Casino Peak: The Chocolate Hills of Southern Cebu

A few weeks ago, we learned that a new trekking site was recently opened in Dalaguete, Casino Peak was officially opened June 2017. For thrill seekers and adventure lovers, this is another trekking destination to add in your travel bucket list. So before the crowd gets loco, pack your bags and go.

How to Get There From Cebu City

Take a taxi or jeepney to Cebu South Terminal.
Jeepney Fare: 7.00
Taxi Fare: 40.00 additional 2.50 every 400 meters
Take a bus or van to Dalaguete.
One way Fare : Bus with AC – 120.00 / Non-AC – 100.00
Van – 80.00 – 120.00- Drop off at downtown Dalaguete, Cebu.
Take a habal-habal to Casino Peak. Fare: 150.00 per person

We left Cebu South Bus Terminal around 4:00AM. It took more than 2 hours before we reached Dalaguete. At the town proper, there are plenty of habal-habal drivers who could take you to Casino Peak.

Tourism in Dalaguete is controlled by the local government so it’s safe and most drivers can’t overprice. They have a specific tariff on how much they should charge their customers.

On our way to Brgy. Lunsangan. Excited ey!

This is the start off area. At the back is the foot of the mountain.

For those who have been to Osmena Peak, the road going to Casino Peak is almost the same, but few meters away from Mantalungon Market, the driver takes a left turn.

IMG_0333 (1) — We were riding the habal-habal, but the road got difficult. Eventually, we needed to walk.

We were not even half-way yet. Random rough paths throughout the trip.

Of course, the obligatory selfie at the middle of the road.

Casino Peak is located in Brgy. Lunsangan. Since it was just recently opened to visitors, the road is still undeveloped. Most parts of the road are rough and challenging. I could only imagine if it was rainy, the habal-habal trip could be worse. If I knew about the difficult road, I’d rather walk from Mantalungon Market to the peak, same as other trekkers. It could be safer and has more adrenaline rush. It only takes around 45 minutes to an hour going to Brgy. Lunsangan from the market and then another 15 – 20 minutes to the peak. Concrete parts of the road are random, same as the rough sections.

This is why proper footwear is necessary. The rocks on the way are really sharp.

After the difficult ride, we started the ascend to the peak. By the way, ask your driver for a tour guide if needed. The tour guide fee is separate, any amount will do. We gave 25.00 per person, 150.00 total since there were 6 of us. For confident climbers, a guide is not necessary. The trek was not difficult except for few challenges we encountered when we almost got to the top. We had to climb the rocky and narrow path on the way. It took us 30 – 45 minutes before we were able to see the exhilarating view from the top of the mountain. Getting fit before the trek is really helpful. So prepare those muscles before going.

The euphoria! The freedom! The beauty! Makes me think of trekking higher mountains next time.

Joem’s Instagrammable pose. Buwis buhay pic. LOL

The view behind Taz is similar to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, however, smaller.

Euphoria! The word I want to use to describe the feeling on the top. The view was amazing. We took our most Instagrammable pictures of course and after we had enough, we went back to town. Our day didn’t end there. After Casino Peak, we rushed to another mountain, the Kandungaw Peak.

Additional Information:

1. Entrance to the Casino Peak is FREE
2. Bring water and something to eat.
3. Clean as you go.
4. Ask your driver for a guide if you need one.
5. The guide doesn’t have a specific tariff fee.
5. For confident trekkers, a guide is not necessary.
6. Trek with proper footwear. The rocks are sharp

Expenses:

Bus: 120.00 (return) = 140.00
Tour: 300.00 (return) = 300.00
Guide: 25.00
Food and etc: 150.00
Total: 615.00