34, 32, 33... These are the usual numbers that are registered almost daily on my phone's temperature readings. Surely, if you are getting the same thing, you would just wish that you are in Iceland or somewhere else cold. For the beach hungry people they'd flock to the closest beach to get away however, considering the surge of resort rates in the area, some people look for something cheaper, something that can give them out of the usual experience - an adventure, at the same time an ease of the hot weather.
Most of us consider how much money we'd spend on a good break, and staying on a beach or a mountain resort may not always be the only better option.
Allow me to break the ice and guide you on where you can go and experience the things I mentioned on top.
Osmeña Peak
I've heard of the place years ago but never bothered to check it. For one, I thought it would be difficult to get there, at the same time, I didn't think it's beauty and it's most talked about weather the location could offer would be something worth checking, - I was wrong. If you'd like to know why, read on...
Osmeña Peak is located in a Mountain Barangay called Mantalongon under the Municipality of Dalaguete. The place is not only known for it's beautiful mountain peaks but as a vegetable basket as well. With this, you can expect that a walk on the place, would be a walk on vegetable gardens your eyes could feast on.
Things to consider
- Travel time takes about 3.5 hours from Cebu City Area
- The road from Dalaguete Proper up to Mantalongon Market is good, but from the market to the peak's drop-off point is a little challenging - some parts are rough road, although they are getting worked on.
- Primary means of transportation in getting there from Dalaguete proper is Habal2x (Motorbike for hire)
- Although the transportation's drop-off area is just a 30 minute hike to the peak, some parts going to it are quite steep, thereby would require a person to be physically fit.
*itravelskiks suggests that if you plan to bring your own transportation, use an SUV.
Because of the travel time, an overnight stay is recommended, however a day trip can also be considered if you are just after the view it gives.
An overnight stay at the peak allows you to experience a weather to boast for.
Things to Bring
For Campers :
- Sim Sealed Tent - Food and Water - First Aid kit - Camping Jacket
- Camping Knife - Flashlight/Headlight - Cooking sets if needed
What I would bring :
- Sim Sealed Coleman Go Tent - Food and Water - First Aid Kit - The North Face jacket
- Camping Knife - Police Flashlight and Headlight - Camping stove - Camping cooking set
- Sleeping bag - Merrell waterproof shoes or Sandugo Sandals - Deuter camping bag
- GoPro Camera
Security and days to consider when going for an overnight stay
- The camp site is very safe and it is right at the foot of the peak itself.
- Campsite tends to get crowded on a weekend so consider camping on a weekday if you don't like to be on a crowded site.
IMPORTANT: Please do consider the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace (LNT)
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Ground
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize the Effects of Fire
- Respect Wildlife and Farm Animals
- Be Considerate of Others
How to get there
1. Get to Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT)
Depending
on where you are coming from, it is best that you get to the Cebu South
Bus Terminal (CSBT). You can either take a jeepney or a taxi.
Jeepney fare = Php. 7.00
Taxi fare = Php 70.00 + - (Depending on where you are coming from in the city.)
2. Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT)
Upon arriving at the terminal, look for the Ceres or Sunrays buses
going to Oslob or Santander via Dalaguete. Ceres and Sunrays bus personnel are always
happy to guide you.
For a really early trip, I suggest that you take the non air conditioned
bus, take the left side seats, so you can take pictures and enjoy the seaside views along the
trip.
For a late start travel, take the air conditioned bus if you don't feel like taking on some heat from the sun.
Fare: Ceres Bus = Php 105.00 (+ -)
Sunrays Bus = Php 105.00 (+ -)
3. Arrival at Dalaguete, Cebu
For first time travelers who have yet to get to Dalaguete or not familiar of the place, tell the Bus conductor to drop you off at the area for the Osmena Peak habal2x drivers. The place is known and the bus conductors would be happy to assist you with it. You may buy additional things you might need while at Dalaguete proper as prices would go up if you buy them in stores on the way to the peak.
4. Dalaguete to Osmena Peak
From Dalaguete Cebu proper, take a habal2x(Motorbikes for hire) going to the Peak.
Fare:
100 PHP per person - They will always take two passengers, so if you are a solo backpacker like me, you will have to pay double one way.
5. Arrival at Osmena Peak drop off area
Once you are at the drop off area, you will have to register your name and a 30.00 peso fee will be collected.
Guides will also be available and would offer their service however if you have no problems carrying your things you don't really need them.
You can easily follow the trail going to the peak or the campsite by just asking them where to start the hike or by following other hikers/campers.
6. The hike
The hike going to the peak or the camp site can be a little challenging if you are not used to climbing with a loaded backpack. Take your time, follow your own pace and enjoy the view.
7. Getting to the peak the hiker's way (Cheaper way)
Another way in getting to the famous peak is by taking a Bus or a Minibus that would go directly to Mantalongon public market.
Fare: 100 Php - Drop-off area is at Mantalongon public market.
Once you are in the market, you can either take a habal2x or simply hike it. Habal2x to Osmeña peak from Mantalongon public market is 50.00 PHP only per person.
