Ah, how social media provides free advertising. Yes, this is the reason why I decided to go to 150 Peakway in Mantalongon, Dalaguete. Because of one glamping photo my friend posted on his facebook page. Glamping in 150 Peakway seemed like a nice idea for a weekend getaway.
I booked a glamping tent through 150 Peakway Mountain Resort's facebook page (can also book through their Instagram page or through airbnb). Booking was smooth: whoever was answering messages in their facebook page was very prompt in addressing queries.
150 Peakway Mountain Resort has three air-conditioned glamping tents (4 pax, Php 6,000), three domes (4 pax, Php 10,000), a suite (4 pax, Php 7,000), and a villa (8 pax, Php 15,000). All of these, except the glamping tents, have their own toilet and shower. The toilets and shower rooms for the glamping tents are shared: two toilets, two sinks, and two shower rooms (has a hot shower, dispensers for shampoo and liquid bath soap, and a changing area) for each gender. In spite of it being shared, the toilets and shower rooms were very clean!
Each tent and dome has its own deck, with a dining table and chairs, a lounge area with fire pit, and a foot washing area before entering the deck. An umbrella is also provided for each tent/dome. The domes and tents are spaced in such a way that it does not feel cramped and gives a feeling of privacy.
It rained the afternoon we checked in. We decided to have our dinner early (6PM) and as we were sitting down to eat (we had our dinner served at our deck), my Japanese friend, trying to hide from the wind, cowered between the lounge chair and the fire pit. We took the hint and called reception (our tent had a phone to call reception) to start a nice warm fire (firepit package is Php 600, which includes a big pack of marshmallows, a bar of Hershey's chocolate, and four packets of graham crackers) while we were having dinner. Wrong move. The wind kept blowing the smoke toward our dinner table and it made our eyes water.
My Japanese friend was so cold and so tired that she decided to sleep early and skip dinner. We asked one of the staff to keep our leftovers and have it served again the following day. Our stay (Php 6000, whether only one or four are staying) included complimentary breakfast only for the number of people checked in.
The rain, accompanied by a howling wind, continued all throughout the night. The bed was nice and cozy with clean and nice smelling sheets, but with the tent shuddering as winds hit it every few minutes, my friend and I only had a few hours fitful sleep. My Japanese friend slept like a log on the other bed. I used to go camping years ago and could get a good night's sleep with just a sleeping bag and a small tent. I guess I was made for camping, not glamping.
As morning came, the winds died down and the rain eventually stopped. The aircon cranked to high cool was no match for the fierce sun. By 8AM, it felt like a sauna inside the tent (except the area nearest the aircon).
The sky was blue that morning and we spend the rest of the morning appreciating the beautiful landscaping, the cute playground, and the small 4-feet deep pool, before the clock struck check out (11AM).
Tram tour. 150 Peakway offers tram tours for in-house guests. The tram tour costs Php 1500 (maximum of 7 persons). The tour take 3 to 4 hours, and has four stops: Osmeña Peak, Lugsangan (Casino) Peak, flower farm, and Pitamz Bistro. The entrance fee for each, except for the Bistro (which is free), is Php 50. Hiking to Osmeña Peak only takes 15 minutes. Although the trail is clear and straightforward, each group is required to have a guide (Php 100 per guide). The entrance fees are not included in the tram tour fee.
Service fee. Heads up! Upon check out, a service fee (minimal amount) will be added to your bill.
Going to 150 Peakway in Dalaguete: At Cebu South Bus Terminal, take a bus (Ceres Bus, aircon, Php 198; Sun Rays Bus, non-aircon, Php 150) to Oslob or Santander. Get off at 7Eleven in Dalaguete. The journey usually takes 2.5 hours (but in our case, our Ceres Bus was driver was driving really slow that it took 3.5 hours to reach Dalaguete). At the junction for Matalongon, take a motorcycle (habalhabal) to 150 Peakway (20-30 minutes, Php 150/person, 2 persons per motorcycle).
