Cebu has a topography characterized by narrow coastlines and coastal plains. The center of the island features rolling hills and rugged mountains stretching from the north to south. While the Osmeña Peak is the most popular mountain in the southern part of Cebu, there are also a number of other mountains located in this part of the island. One of these mountains is Mount Lantoy.
Mount Lantoy – image source: cebu.gov.ph
Mount Lantoy
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.
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.
Mount Lantoy – image source: weekend.sunstar.com.ph
The mountain itself can be considered an easy climb for seasoned mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts. But, weekend warriors may find it challenging, especially if they have yet to have their stamina tested. The mountain is home to a number of caves, including the Balay sa Agta and Siay Cave.
Mount Lantoy – image source: tripmondo.com
A presidential decree in 1994 declared Mount Lantoy as a watershed forest reserve. The declaration initially included over 7,000 hectares before it was reduced to 3,000 hectares in 2006. The mountain is home to some endemic animal species, including the Cebu Flowerpecker. The Cebu Flowerpecker was initially thought to be extinct.
Cebu Flowerpecker – image source: earth.com
Story of Mount Lantoy
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.
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.
Tableya– image source: istorya.net
Getting to Mount Lantoy
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.
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.
Mount Lantoy – image source: panoramio.com
While Mount Lantoy may not be challenging for experienced outdoor enthusiasts, it may be an option people looking for a place to work out the stress from a whole week at work. You may also want to bring some delicacies that come from Argao, like the Peanut Browas, Toasted Mini Mamons, and Butterscotch.
Have you explored Mount Lantoy in Argao already? Tell us about the experience in the comments section below.
Have you explored Mount Lantoy in Argao already? Tell us about the experience in the comments section below.
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