Bittersweet Nature Trip: From Obong Spring to Osmeña Peak

Have you been spellbound by a spectacular view of nature or by an idyllic spot just to see the sun rises and sets? I have been at the hype for these, countless of times actually, which is why I always think of wild camping whenever I’m stressed, at mundane or just when I need to go countryside or somewhere to relax. Unexpectedly, our latest nature trip went more than just what we have planned and imagined.

 

This time, our outlined OPeak-Kawasan traverse became one of the unexpected twists of a whirlwind, but still, it was a fun-filled adventure. Well, this is what we have been looking for, to embrace nature, both at its best and its worst.

 

  

First up, we decided to sidetrip to Obong Spring before heading up to Osmeña Peak for a night camp. We spent 5 hours at the spring having photo-ops, swimming, chitchatting and laughing out our hearts without any idea of what is going to happen next.

 

 

 

After eating lunch, we set ourselves to leave for Osmeña Peak full of hope to see the beautiful chocolate hill-like jagged hills surrounding the peak and the white clouds nearly covering the blue skies. It took us almost an hour of habal-habal (motorcycle) ride from Dalaguete proper to the peak’s jump-off in Mantalongon. It is already foggy with rain showers when we arrived at the foot of the mountain, then directly went up after the registration. We were so confident that the weather would calm as we immediately pitched our tents for a night stay atop.

 

 

 

What we never expected was the changing weather as the night slowly falls, spreading darkness all over. Our excitement several hours ago turned to fear of what lies ahead the whole night with the echoing wind accompanied by intermittent rain showers, trying to uproot the pegs of our tents and their covers. It is as if there is an apocalypse that we can hardly sleep amidst our situation. It even came to a point when we wanted to decamp and get any means of transportation back home.

 

 

 

 

Almost everything we brought was soaked to rainwater including our worn clothes. We had tell-tales and did any activities to becalm ourselves. Some of us took turns to nap while others just patiently waited for the time to move fast until morning. You can just imagine staying awake from 6 pm to 6 am the following morning, counting time hour per hour so we can get out of the place, go home and have a complete rest.

 

 

It was indeed an adventure of struggle beyond our comfort zones, and I mean it literally. Yes, it was my first time to camp in the middle of the storm, yet we all survived. Thank God, we were still able to trek downhill safe despite the strong winds and thick fogs along our way donning our wet suits.

 

 

 

 

Riding on a motorcycle, we reached Mantalongon Market, ate our breakfast and waited for the bus back to Cebu City.

 

It was another experience worth keeping with lots of lessons learned. Sometimes, what matters most is how well you deal the challenge of life. Congratulate yourselves guys for passing the wild’s ordeal. ‘Till our next adventure.

Watch the video of our trip “Obong Spring to Osmena Peak, Dalaguete, Cebu – Guide & Itinerary” by travel buddy Asa Ni Quen?

Itinerary:

August 6, 2016:

4:30 am – 5:00 am – Meet-up @ Cebu South Bus Terminal
5:20 am – 7:20 am – Bound for Dalaguete, Cebu
7:30 am – 12:30 pm – Obong Spring
12:30 pm – 12:40 pm – Obong Spring to Poblacion, Dalaguete (by tricycle)
12:50 pm – 1:35 pm – Poblacion to Osmeña Peak Jump Off in Mantalongon (by motorcycle)
1:35 pm – 1:55 pm – (Registration and hike to the peak)
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Dinner and socials

August 7, 2016:

6:00 am – Wake-up call
7:00 am – Decamp
7:30 am – 8:00 am – Osmeña Peak to Mantalongon Market (by motorcycle)
8:00 am – 8:30 am – Breakfast

9:00 am – 1:20 pm – Mantalongon to Cebu City (it usually takes 2-3 hours travel, but it took us more than 4 hours due to traffic congestion)

Estimated Budget/Pax for a Group of 4

210 – Bus Fares (110-Cebu City to Dalaguete/100 from Mantalongon, Dalaguete to Cebu City)

    5 – Entrance Fee (Obong Spring)
38 – Table Rent at Obong Spring (150/4)

    9 – Tricycle Transfer (Obong to Poblacion, Dalaguete)

 150 – Motorcycle Transfers (100-Pablacion to Osmeña Peak/50-Osmeña Peak to Mantalongon Market)
30 – Entrance/Registration Fee (Osmeña Peak)

  25 – Tent Area (100/4 at 50 per tent)

Total: 467

Note: This estimated budget excludes our meals and other personal expenses 

*Bring light to spare you from difficulties in transferring from one place to another.

*Some photos in this post are solicited from the group. 

Also read: Why Philippines Should Be Your Next Destination?

*reposting