Coal Mountain Resort in Argao, Cebu, was once the ancestral land of the Caminero family, originally used as a grazing area for carabaos and later known for coal mining activities. What began as a private family rest house eventually transformed into a public mountain resort created to honor the local coal miners, offering visitors distinctive experiences such as guided tours through old mining tunnels. Nestled high in the mountains, the resort provides a peaceful natural escape with breathtaking views and a deep connection to the area’s coal mining heritage.
The Origins
The land was originally owned by Guillermo and Liboria Caminero and was primarily used as pastureland for their carabaos. During the early years, particularly in the 1950s and earlier, the area gained recognition for coal mining, with underground tunnels that still remain beneath the resort today. To commemorate the hardworking local miners, the family named the place “Coal Mountain,” incorporating a demonstration mining tunnel that guests can explore.
Progression
Coal Mountain Resort began as a modest rest house built by the Caminero family for personal use and family gatherings. Over time, as the family expanded, the property was further developed and opened to the public as a mountain resort. In addition to its cool climate and scenic surroundings, the resort features unique attractions such as an underground coal tunnel tour, a natural spring-fed swimming pool, and facilities used for military tunnel rescue training.
Credits: cover picture from Coal Mountain FB Page
