Osmena 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.
The visual appearance of the Mantalungon range is almost similar in form to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol but the peaks of the ranges are thinner, sharper-pointed and rocky. Unlike the Chocolate Hills, the peaks of the Mantalungon ranges cluster quite near each other and give the impression of being formed from rocks that have survived through time.
Once you reach the Osmeña Peak, you get a 360-degree view of that includes the southwestern coastline of Cebu, and you even see the province of Negros Oriental. However, the peak area is fenced and under private ownership. A lot keeper collects at least 20 pesos from each climber that enters the area and there is a campsite a few meters down the peak. The campsite has a toilet and a bunkhouse available to the public for a fee.
Osmeña Peak and the Mantalungon range are accessible to hikers and mountaineers all year round but it is best to climb the peak in the first half of the year since the rainy season is from June to October. The peak and mountain ranges become wet and slippery during the rainy season.
Mantalungon is famous as the summer capital of Cebu because it is 700 to 800 meters above sea level giving it a pleasant climate all year round. The high elevation has made the village an ideal place to grow flowers, vegetables and other high-value crops, which gives Mantalungon the reputation of being the vegetable basket of Cebu.
Held every year is the Utanon Festival, a celebration of dance and music as thanksgiving for the good harvest of Mantalungon. Utanon is the Cebuano word for vegetables. Many locals and foreign tourists visit the village during summer because of its cool climate.
The Osmeña Peak is located in Barangay Mantalungon, in the Municipality of Dalaguete, Cebu. Dalaguete is about 85 kilometers from Cebu City and is about 1 ½ hours ride by bus from the city. If you are in Cebu City, take a jeepney or taxicab going to the Carbon Public Market and inquire from people there the location of the bus terminal for the Mantalungon mini-bus.
The mini-bus will drop you off at the Mantalungon public market. From there, you can either take a motorcycle for hire that will take you to the foot of the mountain ranges or you directly hike to Osmeña Peak that will take you at least one to two hours. Another alternative is to take a jeepney or taxicab, go to the Cebu South Bus Terminal at the Cebu North Road, Cebu City, and take a bus from the terminal.
You should take the buses traveling southward to Oslob or Bato via Dalaguete and get off at the Dalaguete junction. When you reach Dalaguete, you can take a tricycle that will take you to Mantalungon and from there make the hike to Osmeña Peak.
