Cebu, a province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, is not just known for its white sand beaches, historic landmarks, and delectable cuisine, but also for its breathtaking mountains that offer a thrilling nature escapade to adventurous travelers. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Cebu’s mountains is by trekking. In this article, we will take a closer look at my nature escapade in Cebu and my trekking experience in its magnificent mountains.
Osmeña Peak
My adventure began with a two-hour ride from the city of Cebu to Mantalongon, a small town in the mountainous region of the province. The town is also known as the “vegetable basket” of Cebu because of its high altitude and fertile soil, making it an ideal place for vegetable farming. From there, we hiked to our first destination, the Osmeña Peak, the highest peak in Cebu, standing at 1,013 meters above sea level.The trail to the peak was not too difficult, and it took us around 30 minutes to reach the summit. Upon reaching the peak, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the neighboring islands of Negros and Bohol. The cool breeze and fresh air made us forget about the exhausting hike, and we spent some time taking photos and admiring the view.
Casino Peak
After Osmeña Peak, we continued our trek to the nearby peak called Casino Peak, also known as the “Little Chocolate Hills.” The trail to Casino Peak was steeper and more challenging, but the view from the top was worth the effort. The hills were covered with green grass and surrounded by lush forests, creating a picturesque landscape that looked like it came straight out of a postcard.
Kandungaw Peak
Next, we headed to our last destination, the Kandungaw Peak. The trail to Kandungaw Peak was the most challenging of the three peaks we visited, with steep ascents and descents that required some rock scrambling. However, the view from the top was the most rewarding. We were able to see the vast expanse of the Cebu island, including the coastline and the neighboring islands.
Overall, trekking the magnificent mountains of Cebu was an unforgettable experience. The breathtaking views, the fresh air, and the sense of accomplishment after completing the challenging hikes made it all worth it. It also gave me a new appreciation for nature and the beauty of the Philippines. If you’re looking for a nature escapade that’s off the beaten path, Cebu’s mountains should definitely be on your list.