Lost in the Hills of Tabogon: A Weekend Camping Adventure at Paharuhay Campsite

Sometimes, I would wonder which place is the most wonderful for me when doing camping, in beaches or mountains/landscapes. For years, I went to many campings, individually or in some organized events, and have experienced it around many places including seaside and natural landscapes. I was asking the same question for years, but then I learned I don't need an answer, for the two are great places to do camping, and it takes one's righteous heart to see the beauty of the two and the experiences. Welcome, this is another travel blog about a place I went to last Saturday in a popular campsite in Tabogon, Cebu with my colleagues. If you are passionate about camping, this blog is perhaps for you.

Paharuhay Campsite is a campsite located specifically in Upper Caduawan, Tabogon, Northern Cebu, along the Central Nautical Highway. Paharuhay Campsite is a hidden nature's gem that allows you to enjoy and reconnect with the scenic and natural view of nature and landscape of Tabogon. Campings, celebrations, and food trips can be done here with different amenities offered, charged in various prices for interested visitors. If you are in Cebu and you are looking for somewhere calm and peaceful for a retreat, this destination is perfect for you. From the journey to the destination at the peak, all stress can go away and be replaced by the urge to enjoy life in the present moment. You can enjoy its green panoramic views and different nature amenities while not thinking about the cost because this campsite is quality yet affordable.

When we arrived at the specific location where the campsite sits, this two-storey restaurant greeted us beside the highway. Here, many delicacies and recipes are offered, cooked with passion and serenade to maximize the dining experience of campers. You can drink coffee and eat some complementary cuisine. They have a better view above as you talk with your friends and feel the breeze caressing your face. The staff are welcoming and they accommodate you with proper remarks. We ordered lumpia and sisig in this restaurant for lunch since we have to climb a 30-minute distance to the peak and the restaurant is quite far. But you can also order foods from the restaurant; it would just take a service fee and the time before arrival is longer. The restaurant gives you an old antique vibe because of its preserved interior, but the foods and drinks are great.

We only paid for the entrance fee and pool access for 270.00 Php per head. The installation of tents is not charged because it is included in our entrance. We used tents during our stay because that's how camping should take place. But below are their amenities for your reference:

Mahogany Grove Shared Camp Ground
Matahom Shared Camp Ground (where we set up our tent)
Tiny Cabins
Malinawon Teepees
Lulinghayaw Glamping Cabin
Paharuhay Peak Exclusive Camp Ground

If you ever wonder what our setup looks like, I provide photos to see how vibrant and natural our stay was. We brought at least three tents and comfortable necessities to lay inside our tents for good rest. Many camping essentials, like stoves, utensils, and hygiene kits, are prepared by everyone. Some foods were also brought with corkage fees charged to us for every food item. Most of us are men so we brought some heavy but essential things like foldable lamplights for us to have bright places during nighttime. Our chosen spot was best to witness the sunset and the galaxy at night, with light pollution lesser than the other spots.

Sunsets are great in Paharuhay Campsite. The above-ground level of this campsite is perfect for sunset viewing. Just standing at the exact spot at the exact angle provides a perfect viewpoint. We enjoyed watching the sunset while sitting on their hammock net and talking about life and important conversations as friends. Sometimes, we would go to their pool and swim around to relax our hot bodies burnt by the hike above for 30 minutes. Although it was long, it was so memorable. The laughter and the wrong directions made our hiking memorable and authentic.

At night, we had a camp bonfire and some drinking session with the gals. We brought with us marshmallows and hard liquor while pairing it with deep conversation that allowed us to know each other more. The campsite is also safe because we had many neighboring campers and the manager makes sure the place is safe for campers. Everyone was laughing that night and what I could remember was it ended when I passed out after drinking too much.