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.

• Casino Peak Dalaguete
• Casino Peak In Dalaguete
• Casino Peak Dalaguete

Apr 25, 2019 - Casino Peak is a short trek to my favorite viewpoint on the island of Cebu. Also known as Lugsangan Peak, it is near Mantolongan Town in Badian region. Casino Peak is a relatively new trail and only a few avid trekkers have reached this peak. Certified adventurers must be ready to brave the rocky ridges that must be trekked, as getting on top is not really easy. Upon reaching the peak, amazing viewpoints of Cebu can be seen.

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. 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.

There’s an easy and not so easy way of getting to Casino Peak from Mantalongon proper. The former is by taking a motorbike (habal-habal) from Mantalongon Public Market straight to its base which is just 450 meters assault to the peak while the latter involves around an hour of leisurely trek from Osmeña Peak or so from downtown Mantalongon. You will be needing a guide or assistance from the locals specially if you are first timer and you decides for the long trek.

See the roof of Cebu from a different viewpoint at Casino Peak!

Getting to Casino Peak from Cebu City is the same as going to Osmeña Peak. There are two ways:

1. The easiest way of commuting to Casino Peak is by catching a local bus direct to Mantalongon (Dalaguete) from Cebu City South Bus Terminal or Carbon Market, travel time is about three hours and fare is around P120. However, the firs trip is around 6AM to 7AM, which is too late if you are aiming 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. If you are aiming for sunrise, take a Bato via Oslob bus at Cebu City South Bus Terminal and get off at Dalaguete (in front of 7/11). Travel time is at least two hours and fare is P120 (aircon). 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.

Note: Guides are readily available at the trailhead, no standard rate but it usually starts at P150

First Published: 04-Jul-2017 Updates 20-Mar-2018; 20-Aug-2019; 28-Apr-2020

I remember seeing the area where Casino Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu is a located a few years ago but I didn’t know its name that time and how to get there. We were among the first few travelers who visited Osmena Peak that time. I noticed the mountains on that side are similar to Chocolate Hills of Bohol, while Osmeña Peak is more like deformed Hershey’s Kisses. So when a friend mentioned about Casino Peak recently, I was no longer surprised. But since I really wanted to see it too, I planned a trip to Dalaguete with my cousins and uncle. I created a day trip Casino Peak itinerary with estimated budget.

For those who don’t know, Casino Peak is near Osmeña Peak, they are both located in the town of Dalaguete in South Cebu. You can actually travel to both tourist spots in 1 day or even half day (if your pace is fast). Casino Peak is situated in Sitio Lugsangan in Barangay Tabon while Osmeña Peak is situated in Barangay Mantalongon.

Since Casino Peak is new to the tourism scene, there are no standard rates yet. I spoke with our local guide and he told me that the village is still talking to the LGU regarding the environmental fee, entrance fee and the standard rate for guide fee and motorcycle fees. Hopefully soon enough, they’ll be able to impose reasonable standard rates.

Here’s my Casino Peak trip guide to help you plan your trip.

CEBU CITY TO CASINO PEAK (DALAGUETE, CEBU)

Via Direct Bus to Mantalongon

There are direct buses to Mantalongon in Carbon Market as well as South Bus Terminal. Bus fare is around PHP 120 /USD 2.34 (EURO 2/MYR 10/SGD 3) and the trip will take approximately 3 hours.

The bus will stop at Mantalongon Market where you can hire habal-habal (motorcycle) to Casino Peak. Fare is around PHP 50 /USD 0.98 (EURO 0.82 /SGD 1.32/MYR 4) per person per ride. But drivers may charge you PHP 70/USD 1.37 (EURO 1.14/SGD 2/MYR 6) per person per ride since you are a tourist. Transit time is about 20 minutes.

Once you reach Sitio Lugsangan where Casino Peak is located. You need to register at the house of the village chieftain.

You will be assigned a guide. But there’s no standard rate yet. Some say it’s like in Kandungaw Peak where the minimum guide fee rate is PHP 150.

Hike will take about 30 minutes depending on your pace. I took a lot of photos so I reached the summit around an hour after. 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.

VIA BUS TO BARILI (VIA OSLOB)

If you miss the bus to Mantalongon, Dalaguete, don’t fret because you can also ride the bus to Barili via Oslob. Make sure it is via Oslob because that’s the bus that will pass along Dalaguete.

Bus fare from Cebu City to Dalaguete is roughly PHP 120 /US 2.34 (EURO 2/MYR 10/SGD 3). Travel Time is around 2 hours.

Tell the conductor you are alighting at Dalaguete. Get off at or near 7/11 in Dalaguete.

Charter a tricycle to Mantalongon Market. Fare is roughly 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. That’s a good rate already considering the ride to Mantalongon Proper will take almost 1 hour. They don’t provide helmets.

At Mantalongon Market, charter another habal-habal (motorbike) to Casino Peak. Fare is 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). Ride will only take about 15-20 minutes.

If you want to charter a motorcycle directly to Casino Peak, negotiate with the driver. The usual rate is PHP 150/USD 3 (EURO 2.45/MYR 13/SGD 4) per person. So that’s PHP 300/US 6 (EURO 5/MYR 25/SGD 2) per motorbike. If you are a party of two, that’s already a good rate since you don’t need to switch and look for another driver at Mantalongon.

At Casino Peak in Sitio Lugsangan, Brgy. Tabon, Dalaguete, you need to register. Entrance is free as of the moment.

They will assign you a guide for your safety. No standard rate but usually the minimum rate for local guides in Dalaguete (like in Kandungaw Peak and Osmena Peak) is PHP 150/USD 3 (EURO 2.45/MYR 13/SGD 4). I think PHP 300/US 6 (EURO 5/MYR 25/SGD 2) is already a good rate. One guide for about 5 – 6 hikers.

The hike is an easy one, will take about 30 minutes. But be extra careful as the trail is slippery and rocky. Wear proper hiking shoes and outfit. I had a hard time because I was wearing a long pants and my shoes was slippery.

CASINO PEAK ITINERARY

Here’s a sample itinerary for Casino Peak. You can adjust this base on your availability and budget. This sample itinerary is supposing you are taking the bus that will pass by Dalaguete Proper and you will hire a habal-habal (motorcycle) directly to Casino Peak (Sitio Lugsangan).

Casino Peak Dalaguete

CASINO PEAK EXPENSES

Here’s a list of possible Casino Peak trip expenses to guide you in planning your itinerary and budget. Note that you will not encounter them all as it depends on the transportation that you will take and the guide fee is up to you.

CASINO PEAK TRAVEL TIPS

There is no store yet at the base of Casino Peak so bring your own drinking water.

Please do not leave trash anywhere.

Stick to the trail to avoid stepping on crops and vegetables. It’s surrounded by a vegetable farm so please be mindful of your steps.

Casino Peak In Dalaguete

Hire a local guide for your safety. It’s a way of contributing to the local economy since there is no entrance fee anyway.

Wear proper trekking shoes and outfit.

Bring sunblock and hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Casino Peak Dalaguete

Greet the locals politely. Make way for them especially when you see them carrying basket full of vegetables.

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