My hiking days felt long gone. My legs would be the first to stage a protest if I took them on another long-distance trek like I used to during my college mountaineering days. However, I’ve been working on getting back into shape, as I still have my sights set on climbing Mt. Apo and Mt. Kanlaon. On this particular day in Cebu, I reckoned hiking to the island's highest point—the iconic Osmeña Peak—should be done the easiest way possible.
While it is a relatively easy trek when started from the Mantalongon Market, and a bit more strenuous if traversed all the way to Badian and culminating at Kawasan Falls, I opted for a shortcut: hiring a local habal-habal (motorcycle) driver to take me directly to the base of the 1,000-foot peak.
Habal-Habal Express to Osmeña Peak
The Habal-Habal Express
Just a few seconds after alighting from the bus on the coastal highway of Dalaguete, I was approached by a group of eager habal-habal drivers. I negotiated with one who greeted me with a friendly smile, agreeing on a 200-peso fare going all the way to "dulong Osmeña Peak" (the foot of the trail). The ride was rough, but the breathtaking highland scenery along the way made the nearly half-hour journey well worth every bump.
We rode over tricky slopes and winding paved and dirt roads while I tried my best to snap photographs along the way. At one point, we hit a deep pothole, causing us to almost skid off the side of the road. Fortunately, the driver skillfully regained control of the two-wheeled machine, and we got rolling along the high road once again.
Jagged Peaks and Avatar Vistas
The trees of the dense forest surrounding the mountain ranges evoked scenes from the movie Avatar. The peak itself, which I had only seen in photographs before, felt like a landscape from another world. My legs were feeling numb from the lengthy motorcycle ride when I finally caught sight of the pointed limestone tips of my destination.
We arrived at the trailhead, and my habal-habal driver volunteered to guide me up. Even though the summit was only a short climb away, I planned to pace myself and take things slowly. But driven by pure excitement, we hiked as fast as we could and reached the peak in just fifteen minutes. I collapsed onto the grass, set down my heavy backpack, and caught my breath.
Atop Cebu’s Highest Point
It took me a few moments to absorb my surroundings while I waited for my heart rate to settle. Looking around, I was greeted by a sea of sharp, jagged green hills resembling Cebu's own version of the Chocolate Hills. In the distance, the blue waters of the Tañon Strait and distant islands stretched out to the horizon. Surrounded by a 360-degree panorama, I didn't know where to look first.
Soon, my fatigue faded and my legs recovered. I poured cold water over my head and drank the rest, letting the cool mountain breeze brush against my face. This was the familiar thrill I remembered from my college days—conquering a summit, pushing your physical limits, and being rewarded with an unforgettable perspective from above.
We lingered at the top for nearly an hour, sitting on the grassy summit and taking in the vast world around us. "I'm not in Kansas anymore," the quote echoed in my mind. It was gratifying to know that such otherworldly landscapes exist right in our backyard.
As the air grew cooler, I felt revitalized. This short hike served as a great stepping stone for longer treks in the future. The motorcycle ride back down to the highway was faster and smoother, with the cool mountain wind rushing past.
An hour later, I was back on the main road waiting for a bus bound for Alcoy, heading to Tingko Beach for a refreshing swim before continuing to my final destination for the day: Santander at the southernmost tip of Cebu.
