Experience Cebu the best way possible- wander on feet!
I would say wander barefoot but that could mean subjecting yourself to injury. If you're over that partying-every-weekend phase, why not take time to plan some daytime adventures with your buds? It's dirty, physically-challenging and is the best way to bond (since you guys can test your limits together)! So here are some popular spots to help you plan for your next trip:
Sirao Peak
Sirao has been popular because of its superb flower farm- but it's also a good trekking spot thats fairly convenient to us all. Sirao Peak is also known as Mt. Kan-irag is just a 6-hour hike from Barangay Budlaan, Cebu City. Trace the Budlaan river, take a refreshing dip at Kabang Falls and enjoy the wonderful city view from the Peak itself. One can also visit Sirao Peak thru the much easier, 30-minute to an hour hike from Kan-irag Nature Park via a jeepney ride from Lahug, Cebu City.
Mt. Manunggal and Mauyok Peak
Mt. Manunggal is accessible through many trails but the trail from Cantipla in barangay Tabunan, Cebu City is the main route from which the yearly Pres. Ramon Magsaysay Death Anniversary Climb is held. From the jump off point the trail is quite steep and achievable in about 4-5 hours, but it really depends on physical and mental preparedness. A monument of President Ramon Magsaysay was erected at Mt. Manunggal campsite to remind every visitors about the historical value of Mt. Manunggal in Philippine history.
Osmeña Peak
The most-popular place to go and a must-do on your list. The O-Peak is the highest point in Cebu at 1,013MASL. It is much accessible via the Municipality of Dalaguete, South of Cebu, where the LGU offers tours from their famous Mantalongon Market dubbed as the “Vegetable Basket of Cebu” to Osmeña Peak.
Mt. Lanaya
Alegria is a beauty and this municipality offers eco-tourism tours including a trip to its ranges in Mt. Lanaya. The peak stands at 700MASL which offers a breathtaking view of Tañon Strait and the neighboring island of Negros where one can also see the shadows of Mt. Kanlaon and Mt. Talinis at the horizon. I may have mentioned before that Alegria boasts of one of the most beautiful sunsets here in Cebu and Mt. Lanaya will give you the perfect view.
Mt. Kapayas
Located at Catmon, Mt. Kapayas is the second-highest peak here in Cebu at 800MASL. Also known as Torre among locals, you can avail a hiking tour from the municipal hall where they provide guides and access to transportation towards the jump-off area. The hike towards the peak is only 3-4 hours and you can opt to spend a night on the campsite below the peak or at beaches of Catmon with clean and clear waters, as well as having some refreshing dip at the Esoy Hot Spring before going to the beach.
Of course, look up travel blogs online to give you a better idea of each destination mentioned. With today's local travel bugs, you'll ever run short of places to explore here in Cebu.
Image credits: The Broken Halo, Backpacking with A Book, Oliver Cabalay, and Tripzilla.