Mount Lantoy is a mountain located in the southern town of Argao. Its height reaches 593 meters above seas level and is one of the natural secondary forests in Cebu as shown on a survey conducted by wildlife biologists in 1998. The mountain is also one of the key biodiversity areas in Cebu.
Similar to many other mountains in the country, Mount Lantoy also has its share of stories. The most prominent is the legend of Maria Cacao. The legend says the mountain was home to this legendary diwata. She supposedly lives inside one of the caves in the mountain. Maria Cacao also grew her cacao plants in front of her home and would bring it to the market on her golden ship.
The journey to Mount Lantoy starts at the Cebu South Bus Terminal where you can ride a bus headed for Argao. Once you reach the town, you should register at the local tourism office. Since Mount Lantoy is a protected area, it is necessary to pass by the local tourism office if you want to explore the mountain. The officers at the tourism office will get you connected to some guides. They can also arrange for a motorcycle for hire to bring you to the jump-off point of the mountain.
Have you explored Mount Lantoy in Argao already? Tell us about the experience in the comments section below.