Osmeña Peak Versus Casino Peak in Cebu: Our Comparison

Cebu in the Philippines has tons of epic viewpoints, but few are quite as popular as Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak. These two mountain peaks are perched high in the Mantalongon range and have some of the most epic views in Cebu.

But while Osmeña and Casino sit right next to each other, they’re not exactly the same.

And like many people, we found ourselves debating which one to visit.

Osmeña Peak is the most famous, the one that shows up in every Cebu travel guide.

But then there’s Casino Peak. It’s the lesser-known but arguably more dramatic mountain, only a 5-minute motorbike ride away from Osmeña.

Instead of choosing one or the other, we decided to do both.

In this article, I’ll break down the key differences between Osmeña and Casino to help you decide which peak is right for you… or if, like us, you should just visit both.

I also wrote full guides on both Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak, so check them out after reading this comparison.

Osmeña Peak versus Casino Peak

Here’s our comparison of Osmeña Peak versus Casino Peak and how they stack up against each other based on:

1. Popularity & crowds
2. Views
3. Photography potential
4. Hike difficulty

1. Popularity & Crowds

There’s no contest here—Osmeña Peak is by far the more popular of the two.

As the highest point in Cebu, Osmeña Peak is well-known and is a much busier destination than Casino Peak.

I’ll provide our experience at each one to give you an idea of how crowded each one gets. We visited both of these spots late in the afternoon, and went to Casino Peak first, then visited Osmeña Peak for sunset.

Osmeña Peak Popularity & Crowds

When we visited Osmeña Peak for sunset, it was packed.

Tourists filled the summit, guides led groups up and down the trail, and the entire area buzzed with activity.

And to be clear, I don’t have an issue with crowds. After all, we were part of the crowd, too. But this contrast really highlighted just how much more well-known and popular Osmeña Peak is compared to Casino Peak.

Casino Peak Popularity & Crowds

We visited Casino Peak late in the afternoon, just before heading to Osmeña Peak. We had the entire place completely to ourselves.

We didn’t pass a single other person on the trail, and when we reached the summit, it was just us and the view.

Maybe we were just lucky to be the only ones there. But either way, Casino Peak is definitely the less popular of the two.

Popularity & Crowds: Our Verdict

If you prefer a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience, go for Casino Peak.

If you don’t mind crowds and want the most famous viewpoint in Cebu, Osmeña Peak is the way to go.

The reason for this difference is pretty straightforward: Osmeña Peak is simply more famous. Both peaks are remote and require effort to reach, so most travelers visiting the area will pick just one, and Osmeña Peak is usually the default choice because it has the bigger reputation.

2. Views

Both Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak are surrounded by an incredible landscape of jagged limestone hills. These hills are often compared to Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, but are sharper and more rugged. The peaks surrounding Osmeña and Casino are unquestionably some of the best mountain views in Cebu.

Osmeña Peak Views

Osmeña Peak’s wide, open landscape gives you a true “top-of-the-world” feeling. From the summit, you get a panoramic view of the surrounding hills cascading toward the coastline, with the Tañon Strait and even Negros Island visible on a clear day.

The openness of the viewpoint makes it feel a lot more epic, like you’re on top of the world.

Casino Peak Views

Casino Peak, while epic in its own right, has a more enclosed view. Since you’re surrounded by sharp, towering peaks, you get a more up-close, dramatic experience.

It’s a unique, immersive perspective, but it doesn’t have the same vastness that Osmeña Peak does.

Views: Our Verdict

Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak both have epic views, just with slightly different perspectives.

Having hiked both, I would not feel like I missed out on something if I only visited one or the other. Either way, you’re getting an epic view, just with a different perspective.

But if I HAD to pick a winner, I think Osmeña Peak is better than Casino Peak for overall views.

3. Photography Potential

If you’re like us, photography plays a role in planning your trips.

We’re not saying we choose destinations solely based on how the photos will turn out. But let’s be honest, there’s nothing better than leaving an incredible place with a few epic photos to look back on.

Osmeña Peak Photography

Osmeña Peak has a vast, open landscape that works well for wide-angle and drone photography.

If you’re allowed to explore beyond the main viewpoint, you might be able to capture some interesting peak-to-peak shots with a telephoto lens. But overall, the terrain is more expansive, making it hard to find strong foreground elements for composition.

Casino Peak Photography

Casino Peak, on the other hand, is a photographer’s dream. Its sharp limestone formations and rugged cliffs create natural foregrounds, making it perfect for creative and dramatic compositions.

The jagged peaks surrounding Casino add background depth, and even the curvy road below can be used as a leading line. And of course, the iconic Philippine flag at the summit makes for a great focal point in your shots.

Photography: Our Verdict

For photography, I think Casino Peak is the clear winner.

Casino Peak has dramatic rock formations, varied backgrounds, and creative framing opportunities that make it far easier and more rewarding to shoot photos.

Osmeña Peak is still beautiful. But its wide, open spaces require more effort to find compelling shots. Coupled with the fact that there is a mandatory guide requirement for visiting Osmeña Peak, you won’t have as much freedom to roam around and seek out those photography opportunities.

And lastly, with its popularity, getting a crowd-free shot can be a challenge at Osmeña.

4. Hike Difficulty

Both hikes are relatively short, but Casino Peak is steeper and unquestionably the more challenging of the two.

Osmeña Peak Difficulty

Osmeña Peak is an easy, beginner-friendly hike. The trail is well-marked, mostly gradual, and not very strenuous. You’ll be walking on a dirt path with some rocks along the way, but nothing technical. We reached the summit in about 20 minutes at a relaxed pace.

Casino Peak Difficulty

Casino Peak, while also a short hike, is much steeper and more demanding. The trail becomes less defined as you climb, so you’ll need to use a bit of your own judgment to navigate your way up.

Another challenge is the terrain. There are tons of smooth rocks embedded in the ground that make footing tricky. We visited Casino Peak when it was dry, but if it rains, it could become slippery.

The final ascent to Casino Peak is steep, and we had to use our hands to aid in getting up some portions. We reached the summit of Casino Peak in about 30 minutes.

Hike Difficulty: Our Verdict

If you want a quick and easy hike, Osmeña Peak is the better choice.

If you’re up for a steeper, more adventurous hike with some challenging sections, Casino Peak is absolutely worth it. But only if you’re comfortable with cliffs, heights, and uneven terrain.

Either way, both hikes are short.

Osmeña Peak versus Casino Peak: Final Verdict

If you want the most famous viewpoint, an easy hike, and a vast, panoramic view stretching to the ocean, Osmeña Peak is the way to go. But be prepared for crowds, especially at sunset.

If you prefer a quieter, more adventurous hike, dramatic rock formations, and better opportunities for creative photography, Casino Peak is the better choice. It’s steeper and more challenging, and you may even have the summit all to yourself like we did.

But if you have the time, I recommend doing both. They’re close enough that you can visit them on a single trip. Either way, you’re in for an incredible view!

Where to Stay in Cebu

For most travelers, Moalboal is the best place to stay. It’s close to the Sardine Run, White Beach, and within range of Kawasan Falls Canyoneering.

Moalboal has a good mix of resorts, hostels, and food spots, making it a solid base for exploring Cebu.

If you’re planning to stay longer than 5 days, I recommend doing what we did by splitting your time between Moalboal and Oslob.

Oslob gives you easier access to whale shark watching, Sumilon Island, and nearby waterfalls like Tumalog and Binalayan. This way, you cut down on travel time and get to see more.

Here’s where we stayed at and recommend in Cebu:

• Moalboal: 3 Sisters Guest House 2 is just off the main strip in Moalboal, but still within walking distance of everything. We appreciated the security and cleanliness of the accommodation and ate breakfast there every morning of our stay.
• Oslob: Melronz Inn is situated a bit outside the town center, making it quieter and more relaxed. And the best part is that it’s located right on the water, with its own private ocean access.

What to Pack for Cebu

1. Water Shoes: If you plan to go canyoneering, a solid pair of water shoes like these are needed. If not, you can always wear crocs or even your sneakers if you don’t mind them getting wet!
2. Snorkel: With sardine run in Moalboal and whale shark watching in Oslob, it helps to have your own snorkel set like this one for the best experience! Plus, you won’t need to worry about renting a snorkel, which may be of… questionable quality.
3. Sunscreen: For some reason, sunscreen is expensive in the Philippines and I’ve even encountered places selling fake sunscreen that doesn’t work! So I recommend bringing your own sunscreen to Cebu.
4. Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
5. Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Cebu! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.

Our Free Cebu Google Maps Locations

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Are You Following Our Cebu Blog Series?

During our 7-day adventure in Cebu, we found some of the island’s most stunning natural wonders—milky blue waterfalls, limestone hikes, and incredible snorkeling spots. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.

• Start your planning here: Cebu Travel Guide
• Our Ultimate Guide to Cebu: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Cebu
• Our favorite waterfall (+ secret adventure) in Cebu: Inambakan Falls
• Hike to the highest point in Cebu: Osmeña Peak
• Our favorite hike in Cebu: Casino Peak
• Our favorite day tour in Cebu: Kawasan Falls Canyoneering
• The hottest hot spring we’ve ever visited: Mainit Hot Spring
• How to see the Moalboal Sardine Run without a tour
• Oslob Whale Shark Watching Complete Guide
• How to get from Cebu City to Moalboal
• How to get from Moalboal to Oslob
• How to rent a motorbike in the Philippines

I hope you enjoyed our comparison between Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak in Cebu! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions 🐸

I also wrote full guides on both Osmeña Peak and Casino Peak, so check them below.