Hailed as the highest landform in the island of Cebu, Osmeña Peak has become a primary destination for those who wanted to experience the beauty of nature 1,013 meters above sea level. For years, tourists and outdoor enthusiasts have been flocking this area not knowing that if they explored further in the locality, they would have doubled the adrenaline rush by trekking a nearby monolith – Kandungaw Peak (Candongao Peak).
Kandungaw Peak or some spelled it as Candongao Peak is located in between the mountain range of Dalaguete, Cebu and Badian which some claimed it as part of Badian, Cebu, but this Peak have been maintained and manage by the Dalaguete Tourism Office. It is recognized to be the monolith peak in Maloray, Dalaguete, Cebu. It stands more than 900 MASL and recognized as the second highest Peak in Cebu, next to the well known and stunning Osmeña Peak. When you stand at the summit of Kandungaw Peak, you’ll be seeing the mountain that looks like being naturally sliced and drops down, which creates a beautiful cliff and a perfect spot for your death-defying poses. It also grants you a stunning vista of green jagged hills like the one in Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak.
Kandungaw Peak, or Candongao Peak as fondly spelled by many, came from the Bisaya word “dungaw” which meant “to look down”. According to the locals, Kandungaw became a hiding place of the locals during the Japanese invasion. The tip of the monolith is a vantage point for guards to give signal when their security is threatened. Nearby, is the cave where people hid themselves in fear of prosecution or slavery. At present, this almost 90-degree cliff still brings adrenaline rush to whoever stands on it, not because of the Japanese, but because of pure joy of excitement of conquering the fear.
HOW TO GET TO KANDUNGAW PEAK OR CANDONGAO PEAK
Take a bus at the South Bus Terminal bound for Oslob or Bato. Ask the driver to drop you off at Dalaguete junction. Travel time is about 3 hours, (The fare is not more than PHP 150 with Aircon Bus). The crossing is populated with bakeries and motorcycles (habal-habal). From there, ride a motorcycle (habal-habal). Usually the fare going directly the jump off area is PHP 150 per person. The travel time is around 45 minutes to 1 hour. From the jump off area after the registration, you’ll need to take a guide going to the Peak, which is a mandatory from the Dalaguete Tourism Office, even if you have already been to the Peak.
Note:
There’s also a trail from Sohoton, Badian going to Kandungaw Peak, which I haven’t tried it yet. Maybe soon on my next visit, we might meet each other, so don’t forget to smile and say hi.
TRAVEL TIPS
Drinking water is not readily available. Hence, I advise you to bring adequate drinking water.I suggest you bring your umbrella or apply your sunscreen on your skin for the clinging heat of the sun could be really that bad.Expect heavy fogs anytime, especially during the rainy season for the month of June to December.If you’re planning to camp here, I would suggest that you should go here as early as 4:00 PM or earlier than that cause the camping site has a small space.Going back directly to the Dalaguete National Highway will cost PHP 150.00 per person. Hence, I suggest that you only take the motorcycle going to theMantalongon Market for only PHP 50.00 then from the Market, take another Motorcycle going to Dalaguete National Highway for only PHP 50.00. In this way, you’ll save PHP 50.00.Please, be always kind to nature, don’t break its innate beauty.
We can’t predict the weather, so you better bring your dry bag to put all your gadgets and camera when it rains.If you wish to have your snacks or meal at the summit, please take responsibility of your garbage, make sure to bring them all with you and don’t leave your garbage there.Please remember to leave no trace behind. Take full care of our mother nature. Just enjoy and be responsible enough.
POSSIBLE TRAVEL EXPENSES
Fare from Cebu to Dalaguete – Php 120.00Fare from Highway Dalaguete to Mantalongon Market – Php 50.00Mantalongon Market to the jump off area of Kandungaw Peak – Php 50.00Kandungaw Peak Entrance Fee – Php 30.00Kandungaw Peak Camping Tent Space fee – Php 50.00Kandungaw Peak to Mantalungon Market – Php 50.00Mantalongon Market to Dalaguete National Highway – Php 50.00Dalaguete to Cebu City – Php 120.00Food and water for 2 days and 1 night – Php 450.00
TOTAL EXPENSES – Php 970.00
KANDUNGAW PEAK VIDEO –> watch here
©REGINE MAE REGIDOR
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