Friday, October 31, 2008

Osmeña Peak/Traverse to Kawasan Falls (1,013 +)

OSMEÑA PEAK/TRAVERSE TO KAWASAN FALLSDalaguete and Badian, Cebu Entry point: Mantalongon Market, Dalaguete, CebuExit point: Brgy. Matutinao, Badian, CebuLLA: 09° 49.209N; 123° 26.541E; 1013 MASLDays required / Trek time: 1-2 days / 1-2 hours (summit) 4-5 hours (falls)Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail Class 1-2

This article is authored by Melanie Pador, with inputs from Aldinson Esto: they are members of ONE Cebu Adventure Team and BisdakCentral.com. PinoyMountaineer thanks Ma'am Melanie and her group for their contribution and support to the site.

BACKGROUNDOsmeña Peak is situated in Mantalongon, Dalaguete also known as the "Vegetable Basket" of Cebu or "Little Baguio" because of the vast vegetable farms in the area. The mountain is actually a series of rugged peaks that have been compared with the Chocolate Hills of Bohol because of its interesting formations.

At 1013 MASL, Osmeña Peak is considered the highest peak in the province of Cebu. The peak was named after the Osmeña family, an influential political clan in the province. Osmeña Peak is

accessible all year round, but to avoid the hassle of rain and slippery pathways, it is best to climb the peak within the first half of the year.

The town of Dalaguete is about 85 kilometers from Cebu City. To get there, one should board a mini bus that travels directly to Mantalongon Market. This bus parks at a Caltex gasoline station near Carbon Market. Climbers may also board a bus from the South Bus Terminal, stop at the Dalaguete corner to Mantalongon and take a "habal-habal" [motorcycle for hire] ride to Mantalongon Market, or directly to the foot of Osmeña Peak. Dalaguete is on the eastern side of the province of Cebu. The Cebu south road diverges at the town of Carcar. To get to Dalaguete, one should take the left road, pass by the town of Sibunga and then arrive in Dalaguete. The right road leads to the southwestern towns of Cebu namely Barili, Dumanjug, Moalboal, Badian, etc.

THE TRAIL

The trek up Osmeña PeakStarting from Mantalongon Market, a rough barangay road – about 1 hour to 2 hours hike – leads to the foot of Osmeña Peak. Climbers have the option to either walk or ride a "habal-habal". From the foot, the summit is around half an hour away. A water source is located along the trail to the summit. It is advisable to fetch as much water and carry it along towards the campsite or peak.

The neighboring mountain ranges of Osmeña Peak are mostly pointed and rocky, the very trade mark of the area. Some of the mountains don't have very sharp peaks and, hence, resemble Bohol's Chocolate Hills. These peaks can be likened to Bohol's native delicacy, Peanut Kisses, though. The area is somewhat bare to thinly forested because the locals are farming most of the lands.

The peak area is privately owned and has been fenced. A lot keeper collects Php20 from each climber that enters the area. At the peak, one can have a 360-degree view of Cebu South [more on the southwest side] plus a sneak peek of Negros. It is not advisable to set camp at the peak and campsites are normally established a few meters down the peak.

A man-made toilet and a poorly-built bunk house that can be used for a fee are available at the campsite. However, it is still preferred to spend the night inside pitched tents. The camping ground has loose rocks and pebbles making it quite tedious to lay down the pegs. Large rocks can be used to hold the tent in place by tying ropes tent-to-rock. Thick fog starts to envelope the campsite by early evening, and to some extent, there will be zero visibility. Temperature at the peak and the campsite is bearable, however, it is still advised that climbers wear winter clothes in order to keep themselves warm when the temperature drops and the wind picks up.

It is said time and time again that the campsite is the gateway from the spiritual realm to the physical realm and vice versa. Several climbers have their own versions of ghost encounters. Years back, there were also incidents of campsite theft and robbery. However, through the efforts of the local government, the suspected thief/thieves were seized and Osmeña Peak is a relatively safer campsite once again. Barangay Tanods also patrol the area for added safety. Still, climbers are advised to be always vigilant and on-the-watch. Socials and camp gatherings at the campsite are perked up by these ghost and robbery story-telling sessions. And when feasible, climbers may do night trek up the peak to socialize there.

Osmeña Peak to Kawasan TraverseDuring the second day, it is preferred to have an early wake up call, say around 5 a.m. so that climbers can start trekking down to Kawasan Falls and reach there by noon in time for lunch. The next water source from the campsite is at least two hours away hence, it is advisable to sufficiently load hydration packs and water containers from the first water source.

The route to Kawasan Falls in Barangay Matutinao, Badian is a cut through headed to the southwest direction and follows a rugged terrain downhill. The path, usually treaded by locals carrying heavy loads of farm produce, is rocky and at times slippery. The landscape is mostly farmed with few tall trees. The trail passes by hidden valleys, lime canyons, green plateaus, slight elevations, and lowlands.

Climbers pass through local communities and clusters of houses, the residents of which can be

asked for directions and other required assistance. A few "sari-sari" stores are also located along the trail. There are no specific hazards to expect during the downhill route to Kawasan Falls. The main adversaries are the roasting heat of the sun, few water sources, slippery pathway especially during rain, snakes, and the locals' dogs that may bite anytime.

Climbers may greet encountered locals by saying "Maayong buntag" [Good morning], "Maayong Udto" [Good noon], "Maayong Hapon" [Good afternoon], or "Maayong adlaw" [Good day], which can be coupled with "Agi lang mi" [We're just passing by].

Kawasan FallsUpon arrival at Kawasan Falls, climbers may spend some time to rest their muscles and cook meals while resting before taking a dip in the cool waters.

Kawasan Falls is a magnificent three-level cascade of clear spring water in Matutinao, Badian around 100 kilometers from Cebu City. The main source of the Kawasan Falls or level 3 is the first stop for climbers following the itinerary below. Level 3 is also the third water source for climbers. Cottages, rest houses, souvenir stalls, and restaurants are available mainly at levels 1 and 2. Bamboo rafts are also available for a fee. Kawasan Falls is a good venue for family and group picnics, besides a dive-and-swim in the water. The area is thickly covered with trees and plants. The path up and down the three levels of the falls has been established and maintained with a few hanging electrical lights to guide night trekkers.

Osmeña 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.

Location

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.

Click on any of the images to see the enlarged copy and narratives of the photo.

Highest peak in Cebu---

Osmena Peak is known to be the highest peak in the province and Island of Cebu. Base on actual GPS altitude, it stand approximately 1000 meters above sea level. Osmena peak is located in the vicinity area of Mantalungon, (a town that is around 700 to 800 meters and probably one of the highest towns in Cebu. Mantalungon has been known as the vegetable kingdom of Cebu. Its

really unusual finding this town where you feel it was like an area in the Cordilleras were they have their trading post for vegetable dealers and townfolks and children are wearing jackets at high noon. Reminds me of Baguio City and La Trinidad).

Osmena Peak is uniquely different from any other mountain peaks in the Philippines. Multiple jagged hills, or quite simply known as the Mantalungon range, are grouped together overlooking and stretching as far as the Badian shorelines. Visually, it's similarly formed like the Chocolate hills of Bohol, but are thinner and sharper pointed peaks. Unlike the Famous Chocolate hills, the peaks are grouped almost near each other and are obviously formed from rocks that have survived through time. One of the highest jagged yet almost perfectly formed hill was named Osmena Peak in honor of the famous political Clan in Cebu. One can trek across the mountain ranges to get to Badian, practically cutting across the island of Cebu westward.

View from The peak: Northwest from the summit, you can view the Badian shorelines and the Badian Island. Northwest, the beaches of Moalboal: Panagsama whitesand shorelines, connects Badian. Southeast from the summit, you can see the remaining vegetable farms of Mantalungon.

How to get there:

Public Vehicle: From Cebu, make your way to Cebu City's Carbon market and inquire from the area where the terminal for Mantalungon mini-bus is located. The terminal is stationed near the gasoline station. From Cebu, the bus will travel until Mantalungon. From Mantalungon, make your way up to Osmena peak for a 1.5 hour hike.

The other alternative is to take the big buses stationed at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Look for buses travelling southwards to Oslob or Bato via Dalaguete and drop off at Dalaguete junction. Going back: You can either hike back to Mantalungon or hike down across the mountain ranges to Badian through Kawasan Falls. Hiking back to Mantalungon, you can catch up hourly buses back to Cebu.If you decided to hike down to Kawasan Falls, make your way from Kawasan Falls to the national highway near the shorelines of Badian. There are mini buses and big buses passing by every hour that will take you back to Cebu City.

Private Vehicle: From Cebu, make your way via South Cebu National highway until the town of Carcar. Instead of taking the right road for Badian through the mountain highway, make your way semi-round the Carcar rotunda to continue southeast until the town of Dalaguete. Reaching Dalaguete, take note of the the junction to your right which will lead you up to the mountains. You will not miss this junction as it is just after the bridge and the corners of the junction are populated with bakeries and habal-habals waiting for passengers (public utility motorbikes). I'm fascinated with Cebu province's cities and towns having the most bakery in every corner. Continue your up through the cemented road until the road starts to convert into fire and rough road. 4X4 vehicles are preferred, but tall 4x2 vehicles can manage up. The road winds up and around the mountains until you will feel the coolness of the area and be able to view the shorelines of Dalaguete. Road reaches up to Mantalungon. From Mantalungon, it will take you more than an hour to reach Osmena Peak. To save time, you can actually drive your vehicle until the jump off point nearest the foot of the ranges.

Climb Guide: Osmena Peak

The above photo is the view from the summit of Osmena’s Peak, the highest point in the province of Cebu. The mountain boasts a magnificent sunset view when the sun starts setting down the slopes of Negros.

The Mountain

LLA: 09° 49.209N; 123° 26.541EHeight: 1013 MASL (Meters Above Sea Level)Entry point: Mantalongon Market, Dalaguete, CebuDays required / Trek time: 1-2 days / 1-2 hours (summit) Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail Class 1-2

Osmena Peak from afar

Osmena Peak was named in honor of the famous political Clan in Cebu. The mountain summit offers a magnificent view of multiple jagged hills (Mantalongon

range) that resemble the beautiful chocolate hills of Bohol. From the summit you can also see the stunning 360-degree view of shorelines, the island of Badian, the lush farms of vegetables, and a glimpse of Bohol and Negros.

The jagged hills are situated near each other and are majestically formed from rocks. Farming is the primary source of income in the area and this is very evident while you

are trekking up to the mountain. Trails are combination of wide plantation to thinly forested area.

How to Get to Osmena Peak

Private Transportation

a. From Cebu City, take the South Cebu National Highway until you reach the town of Carcar.

b. Continue driving southeast and take the left road until you reach the town of Dalaguete. You will pass by the town of Sibunga.

c. After crossing a bridge, you will see a junction in Dalaguete populated with bakeries and habal-habals, take the left turn that leads to Mantalongan Market. The right road leads to the southwestern towns of Cebu such as Barili, Dumanjug, Moalboal, Badian, and others. Be informed that the road leading to Mantalongan market is winding, rough, and uneven; consider the kind of vehicle you are bringing.

d. From Mantalongon, you may start the roughly 2-hour trek up to the summit of Osmena. If your vehicle can manage the rough roads that leads to the summit, you can drive until the nearest jump off point at the foot of the Mantalongon ranges.