The Philippines is truly the ultimate vacation destination for beach lovers and adventurers alike. I arrived after nearly 2 months of traveling through Southeast Asia, and all I wanted was a few days to relax on the beach. For tropical beaches and authentic experiences, you’re in the right place in the Philippines, and I chose the beautiful island of Cebu.
But I can’t keep up that kind of lazy lifestyle for long. Soon enough, I got restless and wanted to be active again. Time for a new adventure: hiking Osmena Peak!
After a short journey and advised by a local tricycle driver, I ended up at Panagsama Beach in Moalboal. I did some amazing diving and spent my days sunbathing and reading on the beach. But to keep my body somewhat active and explore Cebu’s mountainous interior, I decided to climb the magnificent Osmena Peak – the highest point on Cebu Island!
From Beach Life to Mountain Trek in Cebu
I can’t keep that up for long, and I quickly got restless because I really wanted to be active. I had spotted a small travel agency down the street that organized various day trips and hiking tours. One of them immediately appealed to me: a hiking trip to the summit of Osmena Peak, the highest point on Cebu Island at 1,013 meters above sea level.
When I signed up for this trek, it turned out there were no other tourists and the trip seemed unlikely to happen, but the guide really wanted something to do. Shortly after, he got permission from his boss to ride there on his own scooter to the starting point in Mantalongon, Dalaguete. Normally you’re taken to the start of the hike with a 4-wheel drive, but since there were just the two of us, this worked fine.
Three People on a Habal-Habal (Motorcycle)
When we were almost there, we had to switch to a habal-habal (local motorcycle taxi) because the last section through the mountains took us higher toward the starting point. I got to sit in the middle, and the driver that my guide had arranged took us to the beginning of our hike to Osmena Peak.
I had never experienced this before… three people on a motorcycle! Of course, it can get much crazier in Asia – you often see entire families on a scooter… but I still found this a fun authentic local experience 🙂 I didn’t dare take a photo while sitting as the third person on the motorcycle, but it was definitely an unforgettable moment!
The Osmena Peak Hike Begins
We were dropped off along a road where I initially couldn’t see any hiking trail. That was actually correct… we just went into the bushes and behind them, after some searching… we found the path leading to the top of Osmena Peak!
It was a warm, sunny day and fortunately I had brought enough water because it didn’t take long before I got quite hot during the climb. We had a good hiking pace and the mountain paths were such that I had to pay close attention to where I placed my feet on the rocky terrain.
Through Cebu’s Spectacular Mountain Landscape
The hiking trail wound us through a spectacular mountain area. Every now and then I could look far out over the landscape and saw traditional houses scattered here and there among the mountains in the wild, rugged terrain. At one point, I heard, in the middle of nowhere among the mountains, suddenly Mariah Carey singing…
A moment later I saw the small house where the music was coming from. The only sign of life I could perceive was a small Filipino child looking at me curiously from the doorway of the house. We waved friendly at each other and I continued my way to the summit.
Climbing Higher Toward the Summit of Osmena Peak
We climbed higher and higher through the mountain landscape and I got warmer and warmer from the exertion and the tropical sun. But the views over Cebu became increasingly spectacular during the hike!
If you know the famous Chocolate Hills on Bohol, a nearby island of the Philippines… you can compare these mountain peaks of Osmena Peak to them. Except these hills aren’t round but pointed and rocky. This gave the mountain landscape a very wild and rugged appearance. I thought it was truly a wonderful, photogenic view.
At the last village in the mountains before we would actually reach the summit, we paused for a refreshing cola. Aren’t those small local shops in the mountains of Cebu wonderful?
What is unfortunate though… all the plastic packaging materials you see standing and hanging in the window, we encountered everywhere as litter in the green landscape. They really don’t have public trash cans in these remote mountain areas yet… and when they do have them, unfortunately the locals don’t use them…
The Breathtaking View from the Top of Osmena Peak
Once we reached the top of Osmena Peak, we had a fantastic 360-degree view over Cebu Island and on clear days could even see Bohol Island in the distance. Unfortunately, the humidity was too high that day, but because there were so many dramatic cloud formations, I was able to take beautiful, atmospheric photos of the mountain landscape. I think clouds always give a nice atmospheric quality to landscape photos.
After a well-deserved lunch break at the highest point of Cebu and cooling down nicely in the fresh mountain breeze, we began our trek back to Moalboal. In total we hiked for about 5 hours including breaks, and I found certain sections of the climb quite challenging. Challenging because it was very hot and humid, and because we kept the hiking pace quite high to get back on time.
Where to Stay for Osmena Peak? Best Hotels in Moalboal
If you want to hike Osmena Peak, Moalboal is absolutely the best base for this day trip. This charming coastal town with beautiful dive spots is about 1.5 hours drive from Osmena Peak in the mountainous interior, and has accommodations for every budget. The big advantage of staying in Moalboal? You perfectly combine your mountain trek with other top activities like diving, snorkeling at the sardine run, and island hopping!
Best Budget Accommodations in Moalboal ($11-44)
- The Backyard Inn
A basic but neat budget option for backpackers at $11 per night. The Backyard Inn has its own bar serving cold drinks that can be enjoyed in the lounge area. - Chief Mau Moalboal Hostel
The popular hostel spot right on Panagsama Beach! Dormitory beds in shared rooms from just $7 per night. Walking distance to the beach, restaurants and dive shops.
Recommended Mid-Range Hotels Moalboal ($44-110)
- Secret Paradise Moalboal
Secret Paradise Moalboal is located in Moalboal, 4 minutes walk from Panagsama Beach, and offers accommodation with an outdoor pool, free private parking, a garden and a terrace. - Coco del Rey
Coco del Rey is located in Moalboal, 4 minutes walk from Panagsama Beach, and offers a terrace with an outdoor pool and lovely sun loungers. - East Holiday Resort
Lovely modern cabins with private terrace within walking distance of Panagsama Beach.
Luxury Beach Resorts in Moalboal ($110+)
- Quo Vadis Dive Resort
Beautiful, atmospheric cottages in tropical gardens. The best part of this resort? You can walk straight from their own pier into the water for fantastic snorkeling along the house reef. - The Wild Orchid Resort
For those truly seeking peace, privacy and luxury! This beautiful resort is located somewhat secluded from the busy center, but offers absolute serenity and a private atmosphere.
Top 5 Alternative Day Trips and Activities from Moalboal
Besides hiking Osmena Peak, there’s so much more to experience in this beautiful region of South Cebu! These are the best day trips and activities you can do from Moalboal:
1. Kawasan Falls Canyoneering – The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush!
The absolute must-do activity in Cebu and an unforgettable experience. You jump through multiple waterfalls, make dizzying jumps from rock formations into the clear water, and slide through natural water slides in the jungle. Pure adrenaline and adventure!
Practical Information Kawasan Falls:
- Price: $44-66 per person all-inclusive
- Duration: 3-4 hours of active canyoneering through the canyon
- Travel time: Only 30-45 minutes drive from Moalboal
- Included: Experienced guide, safety equipment, lunch at the waterfalls
- Booking: Online or at your hotel in Moalboal
2. Moalboal Sardine Run & Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
I did this myself during my stay while diving and it’s truly magical! You literally swim in the middle of millions of sardines moving as one giant, shifting cloud around you.
Practical Information Sardine Run:
- Price: Completely free if you snorkel yourself, or $17-28 with professional guide
- Best time: Early morning (7-9 AM) or late afternoon for the best light
- Snorkel gear rental: From $3 at the many shops along the beach
- Bonus: Good chance of seeing sea turtles in the same area!
3. Pescador Island Hopping & Snorkeling
An unforgettable day trip with island hopping and snorkeling at Pescador Island, officially one of the best dive and snorkel locations in the entire Philippines. You’ll discover beautiful, colorful coral reefs full of tropical fish and with some luck spot majestic sea turtles and schools of fish. Trip includes the famous Sardine Run.
Practical Information Pescador Island:
- Price: $88-110 per person for full day tour
- Included: Private bangka boat, snorkel equipment, professional guide, lunch on the beach
- Duration: Full day (approximately 6-8 hours)
4. Oslob Whale Shark Watching (with Important Note)
Swimming with giant whale sharks sounds like a once-in-a-lifetime experience! However, I need to be honest here: the whale sharks at Oslob are fed daily by locals, which is absolutely not good for their natural behavior, migration patterns and health. From an animal welfare perspective, I would personally recommend skipping this commercial activity.
Better animal-friendly alternative: Visit Donsol (different region of the Philippines) where you can spot whale sharks in a responsible, sustainable way in their natural habitat without feeding.
5. Combo Day Tour: Osmena Peak + Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
For the real adventurers and active travelers! Start super early in the morning hiking Osmena Peak and end your epic day with spectacular canyoneering at Kawasan Falls. This is physically quite exhausting but absolutely worth it if you want to maximize your enjoyment of Cebu’s nature.
Practical Information Combo Tour:
- Price: $88-121 per person all-inclusive package
- Duration: Full intensive day (approximately 12-14 hours total)
- Schedule: 05:00 departure, first Osmena Peak (3 hours), then Kawasan (4 hours)
- Booking: Online or through local tour operators in Moalboal
Information and Duration
I booked my trip with Planet Action Adventure. This was a local agency located on the street where my resort was. They also organize many other trips, mostly active and adventurous. This trek took at least 5 hours total, I can imagine that if you’re in a group you’ll need the whole day. The lunch was brought by my guide and included a sandwich, a snack and something to drink.
You Can Now Climb Two Peaks in One Afternoon: Osmena Peak and Kandungaw Peak
More about the Philippines?
- Walking the Ancient Old Riceterraces of Banaue – Philippines
- Daytrip on Bohol – Philippines
- Things to do in Baguio – Summer Capital
- Hiking to the summit of Mt Pulag
- Island Hopping in El Nido – Palawan