Casino x Kandungaw Peak | Chasing Mountains in Dalaguete, Cebu

Did you know the highest point on the island of Cebu is Osmeña Peak, found in the town of Dalaguete? However, this famous peak isn't the only one worth visiting here in the South. Dalaguete offers a variety of other must-visit peaks for nature enthusiasts like you and me.

First Stop: Casino Peak

One of these destinations is Casino Peak, which is also dubbed as the "Chocolate Mountains of South Cebu." Sitting at 1,005 meters above sea level, climbing to the top provides a stunning 360-degree view of what looks like Cebu’s version of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Casino Peak, also known as Lugsangan Peak, is located in Sitio Lugsangan in Barangay Tabon, Dalaguete, Cebu.

Registration, Entrance Fee and Guides at Casino Peak

To reach the peak, you first need to register at the information center, a small bungalow at the foot of the peak. The entrance fee is 50 pesos per person, and you can hire a tour guide for just 250 pesos. While the trail is easy to follow and a guide isn't strictly necessary, hiring one supports the local community and adds to the experience. Guides can share the history of the place and point out the best spots for photos.

The Origin of Casino Peak

I asked our guide about the origin of the name "Casino Peak." She explained that it was originally called "Ka-Seno," which translates to "Belongs to Seno" in the local dialect. The land reportedly belonged to someone named Seno or his family from centuries ago.

The infamous Chocolate Mountains of South Cebu

The Hike

Despite the extreme heat in Cebu City, Casino Peak offers a cool, refreshing climate somewhat that of Baguio. Our guide mentioned that it often fogs up at night and in the early morning, adding to its charm. From the base, the hike takes about 15-30 minutes. It's a steady ascent that I’d rate as a 3/10 in difficulty, making it perfect for beginners.

Say chesse! Photo snaps at the summit of Casino Peak with these amazing bunch of people.

Second Stop: Kandungaw Peak

Our next destination was Kandungaw Peak, which for me is the highlight of our day trip. About a 30-minute drive from Casino Peak, this trail is more challenging, earning a 6/10 difficulty rating from my book. The ascent begins right at the drop-off point and continues all the way to the summit.

This is sitting at 958 meters above sea level. Kandungaw Peak serves as the boundary between the municipalities of Badian as seen on the west side and Dalaguete at the east.

The History behind Kandungaw Peak

Did you know that Kandungaw Peak played a vital role during WWII? This peak serves as a hideout for locals against the Japanese forces.

The locals would snuck away in the cave located at Kandungaw and the strategic location of the peak was also a perfect look out place to see if there are any enemies approaching. Hence the term "dungaw" which is translated in the local dialect as "to look over or look down below" where the name "Kandungaw" probably originated from.

Registration, Entrance Fee and Guides at Kandungaw Peak

To start your climb, you need to pay an entrance fee at the information desk near the drop-off site, which is also 50 pesos. We hired two local guides for 250 pesos each.

There are two ways to climb Kandungaw: a natural rocky trail and a paved trail with stairs. We chose to ascend via the natural trail and descend via the paved one. The hike takes about 1.5 hours, depending on your pace. Trekking poles are also available for rent in the information center for just 20 pesos each.

Here are more snaps from the hiking trail at Kandungaw Peak

The Summit

Reaching the summit of Kandungaw Peak is not for the faint-hearted, with its exposed cliffs and knee-trembling heights but trust me once you reach the top it is definitely breathtaking.

Besides the main peak, you can visit three additional hills:

Sunset Peak and Lovers Peak, This is located just across Kandungaw peak which offers a great camping site facing the island of Negros, and the awe-dropping views of Badian island and the rest of the western coast of Cebu.

I would really love to go back and camp here one of these days to visit the spectacular sunset. For sure, I'll be one happy girl as soon as the sky paints a canvas and changes it's colors.

and lastly there is also the so-called Titanic View.

This spot is where a giant tilted rock provides the perfect venue for thrilling photos. This is definitely not for those with fear of heights, one wrong move can risk lives as the rocks are kinda jagged and this is one deadly drop off cliff. Posing here gave me an adrenaline rush, making my knees tremble, but with safety as the priority it was absolutely worth it.

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Estimated Expenses & Itinerary

Here are the estimated expenses for our trip which is a group of 14, organized by Coach Raul:
• Van (Round Trip): 600 pesos
• Casino Peak Entrance: 50 pesos
• Kandungaw Peak Entrance: 50 pesos
• Local Guide for Casino Peak: 25 pesos (1 guide for 250 pesos)
• Local Guide for Kandungaw Peak: 50 pesos (2 guides for 500 pesos)
• Meals for the driver: 25 pesos

Overall, climbing these beautiful peaks in Dalaguete cost me just 800 pesos, excluding food expenses for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Note that we rented a van for convenience and it was also cheaper since we are a big group.

In addition, Here's the itinerary we used which is also prepared by Coach Raul:

Morning
• 5:30 AM - Meet at SM City Sunvida Tower
• 6:00 AM - Depart Cebu City
• 8:00 AM - Carcar Pit Stop + Breakfast Takeout
• 9:30 AM - Arrive at Dalaguete Market (7-Eleven)
• 10:15 AM - Arrive at Lugsangan Base
• 10:30 AM - Start Hike
• 11:30 AM - Reach Casino Peak + Pictures
• 11:31 AM - Start Descent
• 12:30 PM - Return to Base + Lunch

Afternoon
• 1:00 PM - Start Ride to Kandungaw
• 1:40 PM - Arrive at Kandungaw Base
• 2:00 PM - Start Hike
• 3:30 PM - Reach Kandungaw Peaks + Pictures
• 4:00 PM - Start Descent
• 5:00 PM - Return to Base
• 5:30 PM - Depart for Dalaguete Highway
• 9:00 PM - Arrive at Sunvida SM / Lapu-Lapu

And that's it for our weekend adventure

If you're planning a DIY trip to Dalaguete to chase peaks, make sure to include these day-hike destinations on your itinerary. For sure, you won't want to miss these incredible experiences!

Hope to see you on the trail soon!
xoxo Yza

Ma. Morena is a nature enthusiast, an optimist and outgoing person who loves turning her adventure and thoughts into writing.

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