Photo by Veronica Baker Amores
We are excited to welcome you to Danao! Please review these FAQs before and during your visit.
How do I get in touch?
Please email danaoclimbing@gmail.com or send us an Instagram message at @danaoclimbing before you come. Please don’t show up unannounced - it takes a bit of coordination to get up here, and we have much more information to share than could possibly fit on this website, so it’s essential you tell us if you’re aiming to climb in Danao.
What is the climbing season? What about weather?
Compared to other Southeast Asia climbing destinations, climbing in the mountains of Cebu offers lower temperatures and less humidity. Because the cliffs of Danao are north-west facing, they primarily offer shade from the morning into the early afternoon, with some sectors offering all-day shade in the winter months.
The prime climbing months are mid-October through March. It’s not uncommon to climb in pants and a T shirt in December/January/February when the conditions are perfect. We know what you’re thinking: isn’t that the rainy season? Visitors are often surprised to learn that rain in the forecast offers the best climbing conditions—rain means cloud cover, and precipitation is often brief, leaving behind cool, crisp climbing temps.
How do I get there?
Please see our Getting Here page.
When can I arrive?
If your flight arrives after 6pm, you should stay one night in any of the pension houses, hotels, or hostels in Mactan, Cebu City, or Danao City. We have a 10pm arrival curfew and it takes a few hours to navigate airport customs and the combination of buses, taxis, multicabs, and/or motorbikes you will use to get here. The small mountain community where the climbing is located goes to bed before 10pm. Late arrivals have disturbed neighbors in the past, so we need to be respectful of their wishes. Please air on the side of caution and coordinate your transportation from the city to the climbing area the next morning.
Where can I stay?
Please reach out to danaoclimbing@gmail.com or IG @danaoclimbing. We are happy to provide information on where to stay near the cliff.
Are there restaurants or grocery stores near the cliff?
Nope! We recommend getting nonperishable/nonrefrigerated grocery items in Danao City before you make the 30 minute drive up to the cliff. Once you’re at the climbing area, it’s straightforward to find a motorbike ride back down to the city if you need a re-stock or if you want to check out any of the restaurants (we have beta on where to go based on your food preferences).
Alternatively, if requested a day in advance, meals can be prepared by a local family that lives near the cliff (let Lisa and Heri know if you’d like lunch and/or dinner). Dishes feature fresh local foods, and can be made vegetarian or vegan with prior arrangement. Meals are 250 pesos and are paid in cash.
Any special packing considerations?
A headlamp for getting around at night
Snacks and other non-refrigerated foods (there is a water kettle to make oats, tea, ramen, coffee, etc.)
Tupperware to keep your food safe from ants
Please do not bring heavy roller luggage - it can harm our paths and is difficult to bring uphill in the jungle.