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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.