Katkat sa OsKaTrav

The day after our OPeak camping in Dalaguete, we proceeded to do the traverse trek to Kawasan Falls in Badian, dubbed as the "OsKaTrav". "Katkat" is the Bisaya term for climb.

The blue line shows the traverse hike route. Otherwise,
we'd have to take a 9-hour bus trip to go all around the tip.

At the foot of OPeak before commencing the climb.

We started our trek from Osmena Peak at around 7 AM, right after we ate our breakfast, washed our face, and brushed our teeth. The ultimate reward of the entire trek was the cold water of Kawasan Falls.

Pro-tip: DO NOT expect to take a bath in Osmena Peak for many reasons; (1) clean water there is expensive (Php 15/gallon), (2) it's cold up there, and (3) there is no proper latrine ("one with nature" style. haha)

Mantalongon, Dalaguete is dubbed as the vegetable basket of Cebu. The scenery of the trek consisted of trees, greenery, and vegetables of sorts. It was a feast for the eyes! Trivia: one huge basket of vegetables there costs only Php 80 (veggie salad for daysss). The summer sun was up in its full glory which made the trek challenging but not impossible.

Pro-tip: You may ask for a few pieces of vegetables from the farmers as you pass by. Instant chop suey!

My brother posed with the 80-peso basket of cabbages.

We asked for some bellpeppers from the farmer.

It was green all around on most parts of our hike.

The trek itself to Kawasan was moderate in difficulty (3/9), consisting mostly of downhill slopes in the mountainside. The thing with downhill trekking is that one had to use more often the small muscles of the lower limbs and the knees. Conversely, uphill trekking would mainly involve the glutes and hamstrings. We were able to pick up a rapid pace early in the trek, with short rest periods in between. There is a sole freshwater source found midway to Kawasan Falls where we freshened up a bit. The caveat here, however, was the long duration of the entire trek, especially in our case because we somehow got lost in spite of our guide's familiarity of the place. By the time we reached Brgy. Candiis, two of our companions rode a habal-habal (fare: Php 25) all the way to Kawasan Falls. The rest of us had to spend a grueling two more hours of trekking to our destination. The predicted four-hour trek was extended into six hours! 

Resting at the freshwater spring found along the trail.

Pro-tip: Bring at least a liter of drinking water per person. Also make sure to bring trail foods (e.g. power bar, chocolate, banana) as energy source. Also, wear the proper footwear (hiking shoes and thick socks) to avoid blisters and foot swelling.

We passed by the Bulan-bulan trail, which was said to be a treacherous path for beginners. It did seem treacherous from a distance due to the lack of trees and the loose rocks on the path which were slippery when stepped on. However, the trail turned out to be one-foot wide and relatively safer than expected. We also passed by an asphalt road that reflected 30% of the scorching heat; a torture for the weary body, if you asked me. 

We're small dots walking on the Bulan-bulan Trail.

Staying strong! Banzai!

After six grueling hours of trekking, we finally heard the sound of flowing water from Kawasan Falls. We entered Kawasan through its highest level (level 3) of the waterfalls. The cold water of Kawasan Falls soothed my shaking and aching feet. This, of course, after resting for at least 30 minutes. The waterfalls massage was really amazing! All we paid for this whole trek was Php 300 for the cottage in Kawasan Falls (optional expense, since there are many available shaded areas in Kawasan). We cooked what was left of our canned goods and rice from camping using our burner. Further trek downhill would allow one to appreciate the other levels of Kawasan Falls, the ones with rafts and more people. Exit from the place is an adventure in itself, as we had to pass by slippery rocks amidst the flowing river.

Here's the inviting cold waters of Kwasan.

One may jump to the water from a pseudo-cliff

Even the dam is beautiful

People rode a raft for waterfalls massage

Calming view of the water at Kawasan

On the way out of Kawasan Falls

All tired but happy!

The view as we waited for the bus back to the city.

Until the next adventure,

Dena

All smiles after surviving the whole trek!

Osmen-yeah Peak

Read my previous experiences in Cebu's highest peak here and here.

"Live mighty, live righteously. Takin' it easy"

Aside from the more common route to OPeak via the bus to Dalaguete (Php 84 fare, with student discount) followed by habal-habal ride (Php 50 fare) to Mantalongon Market, there is a direct bus to Mantalongon Market. Apparently, this would mean less expenses since you won't be needing the habal-habal ride anymore. The Dalaguete Bus Terminal is located in the lone Caltex gas station in the Carbon Market area (consult Google Map for details). A bus is scheduled to leave every two hours (9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 5 PM). However, for this trip, we had to take the more common route previously mentioned because two Dalaguete bus drivers had to skip work to attend a town fiesta.

Pro-tip: Bring your student ID and present it to the bus conductor upon paying for your student discount.

The trip from Cebu City to Dalaguete lasted for around 2 hours (11 AM to 1 PM). We took a habal-habal from the highway to Mantalongon Market. There was a 30-minute delay on the way to Mantalongon Market because of an on-going road-clearing operation. 

The "motorcade" right after the road was opened.

Pro-tip: The habal-habal ride depends mainly on the balancing act of the driver and his passengers. It would be easier to balance if the heaviest passenger sat right behind the driver. One passenger may also be asked to sit right in front of the driver.

I took the frontseat of the habal-habal! Haha, awkwaaard.

(For comments regarding the trek to the peak, please refer to previous blogs with links posted above)

We called these landforms as "nipple mountains". LOL

The third time's the charm with Osmena Peak. The weather was favorable in the afternoon until early evening. It rained hard that night but our tents were able to protect us from the rain (whew, fortunately!). We selected the perfect spot to pitch our tents and proceeded to the peak to appreciate the sunset. My, was it a sight to behold!

Our spot had an overlooking view!

#nofilter for this beauty

My brother and I

The sunset was really beautiful!

Dusk. Notice how the cloud looked like an eagle.

Nighttime came and the sky showed another lovely view with the moon and stars. Taking a photo of the night sky would not do it any justice; it's better to see it for yourself. It made me feel so little yet so grateful to be able to witness such beauty. 

Pro-tips: 

-For a minimal service fee (Php 20 or more), you can ask children to fetch clean water for your group. We paid Php 60 for 4 gallons of water. 

These kids will offer their services to you on your way to OPeak.

-You may have a small bonfire there also, although it's quite challenging to make one - emphasis on "small" since large bonfires are prohibited in the area. 

-You may also cook your own food using a butane-powered burner. Otherwise, you'd have to bring your own cooked food for the camping.

Most welcome warmth from the bonfire

High altitude means low temperature, so it would help to bring warm company with you. Hmm... OK, OK, an alternative would be to bring some booze with you; not too much to get you drunk but enough to make your insides warm. Best paired with stories for entertainment, since there is no internet or television in the mountain. 

There were seven of us plus one guide for the trek and camping.

It can get really cold at dawn so make sure to bring sweaters, socks, cap, gloves, and anything else that can keep you warm. The sunrise is difficult to see because of the thick fog in the area. Wake up early and break camp so that the trek down won't be so hot.

*Photos by Marian Ave Ibon and Ruel Olaso

Until the next adventure,

Dena

Highest praise to the Creator of all!

Que Sera Sirao

"It's the cliiimb!!!"

Mountain climbing allows one to introspect. With so many thoughts running in our minds everyday and pressure from all sides, it helps to escape, if only temporarily. The beauty of this worthwhile activity lies in the fact that you need to rely on your own strength to take you to the peak. You are the only one who can push yourself especially when your muscles ache from hours of trekking and when you're short of breath. Once you get the hang of it, you develop a craving for the experience of conquering a mountain. I know I did.

"Whatever will be, will be."

Aside from the attempt to create a good pun as title, the line could not be more true with the 23-people, 7-hour trek to Sirao Peak. It was the largest group that I have trekked with so far and boy, was it a good climb. I invited as many people as possible for this trek - highschool batchmates, medschool batchmates, relatives, and a friend of a coworker of a batchmate (get that, networking! haha). Majority of the 23 people who came were beginners and first-time climbers. What ensued was a struggle of sorts that culminated in fulfillment and satisfaction: the tap-your-shoulder-for-a-job-well-done kind.

Pro-tip: We had a major delay with our trek because of traffic and what-not. The call time should be an hour earlier to allow for a long waiting period.

Say hello to my friends, family, and acquaintance.

The mountain leading to Sirao Peak (a.k.a. Pedro Calungsod Peak) is called Mt. Kan-irag. It  is found within Cebu City and is in fact the highest peak within the confines of the metropolis. We hired our guide, per suggestion of other travel blogs. Sir Ruel Olaso (cell #: 09215882345) provided us with the itinerary of the whole trek.

Pro-tip: It helps to read travel blogs beforehand. Take note of the tips, no-no's, and recommendations. It helps to read more than one blog to check different opinions. 

We rode a habal-habal (fare: Php 25) to the jump-off point in Brgy. Baugo in Talamban. We started the climb at around 1 P.M. 30 minutes later, we reached Kaban Falls and shortly thereafter, the Talinisag Uwang Falls. Unfortunately, the El Nino dried up the waterfalls and decreased the water levels of the catch basins. The trail had intermittent challenging parts with slippery slopes and a boulder that required a rope to get through. We had to rest every so often. It was a good thing that the trail had good shade from trees and tall plants.

Kaban Falls, or should I say, "falls alarm" (get it?)

Talinisag Uwang Falls, all dried up due to the drought.

These half-naked boys were swimming in the catch basin.

Put one foot in front of the other. Go go go!

Pro-tip: Wear good footwear like rubber shoes when climbing. It also helps to have a walking stick. Other important things to bring are sun protectors: hat, scarf, arm cover, comfortable pants/leggings.

We continued trekking until we reached the Happiness Point at around 5 P.M. After long hours of trekking, happiness consisted of sitting down on a proper bench and drinking cold softdrinks while watching the boys play basketball. We had the much-needed 30-minute break then continued our climb to Sirao Peak. Dusk was settling and it was nighttime when we reached Sirao Peak. Although we were unable to fully appreciate the distance that we covered with the trek, I couldn't really complain because the beauty of the city lights rivaled the stars of the nightsky.

Everything was lovelier in person.

The 20-minute descent to Balamban, near Ayala Heights Subdivision was quite challenging. It was quicker than the ascent, but we were forewarned to avoid making loud noises due to supernatural forces inhabiting that side of the mountain. Even our breathing had to be controlled! Haha.

Pro-tip: Always bring a flashlight with you even if you're only expecting a day hike. You'll never know when the need arises. 

We finished the trek at around 7 P.M., so habal-habal motorcycles were hard to come by. Fortunately, one of our fellow hiker's dad had his pick-up truck to take us from Balamban to JY Square. Otherwise, we'd have to wait for the habal-habal (fare: Php 50) for another hour.

To conclude this blog post, here's my friend Gerichter's reflection from the Mt. Kan-irag/Sirao Peak Climb:

This girl wore sneakers and brought a sling bag for her climb.
She bought the hat 10 minutes before we went climbing.
More than the material things, the preparation is within yourself.

"Euphoric cleansing - that is how I'm calling my first climb.
Each step of the way sheds off every doubt and regret. At the peak, all that remains is this unbelievable sense of fulfillment and enjoyment - simply being alive to feel the trembling of my knees, my ragged breathing, and, best of all, to bear witness on how magnificent nature can be.
Thank you so much~ to climbing buddies and red/blue ropes."

I couldn't have said it any better.

(Photo credits: Ruel Olaso, Marian Ibon, Gerichter Ochea)

Until the next adventure,

Dena

Rope climb pause to pose for the camera!

Highest Peak in Cebu-huhu

Fresh from butanding watching, to trekking we go!

The final leg of Eytschhh's December vacation in the Visayas was in Osmena Peak in Dalaguete. I went there last August (blog post about that climb here). 

On the way to Mantalongon Market.

The trail to the peak was easy so we did not hire a guide this time. I am geographically-challenged but I was able to lead the way #AchievementUnlocked. We decided to spend the night at the peak but it just had to rain really hard by the time we reached the drop-off point. When we arrived at the peak, the fog covered the view of the hills and it was white all around. Visibility was reduced to approximately 5 feet. All we could hear was the whistling of the wind and the rustling of the leaves. 

Gray clouds in the horizon. We have been warned.

Appreciate the low visibility of this trek

Being the daredevils that we were (or perhaps foolish, but daredevils are foolish to some extent, aren't they?), we were stubborn enough to pitch our tents and endure the whole night of strong winds and cold rain. 

Pro-tip: We asked for the cellphone number of the sari-sari store attendant at the foot of OPeak in case the weather becomes too much to handle. Be a responsible daredevil. LOL.

DJ and I were helping by being tent weights!

It's actually not the first time for us to camp out together but I came really unprepared- no jacket, no blanket, no raincoat, etc. It was a good thing that Erika had this gut feeling of bringing an extra set of everything I lacked. (If you're reading this, Erika, virtual hug for you!) Another challenge was that out of two tents that we brought with us, one had three out of four pegs while the other was on the verge of collapse. The tent's rain cover did not hold very well also.

Warm smiles amidst the cold <3

We decided to put our bags together in one tent and sleep together in the other one. What followed was probably one of the longest nights of my life where we had to take turns staying awake. There was rainwater inside our tent and we had to be in fetal position to keep ourselves warm. We entertained ourselves with stories about our past, present, and future (d'awww, too cheesy but yeah.)

Story of our friendship: laughters, travels, and struggles

The strong rain somehow abated at around 7 A.M. the next day. Visibility was 20 feet at this time, still foggy and drizzling. We decided to break camp and descend before the rain decided to go full-on monster mode again.

Down we go!

Put one step in front of the other and repeat!

Almooost there!

The pro-tip of this whole trip: Check weather conditions and heed advice prior to camping out. Otherwise, be prepared for the worst. Also, keep yourself warm with the company that you keep.

Here, some comic relief with OPeak fashion c/o the blondes, Dena and DJ:

Werq it!

Until the next adventure,

Dena

Oh, it's raining. O.K. take my picture, quick! HAHAHA