Our little Sunday adventure at Osmeña Peak yesterday resulted in slight body pain but I’d have to say I took that experience to heart since it doesn’t happen all the time. I’m so excited to share! Here’s the story.. and the photos.
Our group of 4 left while it’s still dark since we wanted to be at the peak by early morning. It was a 2.5-hour ride from Cebu going to Dalaguete junction where we had to stop to ride a habal-habal (motorcycle). When we got off the bus around 6 am, drivers were literally swarming all over us that we got so confused about which one to ride.
We paired up and decided to take the first motorcycle that parked in front of us. We would have to travel 18 kilometers (according to our driver) or 30 minutes to the base of the mountain where we’re supposed to start our trek to Osmeña Peak or O-Peak.
It was a butt-numbing ride. It was breathtaking too. Figuratively and literally. We were so amazed (and thankful) that the roads are already fully cemented so despite the long travel, it turned out smooth and easy except for the occasional uphill climb.
Imagine that I was snapping photos while on the motorcycle. It was like a scene on The Fast and The Furious but the scenery was so captivating! I looked to the left, right, and up. It’s all beautiful. I wished we could stop or slow down.
The sun was just rising on our way there. We would have loved to be at the peak by sunrise but it wasn’t possible for us at that time.
I can’t imagine I snapped this photo (and other photos) while on the scene of The Fast and the Furious. LOL. It didn’t look shaky or blurry but it was a challenge to take photos using a mobile phone while riding a motorcycle. I held on to my phone like it was my dear life.
The sky is such a masterpiece! It’s like saying, you’re almost there!
Upon reaching the base of the mountain, we were greeted by our tour guide. I think he was in high school but there were other tour guides who were as young as 8 years old. You can choose not to have a guide but there’s the risk of getting lost or going on the wrong path.
I looked back to how far we’ve traveled to reach the base. I could see the white road and the rest was whooaah. It was far! But really, it was just 30 minutes and it seemed like forever.
And so the trek began. We didn’t even warm up! But I’ve read that it’s just a “short” trek and is definitely tolerable for beginners. Why not?!
We passed by some limestones (I think). We were really cautious with every step because the path was a little slippery due to the rain the night before.
We were told by our driver that some of the campers went back to the base the night before because of the cold temperature. Our guide pointed the peak to us. It looked so easy to get there if you’re looking from afar. But not really except maybe if you’re a true blue mountaineer.
After a few more steps, we’re finally up!!! It took us approximately 25-30 minutes. Hurraaayyy, we made it!!! Up there was a sight to behold. It’s amazing!! And it was my first time to climb like that. O-Peak is considered the highest point in Cebu and I’m so happy I conquered it! (I know it’s not nearly as challenging as other climbs, but hey, we don’t discriminate here. Haha)
Yup, right on top of that big rock in the middle. It feels fantastic to see the marvelous views from atop.
Ieels like I’m the queen of the world. 😉 It was really the adventure I needed to end this summer and to start the week with a bang (and with body pain). So liberating and super worth it, promise!
Thank you for reading!!! ♥
Location: Badian, Cebu
This was our experience and yours might be different:
Cebu South Bus to Dalaguete Junction – 2.5 hours via Ceres bus; Php105 (one-way)
Dalaguete Junction to base of Osmeña Peak – 30 minutes via habal2x; Php200/person (roundtrip; they will wait for you at the base)
We paid Php100 to our tour guide. There’s no fixed amount. I’ve heard that most people pay Php20 per person. There were 4 of us so we decided to just give Php25 each to our very patient guide.
