Photo by Nick Aguilos
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 in this FAQ page, 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. Climbing is even possible year-round if you’re willing to get up early and chase shade. 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 drive there and where can I park?
It’s important to follow these directions exactly! Inputting the location of the cliff to Google Maps and pressing “start” is only advised if you have a high-clearance vehicle. The instructions below will keep you on paved roads.
Here is a link for directions that correctly route you from downtown Danao City to Togonon Daycare Center to the parking at Seagulls Nest Camp n Farm. Do not skip Togonon Daycare Center as an intermediate step, or you’ll end up on rough roads.
There is no service in the mountains. The link above will work as long as you press start before you lose phone service, or as long as the area is pre-downloaded to offline maps. Here are instructions on how to do so on iPhone or Android. Cell signal cuts off as soon as you leave Danao City, so you will not be able to search for the directions while in transit if you don’t have it downloaded as an offline map.
For those who prefer verbal directions, here they are:
1) From Danao City, drive up 10km west into the mountains to Togonon Daycare Center.
2) At Togonon Daycare Center, there is a fork in the road. Take the left side of the fork heading uphill.
3) Drive 2 minutes uphill and park under the shade awning at Seagulls Nest Camp n Farm. The fee is 20 pesos per day. Just give a friendly hello to the caretaker on site with his family to let them know how many days you’ll be parking there and coordinate payment.
After parking at Seagull’s Nest, walk back the way you came downhill to the last house you passed on the side of the street nearest the cliff. This is the house of Redlan, and is currently the only acceptable access point. Walking across other properties threatens our climbing access. Ask Redlan’s family politely for Heri and Lisa’s house, and they will point you in the right direction of the path.
Useful Bisaya (local language in Cebu) in case you get lost:
“Nawala ko. Asa ni Togonon Daycare? Nangita ko Heri og Lisa Derecho.”
“I am lost. Where is Togonon Daycare? I am looking for Heri and Lisa Dercho.”
Can I take a taxi?
Yes. We have a couple of taxi drivers we coordinate with regularly who know the route, so just ask us and we can check their availability. Other taxi drivers aren’t usually familiar with Google Maps, so unless you speak Bisaya, it can be hard to communicate the exact directions (but not impossible).
Can I take a bus?
It is possible to ride a bus from the airport to Danao. It’s the least expensive option, but also the most time consuming. From the airport, catch MyBus (around 50 pesos) to SM Mall, downtown Cebu CIty. At SM, the North Bus Terminal can be found at the big outside parking lot. From there, numerous bus options going to Danao can be round for around 300 pesos. Once in Danao, you will need to hire a local Habal Habal motorbike taxi to take you up to Togonon. Fare will range between 150-250 one way, depending on the driver/weather/time of day. All in all from the airport, it will cost in the ballpark of 500-600 pesos to get to Danao climbing by bus and motorbike.
Where can I stay?
Please reach out to danaoclimbing@gmail.com or IG @danaoclimbing. We are happy to provide information on where to stay.
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, we can help you 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 lots of beta on where to go based on your food preferences).
Any special packing considerations?
A headlamp for getting around at night
Snacks and other non-refrigerated food (there is a water kettle to make oats, tea, ramen, coffee, etc.)
Tupperware to keep ants away