Traveling by a bus or jeep for about an hour to the south of Davao city awaits a place called Santa Cruz, one of the eco-tourism town destination in Davao del Sur which can surely feed ones hunger for adventure and excitement.
In Santa Cruz lies the great Cebulan River where its source can be traced on the Grandfather of all Philippine Mountains, Mt. Apo. On this river a wet and wild sport called “Water Tubing with the Rapids” was born. Using only the inner tire of a truck one can have an exhilarating ride of his life with the sensation of bumping and twisting like in a roller coaster.
This sport was born on the late 1990’s and was started by local mountaineering club of Astorga the Astor Mountaineering and Ecological Club as an alternative to white water rafting but not as expensive compared to it, although, safety gears and a guide instructor for beginners is a necessity.
The best time for beginners to engage in this activity is during summer where the water level is low with not so strong water current but most seasoned tubers prefer the rainy season for its done with much thrill and the water is wilder where they start to jump-off at a higher level of the river which last an hour for the whole trip.
Also this river offers a cliff about 150 feet above the river that is good for rappelling for first timers or just experience the beautiful scenic view for those who just want take a plunge on the splashing current and be one with nature.
For inquiries, professional guide and adventure packages, get in touch with:
Engr. ALBERT C. GABRIEL
MCTCA Vice-Pres for ECO-TOURISM
Sta. Cruz Tourism Office
Cel # 0919-3142117
e-mail: gaboskimsurf@yahoo.com
Below are some of the photos from the Cebulan river, courtesy of the article writer-adventurer, Albert Gabriel.
