by: Gueen Pilapil
It’s the peak of the casino! Not the Chocolate Hills of Bohol nor the Quitinday Hills of Albay! Not taken from the peak of Osmeña but still Cebu’s roof.
CASINO PEAK is one of South Cebu’s newest tourist destinations, attracting mountain climbers, day trippers, budget travelers and local tourists.
Mantalongon Range’s ragged peaks are undeniably one of the most picturesque mountain peaks, not just in Cebu, but throughout the Philippines. The mountain range borders Badian and Dalaguete cities and covers the two cities ‘ different sites and barangays. It features countless conic peaks that are reminiscent of Chocolate Hills from Bohol and Quitinday Hills from Albay.
Casino Peak has remained a secret for years, while Barangay Mantalongon’s Osmeña Peak has become popular with the impressive view of Cebu’s roof. 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 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. That’s how iconic it is!
Like other sitios in this hinterland of Dalaguete, Sitio Lugsangan is typically rural and laid back. Its high elevation makes it climate temperate and soil rich, ideal to grow high value crops such as lettuce, carrots, tomatoes, beans and onions, among others. Tourism is not the village’s way of life and most locals are into farming. Literally, Sitio Lugsangan is a huge farm.
See Cebu’s roof at Casino Peak from a different point of view!
HOW TO GET TO CASINO PEAK VIEWPOINT:
There are several options to arriving to Casino Peak but the easiest is definitely to arrive by motorbike. It is possible to also arrive on a bus or habal-habal (bike transport). The third option is to hike to Casino Peak all the way from Osmena Peak, which is about an hour trek. Casino Peak is on Google Maps and I can confirm it is an accurate pin, which is always handy. I will outline how to get to Casino Peak below and also tell you what you can expect on the journey as well as my tips for the drive. It is important to note that it may be referred to as Lugsangan Peak by many people including the locals you are trying to ask for directions.
Getting to Cebu City’s Casino Peak is the same as getting to Osmeña Peak. There are two ways of doing this:
1. The easiest way to get to Casino Peak is by catching a local bus directly from Cebu City South Bus Terminal or Carbon Market to Mantalongon (Dalaguete), traveling time is approximately three hours and traveling around P120. The firs trip is about 6 am to 7 am, though, which is too late if you’re looking for sunrise. The bus will stop at Mantalongon Public Market, from there you may take a habal-habal to Sitio Lugsangan (P40/person, 15 to 20 minutes ride). Lugsangan bound habal-habal are stationed at the end of the road, en route to Osmeña Peak; those stationed in the market charge higher fee so better ask the locals where these habal-habal are stationed.
2. Take a Bato via Oslob bus at Cebu City South Bus Terminal and get off at Dalaguete (before 7/11) if you’re looking for sunrise. It takes at least two hours to travel and P120 (aircon) is the fare. Habal-habal drivers will crowd you as soon as you get off the bus, avoid them as much as possible as they charge higher rate (around P300). From 7/11, walk to the corner of the street where Mantalongon-bound habal-habal are stationed, fare is P50/person or P100/trike. The driver will drop you at Mantalongon Public Market, from there you may take a habal-habal to Sitio Lugsangan (P40/person, 15 to 20 minutes ride). Lugsangan bound habal-habal are stationed at the end of the road, en route to Osmeña Peak; those stationed in the market charge higher fee so better ask the locals where these habal-habal are stationed. Alternatively, you may ask the habal-habal driver from Dalaguete to take you direct to Lugsangan but expect the rate to balloon.
CASINO PEAK ENTRANCE AND FEES:
The entrance will be the same regardless of which option you choose to arrive at Casino Peak. There’s a little house with an’ information center’ that’s a little hut. Another sign is seen from the road but this is a tiny road, you cannot miss it if you follow google maps pin. The entrance fee was 30 pesos per person.
TIPS:
*Look for a local guide.
*Don’t leave anywhere with your trash.
*Stick to the head of the trail and avoid vegetables and crops.
*No peak campsite because it is surrounded by farms.
*No trace left. Do not choose plants.
*Bring shade, sunblock, hat and arm guards to guard against the sun.
*Bring water to keep you hydrated, as you don’t have a store yet.
*In 1 day or half day, you can do Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak. Depending on how fast you go.
Aventurier 