The Pinay Solo Backpacker

Osmena Peak. There is always something nostalgic about the splendor of  the countryside, it feels like returning to my childhood days.  There I can run and be free with the valley full of flowers, and terraces teeming with green vegetables.  Just  like coming home in one of my favorite movies - A Walk in the Clouds.  Whenever I get down and depressed, I imagine myself walking in between grapevines, like how ecstatic one feels when visiting Sonoma Valley in California, home of the dreamy Sonoma wine tours. Ah,that ineffable feeling when walking in a trail of vineyards and tasting wines! I felt exactly like that (minus the grapevines and wines)when I went to climb Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu (also called Osmena Peak, Osmeña Peaks or O-Peak).

Osmena Peak is a cluster of green jagged hills like a deformed twin of Chocolate Hills of Bohol  hugging the shorelines of Badian. There are four trails going there : one from Mantalongon, and the rest from Badian that ends in Kawasan Falls, and Liong. I took the easier route, via Mantalongan Market, my easiest trek so far.

The scenic route to Mantalongan market and beyond from the highway in Dalaguete town will take roughly 30 minutes or so. But the view is so worth it that like me, you sure would not mind the butt-numbing ride, except for some occasional down pour. My first visit was a failed attempt to see the grandeur of Osmeña peak. “Whoever said that it is the journey not the destination might not have experienced a weather fail yet!”, I mumbled.

I was desperate, I wanted to see it, so after a few days, I convinced my uncle to visit Osmena Peak with the help of his sturdy elf. This time around, the universe conspired to make my wish come true. The sun peeked into the clouds, and sent rays of sunshine to the begging evergreen plants. The trees graciously swayed their branches as if warmly welcoming us. And the conifers standing boldly along the scenic highway added more drama to it.

This part of Dalaguete is reminiscent of Benguet. A serene town with low temperatures dotted with pine trees. A remote village inhabited mostly by vegetable farmers sporting their jackets, boots and jeans. And you will meet children eagerly helping their families in their farm work. I see vines crawling in trees and gardens, rooster cocking, and cozy wood houses. I feel the cool air touching our weary old souls.

Osmeña peak offers that ethereal feel of being on top of the mountain with a majestic landscape patiently waiting to be explored. Today is my second climb, and I feel the cool breeze breathing through my hair and my sweaty face and eyebrows. I feel accomplished, excited and serene. As if time stood still and all I did was savor the moment of being on top of the mountain ranges embraced by all this wonderful creations. I feel secured, as if the mountains whispered, “Sometimes, second chances are so much better.”

How to Get to Osmeña Peak /Osmena Peak (the short route):

Ride a bus at the South Bus Terminal bound to Oslob or Bato. Fare is about Php 170 +. Ask the driver to drop you off at Dalaguete junction. Travel time is roughly 3 hours. Hire a motorcycle (habal-habal) at the crossing. Usually motorcycle fare going to the jump off point to Osmeña peak is Php 200 per person. Sometimes the driver charges extra if they need to wait for you for a longer period. Travel time is about 30 minutes. Osmeña  Peak is a private property and a kid at the farm may ask you for a registration fee of Php20.

*********************************************************************************************** About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo adventurer, a dream chaser and a student of life.  Her (mis) adventures are documented in this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For advertisement, partnerships and sponsorship, click here. or email me at thepinaysolobackpacker(at)yahoo(dot)com. **********************************************************************************************

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