At 1,013 meters above sea level, Osmeña Peak is known as the roof of Cebu, the highest point in the province.
Located in Barangay Mantalungon of the town of Dalaguete, Osmeña Peak is the highest in the group of hills that form the Mantalungon Range. Collectively, the place is called Osmeña Peak although it is officially only for the tallest one. The other peaks in the area are named differently such as Casino Peak, Kandungaw Peak or yet to be christened.
Osmeña Peak offers a panoramic view of the iconic multiple jagged peak hills. These hills stretch to as far as the neighboring town of Badian. It is overlooking the towns of Ronda, Moalboal, Badian, Dalaguete, Argao and Alcoy as well as the islands across Tañon and Cebu Straits. The iconic scenery of these pointed hills resembles the Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Quitinday Hills of Albay.
Trekking to Osmeña Peak
The trek to Osmeña Peak is just an easy feat as it is just a short trek from the main road. On the average, it takes no more than half an hour to reach the peak. Make sure to wear a comfortable hiking shoes though as some parts of the trail are sharp jagged rocks.
For those who want more daring adventure, you may traverse from Osmeña Peak to Kawasan Falls in Badian. Estimated trekking time is three (3) hours. A guide may be needed for this, you may ask the locals around. There is no standard rate so give as your heart desires.
How to Get to Osmeña Peak
Getting there from Cebu City, there are two ways:
Direct to Mantalongon
The easiest way of commuting to Osmeña Peak is to catch a local bus direct to Mantalongon (Dalaguete) from Cebu City South Bus Terminal or Carbon Market. Travel time is about three hours and fare is around P120. However, the firs trip is around 6AM to 7AM, which is too late if you are aiming for sunrise.
The bus will stop at Mantalongon Public Market, from there you may take a habal-habal to Osmeña Peak (P30/person, 10 to 15 minutes ride). Avoid those habal-habal stationed in the market charge as they higher fee. Alternatively, you may trek from the market to the trailhead of Osmeña Peak for about 30 minutes.
Via Dalaguete
If you are aiming for sunrise, take a Bato via Oslob bus at Cebu City South Bus Terminal and get off at Dalaguete (in front of 7/11). Travel time is at least two hours and fare is P120 (aircon). Habal-habal drivers will crowd you as soon as you get off the bus, avoid them as much as possible as they charge higher rate (around P300).
From 7/11, walk to the corner of the street where Mantalongon-bound habal-habal are stationed, fare is P50/person or P100/trike. The driver will drop you at Mantalongon Public Market. From there you may take a habal-habal to Osmeña Peak (P30/person, 10 to 15 minutes ride). Avoid those habal-habal stationed in the market as they charge higher fee. Alternatively, you may trek from the market to the trailhead for about 30 minutes.
You can book your bus ticket or private transfer from Cebu City to Dalaguete below.