Casino Peak Trek
It is Casino Peak! Not Bohol’s Chocolate Hills nor Albay’s Quitinday Hills! Not taken from Osmeña Peak but the roof of Cebu still.
The ragged peaks of Mantalongon Range is undeniably among the most picturesque mountain peaks not only in Cebu but in the entire Philippines. The mountain range borders the towns of Badian and Dalaguete and covers various sitios and barangays of the two towns. It features countless conic peaks reminiscent of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and Albay’s Quitinday Hills.
For years, Casino Peak has remained a secret while Osmeña Peak of Barangay Mantalongon has gained popularity for the imposing view of the roof of Cebu. This is understandable as the site is just an easy trek from the main road and yet it offers a panoramic view of the iconic multiple jagged peaks that stretch to as far as the neighboring town of Badian, overlooking the towns of Ronda, Moalboal, Argao and Alcoy, and the islands across Tañon and Cebu Straits.
The trek up Casino Peak from the information center is actually very short and hardly considered a trek in my opinion. The total trekking time to reach the summit is about ten minutes although it is quite steep. The track is clear the whole way but not marked. The Casino Peak hike, also referred to as Lugsangan Peak, is one of the best adventures to be had in the South Cebu region in the Philippines. It’s a short ten-minute hike to the summit of Casino Peak to where you’ll be welcomed with panoramic views of nearby rolling hills and pristine coastline below. Casino Peak, also known as Lugsangan Peak, is famous for its “Chocolate Hill-like mounds” located in Lugsangan, Tabon, Dalaguete Cebu. Casino Peak offers a jaw-dropping sight of the green landscapes and peaks that will surely remind you of Bohol’s famous hills. “The president of the Las Vegas Hilton was a huge Star Trek fan and he had a need. Hilton is off the strip and Hilton had a double or triple challenge because they had to get people to make the decision to get off the strip and go to their casino. He thought Star Trek might be the way,” Goddard said.
But aside from Osmeña and with the countless peaks comprising Mantalongon Range, there are other lesser known peaks and I am sure there are still not yet discovered that offer equally if not more imposing vista of this spot. There’s Tabon Peak, Lovers’ Peak, Sunset Peak, Kandungaw Peak and the recently becoming popular Casino Peak!
Casino Peak is an icon of Sitio Lugsangan in Barangay Tabon, the neighboring town of Barangay Mantalongon where Osmeña Peak is located. It would be hard not to notice this spot if you are at the village due to its attractive shape, ask any local from the village and they will instantly point you to a towering peak in their backyard. That’s how iconic it is!
Like other sitios in this hinterland of Dalaguete, Sitio Lugsangan is typically rural and laid back. Its high elevation makes it climate temperate and soil rich, ideal to grow high value crops such as lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, beans and onions, among others. Tourism is not the village’s way of life and most locals are into farming. Literally, Sitio Lugsangan is a huge farm.
There’s an easy and not so easy way of getting to Casino Peak from Mantalongon proper. The former is by taking a motorbike (habal-habal) from Mantalongon Public Market straight to its base which is just 450 meters assault to the peak while the latter involves around an hour of leisurely trek from Osmeña Peak or so from downtown Mantalongon. You will be needing a guide or assistance from the locals specially if you are first timer and you decides for the long trek.
See the roof of Cebu from a different viewpoint at Casino Peak!
Getting to Casino Peak from Cebu City is the same as going to Osmeña Peak. There are two ways:
1. The easiest way of commuting to Casino Peak is by catching a local bus direct to Mantalongon (Dalaguete) from Cebu City South Bus Terminal or Carbon Market, travel time is about three hours and fare is around P120. However, the firs trip is around 6AM to 7AM, which is too late if you are aiming for sunrise. The bus will stop at Mantalongon Public Market, from there you may take a habal-habal to Sitio Lugsangan (P40/person, 15 to 20 minutes ride). Lugsangan bound habal-habal are stationed at the end of the road, en route to Osmeña Peak; those stationed in the market charge higher fee so better ask the locals where these habal-habal are stationed.
2. If you are aiming for sunrise, take a Bato via Oslob bus at Cebu City South Bus Terminal and get off at Dalaguete (in front of 7/11). Travel time is at least two hours and fare is P120 (aircon). Habal-habal drivers will crowd you as soon as you get off the bus, avoid them as much as possible as they charge higher rate (around P300). From 7/11, walk to the corner of the street where Mantalongon-bound habal-habal are stationed, fare is P50/person or P100/trike. The driver will drop you at Mantalongon Public Market, from there you may take a habal-habal to Sitio Lugsangan (P40/person, 15 to 20 minutes ride). Lugsangan bound habal-habal are stationed at the end of the road, en route to Osmeña Peak; those stationed in the market charge higher fee so better ask the locals where these habal-habal are stationed. Alternatively, you may ask the habal-habal driver from Dalaguete to take you direct to Lugsangan but expect the rate to balloon.
Note: Guides are readily available at the trailhead, no standard rate but it usually starts at P150
First Published: 04-Jul-2017 Updates 20-Mar-2018; 20-Aug-2019; 28-Apr-2020
Contents
Cebu: Osmeña and Casino Peak, One Day Hike
I know all of you are very familiar with the highest peak in Cebu Province, the Osmeña Peak. However, its neighboring peak, the Casino Peak or Lugsangan Peak is almost as beautiful as its counterpart. Thus, I visited them myself to see the beauty of these natural wonders.
On the verge of my weekend escapade planning, I suddenly realized that I have never been to the summit of Osmeña Peak. It had been on my Cebu Bucket List for a while but for some reason that hiking plan had never put into action not until two months ago. I googled information about this highest peak in Cebu and found out that its neighboring summit is very doable in a day hike too. Thus, this “One Day Hike to Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak” come to place.
Casino Peak Trek Trail
Casino Peak Trek Adventures
Most of the tourists who have summited Osmeña Peak suggested to climb before sunrise or before sundown to witness an epic view on top. However, it was pretty much midday when I and my friends summited the two peaks of Dalaguet. So if you guys have plans to climb Osmeña Peak or/and Casino Peak, better check the weather, time of the year, and yourself. Though it is a short hike but always remember, “Prevention is better than cure.”
The hike towards Osmeña Peak is a piece of cake and is very much achievable by people of all ages. Once you arrive at the jump off point, you have to register at the Osmeña Peak Tourism Center and pay the 30Php environmental fee to start your ascend. If you are not confident enough and you think you need a guide to be able to reach the top, the tourism center has many friendly and accommodating guides to accompany you. But of course, with an additional fee of 150Php plus tip.
However, as what I have mentioned earlier, the trail towards the summit is short and it is well-marked. Thus, navigating to Osmeña Peak is doable even without a guide. In more or less 20 minutes, you can see the breathtaking view of Cebu Island on the top. Snap some pictures and breathe in some fresh air. Enjoy the view. For people who are into outdoor activities, Osmeña Peak has a camping ground where you can stay overnight and experience the night and morning view from the summit. Just bring your own tent, food, water and other things needed to go camping.Camping fee is 50Php. But if you have no plans to camp on top of Osmeña Peak, then start your descend and head to the neighboring summit, the Casino Peak or “Lugsangan Peak”.
From Osmeña Peak Tourism Center, you can hail a motorbike that will send you to your next peak. Once you arrive at the Casino Peak or Lugsangan Peak jump off point, pay another 30Php registration fee, signed the visitor’s Log Book, and start climbing to the top.
Casino peak is a short hike as well. However, unlike Osmeña Peak, this next peak is a bit steep and has a much more rocky trailway.Thus, you have to be more cautious when you climb Casino Peak. But once you summit the Casino Peak, you’ll realize it is worth the climb.
Osmeña Peak, is the highest mountain in Cebu and it is the spot from which you can witness a stunning 360-degree views of Cebu island. Many have said that Osmeña Peak is the most famous and has a beautiful viewpoint on Cebu. I agree, but in my point of view, Casino Peak showcase a much better scenery from the top. One of my favorite hikes so far. You will witness a wide array of rocky-hill formations and village’s farms that seems like the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. No wonder this place is dubbed as the “Chocolate Hills of Cebu”
Casino Peak Trek Discovery
If I had the time, I could have stayed longer on top and see the breathtaking sunset view from Casino Peak. Maybe next time! Maybe next time I will try camping and experience stargazing on the summit of either of the beautiful mountains. Also, before I forget, you can check out Kandungaw Peak for a more adventurous hike. It is tedious but worth checking out. Thus, if you are reading this and would love to hit these mountains sooner or later, give me a heads up. I would like to climb again.
How to get there:
Osmena Peak
Lugsangan/Casino Peak
Dalaguete is a two-hour to three-hour bus ride from Cebu. From the Cebu South Bus Terminal, take any bus going to Oslob or Santander. Bus fare is around 110Php. Just inform your bus driver or bus conductor to drop you off at Dalaguete junction for Osmeña Peak. From there, ride a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) to take you to Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak. If you are climbing Osmeña Peak only, fare is 100Php per way. However, if you want to climb both peaks like me, fare is 150Php per way. From the junction to the Osmeña Peak Tourism Center, the ride is more or less 45minutes. The road is not smooth, some parts are rough and ugly and bumpy. So prepare yourself and hold tight.
You can also rent a private car for this trip for 3000Php to 5000Php per day. On the other hand, if you know how to drive a motorbike, renting a scooter for 300Php per day is much more economical.