KANDUNGAW PEAK

Breathtaking view at peak of the mountain.

If you want to see beautiful landscapes and at the same time burn some fats, have unforgettable adventure that will challenge you to test your endurance, and patience, you might consider visiting Kandungaw Peak or some spelled it as Candongao Peak. It is located in between the mountain range of Dalaguete, Cebu and Badian which some claimed it as part of Badian, Cebu, but this Peak has been maintained and manage by the Dalaguete Tourism Office. It is recognized to be the monolith peak in Maloray, Dalaguete, Cebu. It stands more than 900 MASL and recognized as the second highest Peak in Cebu, next to the well known and stunning Osmeña Peak.

HOW TO GET TO KANDUNGAW PEAK
📍From Cebu City, ride the bus en route to Bato via Oslob and get off at Dalaguete Proper near 7/11. Travel time is approximately 2-3 hours and fare is roughly PHP 160.00 or $3.06 (Aircond Bus).

(Note: Don’t forget to grab some snacks and drinks from Dalaguete 7/11 before proceeding . You might get hungry along the way.)

📍 Next, ride Habal-habal (motorbike).The standard charge is around PHP 300/ $5.75 per person or PHP 500.00/$9.58 per habal-habal direct to Kandungaw Peak trail head. But if you want to save a few bucks , walk towards the end of 7/11 road where Mantalongon-bound motorbikes are parked. Fare is PHP.50/$1 per person or PHP.100/$ 2 per motorbike.
📍After arriving, at the registration area, write your name and pay Php.30/$0.57 entrance fee.
📍 A local guide will be assigned to you. No standard rate yet. But me thinks PHP 200-300/$ 4-6 is already a good rate. One guide for about 5 – 6 hikers.

(Note: You must get a guide not just for your own safety but also to have an extra fun while climbing. Since, the local guide has a lot of interesting facts to tell mainly about the area’s history.)

Now, get yourself ready!🎉 It’s a leg day baby! Before starting to climb to peak, you will be welcome by a man-made concrete stairs, which is about 200+ stairs. (Note: I really find it challenging since, I’m not used to doing exercise; I was literally breathing laboriously during my climb.)

While struggling to climb, your guide will try to entertain you with all his funny jokes and tales. He is really bubbly and full of enthusiasm that will motivate you to go on. He even told us that Kandungaw Peak is actually from the root word “dungaw” which is a Cebuano term means “To look down”. According to our guide, Kandungaw Peak was used to be the hiding spot of the Cebuano’s during the Japanese regime in the Philippines. From the Peak, they’re attempting to look down if there are Japanese coming so they can hide. The hidden cave under the Peak is where they hide and also where they assemble. The cave was also the place where they can cook their food and they make sure that they only cook their food once a day because the smoke of the fire could be an idea to the Japanese people that someone is hiding in that place. They make sure that only when it’s nearly dark, that’s the time when they can cook. Since I am a fun of history classes (shout-out to my History Teacher), I really find it quite interesting and I truly enjoy listening to our guide. And that’s it! For about 1 hour (Note: It depends on your body type, and endurance. Some will just take this hike for about 30-40 minutes) takes you to some beautiful viewpoints with dramatic drop-offs.

(Note: At the top of the peak, don’t forget to take pictures and be drunk by the beauty of nature.)

Tips:Visit also the Sunset Peak and Lovers Peak . It is a few hike from Kandungaw peak.

“It doesn’t matter how long your journey takes, as long as you will arrive at your destination.”
Emy Love

ALIBUAG COLD SPRING

9013, Medina Misamis Oriental, Mindanao Philippines

Looking for the best getaway place to spend your Php.115.00 or about $2.20/pax (including fare from Gingoog City) for this hot day?
Note: Exclude Cottage & Food

ALIBUAG COLD SPRING is the best option I would say. It doesn’t only offer a crystal clear with chilly-cold water (Colder than your crush 😂✌) but also a perfect haven for total rest and recreation. A best venue for friends/family bondings or to celebrate your special days on a budget.

Ps. A lot of locals and also tourists had already celebrated their special days/occasions on this place. Since bringing foods are allowed and doesn’t give an extra charge. Anyways, Letchon, Sinugbang isada , Kinilaw and sanging with uyap (not uyab😂) are the best foods to bring.

Note: The source of the serene water is natural coming from the mountain which was contained in a 100 square meter pool. Its depth ranges from 4 feet to a deep of 7 feet.

How to get there?
It’s simple as 1+1 😂

📍 From Gingoog City, ride Multicab (a small light truck in the Philippines that is usually used as public transport) to Medina Public Market (Municipality of Medina in Misamis Oriental is located at the Northern part of the Mindanao Island in the Philippines).
Fare: Php. 50.00 ( for back and fort)

📍After, you need to ride Motorized tricycle for about 3-4 kilometers
to ALIBUAG COLD SPRING.
Fare: Php.20.00 ( for back and fort)
Note:Don’t worry, if you get lost, locals are very friendly and you can always ask them for directions.
📍Entrance fee: Php.35.00 for tourist and Php.15.00 for people living in Medina
📍If you will bring your car with you, you need to pay additional Php. 20.00 for the parking fee.
📍(If you have foods or belongings , the best thing to do is to get a cottage)Cottage :Php. 200-300.00 (You can share fees with your friends) .
📍(This is optional but I highly recommend you to buy “Lami na maka smile na Popcorn” for only Php.10.00/pack from Mr.White (He wears white from shirt to shoes😂). His popcorn is good 👍 and his way of selling it is very entertaining.