Casino Peak, also known as Lugsangan Peak, is a beautiful beginners hike up to a spiny limestone cliff in South Cebu. You’ve probably heard of Osmeña Peak, the highest point in Cebu. Casino peak is right next door, and is actually our favourite of the two. It’s easy, natural and offers an incredible view of the surrounding hills, villages and sea in the distance. It’s the perfect hike to pair with Osmeña Peak or any other South Cebu adventure.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE PHILIPPINES
HOW TO GET TO CASINO PEAK IN CEBU
Casino Peak is in the little village of Lugsangan, which is where it gets its alternative name, Lugsangan Peak. It’s found between the two towns of Badian and Dalaguete, almost right in the centre of the island. If you’re travelling from Moalboal or any town on the west side, you’ll take the road that passes through Alegria. If you’re coming from the city, you’ll drive along the east coast through Dalaguete. The road is paved all the way so you can take your own car or motorbike with no trouble, or if you just want to sit back and relax you can book a private car charter through Klook here.
WHEN TO VISIT CASINO PEAK IN CEBU
It’s best to visit Casino Peak for sunrise or sunset, but this wasn’t possible for us and our schedule. We hiked Osmeña Peak first and made it to Casino Peak at around 4pm. The light was gradually becoming golden but we’d been battling with on and off showers all day so those clouds were not budging. You’ll want to go during good weather, that’s for sure. Definitely try to make it for sunrise or at least sunset, we’ve seen the photos and we’re kicking ourselves.
HOW MUCH DOES CASINO PEAK COST
It only costs ₱50/$1 USD for the Casino Peak entrance fee, and unlike Osmeña Peak, you don’t have to pay for a mandatory guide. There were quite a few farmers with their harvests at the entrance, so if you’re looking for fresh veggies bring some extra change. Zowie bought 5 Chinese cabbages (why so many?) and a huge chayote for ₱50/$1.
WHAT TO BRING TO CASINO PEAK CEBU
Prepare for your trip to Casino Peak with our must have travel essentials.
Light waterproof jacket: Columbia Men’s Watertight Jacket (click for price), Columbia Women’s Waterproof Jacket (click for price)
Insulated water bottle: Hydro Flask Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle (click for price)
Drone: DJI Mavic 2 Pro (click for price)
To see our complete camera gear read this post here.
OUR EXPERIENCE HIKING TO CASINO PEAK CEBU
The hike to the top of Casino Peak is around 15 – 20 minutes and is super easy even for beginners. You can do it in a pair of flip flops! It’s rocky terrain surrounded by vegetation (literally, we were walking through cabbage farms) right up to the top of the peak. As we climbed higher, we caught a glimpse of the odd-shaped limestone formations and the colourful little village just down the road.
The surrounding area takes on a very Chocolate Hills of Bohol look, but slightly pointier. And it’s not just a few grassy knolls, the hills stretch out as far as the eye can see.
THE TOP OF CASINO PEAK
We finally reached the top and the view from up there was nothing short of spectacular. The actual top of Casino Peak is like a rocky dinosaur spine that you can climb all over as long as you’re careful. It is a little sketchy, particularly if you’re afraid of heights, so Zowie stayed firmly put on the path while Carson traipsed along the rocks with the only other guy up there.
There’s a cool little window in the rocks that makes for a great spot to sit for photos if you can get the right angle, which we absolutely did not. Even without a model, it’s such a beautiful natural window and frames the nearest hill perfectly.
Of course, we sent the drone up and from this angle the spine was all the more apparent. It was around this time that we were finally blessed with a little golden hour as well. Talk about timing.
If we had to choose between Casino Peak and Osmeña Peak, we’d probably choose Casino. Whilst the view from both is pretty similar, the spiny summit of Casino Peak is hard to beat. If you’re tossing up between the two, you can check out our guide to Osmeña Peak here before making a decision.
READ: 28 BEST TOURIST SPOTS IN CEBU
READ: 19 BEST SOUTH CEBU TOURIST SPOTS
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WHERE TO STAY IN SOUTH CEBU
Southern Cebu is where all the adventure is at, from waterfalls and whale sharks to island hopping and diving. When visiting anywhere in the south, the best place to stay is Moalboal. It has the most accommodation options, and is a fun little town with dozens of cafes, restaurants and bars. Check out our top four picks below for where to stay in Moalboal.
BUDGET/HOSTEL: CHIEF MAU
Right on the main strip of Panagsama Road you’ll find Chief Mau, a fun and social hostel that dubs itself the chillest place in town. Clean, modern and affordable, boasting a restaurant, bar and billiards, Chief Mau is a favourite amongst backpackers
MIDSCALE: ADAM’S VIEW HOTEL
Simple but with all the amenities and facilities you need – including a massive pool – Adam’s View Hotel is our top pick for those looking for a little more luxury than a backpackers. Located in the main town, Adam’s View Hotel is right next to Gaisano Mall, but still close enough to the action of Panagsama Beach to remain convenient.
LUXURY: TURTLE BAY DIVE RESORT
If you have deep pockets and an appreciation for the finer things in life, Turtle Bay Dive Resort is the place for you. Tucked away on a private cove in the quieter part of town, this luxury resort is perfect for couples looking for a little exclusivity.
AIRBNB: LRS APARTMENT
We can personally attest to how great LRS Apartment is, having spent two weeks there. Aside from a beautiful private pool, the apartment itself is modern, well furnished and spacious enough for a couple. (And a cat!) It’s just a 5 minute drive from the hustle and bustle of the restaurants and bars along Panagsama Road, but far enough away to offer a little peace and quiet. We can’t recommend LRS Moalboal enough!
SEARCH ALL HOTELS & RESORTS IN MOALBOAL
MORE CEBU TRAVEL GUIDES
Osmeña Peak Dalaguete
Pescador Island Moalboal
Sardine Run Moalboal
Turtle Bay Moalboal
Montpellier Falls Alegria
Cancalanog Falls Alegria
Binalayan Falls Samboan
Balaygsawa Falls Samboan
Sumilon Island
Oslob Whale Shark Experience
