THE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF DALAGUETE
The Municipality of Dalaguete, Cebu is indeed a place of alluring wonders - breathtaking mountains, charming heritage sites, enchanting beaches, fascinating forests with unique flora and fauna, and spectacular reefs teeming with diverse marine life. These are wondrous places which very few Cebuanos have known or heard. These places emit the serenity of the countryside, the tranquil surroundings amid lush greenery, never before seen by the majority.
OBONG SPRINGThe Obong Spring is a fresh water spring which emanates near the beach. Because of steady outpour of water, a pool of freshwater meets the sea especially when the tide is high and the water become brackish. So, that’s the explanation behind such mystery.
The spring is located in Dalaguete, Cebu. From Cebu City, you still have to pass scenic towns that is worthy of visit like Argao, Carcar, San Fernando, Naga, Minglanilla and Talisay. Obong Spring rests in the southernmost or the last barangay before reaching Alcoy. Obong Spring signboard can be seen before the sign, Alcoy Ahead. The spring is in the humble municipality of Dalaguete, where Dalakit trees are found. One local legend narrates how the town got its name. Accordingly, Spaniard soldiers passed the place where a woman took her bath. The visitors asked the name of the place. The woman got the wrong idea, thinking they were asking the name of the tree where Spaniards were standing, she answered “Dalakit” and eventually recorded as “Dalaguete. Amazing enough, the big and almost a century-old dalakit tree is still remained standing near the Obong Spring. Other small springs gush forth from other dalakit trees. Its waters are naturally cold and refreshing. It is one of the best getaways during summer where the heat of the sun is excruciating. For Dalaguete, Obong Spring is such a pride. The spot remained unspoiled, though progress is visible. It has been included in the list of Suroy-Suroy as one of the must-experience tourist destination. The locals named the place as “Tubigan”. Unlike other resorts where the spring waters are accumulated and turned into a pool, this one is a natural pool. Dressing rooms are erected and lifeguards are on strict vigilance. Cottages are also available. First timers cannot resist the cold offering and surely found in no time splashing around or jumping in huge rocks like an amateur divers. Swimming in this spring is like immersing in your bathtub full of ice cubes. So better go there when the climate is hot or else, you will experience chilling and freezing all the time. With only 10 pesos as the entrance fee, you will be one with nature in a very relaxing way. Not only the locals but the foreign tourists are fascinated by its offering. But not just diving and swimming are the activities to be done in there. Picnics by families, sight-seeing, photo-taking and simple relaxation is viable in the place. If relaxation is what you want, avoid going there in weekends for it is usually overcrowded. No relaxation will take place if such will happen. In the shores of Dalaguete, a history is worth reminiscing. Once, Dalaguete is under attacks of the marauders. These surprise attacks left the commoners defenseless and in no way to fight for the protection of their families and other valuable possessions like houses, livestock etc. Great thanks to Fr. Julian Belmejo, whose abilities were able to construct a heavy defense system by building “Baluartes” in neighboring towns including of course, Dalaguete. The warning system was proven effective after the defeat of the raiders on 1813. Since then, Dalaguete and other towns like Oslob, Santander, Boljoon and Sumilon were free from ruthless attacks of the marauders. Now, tourists attacked the place because of its natural tourist spot that only Cebu especially in Dalaguete can offer. It will remain a tourist spot for the generations to come. |
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OSMENA PEAK Osmena Peak is known to be the highest peak in the province and Island of Cebu. Base on actual GPS altitude, it stand approximately 1000 meters above sea level. Osmena peak is located in the vicinity area of Mantalungon, (a town that is around 700 to 800 meters and probably one of the highest towns in Cebu. Mantalungon has been known as the vegetable kingdom of Cebu. Its really unusual finding this town where you feel it was like an area in the Cordilleras were they have their trading post for vegetable dealers and townfolks and children are wearing jackets at high noon. Reminds me of Baguio City and La Trinidad).
Osmena Peak is uniquely different from any other mountain peaks in the Philippines. Multiple jagged hills, or quite simply known as the Mantalungon range, are grouped together overlooking and stretching as far as the Badian shorelines. Visually, it's similarly formed like the Chocolate hills of Bohol, but are thinner and sharper pointed peaks. Unlike the Famous Chocolate hills, the peaks are grouped almost near each other and are obviously formed from rocks that have survived through time. One of the highest jagged yet almost perfectly formed hill was named Osmena Peak in honor of the famous political Clan in Cebu. One can trek across the mountain ranges to get to Badian, practically cutting across the island of Cebu westward. View from The peak: Northwest from the summit, you can view the Badian shorelines and the Badian Island. Northwest, the beaches of Moalboal: Panagsama whitesand shorelines, connects Badian. Southeast from the summit, you can see the remaining vegetable farms of Mantalungon. How to get there: Public Vehicle: From Cebu, make your way to Cebu City's Carbon market and inquire from the area where the terminal for Mantalungon mini-bus is located. The terminal is stationed near the gasoline station. From Cebu, the bus will travel until Mantalungon. From Mantalungon, make your way up to Osmena peak for a 1.5 hour hike. The other alternative is to take the big buses stationed at the Cebu South Bus Terminal. Look for buses travelling southwards to Oslob or Bato via Dalaguete and drop off at Dalaguete junction. Going back: You can either hike back to Mantalungon or hike down across the mountain ranges to Badian through Kawasan Falls. Hiking back to Mantalungon, you can catch up hourly buses back to Cebu.If you decided to hike down to Kawasan Falls, make your way from Kawasan Falls to the national highway near the shorelines of Badian. There are mini buses and big buses passing by every hour that will take you back to Cebu City. Private Vehicle: From Cebu, make your way via South Cebu National highway until the town of Carcar. Instead of taking the right road for Badian through the mountain highway, make your way semi-round the Carcar rotunda to continue southeast until the town of Dalaguete. Reaching Dalaguete, take note of the the junction to your right which will lead you up to the mountains. You will not miss this junction as it is just after the bridge and the corners of the junction are populated with bakeries and habal-habals waiting for passengers (public utility motorbikes). I'm fascinated with Cebu province's cities and towns having the most bakery in every corner. Continue your up through the cemented road until the road starts to convert into fire and rough road. 4X4 vehicles are preferred, but tall 4x2 vehicles can manage up. The road winds up and around the mountains until you will feel the coolness of the area and be able to view the shorelines of Dalaguete. Road reaches up to Mantalungon. From Mantalungon, it will take you more than an hour to reach Osmena Peak. To save time, you can actually drive your vehicle until the jump off point nearest the foot of the ranges. The tallest peak in the province and island of cebu.
One of the views you can see above the mountain.........
MERCADO'S PEAK Mercado's peak is another peak in mantalongon, dalaguete which is nearer to Osmena peak. It also offers spectacular views when you're already at the top of the mountain.
BANDERA PEAK dumalan, dalaguete, cebu
Explore this newly discovered trail. The entire family can trek along the inner secrets of the mountains of untold legends and historical sites. The trail starts off at Mag-alambak Garden and the way in is marked by the “Tres Marias” - the guardians of the forest. “ Legend has it, that three lovely sisters have been betrothed to a mighty giant whose abode encompasses the peaks overlooking the ocean. The sisters refused to marry the giant for fear of slavery. As they tried to flee, the angry giant cast a spell and turned them into three black rocks. Through the passage of time, the rocks which are now lying under the trees, along a grassy slope, though all covered with moss and tiny vegetation and has become a habitat for small insects, still projects the aura of the three sisters. Since then they have been considered by the locals as the guardians of the forest.” The trail culminates to a peak which, unknown to many, was used by the American Military during the 2nd World War. Oral accounts has it that the summit which towers 825 meters above sea level, used to house military communication, and triangulation contraptions and a flag pole. Strategic indeed. The summit of Bandera Peak offers an unlimited visual extravaganza making visible cities of Cebu and Tagbilaran, as well as the whole stretch of Bohol Strait, the island of Siquijor and the coastal barangays of Argao and Dalaguete. Protected by the Dalaguete Bantay Lasang, Bandera Peak is dotted with lush tropical foliage and a variety of ferns, orchids, and shrubs. Experience a “Mt. Everest-like-sensation” from the months of September to January as the peak is most often covered with thick fog. The rest of the months offer an unhampered visibility. Temperature range from 26 to 33 degrees in summer and 20 to 25 degrees in rainy seasons. KULABYAW CAVE
Before reaching Osmeña Peak, the highest peak among the Mantalongon range, trekkers pass through a cave where it is famous for its thousands of bats and other nocturnal denizens flying in and out of the cave. That's why it is called Kulabyaw Cave.
KAMPAKAS CAVE
mantalongon, dalaguete
LAGNASON, EXTREME ADVENTURE RIVER TREK AND BAT COLONY
Embark on a trek to probably one of the hardest obstacle adventure sites in the province. This hidden valley is a haven for biodiversity and endemic flora and fauna. Start off at the Cawayan Sumbria Bridge and experience a river trek that could put you on the list of certified adventurers. Get a treat of huge black boulders , untouched waterfalls, treacherous river banks, impenetrable walls of thorny plants and slippery rocks. Scout for elusive monkeys and fruit bats (kabog) as huge as foxes and observe in close range the characteristics of the fabled and endangered Cebu Black Shama (siloy) as they belt out their enchanting bird songs.
Lagnason creek is a natural habitat of four species of huge flying foxes roosting together by the hundreds in one colony which is unique and the only one of its kind in the region: Large flying fox, Golden-crowned flying fox, Little Golden-mantled flying fox, Island flying fox. Two of these species are the world’s largest flying foxes (kabog) and this is the only place in Cebu where you can find these species (DBCMC, CBCF 2006). ROCK FORMATIONS rock formations @ sitio, lugsangan, tabon Rock Formation is located a few kilometers outside the borders of Barangay Mantalongon. It is located already in the premises of Sitio Lugsangan, Barangay Tabon. It is also a favorite destination of mountaineers, not only from the town itself but also by people from other municipalities, for its fresh cool air and mountain view top.
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  MANTALONGON DALAGUETE
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GAKUB SPRING GAKUB SPRINGBanhigan, Dalaguete, Cebu |
GAKUB SPRING Located at the heart of Banhigan, Dalaguete, Cebu. This is one of the distinations of the locals here during holidays or family picnics. There is no entrance fees collected except for cottage that only cost about P50.00 only.
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   The goods go to those two white pillars on the other mountain. |
The only zipline in Dalaguete. A love project of Hon. Ronald Allan Cesante during his term. This project was once featured in an episode of 24 Oras of GMA 7. The purpose of this zipline is not for fun, instead, its mean purpose is to transport goods mostly vegetables from this mountinous areas that don't have the access of barangay roads.
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