A Short but Soulful Hike to Mt. Kang-Irag (Budlaan Trail)

 Last weekend, we went on a short but fulfilling dayhike to one of my all-time favorite spots in Cebu — Mt. Kang-Irag, also known as Sirao Peak. Our adventure began at Sunny Hills, Talamban, where we rode a motorcycle for just ₱50 each. After a quick 10–15 minute ride, we arrived at the jump-off point in Barangay Budlaan.

We started our hike at 6:00 AM. Everything felt fresh — the trail, the surroundings, and especially the cool morning air, which made the initial trek even more enjoyable. By 7:00 AM, we reached Budlaan Falls. The water was calm and crystal clear, and the peacefulness of the place made it a perfect stop to rest and take in the scenery.

The trail is beginner-friendly, but not without a challenge. The path going down to the falls is quite steep, and you’ll need to climb the rocks on the right side of the falls to continue the hike toward Mt. Kang-Irag. It’s a bit technical but fun, and adds a good splash of adventure to the journey.

From there, we hiked for about 3–4 hours, passing through grassy clearings, forest paths, and gradual slopes before finally reaching the summit. We took our time at the top, brewed some coffee, and enjoyed the breathtaking view of Cebu City from above. It’s always a surreal moment to look down at the hustle of the city while standing in such peace.

Mt. Kang-Irag is deeply personal to me — it's the first campsite I visited in Cebu back in 2018, the very hike that sparked my love for the outdoors. Every return feels like going back to my roots, to the exact place where everything began.

Before settling down at the summit, we signed the logbook and paid the ₱70 day-use fee (for campers, it’s only ₱100). It’s a small price for such a nostalgic and scenic escape.

After enjoying our time at the peak, we took the exit trail leading to Sirao Highway, passing through Ayala Heights. Tired and hungry after the descent, we searched for a nearby place to eat — and discovered Outback Servo in Sirao.

We had our lunch there, and it was exactly what we needed after the hike. The food was very good, and the ambiance was relaxing — a perfect way to wind down from the physical activity and soak in the last moments of our mountain escape. The cool breeze, garden setup, and quiet surroundings made us feel like we extended our nature trip just a little bit longer.

How to Get to Mt. Kang-Irag (Budlaan to Sirao Route)

📍 Start Point: Sunny Hills, Talamban, Cebu City

1. From Cebu City proper, take a jeepney, bus, or Grab ride to Talamban.

2. Ask to be dropped off at Sunny Hills Subdivision — this is a common jump-off for hikers heading to Budlaan.

3. Once at Sunny Hills, proceed to the motorcycle terminal.

🛵 Ride to Budlaan Jump-Off

4. Hire a motorcycle (habal-habal) going to Barangay Budlaan (Sitio Baugo).

   • 💸 Fare: ₱50 per person (as of latest update)

   • 🕐 Travel Time: Around 10–15 minutes

5. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Budlaan trailhead. Locals are familiar with hikers, so just mention “Budlaan Falls” or “Mt. Kang-Irag trail.”

🥾 Start the Hike

6. Begin your hike at Budlaan Trail.

   • Early start recommended (around 6:00 AM) for cool weather and better trail conditions.

   • Optional: Take a detour to see Budlaan Falls (be ready for a steep descent and some rock scrambling).

   • Continue following the trail up toward Mt. Kang-Irag (Sirao Peak).

🏕 Summit Stop

7. Upon reaching the summit:

   • 📝 Log your name in the registration logbook

   • 💸 Pay the ₱70 day-use fee (₱100 if camping overnight)

   • 🧃 Enjoy the view, have a break, or brew some coffee!

🛤 Exit Route: Sirao Highway via Ayala Heights

8. After your summit stay, follow the exit trail to Sirao Highway.

   • Trail leads down to Ayala Heights

   • From there, you can walk or take a short ride to nearby areas.

☕ Post-Hike Stop

9. Reward yourself with food and coffee at Outback Servo (located in Sirao, near Ayala Heights just 10 ride with a motorcycle).

• 🍽 Great food

• 🌿 Relaxing ambiance — perfect after a long hike