HACK: How to get to Cebu City’s Highest Peak without Hiking for the Whole Day

What is Cebu City’ Highest Peak?

Standing at an approximate height of 600 meters above sea level, Mt. Kan-irag, also known as Sirao Peak, is considered as the highest peak in Cebu City. It is one of the favorite hiking destinations among outdoor enthusiasts in Cebu as it provides a wonderful view of the city and as well as the neighboring islands.

Hikers love the trails upon going to Sirao Peak because it entails river trekking, waterfalls bouldering, and open-trail ascent upon going to the peak. As it’s facing the east, the peak is a perfect spot to camp at night and watch the sun rising in the morning.

Why is it popular and loved by locals?

Aside from its close proximity to the city proper, Sirao Peak has become a local outdoor trail favorite among many hikers because of the challenges that one has to face before reaching the summit. This includes four to seven hours of river trekking, chasing waterfalls, climbing on boulders, and directly ascending to the peak.

In addition to the sense of adventure felt upon conquering these challenges, locals love the sweet immersion provided by the jungle-type environment – this gives them a different kind of leisure away from the daily hustles of the city.

How to get to Cebu City’s Highest Peak without Hiking for Hours?

Want to visit Sirao Peak without hiking a whole day? Want to watch the sunrise without camping overnight? Here’s a local secret.

While Budlaan Trail is the commonly used route by many hikers upon going to Sirao Peak, there are actually other trails that would not require river trekking, bouldering, and long hours of hiking.

One of these is the Backdoor Trail which would only take fifteen to thirty minutes to hike before reaching the summit.

Best time to visit

Sirao Peak can be hiked all year round. However, during the rainy days, the water level of the river could rise above the height of average person; so, due precautions must be practiced. While it’s perfect to hike on the months of March to May, the summer season could also dry up the vegetation which will no longer provide shade during the hike.

If you are passing through the Backdoor Trail, it’s best to start the hike around 4:00 to 5:00 in the morning to be able to catch the sun rising. The summit could get too hot and humid by seven until past lunch. If you plan to camp, I suggest you start the hike via Backdoor Trail around 4:30 or 5:00 in the evening.

Recommendation

As Sirao Peak is located in the tropics, expect being toasted by the raging heat of the sun. Wear comfortable hiking attire, use sunblock for skin protection, and bring one to two liters of water for dehydration.

How to get to Sirao Peak via Backdoor Trail

From Cebu City proper, hire a taxi or jeepney going to JY Square. From there, go to the nearby wet market where the terminal for the habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire) is located. As the driver to bring you to the foot of Sirao Peak.

The ride would go around thirty to an hour. The trails going to the peak is already established but if you’re not familiar with the area, you may ask locals who live nearby to guide you to the peak.

Important Information

• Name: Kan-irag/ Sirao Peak
• Address: Sitio Kan-irag, Barangay Sirao, Cebu City