach Casino Peak from the Osmeña Peak area, although the trek takes considerably longer than simply starting from the Casino Peak jump-off point.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of visiting Casino Peak can vary depending on transportation and any local fees or guide arrangements. Since rates at mountain destinations can change, confirm the current fee with the local caretaker or tourism office when you arrive.
Price upon writing: Entrance and local fees may vary; transportation from Cebu City is separate.
What to Bring
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and comfortable shoes with good grip. The trail is short, but the exposed sections can become hot during the day, while the rocky terrain can become slippery after rain. If you plan to stay for sunset, bring a flashlight or headlamp for the descent.
Respect the Highlands
Casino Peak’s rolling hills and open landscape are part of what makes Mantalongon special. Stay on established paths, avoid stepping on crops, keep noise to a minimum, and bring your trash back down with you. A quick hike is enough to enjoy the view, but leaving the area clean helps preserve it for the next visitors.
How To Get There?
Location: Sitio Lugsangan, Barangau Tabon, Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines
By Car: From Cebu City, take the South Road toward Dalaguete and continue toward Barangay Mantalongon. From Dalaguete town proper, follow the road leading uphill toward the Mantalongon highlands and use Casino Peak on Google Maps as your navigation point. You can park near the jump-off area, but ask local residents or your guide about the appropriate parking spot before continuing on foot.
By Commute: From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a southbound bus bound for Dalaguete and get off at Dalaguete town proper. From there, hire a habal-habal to take you uphill toward the Casino Peak jump-off area in Mantalongon. Travel time from Cebu City can take around three to four hours depending on traffic and road conditions, while the motorcycle ride from Dalaguete proper takes additional time.
