Mt. Kapayas (Lantawan / Torre Peak)
Cebu's rugged second-highest peak in Catmon, known for a technical rock scramble to a 360-degree summit view.
The overview
About Mt. Kapayas (Lantawan / Torre Peak)
Mt. Kapayas, locally called Lantawan, is regarded by Cebu hikers as the island's second-highest peak, commonly cited at around 783 meters above sea level (other sources place it closer to 727-758 masl). The mountain sits in Sitio Kampanya, Barangay Kabangkaya, and has a reputation as one of the toughest day hikes in Cebu because of its summit approach: the final push to the top, known as Torre Peak or Lantawan Peak, requires scrambling and rock-climbing up a loose, slippery cliff face in a section hikers call "kiss the wall." The trail runs from the jump-off at Sitio Kampanya through a campsite at Sitio Lumanoy before the technical summit push. From the top, hikers get a 360-degree view that takes in the Tanon Strait, Negros Island's Mt. Kanlaon, and the mountain ranges toward Carmen, Tuburan, and Danao. The peak also carries historical weight as a reported hideout of General Arcadio Maxilom, a Cebuano revolutionary-era commander. Given the exposed rock scramble near the summit, this is a hike for those with some scrambling experience and a head for heights, best done with a local guide who knows the current trail conditions.
What makes it worth it
Highlights
- Reputed second-highest peak in Cebu (~783 masl)
- "Kiss the wall" rock-climbing summit approach
- 360-degree views of Tanon Strait and Mt. Kanlaon
- Campsite at Sitio Lumanoy
- Historic hideout of General Arcadio Maxilom
- 1 Hire a local guide from Barangay Kabangkaya, both for navigation and the technical rock section. Wear hiking shoes with good grip and bring more water than usual since the trail has long dry stretches. Start very early to summit and descend before dark, and register with the barangay or municipal tourism office before heading out.
Wayfinder route
How to get there
From Cebu City North Bus Terminal, take a bus or van to Catmon (roughly 1.5-2 hours). From the town proper, hire a habal-habal or multicab to the jump-off at Sitio Kampanya, Barangay Kabangkaya.
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Entrance Fee
PHP 20-50 environmental fee + PHP 300-500 guide fee
Opening Hours
Daylight hours only; overnight camping possible with prior arrangement
Duration
Full day (6-8 hours round trip)
Difficulty
Difficult
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-May), starting early morning
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