by Jay Francis Gonzales
A short hike in southern Cebu reveals two moods of Mt. Kanlahing with drifting clouds on clear mornings, or a white-out fog that erases the horizon.
After countless mornings on Cebu City’s popular trails like Spartan Trail and 6 Towers, I wanted to step outside the city—to find a provincial climb that wasn’t already as well-known as Osmeña Peak, Kandungaw Peak, or Mt. Naupa, something quieter, a little less expected.
That’s how I first came across Mt. Kanlahing, better known as “Sea of Clouds,” through TikTok reels and early-morning posts. The clips showed fog-draped ridges and sunrises breaking through mist. Curiosity won, and I packed my gear, called a few hiking friends, and set out to see it for myself.I ended up visiting twice. Each trip felt like meeting two versions of the same mountain.
The Sunny-Day Look: Clouds That Drift and Shift
On my first visit, the morning was clear. After a night in Alegria, we left at 4am, drove to Alcoy Public Market, and continued up to Brgy. Nug-as.
The sun rose early, and the clouds hung low, sliding slowly along the ridges rather than covering them. From the peak, it looked as if the mountain was floating, wrapped in a soft band of fog that moved with the light. As the sun climbed higher, the mist pulled back, revealing the hills in steady rhythm. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was quietly absorbing—like watching the mountain breathe.
The Gloomy-Day Look: Fog That Erases the Horizon
The second visit was different. We left at the same hour, but Typhoon Uwan had brought a gray, windy morning. The trail was safe, but the peak was swallowed in mist.
This time, the clouds didn’t trace the ridges—they erased them. At the summit, the view turned into a blank sheet of white. No horizon, no distant hills, just fog pressing in from every side. It felt like standing at the edge of nothing, muted but strangely calm.
Getting There
Mt. Kanlahing is easy to reach, whether by bus, habal‐habal, or private car. From Cebu City to Brgy. Nug-as, Alcoy—the trailhead—it’s about 90–100 kilometers along the coastal road. By bus, the trip takes three to four hours to Alcoy Public Market, followed by a 30–40 minute habal-habal ride uphill. The trek itself is short, less than 15 minutes, and manageable even for beginners.
Driving is more convenient. You can follow the same coastal route, head up to Nug-as, and park near the viewpoint for a P20 fee. From there, it’s only a short walk to the peak.
Camping & Gear
Camping is allowed at the summit, but the ridge is exposed, and the wind picks up quickly. Temperatures drop once the fog rolls in, so long sleeves or a jacket are worth bringing, especially if you plan to stay overnight or catch the sunrise.
For a destination gaining attention online, Mt. Kanlahing still feels unhurried. It’s accessible, quiet, and offers two distinct moods depending on the weather. On clear mornings, clouds drift gently across the ridges. On gray days, the fog turns the peak into a blank canvas.
Each visit leaves a different memory. Whether you walk away with golden light or a white-out backdrop, Mt. Kanlahing reminds you that Cebu’s mountains can still surprise, even when the weather doesn’t.