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| Freshly-harvested crops waiting to be delivered to Mantalongon Market (c) @wander_with_sky |
My cousin from Manila, LA , visited us that week. As a traveler herself, we decided to bond and get a girl's hike to one of the most visited places in Dalaguete Cebu, the Osmena Peak. It is located on the south side of Cebu with 1,013 meters above sea level mountain height. Brief history states that this mountain was named in honor of the Osmenas, a famous political clan in Cebu. The Mantalongon area in Dalaguete is a bit far from the city proper. Farming is mainly the source of income where I saw cabbage crops at the base of the mountain.
Our journey began by taking a bus from the South Bus terminal where it took us about 2 to 3 hours traveling, so I suggest you take the air-conditioned bus for a stress-free ride. We were dropped off at the junction where we stopped at a nearby 7/11 store to get some water. Friendly habal-habal drivers took us to the drop-off point for about P50 per head. The ride was about 30 minutes and while on the motorbike, I can't help but be awed by the works of nature. Mantalongon is truly a magnificent greeny place, somewhat untouched by civilization.
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| ...and so, let's begin (c) @wander_with_sky |
Upon reaching the drop-off point, you need to be registered by the LGU, signed their logbook, briefed shortly and you will be assigned by a local guide. People in Dalaquete are very friendly, accomodating and of course, they will act as your photographer so don't forget to tip them. At the base lies planted cabbage and we even saw some locals harvesting them.
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| Cabbages growing at the base of the mountain (c) @wander_with_sky |
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| Climbing guideline is posted at the base (c) @wander_with_sky |
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| The jagged hills are starting to appear after about 30minutes of climbing |
The summit offers a beautiful, picturesque view of multiple jagged hills of Mantalongon mountain range. These moulds of jagged hills reminded me of Chocolate Hills of Bohol of how they were strategically placed to be admired by many. From the summit, you can see a 360-degree view of Badian Island, Negros, and Bohol. With the cool breeze brushing my hair, I uttered, " I like it here".
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| Obligatory shot, because, why not? (c) @wander_with_sky |
The lush green is pleasing to the eyes, the vast ocean looks even better. Making my way through the toothed hill to where I was seated in the photos both gave me an adrenaline rush and a sense of fulfillment. I never thought I could make it here after giving birth two months earlier. My life has been pretty tensed with my new life as a mother to Ocean. The feeling I felt while sitting on the jagged hills was a momentous event. Another life, my second life has been born. If somehow, you want to challenge yourself amidst the pressure of life, this place is a good place to start.
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| Life is good (c) @wander_with_sky |
Since you're already in Dalaguete, might as well head to cool yourself up at Obong Spring. It will only take about 5 to 10 minutes from Dalaguete junction. What's interesting about this place is that it is situated near the sea where you can enjoy the area where the spring water and seawater meet especially during high tide. The spring itself has a bluish-green hue with trees enveloping the area which is perfect for protecting you from too much sun while enjoying the spring water. Large rock formations surrounding the spring are usually used as diving platforms. Locals in their food stalls are also visible in the area so food is not always a problem. Since this is a public local spot where the entrance fee is low, a large crowd frolicking here is expected.
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| Obong Spring, where spring water and seawater meets |
A nearby ancient watchtower ruin can be seen on the way to Obong Spring. I heard it was an 18th-century watchtower and it makes a pretty good backdrop for your photos.
How to get there DIY way :
1. Take a bus from South Bus station bound for Oslob or Bato via Dalaguete (get the air-con one) and tell the driver to drop you off at the junction. There's a 7/11 store where you can stop and buy something like food or water.
2. Take a Habal-habal (motorcycles for rent) to the drop-off point. Habal-habal drivers are pretty much visible at the junction with minimal fare. They are pretty much friendly too.
3. From the drop-off point, locals will guide you on the way up.They are very much warm and friendly so don't forget to reward them for some tip.
4. To get to Obong Spring, ask a local habal-habal to take you there. The spring is located about 5 to 10 minutes from Dalaguete junction.
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