Kim's Quest #2: Kandungaw Peak, Dalaguete, Cebu

_{KANDUNGAW PEAK'S FACADE. The cliff and the canopies below gave a surreal imagery when illuminated by the morning sun.}

Hello Steemians!

I hope you're all doing great! I would like to share one refreshing escapade that reminded me of how great the world is and how minute I am compared to the vastness of the earth. This post should have been uploaded 4 days ago, but I was drained with work that I was not able to accomplish this on time. This is my reminder of how privileged are those who can take some time to unwind and go to places where they can contemplate.

_{SUNRISE ALONG THE WAY. No matter how trivial it is, there's always a reason to travel and celebrate.}
This is still part of my aim to promote Cebu as a world-class tourist destination. Many would go for the money shot or for those well-known destinations, but I would like to emphasize that Cebu has something more to offer. Those "something more" might be hidden in plain sight or difficult to access. It might be difficult, but it doesn't mean it's impossible. With difficulty comes great reward. There will always be people who are willing to traverse the extra mile or brave the extra heights. If you're one of those people, then this post is for you.

Let's start, shall we?

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KANDUNGAW PEAK_{Maloray, Dalaguete, Cebu}

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_{YEP! THAT'S ME. On top of Kandungaw Peak and overlooking the valley below. This was an experience that humbled me.}
Dalaguete, Cebu is a first class municipality which is comprised of 33 barangays. One of the barangays in the mountainous area of Dalaguete is Mantalongon. Due to the cold temperatures in this area, it is called the Summer Capital of Cebu. It is also called the Vegetable Basket of Cebu due to the nature of livelihood of the people, which supplies the vegetable demand of Cebu City.

_{Scenes likes this already gave me an idea of what's in store for us on top.}
If you have heard about Dalaguete, Cebu, you might think of Osmeña Peak (Mount Labalasan). Well, I can't blame you because many tourists would really flock that peak. After all, Osmeña Peak is the highest point in Cebu. Trekking for about 15 minutes from the base would lead you to the summit. It's just a few kilometers away from Mantalongon Public Market. For the general public, this would be very convenient.

_{A better alternative and a perfect timing. You should visit Kandungaw Peak early in the morning.}
What if I told you there's a better alternative? If you're not into trekking, this can be challenging for you compared to Osmeña Peak. But if you push yourself a little bit, you will be amazed by the reward you'll get on top. Kandungaw Peak (Candongao Peak) is another peak in Dalaguete which is part of the Patung, Badian range in which the famous Osmeña Peak is also part of. Due to the unique terrain of this part of Cebu, which is mainly jagged peaks and hills that are packed together, it's undeniable that this is the perfect spot for trekking. On top of these hills, you can clearly see the shorelines of Dalaguete in the east and the shorelines of Badian in the west.

_{I'm out of words for this. Simply amazing!}
If you Google Kandungaw Peak, you can find tons of blogs which showed the striking view on top, as well as the majestic peak itself. But if you look at their photos, those were taken at high noon or probably from 9 AM to 11 AM. Those were magnificent photos, but our photos were taken at 6 AM which made it totally different. The color of the morning sun imbued a different feel to the area. As seen in the thumbnail, as the rays of the sun strikes the surface of the cliffs, it transformed the color of the cliffs into shades of red, brown, and orange which is truly magical for me.

_{Another work of nature, captured through the lens of the legend.}

How To Get There

If you want to experience what we experienced when we went there, hang on for these tips. Also, please take note of the hours it would take to get there if you want to reach the summit before sunrise. Since Barangay Maloray is about 3 times as far as Osmeña Peak, getting there would take longer. But you don't have to worry because the road is now paved and concreted.

From the Cebu City South Bus Terminal, you can ride a bus to Dalaguete. Just take the Bato-Oslob route. Don't take the Bato-Barili route because it will traverse from Carcar to Barili and then to the west of Cebu. Dalaguete is about 80 kilometers from Cebu City, so it would probably take 2 and 1/2 to 3 hours via bus. I suggest that you would take the 12 AM or 1 AM trip from South Bus Terminal. What we did was take a bus at around 7 PM and stay for the night at our friend's house in Dalaguete proper.

At 4 AM, we rode a motorcycle (habal-habal) to Barangay Maloray. There are lots of habal-habal drivers at Dalaguete proper even at 4 AM. The fare is reasonable considering the distance between the proper and Kandungaw Peak. If I say it's far, I really mean it's far. Later I will break down the expenses of the trip and I would say it's all worth it.

Since the area is remote, unlike in the city where light pollution is a concern, you can really see the clear sky. The Milky Way Galaxy is visible and the stars above are so vivid. I didn't look at the road ahead, I just keep my gaze up, and I really enjoyed the ride. The breeze of the dawn is so cold, coupled with the play of light in the transitioning twilight. From a dark, starry night, the sun slowly rises from the east while we were on the road.

I'm sure I would be back again to Kandungaw Peak soon. If that time comes, I will really document that experience because for me, it was surreal. The play of color in the sky is subtle but dynamic. One time it was dark, then hues of orange and red creeps up, and then everything turns into blue.

The Ascent

We were a bit late because we arrived at base of the peak at around 5:45 AM. We were registered and assigned with a guide. Having a guide is mandatory, but the guide fee is up to you. There's also a minimal registration fee at the base and I hope it should stay that way. Everything's well organized and the people there really knew what they were doing.

_{TAKING A SHORT BREAK. Half-way through, we took a short break while taking photos with the peak in the background.}
From the base, the assault to the peak starts with concrete staircases. It was lengthy and would require extra effort. We underestimated it that we were panting and catching our breaths even if it was just half way. If you don't know the proper way, I bet your knees will really hurt. But I didn't mind them because I was enjoying every sensation. The staircases cuts through a field of spring onions and bell peppers.

_{THE ASSAULT CONTINUED. After that short break, we continued with the assault to reach the summit and watch the sunrise.}
At the end of the concrete stairs is a spring in which locals were fetching water and washing their clothes every morning. I would say it was really a provincial life. As the hike continued, we passed by a field of carrots and cabbages. Nearing the cliff base, we slowed down and rest while taking pictures.

_{GAWANG-GAWANG. This narrow passage will lead you to the top. A portal to another landmark that is sculpted by nature.}
A little further and we reached on what they call as Gawang-Gawang. Gawang is a deep bisaya term for door. Repeating the term twice means like a door. In short, Gawang-gawang is like a door to another place. For me, it's like a portal to another world because once past that point, the scenery changes completely. In that point, the air current is strong so it's completely refreshing. Strong air current is the effect of the narrow space where the updraft air will pass.

_{More photoshoot in that famed Gawang-Gawang}

At The Top

_{RIDGES, PEAKS AND VALLEYS. Everything's truly mesmerizing on top. What's even magical is the color of the sunrise.}
Once past that "portal" to the top, everything's beautiful 360 degrees. Everywhere you look, there's something waiting for your eyes to feast on. I don't know if everyone will agree with me, but I was really overwhelmed by the scenery on top.

_{DONING THAT SENTI LOOK. Enjoying that morning breeze and the warmth of the sunrise while trying not to get too sentimental.}
The rising sun of the east gives a good glimpse of the valley below. The updraft wind will mess your hair, touch your face, and massage your body. In the west, the island of Negros will greet you with its mountains. Down south, Patung range will continue with its peaks and ridges, extending as far as the eye can see. In the north, the ridges extends but not as far because it was cut by a valley and then extended again towards central Cebu.

_{NEGROS ISLAND. One of the stunning views on top. I don't know if it's Mt. Kanlaon or not, but I'm simply in awe.
Everything's picture perfect!}
We couldn't imagine that it's in Cebu so we always took selfies and tons of photos were taken. I became a little bit adventurous so I tried balancing in one of the rocks. I really had a great time there and I keep on thinking of going back.

_{I'M A JESTER! If I hadn't become an engineer, I would have been a gymnast or a balancing clown. 😂}
I also tried to relive some childhood memories while playing and taking advantage of the position of the sun. There are tons of silly things we have done while on top. I guess I'll never grow old.

_{LOOKS FAMILIAR? Yeah. I'm crazy and full of antics.}

The Descent

Before we go back and end this journey, here other stunning photos while we were on top of Kandungaw Peak:

We chose a different path in our descent to the base. The guide can take you to one of the caves in the cliffs if you want, but I would not recommend it if you have fear of heights. It's because the way is really through a cliff with nothing to hold on but roots and small trees.

_{EMERGENCE. A caveman emerging from one of crannies where he belongs. 😂😂😂}

Kidding aside, I was really disappointed when I saw that the stalactites were taken as souvenirs. Why would people do that? It's more painful for me because I knew how long the process would take and how many gallons of mineral-rich water would drip from the ceiling of the caves just to form an inch of those stalactites.

_{EVIDENCE. This shows how destructive people are to nature.}
There might be disappointments due to what happened to the caves, but over all, the experience was surreal. We safely reached the base and rode the habal-habal back to Dalaguete proper.

_{HABAL-HABAL RIDE. The mode of transportation to and from Kandungaw Peak.}

Budget

Disclaimer: Prices may vary, so prepare for an extra money if you're planning to go there.
Here is the breakdown of our expenses:

1. Php 100.00 - Air-conditioned bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal to Dalaguete.
2. Pup 300.00 - Habal-habal round trip ride from Dalaguete proper to Kandungaw Peak and then back. Php 150.00 one-way trip.
3. Php 30.00 - Entrance fee
4. Php 50.00 - Guide fee. We were 7 at that time so we opted to give Php 350.00 to our guide.
5. Php 100.00 - Water and snacks
6. Php 50.00 - Lunch at Dalaguete proper
7. Php 100.00 - Bus from Dalaguete to South Bus

The total expenses is Php 730.00. Bringing Php 1,000.00 is already more than enough for you, considering unexpected expenses.

Requests and Reminders

1. Please do not haggle with the drivers because they're regulated by the municipal office. Php 150.00 one-way is fair enough considering the distance. Also, they will wait for you as long as you want for you to go back to the municipal proper. It would be a hassle for them.
2. Having a guide is mandatory, but the amount that you would give will solely depend on your discretion. Please don't be stingy because these guides are more than willing to help you and even bring your bags for you.
3. Please do not take away the remaining stalactites in the cave. I was deeply saddened when we enter the cave knowing that most of the stalactites that takes thousands of years to form were taken as souvenirs.
4. The area has a unique flora. Please don't take anything or pluck flowers if you find some. Just let them grow in their natural habitat.
5. It's tempting to get some vegetables along the way. Please don't take anything because they're planted and owned by the farmers and it's their livelihood. Instead, buy the vegetables from them. They are selling their vegetables at reasonable price.
6. Avoid littering. The area is still pristine and water sources can be found anywhere in the area. If you will leave your garbage there, you are polluting their water sources.
7. Respect the locals. Greet them along the way. Don't be a jerk. Most specially, respect their area, their farmland. It's their only source of income.

Final Words

Mountains humble me but they don't trample me.

There's always something in mountains that makes me feel at ease. It makes think and it puts me in the right perspective. It made me realize that I should not be too proud of myself because I'm just a part of the creation. It made me realize that everything has significance in the macrocosm of things.

Keep on steeming!

Best Regards,
@ybanezkim26

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_{Please let me know what you think of this travel post by commenting below. Also, please don't forget to follow @legendarryll and upvote his posts.}