Facts
- Elevation: 1,073 m (3,520 ft)
- Prominence: 1,073 m
- Ribu category:
Kurang Tinggi - Region:
Central Philippines - Island: Cebu
- Coordinates: 9.8367, 123.4508
- Rating:
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Loading... - World Ribus ID: 69553
Bagging It!
Mount Labalasan is the main mountain range on Cebu Island, located near the municipalities of Badian and Mantalongon in southern Cebu. The peak is famed for its rugged limestone formations and panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the sea. Hiking the southern end of Mount Labalasan is considered a relatively short but steep trek, usually doable within 1 to 2 hours depending on fitness level and pace. Osmeña Peak is the most popular hike in the area. The trail passes through rural farmland, grasslands, and patches of forest, culminating in exposed rocky outcrops. However, the true highest point – known as Marciano Peak by local farmers – does not appear to be hiked to regularly, despite being close to a road. It is located about 2km north along the ridge from the more commonly visited tourist peak and may be easier to reach from the north-east where there is a road just 250m from the summit. It shouldn’t take long to reach the top with a local farmer as a guide.
A third summit – Mercado Peak – lies between Marciano and Osmeña, slightly closer to Marciano.
Practicalities
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- Getting there: The most common approach to Mount Labalasan is through the municipality of Dalaguete, Cebu. From Cebu City, travelers take a bus or private transport heading south to Dalaguete town. From Dalaguete, a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) ride or local jeepney transport can be hired to bring hikers to the jump-off or registration point, often in Barangay Mantalongon or nearby barangays close to the peak. Registration is typically done at a local tourism office or barangay hall.
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- Permits: There is no formal national park permit system reported for Mount Labalasan/Osmeña Peak, but hikers are encouraged to register at the barangay or local tourism office prior to the climb. Baggers are encouraged to have a friendly chat with local farmers re tthe true summit Marciano Peak.
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- Water sources: While there are no prominent permanent water sources documented directly on the trail or at the summit of Mount Labalasan, the tropical climate means there may be small streams or spring water at lower elevations during the rainy season.
Local Average Monthly Rainfall (in Cebu) 
Location
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Origins and Meaning
The name “Labalasan” seemingly refers to the range, with one peak popularly named Osmeña Peak after Sergio Osmeña, a notable former Philippine president from Cebu. Marciano Peak, the name of the true summit, is the name used by local people.
The location of this peak is correct, but not the name, and this may confuse future visitors.
The highpount is not Osmena Peak (or Labalasan), which is the tourist peak to the south and (incorrectly) recognized by the public/government as the highpoint. This peak, the true highpoint, is known as Marciano Peak by the locals (those running the farmland on which it resides.
My suggestion to climb this peak is to do the same as I did… talk to the local farmers… inquire about the peak… ask for permission. Tip them well 😉
Hi Chad. Thanks for the information. Where did you get the name from and how certain are you of it? Cheers, Dan
Hi Dan.
Well… I can say that for certain Osmena Peak is the hills about 2 km SSW… for certain… as shown on all the available maps and concurrent with signage in the area. Which based on the description would be the same for Lalabasan.
When I visited the northern area (true summit) I had one of the local farmers guide me up. I inquired as to the same of the summit and she clearly stated Marciano Peak. I asked about Mercado Peak… she identified this as the lower peak in between Osmena and Marciano (as shown on both maps and local signage). So she knew what she was talking about as far as my ability to test her.
As for the name Marciano Peak… my only resource is my guide. We even spelled it out on my phone, and she confirmed this was the title. Admittedly I have seen no name for this location on either maps, or local signage. It is only from the guide (who farmed and lived in the area her entire life).
Perhaps not perfect, but it definitely is not Osmena and sounds like not Lalabasan. Lacking any other information I think the most correct option would be to defer to her expertise or alternatively assume it not officially named (use Cebu HP or its equivalent). But she had no doubt in her mind as to the name… and by the way she was also thoroughly confident that this was the true highpoint… not a doubt in her mind… despite the incorrect tourist signage on Osmena to the south.