6. Osmeña Peak
Osmeña Peak is located in the Municipality of Dalaguete in the province of Cebu. The peak is approximately 1,000 meters above sea level making it the highest peak in the island of Cebu.
The peak is part of the Mantalungon mountain range, which is unique from other mountain ranges in the Philippines because of its multiple jagged hills grouped together that overlook and stretch as far as the Badian shorelines. The highest of these hills is the Osmeña Peak named in honor of the famous Osmeña clan in Cebu. (Source: everythingcebu.com)
It reminds me of Sagada in mountain province. It was really cool and foggy and had patches of farm land around the area where they grow cabbage.
The challenging part for me is not trek going up but the habal-habal ride. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for adventure. I even drive motorcycles back in Manila but I’m just warning you that it’s not for the faint of heart. It was a 20-30 minute habal-habal ride going up the mountain through steep slopes and rocky terrain.
When you get to the starting point of the trek you will be assigned a guide. Their guides are so interesting as they are usually children or young adults that are so much better at climbing than you will ever be! They are very conversant as well. They can speak tagalog well. I find them to be incredibly adorable as they would ask me things about Manila.
photo by: bikecebu.com
Once you reach the Osmeña Peak, you get a 360-degree view that includes the southwestern coastline of Cebu, and you can even see the province of Negros Oriental.
When In Manila Tip: (1) It is very foggy during early morning. We climbed Osmeña Peak at sunrise. We had to wait a long while to see the view because it was really foggy. Just be patient! (2) Come when it’s not rainy season because the trail is really slippery when wet. It’s amazing during the summer. (3) Wear jackets! We weren’t wearing any and it was really cold! Especially the habal-habal ride.
5. Tumalog Falls
This is located in Oslob, Cebu. Just a short 5-10 minute habal-habal ride going to the falls from the whaleshark encounter parking area. You may even hike it if you want.
The falls looks like it has mini umbrellas which gives the water an enchanting effect. I think this is visually more beautiful than any other falls I’ve seen. It’s whole other world. The water was very cold as well!