Casino Peak Dalaguete

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.

Casino Peak Dalaguete

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.

How to get to Casino Peak: There are 3 ways to reach Casino Peak in Lugsangan, Dalaguete from Cebu City. As far as I’m concerned, the best and cheapest way to get there is to take a bus bound for Mantalongon (fare is PHP 100 and travel time is about 4 hours) from Carbon Market, Cebu City. Mar 23, 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. May 9, 2020 - Casino Peak in Dalaguete is the new hip bringing both Baguio (cold weather) and Bohol (Chocolate Hills) feels to the Visayas. In the backyard of a friendly family near Lugsangan is one of the most amazing viewpoints on Cebu. Known as Casino Peak, this short trek to the top of a rocky ridge has a view I can guarantee you have never dreamed of in your wildest imagination.

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 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.

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.

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

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Casino Peak Dalaguete

Osmeña Peak is considered as one of the highest points in Cebu and is part of Mantalungon mountain range with unique jagged hills feature stretching as far as Badian shorelines. It is approximately 1,000 meters above sea level.

The scenery is comparable to Chocolate Hills of Bohol and Quitinday Hills in Camalig, Albay but the peaks in Mantalungon are somehow pointed and rocky. It has cool weather closely equal to that of Baguio and Benguet. In fact, it is considered as the “Little Baguio of Cebu.” The climate and the fertile land made it ideal to grow vegetables and crops.

You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer or hiker, trekking your way up to Osmeña Peak is perfect even for beginners. The trek can be done less than 30 minutes from jump-off. Although considered an easy climb, the trail can be slippery especially when it rained and during wee hours where fog most likely to accumulate.

There is a Php30 entrance fee being collected for each visitor. Log your name(s) and register at Osmeña Peak Tourism Center. Local guides are available with standard rate of Php150. They will serve as your photographers and know exactly the best spots to take pictures. Campsite is available if you plan to stay there overnight. Bring your own tent. There is access to toilet and bunkhouse for those who do not have their own tent for camping. Rent is Php300/night.

When you visit Osmeña Peak, you can ask for Kuya Boy Vargas as your tour guide. His contact number is 09102939447.

Osmeña Peak is best to experience during sunrise and sunset giving you a more dramatic view of the hills and ranges.

And of course, hiking is better with friends!When in Osmeña Peak, you can check Casino Peak as well and is just another 30 minutes trek. We captured these stunning mounds during the aerial shot. If you have extra time to spare, you should visit this.

Location

Located in Brgy. Mantalongon in municipality of Dalaguete, Cebu, Philippines.

How To Get There

From Cebu City

• From Cebu City, go to South Bus Terminal and ride a bus going to Oslob or Bato. Fare is around Php120. Ask the driver to drop you off at Dalaguete junction. Travel time on average is 2.5 – 3 hours. Landmark is 7Eleven convenience store and
• From Dalaguete junction, hire a motorcycle heading to the jump-off point. Travel time is 45 minutes to 1 hour.

From Oslob

• From Oslob highway, ride a bus heading to Cebu City. Ask the driver/conductor to drop you off at Dalaguete junction. Travel time is around 1 – 1.5 hours.
• From Dalaguete junction, hire a motorcycle heading to the jump-off point. Travel time is 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Osmeña Peak to Kawasan Falls

If you plan to go to Kawasan Falls in Badian, you have two options from Osmeña Peak. One is by hiking and the other is by motorcycle.

Casino Peak In Dalaguete

The trail to traverse to Kawasan Falls is near Mantalungon market in Dalaguete. The hike/trek will take about 6 hours.

A more convenient option is to ride a habal-habal (motorcycle). For Php1,000 good for two persons, you can reach Kawasan Falls after a 2-hour motorcycle ride.

Sample Itinerary for Osmeña Peak

If you’re coming from Cebu City and included the City Tour, you can follow this sample itinerary. You may adjust the schedule based on your preference.

During our visit in Cebu (November 16 – 18, 2018), we booked our 3D2N Cebu City Tour + South Cebu Tour with DREAM TOUR CEBU

We highly recommend them for providing us top quality service, hassle-free and affordable packages. Reach out to Ate Giselle and Kuya Jun here:

Facebook Page: DREAM TOUR CEBU
Contact Number: 0999-8529207

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