Sirao Peak or Mt. Kan-Irag or Mt. Sibugay Hike
Sirao Peak has been famous among Cebu hikers all these years. We were told it's the most accessible and offers an easy trail to the mountain. The easy way is the Busay Trail, which takes less than an hour to reach the top from the jump-off site. Another way, on a more challenging level, is to hike the Budlaan Trail in Talamban, Cebu. This will take around 3-5 hrs, depending on your fitness level and stops. Let's go!
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How to get there: Sirao Peak via Busay
- Meeting point: JY Square, Lahug, Cebu
- Take Jeepney 04L from the Mazda Building near SM Mabolo to JY Square Lahug.
- Fare: 7 PHP
- Then, across JY Square Mall, take a motorbike/ habal-habal to the jump-off site for Sirao Peak near Ayala Heights.
- Fare: 150 PHP.
What to bring checklist:
- Cash
- Hiking shoes
- Waterproof bag
- Cap and Sunglasses
- Windbreaker Jacket
- Extra clothes
- Water (at least 2 liters, if you're like me and need plenty of water to survive)
- Sunblock (Apply an hour before the hike, reapply if needed, depending on SPF level)
- Snack and Lunch (Make sure to clean up your mess)
- Camera and your Smile
- Kindness to the Mountain
- Extra plastic bag (if you spot some trash along the way)
- Small first aid kit, whistle, and flashlight
Sirao Peak
We met up early in the morning, had our breakfast, and made our way to JY Square in Lahug. Our plan was to have lunch at the peak, so we bought Lechon Manok/Roasted Chicken for 180 PHP and 15 pieces of puso/ hanging rice for 50 PHP. I thought that should be enough for three young-ish ladies, but I was wrong. Try to pack more to ensure you're well-fed on your hike.
I was so ready to take the motorbike up after we bought our supplies; however, my two companions decided why don't we try walking?! Well, I was down for anything, so off we went on a dangerous path to our destination. We were actually doing well, but the weather was not permitting. Rain showers started to pour, and we were left with no choice but to take the motorbike. Little did we know the weather was actually guiding us in the right way. The hike to Ayala Heights was too far to walk; the small roads with not much space for hikers on the side made it a risky task, too. We already walked for a good hour, so our motorbike fee to Ayala Heights was only 50 PHP.
The Landmark
There are no signs that show you the drop-off point or entryway to Sirao Peak. This Canada Drive was a standout sign for me, as this is the road that leads you to Barangay Sirao and the flower garden. My friend's friendly gesture got us a free ride on a soldier's truck a few meters away from the peak. The gateway to Sirao Peak is not that far from the army station. There's a small road along the paved road that leads you to an open field. It's unnoticeable as there is no sign, and everyone seems to be just heading to the Flower Farm.
Beautiful Mango Trees
Once you see the grassland and a few mango trees, it only means you're on the right path. It's just a short distance from the road; don't go all the way to the flower farm. The moment you step on that small road, it immediately transports you to a different world. There will be two mountains, each on a different side. Sirao Peak is the greener one, with mango trees lining up the way. The other mountain seemed more inhabited, houses and something like electric towers were visible from afar.
Field of Grassland
The trail starts with a wide field of grassland, and then everything else is all uphill, filled with stones and plants. It rained that day, and we expected the trail to be slippery; thus, our footing was slow and precise. I didn't wear my hiking shoes for some valid reason; however, please do wear proper hiking shoes, as this will keep you safe. I did slip, and that's not a good thing. We were lucky enough that it didn't rain that hard; it was a cool hike to the peak for us. My friend had an umbrella, and I had my windbreaker jacket with me, so we were all good. When we arrived at the top, it stopped raining for a while, and we then quickly had our lunch.
Unpredictable Weather
Another thing to keep in mind when hiking is to waterproof your stuff. I lost my hiking touch and totally forgot all about this - got way too excited ahahaa. The fog covered our whole view of the city for a few minutes as it drizzled; it didn't really bother us at that moment, as we were busy with our roasted chicken. By the time we were almost done with lunch, the fog started to clear out, and we got ourselves a beautiful sight of Cebu City. It was one of those simple hiking pleasures of seeing the fruits of your labor, sweet and memorable.
Going Down
Going down the mountain was a piece of cake for my friend. I'm one of those hikers who takes their sweet time analyzing how far, how slippery, and the consequences of setting one's foot in the wrong place, thus I am the slowpoke. My friend would always tease me about it. I just can't find myself going down the mountain fast and doing a cartwheel with my face.
Check out Sirao Garden
After visiting Sirao Peak, you can check out Sirao Garden (Entrance fee: 50 PHP. According to my research, Celosia flowers bloom in the summer around April-May).
Anyways, he headed back down, took the same short path out to the main cemented road, and walked back to the main point where the motorbike dropped us off in Ayala Heights, Canada Drive point. We took a motorbike to Busay and then a jeepney from there to JY Square, saving us a few pennies instead of taking the motorbike/habal-habal all the way down to JY Square.
From JY Square, we took refuge in a bakery and had some cornetto ice cream as we waited for the traffic to settle down a little bit. I love ending my hikes this way, relaxed and happy. It was a short and easy climb, plus the rain spiced things up for our Sirao Peak Hike. This is definitely a great way to get away from the bustling city and immerse oneself in nature, and you don't need to travel far, as it is right at the heart of Cebu City.
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Must-See Places in Southern Cebu
Southwestern side:
- Sumilon Island (Oslob): Known for its white sandbar and clear waters.
- Tumalog Falls (Oslob): "Curtain" waterfall near the whale shark area.
- Aguinid Falls (Samboan): Offers a five-level climbing adventure.
- Dau Falls (Samboan): Unique waterfall, featuring a turquoise pool.
- Inambakan Falls (Ginatilan): Multi-tiered waterfall with a large pool.
- Kawasan Falls (Badian): Famous for its turquoise water.
- Basdaku (Moalboal): Unspoiled long stretch of white sandy beach - stay here for accessibility!
- Tingko Beach (Alcoy) is a serene, scenic beach, a low-key mini Boracay. Osmeña Peak (Dalaguete): Highest point in Cebu with panoramic views.
Must-See Places in Northern Cebu
- Malapascua Island (Daanbantayan): Famous for thresher shark diving and white-sand beaches.
- Bantayan Island: Offers a relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, and stunning sunsets.
- Camotes Island: Known for lake swimming, underground caves, and beaches.
- Mactan Island: Amazing Island-hopping tours to marine sanctuaries.
- Pandanon Island (between Cebu and Bohol): Famous for its beautiful, powdery white sandbar.
Experience Mactan's world-class resort amenities:
Cebu is for everyone! A great place for good food, exciting adventures, and lovely scenery. There's the mountain to make you feel closer to the sky and the pristine white beaches to soothe your senses. My heart will always say yes to this great city. Everything that made me who I am today is because of all the travels I've had; without a doubt, it's truly more fun in the Philippines.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
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