Weekend Camping at Mt. Manunggal

How to Get There

Mount Manunggal is located in Barangay Magsaysay, Balamban, roughly 35–40 km northwest of Cebu City. It's accessible via the Cebu Transcentral Highway.

By private car:
Drive from Cebu City through the scenic Transcentral Highway, passing through Busay and Balamban Road. Look for the Baguio de Cebu Eco‑Adventure Park, which serves as the main jump-off point.

By public transport:
From the Ayala V‑Hire Terminal, take a van-for-hire (v-hire) bound for Balamban (fare is around ₱150). Ask the driver to drop you off at the junction heading to Mount Manunggal. From there, ride a habal‑habal (motorbike) or walk toward the campsite.

Background

Mount Manunggal rises approximately 982 meters above sea level and is known as Cebu’s third-highest peak. Beyond its natural beauty, the mountain is a historical site—this is where former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay perished in a tragic plane crash in 1957.

Today, Mount Manunggal attracts both hikers and history lovers. It offers scenic views, fresh air, and cultural significance, making it a unique destination for a weekend getaway.

Itinerary & Experience

10:00 a.m. – Departed from Cebu City heading northwest.
Lunch Stop – Had lunch at Valuarte Ni Alfredo. A ₱200 budget per person is enough for a satisfying full meal, including food and drinks.
1:00–2:00 p.m. – Arrived at the Mount Manunggal area. The site was already crowded, so we recommend coming early if you're traveling in a large group.

We managed to find a spacious campsite that could accommodate our group of eight. We pitched one large tent and two smaller ones. I personally used a hammock, which worked great due to the abundance of trees.

Night Experience

As the sun went down, the mountain became significantly colder. It’s important to bring sleeping bags, jackets, and long-sleeved clothing. There were also plenty of biting insects, so bug repellents or protective clothing are recommended. Dinner and snacks were shared around the campfire. The evening was spent cooking, eating, sharing stories, and enjoying the calm and chilly atmosphere.

Morning and Return

At dawn, we walked to the viewing dock, a nearby elevated area offering a panoramic sunrise and, if you're lucky, a sea of clouds. After a quick breakfast, we packed up by 8:00 a.m., and started heading back down by 9:00–10:00 a.m. On the way home, we stopped for lunch at 21 Kilometers Cafe, capping off the trip with good food and a relaxing ambiance.

Travel Tips

• Arrive early to secure the best campsite, especially on weekends when it gets crowded.

• Dress warmly and bring insect repellent. Nights can be very cold and insects are common.

• Use maps and signage to locate important landmarks like the Ramon Magsaysay memorial and starting trail.

• Ideal for group trips with vehicles, as the road is more accessible by private transport.

References and Sources

• Tripadvisor – Mount Manunggal

• Mapcarta – Mount Manunggal

• TravelMuppetz – How to Get to Mount Manunggal

• Pages.ph – Mount Manunggal Guide

• Lost Bisaya Boy – Mount Manunggal Experience

• Wanderlog – Viewing Spots in Mount Manunggal

• AllTrails – Mount Manunggal Trail Map

Gallery

A visual journey through our weekend camp at Mount Manunggal—scenic trails, cozy tents, delicious meals, laughter-filled nights, and breathtaking morning views.