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Osmeña Peak Viewpoint In Cebu: Best Sunrise Hike

Osmeña Peak Viewpoint In Cebu: Best Sunrise Hike

Osmeña Peak, standing proudly at 1,013 meters above sea level, is the highest point in the island province of Cebu, Philippines. Located in the town of Dalaguete, it is known for its unique jagged hill formations resembling a cluster of green, sharp-pointed hills, which are often compared to the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol. Offering a panoramic 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby islands of Bohol and Negros, Osmeña Peak is a favorite destination among hikers.

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OSMEAN PEAK: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Hiking Osmeña Peak on Cebu for sunrise was one of my favorite adventures during our time on the island. It is a 1-hour drive from the small town of Alegria, on Cebu and is an amazing sunrise hike with a stunning backdrop of steep cliffs. In this blog post, I’ll share everything you need to know about an adventure to Osmena Peak for sunrise.

HOW TO GET TO OSMENA PEAK FROM CEBU CITY

the island province. Here are the steps:

  1. By Bus: From Cebu City, go to the South Bus Terminal. Catch a Ceres bus heading to Dalaguete. The ride can take approximately 3 to 4 hours depending on the traffic.
  2. From Dalaguete Town Proper: Once you arrive at Dalaguete, you can hire a motorcycle taxi, also known as a “habal-habal,” to take you to the Osmeña Peak trailhead. The ride is usually about 20-30 minutes.
  3. Hike to the Peak: From the drop-off point or trailhead, you will need to hike to the peak. The trek is generally easy and takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on your pace.

TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN MOALBOAL

Moalboal is the best place to base for all your Cebu adventures. It is central to most waterfalls, canyoneering, snorkeling, beaches and within driving distance of the Whale Sharks!

a view of a beach with a thatched hut and palm trees.
a pool with a flamingo in the middle of it.

HOW TO GET TO OSMENA PEAK FROM ALEGRIA

The best place to base yourself before and after a hike up Osmena Peak is in Alegria. Here’s how we made it from Alegria to Osmena Peak.

In the small town of Alegria in the Philippines, I woke at 3 am, gathered my gear and met our driver at the front of our hostel. For 500 Pesos per person or $10 USD we had a return trip to Osmeña Peak, the tallest peak on Cebu.

The three of us crammed onto the habal-habal, which was easy on the wallet but incredibly uncomfortable on the butt cheeks. If you are a budget traveler it will be your only choice from Alegria when looking to hike Osmeña Peak, but if you have the cash rent a car or get some other way up there!

Book a tour: You can do it DIY like me but there is a really good tour you can book as well. The tour I recommend to you actually includes a visit to Kawasan Falls and Osmena Peak on the same day for just $30!

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Osmena & Kawasan Combo

  • Osmena Peak Sunrise
  • Kawasan Falls after Hiking
  • 2 Best Cebu Activities

MY 5 FAVORITE CEBU TOURS

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ALEGRIA TO OSMENA PEAK BY MOTORBIKE

Aside from the numb butt cheeks, the drive was very peaceful as we expertly cruised through villages, small towns, mountains and farming fields. Having the driver was extremely valuable during this part of the trip as he knew all of the bumps, dips, ditches and obstacles we encountered along the roads. I have driven mopeds a lot and wouldn’t suggest this journey in the dark for someone unless you really are looking for a big challenge.

We arrived at the registration office, hopped off the bike and feel the feeling rush back into our legs. The entrance fee to hike Osmeña Peak was 30 Pesos or 60 cents (probably increased since 2017). We didn’t ask for a guide but it seemed as though our driver had promised a nice old lady she would have two Aussies to show up to the peak. It was still pitch black and we didn’t know exactly how long or well-signed the hike was so we decided to let the guide come rather than send her back to bed without making any money. In reality, you don’t really need a guide but these two ladies actually brought some good, fun vibes to our little hike.

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HIKING OSMENA PEAK

We definitely didn’t need a guide for the 15-minute hike in the end but our guide, Ninette, could speak English and told us a few facts and stories about the area. It is possible to hike from Kawasan Falls, which takes anywhere from 3.5 to 6. You can also camp on Osmeña Peak if you are looking for a bit more than the 15-minute walk. It is also common to hike from Osmeña Peak to Kawasan Falls.

We arrived at the peak, 1,013 meters above sea-level, with not another soul around and enjoyed the bliss. I tried to imagine what would appear around us when the sun would creep over the clouds on the horizon. The most picturesque view from the peak is towards Moalboal, which is actually directly away from where the sun is rising.

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From Osmeña, I took photos in both directions but would have liked the opportunity to see the sun set over those beautiful capped hills after hiking up Osmena Peak. The hike would also be great all morning in terms of lighting but I would suggest not visiting any time between 2pm and 5pm. The sun may be at its harshest directly behind the capped hills, which would make taking a photo a little difficult.

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What are my favorite pieces of hiking gear?

There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my hiking essentials.

  • Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is my go-to rain jacket. It’s super light, folds down into a tiny ball, and protects brilliantly in a storm. This one never leaves my backpack.
  • Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For the best ankle support, waterproofing, and durable exterior I’m a fan of tough but light hiking boots like these Salomons for my adventures.
  • Black Diamond Head Torch: I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve arrived back from a hike unexpectedly late. I always keep this lightweight but strong headtorch in my bag for the unexpected.
  • Darn Tough Socks: These are the most comfortable hiking socks I’ve ever worn and last for years. They also have a lifetime warranty and you just send them in with a hole and they replace it no questions asked.

About 30 people had joined us at the top by the end of the sunrise and Ninette told us the number of people visiting per day ranges from 100-1000 depending on the day and the season. We visited in the low season and on a weekday. Weekends are notoriously busy as most locals enjoy a day off from work on sunday and make the long journey from Cebu City with the weekend warrior attitude.

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On the way down from Osmeña you will get a great view of Guadalupe with the sun shining over the region. When we got to the bottom we ended up paying Ninette 300 Pesos or $6 USD to thank her for guiding us up to the peak and hanging out with us.

OSMENA PEAK TO ALEGRIA

The ride home from Osmeña Peak to Alegria was great fun (apart from the numb butt cheeks again) as we waved to locals who stared, laughed and sometimes poked fun as the three of us cruised our way back down the mountain.

If you can haul yourself out of bed early enough and are up for a small adventure this was a fantastic morning, which wasn’t too physically draining at all. The view to Moalboal is definitely a unique landscape and made the journey bearable.

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Osmeña Peak Map

Below, I’ve pinned the exact location of Osmena Peak so you can get an idea of where it is in relation to other attractions and where you are staying in Cebu.

FACTS ABOUT OSMENA PEAK

  1. Highest Point in Cebu: Osmeña Peak is the highest point in the province of Cebu, Philippines, standing at an elevation of 1,013 meters above sea level.
  2. Location: The peak is located in the town of Dalaguete in the southern part of Cebu.
  3. Unique Landscape: Osmeña Peak is known for its unique jagged ridge, which gives a view of clustered green hills that resemble the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
  4. Panoramic Views: From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape including the islands of Negros and Bohol, as well as the Tañon Strait.
  5. Accessible Trek: The hike to the peak is generally considered accessible to most people, even without extensive hiking experience, and typically takes around 15 to 30 minutes from the trailhead.
  6. Camping: The area around Osmeña Peak is a popular camping spot, with plenty of spaces to pitch a tent.
  7. Flora and Fauna: The surrounding area of Osmeña Peak is rich in flora and fauna, including various species of birds and plants.
  8. Climate: The climate at Osmeña Peak is cooler compared to the lowlands and can be quite chilly in the early morning and late evening.
  9. Sunrise and Sunset: Many visitors aim to reach the peak for sunrise or sunset, as the views during these times are particularly spectacular.
  10. Responsible Tourism: Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment, adhering to the principles of “Leave No Trace.”

BEST TIME TO VISIT OSMENA PEAK


The best time to visit Osmeña Peak generally depends on your preferences for weather and crowd levels.

  1. Weather: In terms of weather, the dry season, from November to May, is typically the best time to visit as the trails are less slippery and the chances of rain spoiling the view are minimal. The temperature at the peak is cooler than the lowlands, especially early in the morning and late in the evening.
  2. Crowd Levels: If you prefer fewer crowds, weekdays outside of public holidays and school vacation periods are generally less busy.
  3. Sunrise and Sunset: Many visitors aim to reach the peak around sunrise or sunset. The sunrise views are breathtaking and worth the early morning trek. The sunset also offers a stunning panorama but remember, you will need to hike down in dusk conditions.

WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU?

I really think that if you are going to be exploring Cebu, the best place to stay is in Moalboal. There are a few reasons why!

Cebu City might be where you land at the airport but if you are looking for adventure, you will need to head south as soon as possible. Most of the best waterfalls, whale sharks, snorkeling with sardines and turtles are all down in the south of Cebu. So where do you stay to do all of these adventures? Moalboal!

Moalboal is a cool town, which is the free-diving and scuba capital of Cebu. There are tons of hostels, hotels, and hostels here as well as being close to all the waterfalls and hikes in the region.

Here are my recommendations on where to stay in Moalboal depending on your budget.

  • Teobas HomestayValue: You need to click on that link just to see how rad this place is. It has a staircase down to the ocean into crystal clear water. I can tell you, I have snorkeled out the front of this place with turtles many times. For about $30 USD you get a private room with all of the facilities you need. There is not much better than having ocean access and a bit of a sunset view!
a set of stairs leading down to the water.
three yellow stars on a white background

Teobas Homestay

  • Best Value
  • Ocean Staircase
  • Beachfront
  • Dolphin House ResortLuxury: If you are looking for a nice resort, Dolphin House is a 5-star resort with a huge pool for less than $200 USD per night. It has ocean access, great restaurant, chilling areas and a beautiful garden throughout the property.
a view of a beach with a thatched hut and palm trees.

Dolphin House Resort

  • Luxury
  • Private Pool
  • Beachfront

MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES

a person sitting on a rock in front of a waterfall.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT CEBU

When considering the weather, the best time to visit Cebu, Philippines, is generally during the dry season which runs from December to May. During this period, the weather is more predictable, with less chance of rain disrupting outdoor activities. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  1. Dry Season (December – May): This period is characterized by less rainfall and more sunshine. Among these months, February to May are especially good as they tend to be hot and dry, making them perfect for beach-related activities.
  2. Cool Months (December – February): The months of December to February are part of the dry season but are slightly cooler compared to other months. This makes it a good time to visit if you prefer more moderate temperatures.
  3. Hot Months (March – May): These months can get quite hot, but if you’re planning on spending time at the beach or by the pool, this could be the ideal time for you.
  4. Rainy Season (June – November): These months have more rainfall, which can disrupt outdoor activities. However, the rain can also bring cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, which some visitors might prefer.
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MORE OF MY PHILIPPINES GUIDES

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MY ACCOMMODATION GUIDES FOR THE PHILIPPINES

an aerial view of a resort in the middle of the ocean.

Jetteke

Monday 18th of March 2024

Hi, great story! Is it possible and easy to rent camping gear (tents and sleeping bags) anywhere?

diane

Tuesday 17th of December 2019

Hey Jackson! Thank you for your blog post :) I was wondering how I can book the Kawasan Falls + Osmena Peak tour you mentioned above. We are 2 people and it looks like the $30 is for a group of at least 6? Thanks in advance!!

Thanks in advance!!

Sincerely,

Diane

KMD

Tuesday 6th of August 2019

Hello, is there a tricycle to Osmeña Peak from Dalaguete proper or only motorcycle?

B

Wednesday 11th of September 2024

I got into a near-fatal motorbike accident last July (this year 2024) going to Osmena Peak. My partner and I decided to rent a motorbike and use Google Maps to get there, but Google Maps took us through a highlands route that was not safe. When we were found after the accident, we learned from the other riders and the hospital staff that that area is really prone to vehicular accidents, especially for unsuspecting tourists. No one (not the tour guides we talked to, not the hotel staff, not the motorbike rental business) warned us about anything. So everyone, please stick to the cemented safe road, and make sure that you hire a driver going to Osmena Peak instead of going by yourselves, because that other dangerous route was really no joke. I actually almost died, having rolled over the edge of the road, and am still dealing with the trauma of the accident. It took me a couple of months before I could write this down so I could warn other people.

Monday 26th of August 2019

motorcycle also they called "habal-habal"

Dayanara

Friday 12th of July 2019

hi would love to know if you still have a contact number of your driver from alegria to osmeña peak?

The best 5 Places You Have To visit On Cebu Island Philippines | TIME TRAVELING

Friday 26th of April 2019

[…] can reach Osmenja Peak by what the locals call a Habal Habal. A motorcycle that fits up to four people, after paying a […]