It is Casino Peak! Not Bohol’s Chocolate Hills nor Albay’s Quitinday Hills! Not taken from Osmeña Peak but the roof of Cebu still.
The ragged peaks of Mantalongon Range is undeniably among the most picturesque mountain peaks not only in Cebu but in the entire Philippines. The mountain range borders the towns of Badian and Dalaguete and covers various sitios and barangays of the two towns. It features countless conic peaks reminiscent of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and Albay’s Quitinday Hills.
For years, Casino Peak has remained a secret while Osmeña Peak of Barangay Mantalongon has gained popularity for the imposing view of the roof of Cebu. This is understandable as the site is just an easy trek from the main road and yet it offers a panoramic view of the iconic multiple jagged peaks that stretch to as far as the neighboring town of Badian, overlooking the towns of Ronda, Moalboal, Argao and Alcoy, and the islands across Tañon and Cebu Straits.
But aside from Osmeña and with the countless peaks comprising Mantalongon Range, there are other lesser known peaks and I am sure there are still not yet discovered that offer equally if not more imposing vista of this spot. There’s Tabon Peak, Lovers’ Peak, Sunset Peak, Kandungaw Peak and the recently becoming popular Casino Peak!
Casino Peak is an icon of Sitio Lugsangan in Barangay Tabon, the neighboring town of Barangay Mantalongon where Osmeña Peak is located. It would be hard not to notice this spot if you are at the village due to its attractive shape, ask any local from the village and they will instantly point you to a towering peak in their backyard.
How to get there:
OPTION 1
STEP 1:.To get to Casino Peak from Cebu, you can ride the direct bus to Mantalongon in Dalaguete at Carbon Market. Transit time is roughly 2.5 hours and bus fare is approximately PHP 120/US 2.34 (EURO 2/SGD 3/MYR 10).
STEP 2: Alight at Mantalongon Public Market. Don’t worry, you’ll know you are there as it’s actually the last stop. Charter a habal-habal to take you to Sitio Lugsangan where Casino Peak is located. Fare is about PHP 50 /USD 0.98 (EURO 0.82 /SGD 1.32/MYR 4) per person per ride. But some motorcycles may charge you PHP 70/USD 1.37 (EURO 1.14/SGD 2/MYR 6) per person per ride. Travel time is around 15-20 minutes.
STEP 3: Register at the trailhead (the house of the Brgy. Captain serves as the registration area). They have a spartan toilet clad with plants if you need to pee or change your outfit.
STEP 4: A guide will be provided to you. As of now there is no standard rate for the guide fee. But some say the minimum is around PHP 150/USD 3 (EURO 2.45/MYR 13/SGD 4) (just like in Kandungaw Peak). Me thinks PHP 300/US 6 (EURO 5/MYR 25/SGD 2) is a fare rate already if you a group of 5. But I paid PHP 500/USD 10 (EURO 8/MYR 42/SGD 13) for 5 of us because we had him wait so long since we were taking a lot of pictures.
OPTION 2
STEP 1: Ride the bus en route to Bato via Oslob and get off at Dalaguete Proper near 7/11. Travel time is approximately 2 hours and fare is roughly PHP 120 /US 2.34 (EURO 2/MYR 10/SGD 3).
STEP 2: Habal-habal (motorbike) drivers will approach you as soon as you alight the bus. The standard charge is around PHP 150/USD 3 (EURO 2.45/MYR 13/SGD 4) per person or PHP 300 per habal-habal direct to Casino Peak trail head. But if you want to save a few bucks, walk towards the end of 7/11 road where Mantalongon-bound motorbikes are parked. Fare is PHP 50/USD 0.98 (EURO 0.82/MYR 4/SGD 1.32) per person or PHP 100/USD 2 (EURO 2/MYR 8/SGD 3) per motorbike.
You will alight at Mantalongon Public Market where you can switch to another habal-habal bound for Sitio Lugsangan (Casino Peak). You can find the habal-habal parked at the end of the road going to Osmena Peak. Fare is PHP 50/USD 0.98 (EURO 0.82/MYR 4/SGD 1.32) per person or PHP 100/USD 2 (EURO 2/MYR 8/SGD 3) per motorbike. But some drivers will reason it is far so they might charge you. The ride will only take about 20-25 minutes.
STEP 3: At the registration area, write your name.
STEP 4: A local guide will be assigned to you. No standard rate yet. But me thinks PHP 300/US 6 (EURO 5/MYR 25/SGD 2) is already a good rate. One guide for about 5 – 6 hikers.
Casino hiking tips:
* Wear proper hiking shoes and outfit. Be careful as the trail to Casino Peak is rocky and slippery..
* Greet the locals and let them pass first especially if you see them carrying heavy loads like basket full of cabbages.You can bring your car up to the trailhead to Casino Peak.
* Hire a local guide.
* Do not leave your trash anywhere.
* Stick to the trailhead and avoid stepping on the vegetables and crops.
* No Camping site at the peak because it is surrounded by farms.
* Leave no trace. Do not pick plants.
* Bring umbrella, sunblock, hat and arm guards to protect yourself from the sun.
* Bring water to keep you hydrated as there is no store yet in the area.
* You can do Osmena Peak and Casino Peak in 1 day or half day. Depending on your pace.
* You can also go to Kawasan Falls after Casino Peak, just hire a habal-habal (motorcycle). Rate is roughly PHP 500/USD 10 (EURO 8/MYR 42/SGD 13) per person.
Let’s preserve Casino Peak
There were no rules and regulations when we climb the peak. Anything can be brought at the top. But as a responsible visitor, let us help in maintaining the cleanliness and preservation of the beauty of the peak. It is so sad to see camp fire debris, plastic trash, and glass bottles being left at the top. I have no idea if those are from the locals or from other visitors. Regardless, as visitors, we should educate ourselves and practice LNT (Leave No Trace) principle. Even just in the smallest ways, we can contribute to the wellness of our mother nature.
CASINO PEAK VIDEO–> click here
©REGINE MAE REGIDOR
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