I am the kind of person who loves sunrise and sunset so much. I find them fascinating, breathtaking, relaxing and comforting. It’s like reminding yourself at the end of the day that tomorrow will be a better day.
I had read some tips online that afternoon is the ideal time to visit Osmeña Peak. Some would camp to catch sunset and sunrise. I am thinking of doing that, however, I got there weekdays and people usually camp there during weekends. Besides, I did not bring stuff for camping.
So I decided to went there early in the morning to catch the sunrise. I booked the same tour guide – Rizalde Pasquil for a day tour in Osmeña Peak including Oslob, Tumalog Falls, and Aquinid Falls.
The guide fetched me at Backpackers Lodge around 5:00 AM. It’s a 1 hour trip from Moalboal to Dalaguete. Osmeña Peak is located in Dalaguete. When we reached the upper road of Dalaguete, a thick fog welcomes us with a strong and cold wind. Sagada feels.
The tour guide said that the thick fog signifies a high chance of no sunrise. Oh, that was so sad, I was really expecting a nice sunrise. We got there around 6:00 AM, there are food stalls available at the main entrance. It feels so cold so we had coffee before trekking. We paid 20.00 pesos per head as entrance fee. They would advised you to get a guide. That time, I had already my tour guide so I didn’t hire another one.
The trek was less than 30 minutes. I carried my backpack, I already checked out in Backpackers Lodge so I had no choice but to carry my things so all in all the hike was a little bit of struggle. But it’s okay, I would consider it as a tune up climb.
When we reached the peak, there were already few people in there waiting for sunrise. Unfortunately, the weather still did not change. There was no clearing, still, very foggy and strong winds keep on knocking us down. A lot of tourists reached the peak after few minutes, poor us. We waited for another 30 minutes, hoping the sun would show up, but no clear sign.
Bisan walay clearing, hala pose!
Times up! Still no sun. So I gave up. It’s not my lucky day to see the sunrise in Osmena Peak. We started to descend and just had a nice road trip at Dalaguete. We are now bound to Oslob. I wanted to come back in the afternoon same day before going home however, I still have more places to go in Oslob, and I needed to leave at the end of the day. Would try again next time when I come back to Cebu. I still had a lot to see and would surely come back.
What to Expect in Osmeña Peak
- A lovely sunrise and sunset
- Weekend glamping
Best time to Visit
The best time to visit is early morning to catch up sunrise or late afternoon to catch up sunset. Make sure to check the weather first. On my case, it’s a shame that I didn’t bother to check the weather ahead.
Entrance Fee and Guide Fee
- Entrance fee is only PHP 20.00 per head
- Guide Fee is around 50 to 100.
How to Get There
I booked a tour guide going to places in South Cebu. You can try and book Rizalde Pasquil.
For DIY travelers, From Cebu City
Osmeña Peak is located in Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu.
- Take a Ceres bus bound for Bato via Oslob or a bus that passes Dalaguete. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Dalaguete Junction, near 7 Eleven store. Estimated bus fare is around Php 100 to 150.00 and travel time is 2.5 to 3 hours.
- From Dalaguete Junction, hire a habal‑habal to Mantalongon Market or directly to the trailhead or jump‑off point is possible. Many habal habal will agree to take you there. Fare is around Php 100 or 150 one way, per person going direct to the jump off.
