Pam Baroro
Refreshing Climb at Mt. Babag, Cebu
If you have followed me here or on my personal blog, you probably already know that my partner and I love taking our toddler daughter to hiking and camping trips around Cebu as well as outside.
Sadly, that has taken a backseat after shifting to working online. Still, that does not mean that we are totally eliminating that kind of lifestyle. In fact, we’d like to think that we are just preparing ourselves for an epic adventure.
But, enough about that. Because what I really wanted to share was our recent trip to Mt. Babag, a popular day hike here in Cebu.
Mt. Babag, which means “to block” in Bisaya, offers just the right amount of challenge for both beginner hikers and those who are looking for some light exercise. What I really love about taking this trail is that it is mostly covered so you do not have to worry about the heat of the sun beating down on you.
You can start off the hike as early as 5am, so you can get down by 9am, or you can go as late as 8am and get down in time for lunch. That already includes plenty of stops along the way, too.
We have been able to climb Mt. Babag a handful of times now and, this time around, we brought a few friends over and another toddler. Yep, two toddlers in tow — awesome!
The journey starts at Guadalupe Church where you can get a habal-habal ride to Barangay Napo for PHP 20 per person. The ride probably takes around 20 minutes. You also do not need to hire a guide (but if you are scared, give me a shoutout and we’ll go with you!) as the trail is pretty straightforward.
It’s amazing that even though I have passed the trail about 3-4 times already, I am still in awe at the view. The destination at the peak is marked by three huge towers which look very far away and very intimidating.
Along the trail, you will pass by a part of the river and find a lot of mango trees. It had been drizzling a few days prior to our most recent hike and there also weren’t a lot of fruits yet so the usual army of ants on the ground weren’t around. We were happy to see worms and other invertebrates which really provided a great learning experience for the two kiddos we brought along.
Halfway through the trail is a small hut in the middle of the mountain. Sadly, the residents are no longer there but a few minutes upwards is yet another house. You can ask water from them, if you want; they are quite friendly to hikers.
About three-quarters through the trail, you will get to see mini flower farms that will make you feel transported somewhere else. The end of the trail is actually a private land with a small house and a swing with a breathtaking view.
Going down will eventually get you out of the GMA Towers property and a little further down, you get to see more houses. There is a small rest area across a sari-sari store where we usually stop by to take a breath. It offers one of the most beautiful views of the city down below.
Ahhh…we were glad to have taken that trip with friends. And, what best way to end such a fun and refreshing hike than by enjoying unlimited chicken and rice for lunch.
Haha! Happy trails, everyone!
