For visitors who are thrill-seeking, a trip to Argao must be included in the itinerary. One of the best things to be done in Cebu is to visit the mystical Mount Lantoy.

Mt. Lantoy is located in the municipality of Argao, Cebu, particularly in the barangay Conalum about 100 kilometers away from the coastal area. It is elevated from the ground up to 1,945 feet or 593 meters. It is Argao’s highest peak.

Thanks to the Presidential Proclamation No. 414, Mt. Lantoy was declared as a watershed forest reserve on June 29, 1994. The declaration initially covered the 7265 hectares of protected area. However, upon the Executive Order by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in December 2006, the watershed reserve area was reduced into 3000 hectares.

Many exciting and challenging activities can be done in Mt. Lantoy aside from trekking the ranges. It includes Usmad River-Trekking, visit the national treasure, the hidden Bugasok Falls, and overcome you fear by exploring the renowned “Balay Sa Agta” (House of Giant).

According to the Philippine mythology, Mt. Lantoy was used to be the domain of a mountain goddess or diwata, Maria Cacao, similar to that of Maria Makiling in Mt. Makiling and Maria Sinukuan of Mt. Arayat. She is known to be the fairy of Cebu.

Maria Cacao lives with Mangao, a giant who lived in the cave. Outside the cave is her plantation of Cacao. Though it is imaginative only, the story is associated with the tableya production in which Argao is very popular about. Tableyas are cacao beans, roasted and grounded into paste and coin-shaped. It is bitter and very crucial in making sikwate and champorado, both are known Philippine delicacies.

Whenever the waters in the river overflow due to downpour or when the bridge is broken, it is an indication that Maria Cacao and her husband have either traveled down the river in their golden ship to sell their crops or returned back to their abode.

Mt. Lantoy has two openings: the northern and the southern entrances. The northern entrance is popularly known as Balay Sa Agta which is believed to be the kingdom of Mangao. Its opening and the interior are impressively massive that even experienced cavers left astounded. This portion of the cave was being used as hideouts of the guerilla fighters and for the captured Japanese collaborators during the Second World War.

The cave system in Mt. Lantoy is one of the recommended sites for spelunking. Tour companies and agencies included exploration of Mt. Lantoy as one of the top ten exciting places in Cebu.

The area is part of the Southern Cebu Reforestation Project Area which embraces some hills and bounded by the Argao River. The 300 hectares are dedicated to as forest area because of its abundance in old-growth and towering trees near the annex of the mountain and along the slopes. Some fruit trees were planted by the volunteers as part of the DENR Restoration program.

Farmlands, agroforestry and reforested areas with exotic trees like Mahogany, Acacia, Gemelina among others enveloped the surrounding low-lying areas. Many large limestone caves are found in the cliffs covered with scrubs or low trees.

Many unique floras and faunas found in the vicinity. Several species of birds are discovered as well as motley of bats living in the caves of Mt. Lantoy especially in the “Balay Sa Agta”. The number of interesting species of animals is quiet intriguing. To preserve this wildlife, the entire Mt. Lantoy has to be preserved too.

In the past, Mt. Lantoy has its share of ecological disturbances. Part of the forest was converted into farmland and residents cut woods for building and for fuel. The government of Argao and DENR go hand in hand in implementing reforestation programs to restore back its former grandeur.

In cognizance with the boosting of tourism in Argao, the municipality becomes interested in developing part of Mt. Lantoy’s forest into a national park. Thus the Argao/Lantoy National Park was brought to actuality.

Thanks to the development of ecotourism in Argao, another alternative source of funds for the protection of these priceless capitals is available. So visit Mt. Lantoy and experience this extravagant yet worthwhile adventure.