Video credits: GMA News via YouTube
Time flies really fast. Last time I checked, my husband James and I were still in Dalaguete's Osmeña Peak which was covered with fog and was filled with different people, from local guides to local travelers, to foreigners who were wearing sleeveless tops while we were wearing our jackets to those kids and animal pets! Then today, it's already halfway through the week and by this weekend, we will be going to somewhere really fun and exciting with kids and games and play. Then the next weekend, we will go diving in Anda which I am truly excited about.
But before I move over my thoughts to the future activities, I would like to remember the things that had occurred the previous weekend. A lot of things happened and I never thought that James and I would be able to do all those kind of stuff within a very limited time.
Image edited in Canva credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders
So, today, let me share some of the great places you may want to visit when in Dalaguete, Cebu. These are the recommended ones and some of them we had personally visited ourselves last weekend. Let's dig into them right away!
Peaks
Dalaguete has been dubbed as Cebu's Summer Capital because of its interesting different weather condition all in just one specific town. There are a lot of things to do in this southern part of the province but what they had been proud of are its peaks and summits.
Osmeña Peak
Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders
Situated 1,013 meters above sea level, this is the easiest trek to summit available in town. With just 15 minutes walking time from the registration area, everyone can endure the trek, small kids, lactating moms, pet animals, grannies, parents, young teens, and adults.
There's a campsite within just nearby the peak where the visitors can pitch their tents and spend the night. So both sunset and sunrise can be experienced here.
Video credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders
But the true reason why many people come here is the beautiful landscape view. The mounds of the hills from a distance give this jaw-dropping feel plus the cold weather makes one feel that you're in a different city! There are thick fog and even strong winds which only clears up when the sun is already up in the sky. So to those who want to visit the peak, do your research if its the best time to minister!
Casino Peak
Image credits: vivomigsgee
It is comparable to Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills because of its mounds, the hills are more of a protruding type rather than curvy hills but still, the view is awesome. There are lots of hikers and trekkers coming over here because of this ambiance.
Hiking towards here if one comes from Osmeña Peak takes more or less an hour. Based on my research, it isn't that hard to trek here except of course if it is raining.
Kandungaw Peak
Image credits: dyanlang
Another existing peak which has been a new spot for hikers to chill out is Kandungaw Peak, sometimes spelled as Candongao Peak. Derived from the word "dungaw" which is a Bisaya term for lookout, this peak has a huge boulder of rock and its cliff gives the viewer a heart-pumping excitement from the distance.
Most of the visitors here take photos where they sit just a few inches away from the cliff, they'd even hang their legs for more extreme adventure! Of course, it is still recommended that one has to be extra careful when doing so.
Although this is a more challenging trek compared to that of Casino and Osmeña, still more hikers would demand to walk up to this part of the town.
Gardens and Farms
Sergio's Strawberry Farm
Image credits: vivomigsgee
This part of Dalaguete is one which had become famous because of its strawberries in early 2015. Most Cebuanos come here to experience picking strawberries which are a very famous activity in Baguio City. But Baguio City is a very far place so coming here would save you the airfare and travel time.
Sergio's Strawberry Farm unlike that of Baguio is smaller and thus, limited in providing the complete experience. There were blogs which states they went there and there were no more strawberries for them to pick and taste. Although they are open from Mondays to Sundays, the picking of fruits would still depend on the availability of the strawberries.
What's great as well is that they are just nearby the 100 years old rice terraces and Kandungaw Peak is visible from here so you'll also have a glimpse of those beautiful natural resources.
Plus, they grow their fruits and vegetables organically, no pesticides and they respect their fruit timing. It is something that we as Cebuanos or Filipinos, in general, has to support despite the high pricing.
Sunflower Garden
Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders
Another very interesting place to check is the newly opened Sunflower Farm. Due to the town's good land location and perfect soil for growing shrubs and perennials, Dalaguete is an excellent place to grow flowers and fruit-bearing plants that's why the sunflower garden came into the picture.
Image credits: Jean Beltran via bitLanders
But since it is still newly opened, it is understandable that the flowers are not yet fully mature, they do have their buds and petals up but the landscape isn't filled yet with sunflowers. There were other flowers too which shows a huge potential for the farm to improve.
I truly believe that considering its accessible location where it is very near to the main public market of Mantalongon, as soon as they got all the land area covered with flowers, this place will surely become a hit!
Natural Pools and Beaches
Casay Beach
Image credits: vigattintourism
Mostly known as Dalaguete Beach Park, Dalaguete is not all about peaks and mountains, the town also has its own wonders for seawater and even natural springs.
Most of the time, trekkers would go here to enjoy the beach after a long walk. In the country, when we talk about the beach, it is also equivalent to having tall coconut trees and white sand beach shores. Both of these two are provided in Casay Beach.
Although beach camping, as well as stay-in rooms, aren't available yet, more visitors are already exploring this part of the town.
Obong Spring
Image credits: laaganyola
You can't just pass by Dalaguete without visiting Obong Spring. I had come here a few times already. I even had blogged about it before here in bitLanders.
Read the related blog: Obong Spring
That was three years ago but this is still a go-to place in Dalaguete because of its cold natural water which comes from the spring. Locals would still prefer this too over the beach because the weather in the country is already hot, they opt to stay in a colder area and Obong Spring provides that.
Bonus: Try their delicacies and bring home some!
Image credits: hwandemendoza
It is true that one can only be fully immersed in the culture of a new place through food so it is recommendable that when one visits Dalaguete, they'll also try out some of its delicacies!
Most of these delicacies have been bought for "pasalubongs" or bring home items by tourists.
Torta, Tostado cookies, Podreda which is filled with langka jam, Buko Tarts, and Baked Empanada are some of the best items from Dalaguete, my favorite are their Torta and the Podreda!
This blog entry was written and published by Jean Beltran-Figues for bitlanders.com.
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