Travel : Osmeña Peak

Oh yes, my blog is introducing another category -Travel. Let's just say, now that hubby and I have no chance but to indulge ourselves to other hobbies, and we chose Travelling. Particularly, over the weekend travels.

And yes, Southwestward was the first. Now that the origin has been discussed, lets go to the particulars of this post, shall we? :) Watch out for the 'lil tips that I'll be sharing along the way. :)

One weekday, hubby said he wants to climb Osmeña Peak. Don't ask how he arrived at that thinking. It's another long story. Anyways, he said that request, and I, being a local of the place (have I told you I am a local of Dalaguete, Cebu) didn't find the idea appealing at first. Not to mention that I mentally calculated the energy I have to spend for the activity.

THE view from the top

Luckily, a few people from our office had the same plan, on the same weekend. We ended up meeting each other at Mantalongon Market (the drop off of the local rides -habal-habal). They we're all geared up for the climb and overnight. Us, on the other hand had our rubber shoes, sweaters and a few ml of water.. and ohh, a few cookies for energy boost. We were "somehow", prepared too. hahaha

Mantalongon, or the "Little Baguio" of Cebu is 15-20 minutes away from the Dalaguete town proper. Habal-habal is the usual means of getting there. If you are from the city and is not so particular about airconditioned buses, you can also ride the mini-bus which is stationed at Taboan Market. The bus will take you straight to Mantalongon market.

goodness, the veggies here are soooo cheap. due to my excitement, i forgot to to take pic of my more than 5 kls of stash, which btw, cost less than Php 150.

Told yea, they're all geared up

It is a 2 hours walk/climb if you will start at the original starting point (the groto). I guess, due to improvements of the road, you can shorten that climb to just 30 minutes. Yes, they opened wider roads, wide enough for cars to pass and the second starting point is now at the bottom of the hill where the entrance fee is collected. Yes, there is 20 pesos entrance fee now (it was not like that during my last climb -which was like 10 years ago). Also, you can climb with ease and camp with luxury because there are local kids who serves as guides and "kargadors". They will carry your bags, your groceries, water, tents, cooking materials, anything you wish to have at the peak. You see, Osmeña Peak now open even for non-climbers.

But, if your goal is to sweat up while enjoying the company of fellow climbers and the view along the way, I strongly suggest you try the long and not-so-easy (for non-climbers) route. The feeling of success when you reach the peak is totally different if you invested 2 hours of walk and gallons of sweat. This is what you will miss if you go the easy way..

local kids fetching water

rows and rows of cabbage

this is one of the items in hubby's bucket list.
the basket is empty though..because when we asked
what is the weight if its full -its a whooping 200 KILOS!!!

Osmeña Peak,

Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu

xoxo