Yesterday, celebrated Earth Hour by conquering one of Cebu City’s summits – Mt. Kan-irag. Famously known as Sirao Peak, it is situated in the mountain baranggay of Sirao, within the purview of Cebu City. It is approximately 700 meters above sea level, with a summit that boasts of great scenic views of Metro Cebu and the hilly lands of Busay.

View from the summit of Mount Sirao

How to get to Sirao Peak or Mt. Kan-irag.

From Lahug Cebu , it takes about a 30-minute drive or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) ride to get to the foot of the mountain. For campers bringing private cars, there’s a space at the foot of the mountain to leave their vehicles for the night. Park at your own risk.

View from the foot of Mount Sirao

Space where pivate cars park at the foot of Sirao Peak

The Ascend to Sirao Peak

From the foot of Sirao, it only takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the summit, considering you are moving up on a normal pace. Expect the ascend to be a bit steep. Also, prepare for a walk on a narrow pathway with plants and grass on both sides of the path as you rise to the peak. There’s NO ENTRANCE FEE (as of 20 March 2016).

Ascend to Sirao Peak

Ascend to Sirao

Ascend to Sirao

The Peak 

To secure a good camp spot, it is highly recommended to start your ascend at 1:00PM – specially on weekends when the peak gets a bit packed. A scenic sunset, a beautiful view of Cebu’s nightscape and a majestic sunrise are your treats at the peak. Plus, a very cold weather of up to 16 degrees during the night.

Descending back to the foot of the mountain may begin a few minutes after breakfast the next day at around 8:00AM-9:00AM, before the heat from the sun intensifies.

And yes, there is mobile signal (but data signal is intermittent).

Also, be reminded that there are no comfort rooms at the peak. Taking a leak is pretty much easy  but waste matter discharging is a bit challenging. So visiting the toilet before ascending is necessary.

Find a spot to assemble your tent

Sunset from Sirao Peak

Nightscape of Metro Cebu

Sunrise at Sirao Peak

What to Wear to Sirao

It’s beneficial to wear a dri-fit shirt, body and leg rash guard and hiking shoes during the trek up the mountain; and a thermal nightwear for a comfortable sleep.

What to Bring

Below is a list of  basics to bring for the camping. You may add things that you need to the list of basics, but put in mind that bringing too much stuff will make your bag heavier than it already is, and may make your climb a bit toiling.

1. Tent

2. Sleeping bag

3. Slippers

4. Thermal Nightwear/ Sleep wear

5. Jacket

6.Extra Clothes (Shirt, pants/shorts, undies, socks, etc)

7. Flashlight

8. Food and Water – Food: Afternoon Snacks, Dinner, Midnight Snacks, Breakfast | Water – atleast 3 liters each for the overnight trip

9. First Aid Kit and Medicines (betadine, band aids, paracetamol, etc)

10. Ear plugs / eye cover

11. Toiletries – wet tissue, alcohol/alcogel, Mosquito repellant lotion, sunblock, etc

12. Raincoat/ rain gear (just in case it rains)

And on your descent, do not forget to bring all your trash with you. Keep the mountain clean for the next campers.

See more photos from this camping trip by visiting my Life+Style and Travel Blog, Doyzkie.com.