My journey continued with a new destination: Mt. Lanaya in Alegria, Cebu, Philippines.
Mt. Lanaya is renowned as the toughest mountain to conquer in Cebu. Standing tall at over 700 meters above sea level, with a steep incline of 60 degrees, it's not for the faint-hearted. But it's also seen as a great challenge, perfect for building endurance before tackling major climbs.
This time, I opted to join a group instead of going solo. Through a Facebook group called Sugbo Summit Seekers, I found fellow adventurers gearing up for the Lanaya trek. And since it was my first venture into Cebu's mountainous terrain, joining a group seemed like a practical move.
Our journey started with a van ride from South Bus Terminal to Barangay Legazpi in Alegria, Cebu. Along the way, we made a stop in Moalboal for lunch at a local eatery. By midday, around 12:30, we reached our drop-off point in Alegria, where we wasted no time gearing up and setting off on our hike after a quick orientation.
Our aim was to reach the campsite by early afternoon, before 2:30pm, giving us enough time to attempt the summit on the same day. The trail to the campsite wasn't overly steep, but the relentless heat made it challenging. Some of us, me included, opted to lighten our load by hiring motorcycles to transport our heavier gear, while we carried only the essentials.
As we went along, the occasional breaks in the shade provided much-needed relief from the scorching sun. Along the way, we stumbled upon a small store offering fresh Buko, nestled amidst breathtaking views. Pausing briefly to replenish our energy with the refreshing coconut water, we pressed on towards the campsite, fueled by anticipation.
Arriving at the campsite in the late afternoon, past 3pm, I made the decision to postpone my summit attempt until the following day. While others decided to take on the challenge immediately, I took the opportunity to soak in the tranquil surroundings and enjoy the sunset views as a serene prelude to the challenges that awaited.
The next morning, before the break of dawn, together with Humphrey, a fellow adventurer, we embarked on our summit ascent. We’re supposed to be three, but the other one decided not to join us. Guided by Kuya Atoy and his son, we set out with determination, with our headlamps piercing through the darkness.
The initial leg of the ascent proved to be the toughest, with the steep incline demanding every ounce of our energy. Despite the physical strain, the anticipation of reaching the summit fueled us on. With each step forward, we drew closer to our goal.
Surprisingly, we reached the summit ahead of schedule, greeted by the first light of dawn painting the sky in vibrant hues. The breathtaking sight served as a fitting reward for our efforts, a testament to the beauty and resilience of nature.
After capturing the sunrise on camera, we began our descent, the familiar trail now bathed in the soft light of day. With each step downwards, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey thus far—the challenges overcome, the bonds forged, and the unforgettable memories created.
Returning to the campsite, we were greeted with a hearty breakfast, a well-deserved reward for our early morning exertions. Energized and invigorated, we packed up our gear and set off for our next adventure: a visit to Cancalanog Falls, a refreshing oasis nestled amidst the rugged beauty of the mountains.
As I stood beneath the cascading waters, feeling the cool embrace wash away the fatigue of the journey, I couldn't help but marvel at the wonders of nature and the sense of fulfillment that comes from pushing oneself beyond the limits.
In the end, it wasn't just about reaching the summit—it was about the journey itself, the experiences shared, and the memories made along the way. And as I bid farewell to Mt. Lanaya, I carried with me not just the physical souvenirs of my adventure, but a newfound sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the world around me.
Useful contacts:
Hiking Guide:
Name: Kuya Atoy
Number: 09758265305
Organizing Group:
Sugbo Summit Seekers
For more updates and digital nomad travel tips, don't forget to subscribe on my mailing list below. You will be notified with the most updated blogs when published.