Hiking in Cebu: 10 Best Day Hikes You Can Do On The Island

Team Klook

Last updated 15 Mar 2024

Hiking in Cebu: 10 Best Day Hikes You Can Do On The Island

Photo Credits: (L) @lazyazzy on Instagram; (R) @margaretsarit7 on Instagram

Spend a day reaching the peaks of these towering Cebu mountains.

You’re lucky to not only live close to stunning white sand beaches and crystal clear waterfalls but also to majestic mountains that are perfect for a day hike. Cebu is home to several mountains that excite even the most avid hikers, up to those who want to try it for the first time. There are plenty of hiking trails in Cebu that are beginner-friendly and have amazing views waiting at the peak.

If you’re planning to go hiking in Cebu soon, we’ve listed down the 10 best Cebu mountains and peaks that are ideal for a day hike. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you will no doubt feel a sense of accomplishment once you reach the peaks of these glorious mountains.

Here’s a rundown of the best mountains and peaks for a day hike in Cebu:

Sirao Peak
Osmeña Peak
Mt. Mago
Casino Peak
Bocaue Peak
Mt. Mannungal
Mt. Naupa
Mt. Tagaytay
Mt. New Bucao
Mt. Kapayas

Travel Requirements (travel within Cebu):

Medical Certificate
Government Issued ID
Travel Pass-Through Permit at https://s-pass.ph/

Check your destination LGU’s requirements at s-pass.ph.

1. Sirao Peak

If you’re a budding hiker, Sirao Peak, or Mount Sibugay, in Sibugay, Cebu City is the best mountain to start with. Known as the “beginners’ favorite mountain,” it’s one of the most popular hiking trails in Cebu. Not only is it easier to trek compared to other mountains, but you also get a free sightseeing pass through rivers and even waterfalls on your way to the peak.

At the peak, a panoramic view of the city awaits—and if you start hiking in the afternoon, you might be able to catch the sunset. There’s also a campsite at the peak where you can set a tent up and camp under the twinkling stars at night.

Location: Mount Sibugay, Sibugay, Cebu City.

How to get there:

Ride a Jeepney 04L from Mazda Building to JY Square Lahug.
Once you arrive at JY Square Lahug, ride a habal-habal to the jump-off site for Sirao Peak near Ayala Heights. The fare ranges from Php 100 to Php 150.

2. Osmeña Peak

Located 1,013 meters above sea level, Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu is the highest peak on the island. But don’t let that scare you because it’s not as challenging as it seems! Believe it or not, it will only take you less than 30 minutes to hike up to the peak. You can even head to Kawasan Falls after your trek and still have half of the day left to explore this new side of Cebu.

It’s popular among seasoned and amateur hikers because of the easy hike and the fantastic views. At the peak, you get the perfect vantage point to marvel at the surrounding rugged hills, reminiscent of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol.

Location: Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu

How to get there:

From Cebu City, ride a bus at South Bus Terminal going to Oslob or Santander/Li-loan and tell the conductor to drop you off at Dalaguete junction.
From Dalaguete junction, ride a habal-habal to Osmeña Peak. The one-way fare is around Php 200.

3. Mt. Mago

Another beginner-friendly mountain to hike in Cebu is Mt. Mago in Carmen, Cebu. Fun fact: this mountain is shared by Danao, Tuburan, and Carmen, so you get to hike through 3 different cities through this trek. It rises at 755 meters above sea level, but because of the easy trails up the mountain, it’s a no-frills hike—perfect for beginners!

Mt. Mago is famous for its beginner-friendly trek and the sea of clouds that await hikers at the peak. It’s something we’re sure you’ve seen in a lot of photos, but if you hike up Mt. Mago during the right season, you might be able to witness it yourself. What could be more rewarding than that?

Location: Santican, Carmen, Danao City, Cebu

How to get there:

Ride a bus bound for Carmen at Cebu North Bus Terminal and get dropped off at Carmen Public Market.
From Carmen Public Market, ride a habal-habal to Santican Barangay Hall. The one-way fare is at Php 100.

4. Casino Peak

Casino Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu is the recently discovered sister of Osmeña Peak. Relatively unknown to most, this mountain is just an hour’s hike from the more famous Osmeña Peak and offers panoramic views of the Mantalongon Range—which is Cebu’s version of the Chocolate Hills. The trek up to the peak is relatively short, but because of the rocky ridges that you’ll traverse through, it’s suitable for more seasoned hikers. Once you reach the top, all that adrenaline will be quickly replaced by enchantment and awe with the peak’s incomparable sights.

Location: Sitio Lugsangan, Tabon, Dalaguete, Cebu

How to get there:

Ride a bus going to Dalaguete at the South Bus Terminal and get dropped off at the Dalaguete town proper.
From Dalaguetehail a habal-habal to take you to the jump-off point of Casino Peak in Sitio Lugsungan. The one-way fare is around Php 150.

5. Bocaue Peak

You don’t need to drive out of the city to go hiking in Cebu. Bocaue Peak in Bonbon, Cebu City is one of the most accessible hiking trails in the city. However, unlike the easy drive, the trail going up the peak is trickier. Though the challenge is nothing if what’s waiting for you at the top is a 360-degree view of the city and its surrounding mountains!

Bocaue Peak is perfect for hiking enthusiasts who want a thrilling climb and a chance to snap gorgeous photos of the city!

Location: Bonbon, Cebu City

How to get there:

Take a 12L jeepney from Ayala Terminal and get off at Chowking Guadalupe. Then, ride a 06B jeepney going to Guadalupe Church.
At the back of Guadalupe Church, hire a habal-habal to take you to Sitio Napo. The fare is Php 20.
Once you arrive at Sitio Napo, follow the trail to Mt. Babag and then take a detour to the 5-Towers trail.

6. Mt. Mannungal

There’s no need to fly to Manila and ride a bus to Baguio to experience single-degree weather because Mt. Manunggal in Balamban, Cebu offers the same experience. Dubbed as the “Little Baguio of Cebu,” Mt. Manunggal is not only a mountain for hiking; you can also enjoy attractions at Mt. Manunggal Eco-Adventure, which is akin to Baguio’s Treetop Adventure Park.

Dubbed as the “Little Baguio of Cebu”, Mt. Manunngal in Balamban, Cebu offers visitors more than just a typical mountain hiking experience. Here, you can enjoy attractions like Mt. Manunggal Eco-Adventure, which is akin to Baguio’s Treetop Adventure.

Though the hike up the summit poses its challenges, hikers will also be greeted by lush foliage and colorful wildflowers that’ll spruce up the experience. The trail also passes through pine groves reminiscent of Baguio, and ragged limestone rocks. Undoubtedly, this is a one-of-a-kind experience that deserves a spot on your outdoor bucket list!

Location: Sunog, Balamban, Cebu

How to get there:

Ride a van bound for Balamban at Ayala Center Cebu Terminal and get dropped off at Mt. Manunggal or Cantipla’s alley.

7. Mt. Naupa

Looking for another beginner-friendly mountain in Cebu to conquer? Mt. Naupa in Naga City is one you should consider next! It’s an easy and quick hike, taking about an hour to complete for beginners. After hiking through lush mountain vegetation, you’ll finally be able to catch a glimpse of the almost perfect cone shape of Mt. Naga’s peak. You also see a picturesque view of the verdant mountainous landscapes that’s always a rewarding sight after a climb!

Location: Cogon, Naga City, Cebu.

How to get there:

Ride a jeepney from CIT/Mambaling/Pardo or a bus from South Bus Terminal bound for Naga City and get dropped off at Barangay Tungkop.
From there, ride a habal-habal to Cogon Chapel. Fare is Php 50.

8. Mt. Tagaytay

Fancy having a picnic on top of a mountain? Mt. Tagaytay or Tagaytay Hills in Toledo City is the perfect spot for such activity. The summit hike is friendly enough for beginners, and a piece of cake for regular hikers. What’s guaranteed, however, are the stunning panoramic views of rolling hills and Malubog Lake. It’s a sight to behold and will make all the hiking struggles worthwhile!

Location: Gen. Climaco, Toledo City, Cebu

Ho to get there:

Ride a bus at the South Bus Terminal bound for Toledo City and get dropped off at Julie’s Bakeshop in Barangay Magdugo.
From there, rent a habal-habal to Barangay Gen. Climaco where the jump-off point is for Mt. Tagaytay

9. Mt. New Bucao

The other mountain in Toledo City that’s as majestic as Mt. Tagaytay, but a bit more challenging to hike, is Mt. New Bucao. Similar in breathtaking sights, but albeit more challenging that its neighboring mountain Mt. Tagaytay, Mt. New Bacao is another Toledo City-situated mountain worth looking into. But before setting off to the summit, follow the trail to Manutu River for a quick photo stopover amidst colossal boulders.

The actual trail up the mountain starts easy but eventually, the path becomes steeper and even more challenging, especially during the rainy season. The hike here is not for the faint of heart, but once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views. Like its neighbor Mt. Tagaytay, Mt. New Bucao also has a view of Malubog Lake and a sea of green mountains.

Location: Casoy, Toledo City, Cebu

How to get there:

Ride a bus from South Bus Terminal going to Toledo City and get dropped off at Julie’s Bakeshop in Barangay Magdugo.
From there, ride a habal-habal to Manutu River. There are also jeepneys from Toledo City to Barangay Casoy.

10. Mt. Kapayas

If you’re craving for an adventurous and adrenaline-pumping hike, trek up Mt. Kapayas in Catmon. Bearing the title as the “Second Highest peak in Cebu,” it challenges even the most experienced mountaineers. The trail is mostly steep and rocky, passing through streams, hills, open fields, and jungles.

Once you finally reach the peak, or what locals call the “Torre,” you get a rewarding view of what seems like the entire island of Cebu. It’s an endless sea of mountain ranges converging with clouds and the blue sky on the horizon. Plus, its sculptural rock formations serve as the best spot to take a photo with the mountains as your backdrop!

Location: Sitio Kampanya, Kabangkaya, Catmon, Cebu

How to get there:

Ride a Ceres Bus at the Cebu North Bus Terminal going to Catmon and get off at the Catmon town proper.
Once you arrive in Catmon, charter a habal-habal that will take you to Sitio Kampanya.