“Brrr, it’s getting cold out here.”
Are you all feeling the summer heat of the Island of Cebu? How about joining us as we explore the island’s coolest highland destinations, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and exhilarating exploration.
Osmeña Peak
Wait, is that the Chocolate Hills? No, but it sure looks like this is Osmeña Peak, where it is known for its Chocolate Hill-like hills. The peak offers a 360 degrees panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes which includes the glimpse of the neighboring islands of Bohol and Negros.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
- Entrance Fee: PHP 30 per person
- Camping Fee (if applicable): PHP 50 per person
- Guide Fee (optional): There is no fixed rate, but local guides usually expect a tip of around PHP 150 per guide.
OTHER INFORMATION
- Operating Hours: Always open
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Osmeña Peak, Badian, Cebu, Philippines
- By Commute: Head to the Cebu South Bus Terminal in Cebu City. Look for a bus heading to Moalboal, Oslob, or directly to Badian. From there, proceed to the jump-off point and follow marked trails to the summit.
- By Car: The drive from Cebu City takes around 1.5 hours. Roads are mostly well-paved but become winding and mountainous with occasional potholes and blind corners. Use your navigation app (Google Maps or Waze) and search for “Osmeña Peak, Badian, Cebu.”
Mt. Naupa
Located near Naga City, Cebu, Mt. Naupa is a beginner-friendly hike with breathtaking panoramic views, a favorite for the first timers. The trail is easy to follow, making it perfect for those looking for a quick outdoor getaway. It also features the rolling hills, green grassy fields, and the sea of clouds.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
- Entrance Fee: PHP 25 per person
- Camping Fee: PHP 20 per person
OTHER INFORMATION
Operating Hours: Always open to the public
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Between Barangay Lanas and Barangay Cogon, Naga City, Cebu
- By Commute: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus or jeepney bound for Naga City or the Rikio Highway. Once in the area, ride a motorcycle taxi (habal-habal) to Cogon Chapel, the recognized jump-off point.
- By Car: Follow the main roads to Naga City and set your destination to “Cogon Chapel” using a GPS app. Expect some local traffic along the way.
Mt. Kan-Irag (Kang-Irag Peak)
Also known as Sirao Peak, Mt. Kan-Irag is located near Cebu City in the Langub–Sirao area and offers scenic views of the surrounding highlands. The mountain stands over 700 meters above sea level. The hike takes adventurers through forests, flower gardens, and open landscapes, making it a rewarding trek for those who love scenic beauty.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
ENTRANCE FEES
- Day Hike Entrance Fee: PHP 50.00
- Camping/Overnight Stay Entrance Fee: PHP 100.00
ACCOMMODATIONS
- Tent (Good for 2): PHP 350.00
- Payag (Hut): PHP 800.00
- Open Cottage: PHP 300.00
OTHER INFORMATION
- Operating Hours: Always open
- Facebook Page: Sirao Peak Campsite
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Sirao, Cebu
- By Commute: From Cebu City, take a jeepney, Beep bus, or Ceres bus to Lahug. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to Kang-Irag Peak. Most drivers know the way.
- By Car: Use the Cebu Transcentral Highway and follow the local road to the base. Input “Kang-Irag Peak, Langub–Sirao, Cebu City” in your GPS app. Be cautious on winding roads.
Mt. Manunggal
A site of historical significance, Mt. Manunggal in Barangay Magsaysay, Balamban, is known for its natural beauty and as the crash site of former President Ramon Magsaysay’s plane. Surrounded by vegetation, Mt. Manunggal provides a meaningful trek for history enthusiasts while offering a serene environment for reflection.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
- Entrance Fee: PHP 80.00 per person
- Camping Fee: PHP 50.00 per person
- Sky Biking: PHP 150.00 per person (round-trip)
- Horseback Riding: PHP 150.00 per person (per 15 minutes)
- Trekking: PHP 400.00 for 1–5 persons
OTHER INFORMATION
- Operating Hours: Always open
- Contact Number: 0929 303 0300
- Email: mt.manunggal_sunog@yahoo.com
- Facebook Page: Mt. Manunggal Ecotourism
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Balamban, Cebu
- By Commute: From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, ride a bus to Balamban. Transfer to a local jeep or tricycle to reach Barangay Magsaysay or Baguio de Cebu Eco-Adventure Park.
- By Car: Take the Transcentral Highway through Busay and continue on Balamban Road. Use your GPS and search for “Mt. Manunggal Campsite” or “Baguio de Cebu Eco-Adventure Park.”
Kandungaw Peak
Located in Dalaguete, Kandungaw Peak is famous for its steep ascent and stunning views of Cebu’s southern landscapes. For those who crave adventure, Kandungaw Peak is the perfect challenge. Known for its towering cliffs, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling ascent, this peak rewards climbers with stunning views and an exhilarating experience.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
- Entrance Fee: PHP 50.00 per person
OTHER INFORMATION
- Operating Hours: Always open
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Kandungaw Peak, Dalaguete, Cebu
- By Commute: From Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus to Dalaguete (around 3 hours). From the town center, ride a habal-habal to the trailhead.
- By Car: The trip takes about 3 hours from Cebu City. Roads are mostly paved, but the final stretch may be rough. Use your GPS and set your destination to “Kandungaw Peak, Dalaguete, Cebu.”
Obong Spring Cebu
From the Mountain, how about diving into the springs of the island? Dive into the spring of Obong In Dalaguete, a popular spot in Dalaguete known for its cold water. Obong Spring is a source of freshwater that emerges near the beach, creating a pool that meets the sea, especially during high tide.
RATES & OTHER INFORMATION
RATES
- Entrance Fee: Php 10.00
- Motorcycles: Php 10.00
- Cars: Php 20.00
- Tricycles: Php 15.00
OTHER INFORMATION
- Operating Hours: Always Open
HOW TO GET THERE?
Exact Location: Dalaguete, Cebu, from Cebu City
- By Commute: Head to the South Bus Terminal in Cebu City and take a bus bound for Dalaguete. Look for buses heading to Oslob or Bato via Dalaguete. Travel time is around 3–4 hours, depending on traffic. Once in Dalaguete, hire a tricycle or motorcycle (habal-habal) to take you directly to Obong Spring, which is just a few minutes away from the main road.
- By Car: Drive south via the Cebu South Road. The trip takes about 2.5–3 hours. Use navigation apps to locate Obong Spring in Dalaguete.
Cebu is home to some breathtaking mountains that offer stunning views and refreshing escapes, and blue refreshing waters. Here are some of the coolest mountains and bodies of water on the island.
