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. 

Cebu - Bohol Travel Series: First day at Lambug Beach

Panoramic Shot of Lambug Beach

"God's Plan is always better than our plans". That's what I utter after the whole day experience of shuttered plans. First, delayed flights. second, terrible traffic of Cebu City down to southern part. Then, the gloomy weather. We should be going to Osmeña peak when we arrived in the afternoon but it was too late. We got to arrive in Lambug beach homestay around 5pm which means we could not pursue doing our first activity. There's no other way but adjust with the situation.

Arriving at Mactan International Airport

Since we accept the fact that we have to change our schedule we have to look first for something to have for dinner. We walked through the beachfront area and found some stores and small eateries, that's how we got our dinner. Trying to appreciate what we got for this day, even it was cloudy and drizzle of rain; we walk to the shoreline and to our surprise we are no longer bitter with the situation. This soft sand and gentle waves from Lambug beach has taken all our worries, bitterness and sadness away. It was a very peaceful, serene, tranquil and simple ambiance. We spotted few beach goers but nonetheless it was a perfect place for escape and contemplation. The sound of gentle splashing waves, the guffaw of playing kids in the shore, the soft white sand that touches your feet, the absence of commercial establishments and the howling blow of the wind. It was all perfect combination to eliminate stress, anxieties and weary heart.

way to Lambug beach

Famous Landmark

When darkness starts to fall we also go back to the homestay which is just a few steps away from the beach. It was purely rest 'coz the rain starts to become stronger and we can't go outside to do anything. And since we are tired of almost whole day traveling and battling with the traffic we called it a night.

Lamubug beach homestay at the top

Serenity

Less crowded beach

Late afternoon at the beach

double standard room

Rewarding view

I said a while ago that God's plan is always better than ours. It was just the conclusion for what happens all throughout the day. We plan ahead that as we arrived in Cebu we'll be dropping by Magellan's Cross and Basilica. Then, travel to south cebu, check in at Lambug beach homestay, go immediately to Osmeña peak to witness amazing sunset then back to Lambug beach and unwind by the shore. But that didn't happen accordingly. Instead, we had delayed flight, stuck up in traffic jam in the Cebu City, little drizzle of rain upon arriving at the beach and cancelled our trek to Osmeña peak.
Before this trip I was praying for a solitude, serenity, tranquility and peaceful atmosphere which I thought would happen with our pre-arranged itinerary. I thought everything we plan has been ruined by that uncontrolled forces. Eventually, good things revealed on us when we accept and deal with the situation. First thing we do is re-arrange our Itineraries; We'll be doing Osmeña Peak very early in the morning and proceed immediately to kawasan canyoneering, head back to the city, visit Magellan's cross, Basilica and look for some souvenirs.


After fixing our schedule something awesome dawned on us. The exact thing I've been praying is right in front of me. The less crowded Lambug beach gives me more space to take time thinking along with its fine shore while listening to that resounding calm waves of the sea. Serenity, Tranquility and Simplicity. I've been so restless for the past few days that I think God is giving me enough good time to rest for a while with this kind of peaceful view, just when I thought everything seems to be so wrong. Indeed, it is a very long day for me and my friend but It was all according to His plan which is greater than that of what we have prepared.

Escape to BOLINAO

It was a very busy day for the Country and every one was at the peak of their emotions as we all casted our votes for the next Leaders of the Philippines. While the whole world were all eyes to that event We were also busy packing our things to get a quick getaway. We have decided to celebrate a friend's Birthday at the beach without taking a hard time going back home and so we come up with Bolinao. One of the fast growing tourist destination in Northern Luzon, This small town in Pangasinan has surprises for its visitors. From Falls, Caves, Lighthouse and beaches; Bolinao is a great way to escape a busy life from the city.

After exercising our right to suffrage we try to get the last trip going to Bolinao of Victory liner in Cubao at 10:45pm. Regular hours for this trip would range from 6 to 7 hours but since the roads were clear, smooth and free from traffic, we arrived earlier than expected. 3:50am When we arrived at Bus Terminal in Bolinao, We wait there until the sun rise up and a friend from Mangaldan Pangasinan came in. We were about to hire a tricycle for a day trip but to our surprise we can cut our expenses by using my friend's car and her cousin from Bolinao town volunteered to be our guide. Blessed beyond compare right? We don't have to haggle to anyone for a day tour and we were comfortable enough in spending our money.

Our Day started by Visiting first the Historical and beautiful church at heart of Bolinao which is St. James the Great Parish. It is said to be 400 year-old church that is stunningly gorgeous. Next stop would be the towering lighthouse of Bolinao, A century old lighthouse that has been featured to several movies but facilities were destroyed when the town has been severely hit by the storm. 

The Lighthouse is still working but visitors are prohibited to get inside, We just enjoyed the picturesque view and get some photos to this amazing tower.
As we continue heading to Patar Beach we noticed that almost all attractions were just on the way. We passed by the route going wonderful cave, enchanted cave and cindy's cave. Even the Lighthouse is just a meter away from the beach; as we got down the road there comes the view of Public beach entrance ahead of us. We rented a cottage then proceed immediately to taming waters of Patar Beach. It was a clear and refreshing water with the fine golden sand lies in it. There were some natural sea debris spotted on the area but nevertheless it was really good; large number of visitors came in as midnoon is approaching because I guess it's summertime but not too crowded. There were few stores and eateries in the area if ever you need some foods for lunch. 

Fine sand

Clear sea waters of Patar Beach

It was 2:30pm when we decided to go our next destination which they called the "Enchanted Cave" It is a private property which requires every visitors to pay 150 pesos. They are now developing the whole area into a recreational park that includes garden, swimming pool and the main attraction itself the the cave with the cool water inside.

take a dip!

 The water was so clear that you'll be able to see the rocks inside but what's more interesting is trying to dip or even swim in the cold water. It was refreshing and so inviting, perfect for beating the heat from the beach. We didn't notice the time spent in this recreational area only to find out that we don't have any time left for visiting Bolinao falls 1 & 2. It was sad leaving this place without seeing everything it has offer but maybe it is just a way saying that we will go back to this secluded paradise in Pangasinan.

I've known Pangasinan for so long because this used to be my Mother's hometown and been there several times but never know that this Place called Bolinao exist and it is a precious gem. True indeed that our country won't stop surprising us with its endless spectacular beauty which sometimes gives us strength and aspirations to continue dreaming and reconnect yourself to the world again. I'll never get tired of releasing all my stress and disappointments by travelling and discovering the beauty of nature coz' it is the best way to regain, rebuild and re-align every bits and pieces after falling.

Photo Credits: Lucille Taperla