Cebu - Bohol Travel Series: Osmeña Peak & Canyoneering Fail

2nd day of Cebu-Bohol

Saying Hello to Cebu's Highest Peak

Up early as 5am we woke up to have our breakfast pre-ordered by the homestay. We were ready to go by 6am; We proceed immediately to Kawasan canyoneering office for they are our service provider for Osmeña Peak and Canyoneering. It was a long, cold and scenic habal-habal ride (local term for motorcycle) for 1-2 hrs from Alegria to dalaguete. This ride would be similar to travelling to Baguio city; Yes, Dalaguete is the Baguio of Cebu. It is a mountain which happen to be the home of fresh vegetables as you can see from the scenic view as you go through. I can also feel the cold breeze and almost chilling while on the ride. Another bonus view is the sea of clouds as we go up to the mountain, there's no need to worry about the road because it is a paved road until you get to the registration area of Osmeña Peak. They said that for a more adventurous experience you can do a full hike for 4hrs from Mantalongon public market to Osmeña peak but for those who are not into hiking and do not have enough time to spent, the best way is take the habal-habal ride for about 2 hrs then 30 min trek to the peak.  

Habal-habal ride with kuya Lyndon

Way to Dalaguete

start of trekking

mountain road

Finally! Dalaguete

Registration Area

Scenic view along the road

OTW to Registration Area

The moment I thought I was heading to Baguio

Upon registration you have to pay 30 pesos. Guides are not required since the trails were visible but for worriers, first time hikers and for those who need photographers you can have one. There's no standard rate for guides, it is up to you how much you give to them or maybe it depends on how you treat them. It was an easy trek actually, though it is a full ascent but not too steep that you can still breath good enough. There were good spots for taking picture especially where you can see the Panglao island in the background or it can be the rock formations. As we got to the peak, we were mesmerized by the beauty of this place. rock formations, the ruggedly siblings of chocolate hills and the Negros Occidental & Oriental in the background with Mt. Kanlaon. I guess Osmeña peak is not just about good sunsets but also the clouds and mountain color combination. This place has taken all our disappointments from yesterdays struggle.

1st Hill

2nd stop: Humble town at the back

Seeing Negros Occidental & Oriental from the other side

Near the Peak

Awesome view from the O' Peak

Thanks to our Guide Kuya Joy for this shot

The ruggedly cousin of Chocolate Hills

It was actually the first stop of the Trek

Contemplating

Seeing Panglao Island from a far

According to the locals it is called Osmeña peak because the late President Sergio Osmeña used to hang out to this place along with his friend with their horses. No wonder why the former President loves this mountain, it has easy trail and beginner friendly trek. Going back to Kawasan Canyoneering office still feels the same. that cold breeze that touches our skin all throughout the ride and the exiting slopes from mountain road makes it more thrilling adventure.

As we got back to the office we were briefed that Full-site Canyoneering has be suspended by the Provincial Government to formulate guidelines and other regulations for this activity to lessen the risk of visitors. Activity will proceed as soon as the said reasons were polished. This means that we are no longer to experience the hype of downstream Canyoneering. However, the Half site is still open or the Kawasan site only. This will take 1-2 hrs of Jumping, swimming, and trekking. More likely still a Canyoneering but not the one everyone is expecting. We won't be able to jump the highest point of Canyoneering site as well as swim thru the canyons and sliding to slippery rocks. Though this activity will also cut the price that you have to pay. As we proceed, We started trekking to the 3rd level of kawasan falls and higher. The water was so inviting with its natural bluegreen color and that cold refreshing flow through our feet. When we're about to start jumping to the falls, something came up. all the guides were shouting to hurry up and leave the water. We saw what they so-called "Baha" It is mud with debris from tress and other natural dirts (falling leaves, logs etc.) and the current of flowing water starts to become stronger. They said that it is caused by the heavy rain last night that flowing waters from the mountain top starts to grow and will result to discoloration of the river and falls. It has literally turned into brown and off-white. But what's more disappointing? We can no longer continue this activity because that situation may last whole day or maybe 2 days. Without any word we leave the place with a heavy heart. How come that we cannot explore this beautiful place with this little amount of time? Maybe it is not yet the right time. I promise to visit this again when full site is open. Good thing about our package provider is that they refund some of our payment due to unwanted events that took place. They were also offering us to go Moalboal Island hopping instead; It's just that we don't have enough time to do it anymore. We have to catch the bus going back to the city by afternoon so we can ran after the last ferry trip to Bohol.

We just take picture far from the falls.... Sad color :(

while waiting for out turn

Starting point of Kawasan Canyoneering

When the water was still in good condition

Dipping in refreshing cold water

River trek

Way to Kawasan falls

Result of Discoloration

As soon as we got back to the Lambug beach Homestay, We hurriedly packed our things up and bid goodbye to the People who's been so nice to us during our stay. We also make ready for another long hours of battling with heavy traffic as we head back to the city.

South Cebu has been so good that we don't want to leave until we experience everything that it has to offer. But it seems that all the circumstances we encounter is a sign that we should go back some other time. I've come to see the beauty of Cebu through beaches, mountain and rivers; I've also seen its madness through uncontrolled forces like monster traffic, natural discoloration of waters and activities stopped by the weather. It is a mixed of sweet and sour travel but still a learning experience after all. Indeed, true that God's will prevail even how hard you plan ahead of time.