Escape to the Cebu Highlands: A 2-Day Camping and Glamping Itinerary in Mantalongon
Travel Guide · Cebu, Philippines · 2 Days / 1 Night
Looking for a weekend adventure away from the heat and traffic of Cebu City?
Head south and make your way to Mantalongon, Dalaguete, where cooler mountain air, beautiful landscapes, camping grounds, glamping accommodations, and mountain resorts create the perfect setting for a quick escape.
Whether you travel with friends, family, a partner, or your camping gear, you can build your trip around three destinations worth checking out: RV Parks PH, Campgrounds at Mantalongon, and 150 Peakway Mountain Resort.
Here's a simple 2-day itinerary to help you experience the Cebu highlands without making your schedule too complicated.
DAY 1: Road Trip and Camping Adventure
7:00 AM — Leave Cebu City
Start your journey early.
A private vehicle is the most convenient way to explore Mantalongon, especially if you're bringing camping equipment or traveling with a group.
Pack water, snacks, comfortable clothes, a jacket, extra clothes, hiking shoes, a flashlight, a power bank, and rain protection.
The drive is part of the experience, so don't rush. Once you start climbing into the highlands, the scenery changes and the atmosphere becomes noticeably different from the city.
10:00 AM — Arrive in Mantalongon
Welcome to the highlands.
Take some time to enjoy the cooler surroundings before beginning your activities.
Mantalongon is a great base for travelers who want to explore mountain attractions while still having access to comfortable accommodations.
If you're staying at Campgrounds, plan around its standard 3:00 PM check-in and 11:00 AM check-out schedule.
10:30 AM — Explore the Highlands
Before checking into your accommodation, use the morning to explore.
Visit Osmeña Peak
For travelers who enjoy hiking, Osmeña Peak is an excellent addition to the itinerary.
Its famous cluster of jagged hills provides one of the most recognizable mountain views in Cebu.
Make sure you allow enough time for transportation and hiking, particularly if you want to return to your accommodation before dark.
Prefer a Relaxed Trip?
You don't have to hike.
You can simply explore the surrounding roads, enjoy the mountain scenery, take photographs, and discover nearby viewpoints.
Sometimes a slow mountain drive is all you need.
1:00 PM — Lunch
After your morning adventure, stop for lunch.
If you're staying at Campgrounds, you can make use of its restaurant and café. The property also highlights locally sourced ingredients and food inspired by the Dalaguete area.
Have a good meal before checking in and beginning the afternoon portion of your trip.
3:00 PM — Check In at Campgrounds
Now it's time to settle into your camping experience.
Campgrounds at Mantalongon offers several ways to stay depending on how adventurous—or comfortable—you want your trip to be.
Trail Camping
Bring your own tent and enjoy a traditional camping experience.
Overland Camping
Traveling by SUV, van, or another vehicle?
Overland camping allows you to keep your vehicle close while enjoying the outdoors.
Glamping
If you want nature without giving up comfort, consider one of the property's glamping accommodations.
Options include:
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Safari Suite
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Camper Van
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Glamping Suite
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Glamping Villa
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Glamping Villa Deluxe
This makes Campgrounds suitable for different types of travelers, from experienced campers to people trying camping for the first time.
4:00 PM — Pool and Relax
After setting up, don't immediately go searching for another attraction.
Relax.
Take a swim, enjoy the property, grab a drink, or simply sit down and enjoy the mountain atmosphere.
Campgrounds features amenities including a swimming pool, restaurant, café, Wi-Fi, parking, and a Swedish hot tub experience.
It's a good opportunity to slow down after the morning's activities.
5:30 PM — Watch the Sunset
Find a comfortable spot and watch the sun go down over the mountains.
This is one of those moments where you don't need an expensive activity or complicated itinerary.
Bring your camera, but remember to spend some time simply enjoying the view.
The highland setting makes sunset an ideal transition from daytime adventure to an evening around the campsite.
7:00 PM — Campfire Night
What's a camping trip without a campfire?
Campgrounds offers a campfire experience with items such as firewood, marshmallows, graham crackers, hotdogs, and chocolate.
Gather your friends or family around the fire.
Share stories.
Eat.
Take photos.
Play games.
Enjoy the cool evening air.
For many travelers, this becomes the most memorable part of the trip.
9:00 PM — Stargazing
Keep the rest of the night simple.
Have coffee.
Listen to music.
Talk with your travel companions.
Play cards.
Look at the night sky.
You don't need to fill every hour with activities.
The whole point of getting away from Cebu City is to slow down.
Get some rest because Day 2 brings another side of Mantalongon.
DAY 2: Resort Living and Mountain Views
7:00 AM — Wake Up Early
Start your second day with a quiet morning.
Have coffee, enjoy breakfast, and take in the surrounding scenery.
If your accommodation includes breakfast, this is the perfect time to enjoy it without rushing.
8:00 AM — Morning Walk
Take a final walk around Campgrounds before leaving.
Morning light is also excellent for photographs.
Take pictures of the camping areas, accommodations, surrounding mountains, and your travel companions.
9:30 AM — Visit 150 Peakway
For the second half of the trip, head to 150 Peakway Mountain Resort.
Also located in Mantalongon, Dalaguete, 150 Peakway offers a more resort-oriented experience.
It's a good option for travelers who love the mountains but prefer having more hotel-style comforts.
10:00 AM — Discover 150 Peakway
One of the highlights of 150 Peakway is its selection of accommodations.
Depending on your group and preferred experience, you can choose from several room styles.
Pool Villa
For larger groups, the Pool Villa offers bedrooms, bathrooms, a living area, dining space, mini kitchen, balcony, fireplace, and a private pool.
Dome Suites
Want something different?
The Dome Suites provide a unique mountain accommodation experience with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, outdoor areas, and jacuzzi facilities.
Glamping Domes
These are ideal if you like the idea of camping but still want modern comforts.
Cabin Suites
For a more traditional accommodation, Cabin Suites offer private bathrooms, air-conditioning, balconies, and space for small groups.
150 Peakway also advertises complimentary breakfast with its rooms.
11:00 AM — Enjoy the Resort
You don't need to spend your entire trip hiking.
Take advantage of the resort.
Depending on your plans, you can enjoy amenities such as:
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Swimming pool
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Jacuzzi
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Sauna
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Restaurant
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Massage
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Karaoke
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Campfire
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Wi-Fi
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Parking
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Guided tours
The resort also provides a tram service for selected tourist areas.
This makes it a good choice for travelers who want to experience the mountains at a slower pace.
12:30 PM — Lunch
Have lunch before deciding what to do next.
Enjoy the scenery and take your time.
If you're traveling as a couple, this can be a relaxing and romantic part of the trip.
For families and groups, it's a chance to sit down together before the afternoon adventure.
2:00 PM — Choose Your Afternoon Activity
You have several choices.
Hike to Osmeña Peak
If you didn't visit the peak on Day 1, you can make it your afternoon adventure.
Visit Lugsangan Peak
Another option is Lugsangan Peak, which offers another opportunity to enjoy Cebu's mountain scenery.
Stay at the Resort
Or do nothing.
Seriously.
Swim.
Relax.
Use the jacuzzi.
Have coffee.
Take photographs.
A vacation doesn't have to be a race from one tourist attraction to another.
4:00 PM — Final Coffee and Photos
Before leaving Mantalongon, have one final drink and enjoy the scenery.
Take your last photographs and appreciate the cooler mountain surroundings before starting the journey home.
5:00 PM — Drive Back to Cebu City
Begin your drive home while there is still enough daylight.
The weekend may be short, but two days in the mountains can feel like a much longer escape from city life.
Where Does RV Parks PH Come In?
If you're traveling with an RV, van, SUV, or another vehicle and want a camping-focused experience, RV Parks PH is another website worth checking.
The platform focuses on RV and outdoor camping experiences and features destinations including Campgrounds at Mantalongon and the Gaslamp Camping District.
Its listed camping options include:
Trail Camping
A basic outdoor camping option suitable for motorcycle and tent campers.
Overland Camping
Designed for travelers who want to camp with their vehicle.
Power Camping
A vehicle camping option with access to power and additional facilities.
RV Parks PH also lists amenities such as a natural spring pool, restaurant, campfire area, grilling station, billiards, children's play area, and an onsen.
For people who enjoy road trips and overlanding, this can be an especially interesting option.
Which Mantalongon Experience Is Right for You?
The three destinations are slightly different.
| Experience | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Traditional camping | Campgrounds |
| Tent camping | Campgrounds |
| Vehicle camping | RV Parks PH / Campgrounds |
| Overlanding | RV Parks PH |
| Glamping | Campgrounds / 150 Peakway |
| Luxury mountain stay | 150 Peakway |
| Family getaway | Campgrounds / 150 Peakway |
| Romantic trip | 150 Peakway |
| Campfire experience | Campgrounds |
| Resort amenities | 150 Peakway |
| Mountain adventure | Any of the three |
Instead of thinking of them as competitors, think of them as different ways to experience the same destination.
Mantalongon is the destination. Your accommodation determines how you experience it.
How Much Should You Budget?
Your total cost depends on transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and the number of people traveling with you.
Camping and overland options can be more affordable for groups that already have their own vehicle and equipment.
Glamping provides a middle ground between camping and resort accommodation.
Private villas and premium resort accommodations provide more comfort but come with a higher price.
Rates and promotions can change, so always check the official websites before making a reservation.
What to Bring
For your Cebu highlands adventure, prepare:
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Light jacket
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Hiking shoes
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Extra clothes
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Flashlight
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Power bank
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Camera
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Toiletries
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Reusable water bottle
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Cash
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Rain jacket or umbrella
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, so having rain protection is always a good idea.
Tips for a Better Trip
Check the Weather
Mountain conditions can change quickly. Check the forecast before hiking.
Book in Advance
Weekends and holidays can be busy, so reserve your accommodation ahead of time.
Start Your Drive Early
Leaving Cebu City early gives you more time to enjoy the highlands.
Bring Cash
Keep some cash available for transportation, food, entrance fees, and small purchases.
Respect the Environment
Keep the mountains clean.
Take your trash with you, follow designated trails, respect other campers, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
A Different Side of Cebu
Cebu is famous for its beaches, waterfalls, diving spots, and city attractions.
But there is another side of the island waiting in the mountains.
Mantalongon offers something different: cool air, quiet mornings, mountain views, camping, glamping, campfires, and comfortable resorts.
With RV Parks PH, Campgrounds at Mantalongon, and 150 Peakway Mountain Resort, travelers have several ways to build their own version of a Cebu highlands getaway.
You can bring a tent.
You can bring an RV.
You can book a glamping room.
Or you can stay in a mountain villa with a pool.
Whatever you choose, the goal is the same:
Leave the city behind, breathe the mountain air, and enjoy a weekend above Cebu.
Quick Itinerary
DAY 1
7:00 AM — Leave Cebu City
10:00 AM — Arrive in Mantalongon
10:30 AM — Explore the highlands / Osmeña Peak
1:00 PM — Lunch
3:00 PM — Check in at Campgrounds
4:00 PM — Pool and relaxation
5:30 PM — Sunset
7:00 PM — Campfire dinner
9:00 PM — Stargazing and rest
DAY 2
7:00 AM — Wake up and breakfast
8:00 AM — Morning walk and photos
9:30 AM — Head to 150 Peakway
10:00 AM — Explore the resort
11:00 AM — Pool, jacuzzi, sauna, or relaxation
12:30 PM — Lunch
2:00 PM — Hiking or resort relaxation
4:00 PM — Coffee and final photos
5:00 PM — Drive back to Cebu City
