The Cebu City Highlands

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Island is a land of great variety, famed for its white sand beaches,  pristine diving spots, rolling hills and centuries-old heritage sites.

The island is home to the oldest city in the Philippines - Cebu City - as well as to not a few of the country's historic and most charming and serene sites.  And many of the wonders nestled within its bounds are accessible enough that these can be enjoyed on weekend trips or even on day-long excursions.

Right within Cebu City itself can be found idyllic places tucked away safely from the noise and bustle of city life. The Cebu City Tourism Commission (CCTC) has embarked on a project to promote the many destinations in the city's highlands and the many surprises awaiting visitors there. The CCTC holds highland tours this September, purposely to introduce the many possibilities for adventure seekers at the city's hilly and mountainous zones.

It's interesting to note that up to 80 percent of Cebu City's land area is hilly and mountainous. This feature of the city's topography holds many exciting surprises. And these are just about an hour away from the city proper.

The "Highland Tours of Cebu" is part of the CCTC's "Lakbay Lingaw" initiative. It brings visitors to 2,500 feet above sea level. The tour covers places of interest within the city's jurisdiction but not even the city residents are familiar with.

The media sneak peek of the Cebu City highlands on Wednesday, August 26, featured just a few of the many landscapes and scenic spots to explore up there, aside from the historical sites.

The Tabunan Falls

The Tabunan Falls is located in the forested area of Barangay Tabunan.

The barangay reportedly got its name from the tabon bird - a white-feathered bird that was a common sight in the area in the past. The bird itself was called so for its behavior of covering its nest with bits of grass and dried leaves. The Cebuano word for 'cover' is 'tabon'.

Barangay folks say that the falls emanate from a cave or cavern spring. The area surrounding the waterfalls is a favorite pit stop for nature trail hikers and lovers of nature.

Betty's Botanical Garden

Growing a variety of flower species, Betty's Botanical Garden, in Barangay Tabunan, is a perfect stop for plant lovers. The botanical garden features rare and exotic flowers - including those that used to be endemic in the area but are no longer found in the wild today.

The Bombahanan Cave

The Bombahanan Cave, in Barangay Sudlon Uno, is named as such since the underground formation is a wellspring - 'bomba' being a Cebuano word for 'pump', the word 'bombahanan' loosely translates to 'a place where water is pumped from'.

The locals describe the cave as a "comfortable crouching space and slippery walk." Its ceiling is naturally gilded with stalactites and its openings are fitted with steel steps for convenient exploring.

To inquire about "Highland Tours of Cebu," the CCTC phone number is (032) 412-4355. More information is available at www.cebucitytourism.com.