Fully experience magnificent nature! Osmeña Peak

© CEBU navi SAKURA ｜ vol.6 Nov.-Dec.2016

A superb view that can only be seen by climbing Osmeña Peak.
On one side of the rocks is the summit and from there, it becomes a deep valley. There are many, uniquely shaped mountains spreading out before your eyes, welcoming you.
You can see the town of Badian off in the distance. Badian Island comes into view, and behind that, the small Pescador Island, and the large island, Negros, over the straits. If you look behind you, you'll Bohol Island. It's the best location for a vast, 360°panoramic view. The dry season starts in December, so then is the best season for mountain climbing.

Magnificent Nature that Cannot Be Framed

It might sound disappointing but, there is no other way to see the amazing view from Osmeña Peak than going there and seeing it with your own eyes. That is the trick.
Enjoy a silly conversation with the staff at the reception desk at the starting point and feel at peace surrounded by the marvelous slopes and greenery. Even though Cebu is a tropical island, it's cool here, even during the day. The slightly strong winds at the peak will cool you and dry your sweat.
As with all mountains, there are points of caution - rugged rocks, corners, black soil between the stones - so you need to choose where to step as you climb. Take a short rest and see cabbage fields on the side of the path, eye captivating flowers. It's hard to know where the peak is so a local guide is a necessity. Slowly, the round hill summit comes into view and you'll reach the end after climbing the rapid uphill slope.
Catch your breath and take a look. The incredible view spreads out before you. Surely anyone would be impressed by this. It's like watching a short film, wondering who could've created such a thing.

Young people who try all sorts of things they could do for a commemorative photo. Many young celebrities come over from Manila for the weekend.

①At 1072.6m, it's the highest mountain in Cebu.

②You can get this T-shirt only the shop.

③Looking up, you see a small reception cabin.

④The staff greets you with a smile at the climbing starting point.

⑤Let's check instructions once again before climbing.

As you focus on your steps, a cabbage field unexpectedly appears.⑥

⑦You can enjoy the small flowers while taking a break.

⑧Reaching the fake mountaintop.

⑨The Japanese pampas grass rustles in the wind.

⑩You finally see the real Osmeña Peak.

GOAL
The rock where the woman is sitting is Osmeña Peak. Everyone tries something different there - what will you do?

The magnificent mountains of Osmeña Peak we saw from the hill in MoalBoal.

The farmers and small vegetable fields on the plateau.

The vegetable field over the mountain top of Osmenã Peak. You'll see the steep slope if you strain your eyes. The farmers come and go back here many times to draw water.

About 2 hours by car from Cebu City to Dalaguete.

There are pumpkins bigger than a person's face!

A cabbage field and farmhouse nearby the start of the Osmeña Peak climb.

Leeks grow on the steep slopes. There are many cliff like places as well.

Rambutans sold at a market stall. Anyone can buy it - it's very fresh and sweet!

Not only vegetables, but also fruits like mango are at the market,too.

The cabbage in the big basket is only P450.

Sayote that tastes like raddish when boiled.

Cebu's Chocolate Hills appear from the vegetable fields!

Wow - we found Cebu's Chocolate Hills!
Cabbage is not the only vegetable you'll see in Mantalongon Village. Pumpkins, slim Chinese cabbages, carrots, small radishes, gourds, paprikas, leeks, corns, and more. The fruits too - rambutans, mangoes, lanzones, jackfruits - are fresh. Most of the vegetables are grown in steep valleys or on cliffs and are handpicked without using machines. The fruits and vegetables are then delivered to the Carbon Market and distributed throughout Cebu City.
Water and electricity have not come to the farmhouses yet. This might seem
inconvenient for people from the city. Yet, a guide who's also a mother says she used to work in Manila and everyday she thought "I want to go back this mountain". Perhaps there is something richer there than overshadows the inconvenience. About 30 people there are registered as guides, most of them are also farmers. People of all ages there have kind smiles.
We drove a little into the fields to see more of the mountains. As we drove from the markets to Alegria, the "Chocolate Hills of Cebu" suddenly appeared. We're not sure of the exact location, but look for it if you have the time. Probably not many Cebuanos know of this either. It might make for a good travel story.

The Mantalongon market is very active with many people.

A sweet flower blooms near the mountaintop. Have it float on top as you drink some hot water.

People of all ages in Mantalongon Village work hard.

Osmeña Peak information

★Admission fee: P30/person (12 years old or younger: free)
★Guide charge: P150-200 (required)
It takes about 30 minutes on foot the starting point to the top.The area of the peak is about 1/4 the size of a basketball court.
Please avoid climbing in rainy weather as it's very dangerous.
About 2 hours by car from Cebu City to Dalaguete.
Buses depart from the South Bus Terminal.
The Mantalongon Market is 30 minutes by car from Dalaguete.
The roads along the way are still under construction.
It takes about 10 minutes by car from the market to the starting point.
Most of the roads are under construction, so a guide is necessary.
If going by bus or motorcycle taxi, P600 is enough to cover the transportation fees. However, it's easy to get lost going to Osmeña Peak, especially for foreigners or those who don't speak English, so we highly recommend using a rental car service with a guide and driver. It costs about P7,000-10,000 which can be expensive but your safety is most important.