. . .going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity.” – John Muir
Undeniably, people love to explore NEW places to see and try something new. There is nothing like seeing the beauty of a new place for the first time (Oh! how we love this feeling!)😍 That feeling of wanderlust that makes us addicted to travel and exploring new places and becoming a storyteller of it.
But today's travel digest of mine is not about my addiction to travel to new places, rather it is my addiction 😅 to come back again and again and again to one place where I found solitude and love - the highlands of Tuburan, Cebu, Philippines.
You might wonder why? so let's go let me show you why.😉
TUBURAN, CEBU ⛰️
Tuburan, as the name of the town suggests, "Tubud" which means spring, is well-known for its crystal clear spring and creeks some beaches, and other natural attractions and adventures. This town is one of the largest towns in the Province of Northern Cebu yet its population is less.
Many tourists from neighboring towns and cities, visit Tuburan for its beautiful spring attraction. The beauty of the bodies of water in this silent town has spread all over our Province which they say "A spectacular sight that offers a unique experience!", but little did they know that this town not only possesses the beauty of its unique bodies of water, but this town stands humble with its lovely, giant and majestic mountains.
The highlands that I fell in love with the first time I indulge myself in it. The mountains that keep calling me. So here's my visit to the highlands of Tuburan on three different occasions! Yeah! you read it right, I went there three times (only lang naman)! Because why not?🤗
TUBURAN'S ATABAY PEAK - My 1st CLIMBED
My first time exploring the highlands of Tuburan was my unforgettable climb of Atabay Peak. Atabay Peak is the highest peak in the town of Tuburan.
It was a lovely bright day when we got to the Peak. At the top of the Peak is the unique rock formation where one can sit and see the panoramic view of the beautiful landscape of the town. Reaching the top of the Peak is easier than I thought, the climb is only more or less 20 minutes. The trail was light only that the Peak is so steep. So the challenge going up would not be the hard climb rather it is the "climber versus him catching his breath".
I climbed the Peak around July, this was 5 months after I gave birth to my first child. I was worried at first because I thought my body was not ready at that time for a climb. But believe it or not my Post Partum has contributed to the fulfillment I felt at that time!
On my Post Partum, I'm at my most sensitive and was very easy to please!
So when I reached on top, I was so happy. No, I was more than happy! I felt that cloud-nine happiness I couldn't explain, my heart felt so light and I felt more energized than ever. Did I cry? Hell Y E S! Unexplainably Yes! Haha!
There are no houses or anything built on the peak except that foundation of metal bars. The Local units planned to build a viewing deck for climbers. It is for the safety and protection of the climbers since sitting on the rock is dangerous. One wrong move and you'll fall from the High Peak. Sadly, the local units lack the fund to build the project right away, but I think it's better that way, letting the climbers and hikers experience the natural beauty of the Peak and touch and felt the incredible rock formation.
THE OPEN HIGHLANDS - A TIP TOE CLOSER TO THE SKIES (Second visit)
If I have my unforgettable moments in the highlands of Tuburan, I also have my sweetest ones.😊
This happened during our celebration of Father's Day this year. I brought my husband to Tuburan Coffee Farm for our date. hehe. A few meters away from the Coffee Farm, we discovered these open highlands covered with grasslands. This open part is situated on top of the hill and is surrounded by majestic mountains.
We spent a couple of minutes marveling at the beauty of these gentle mountains that surround us. Sitting there talking about life and our plans simply melt my heart. This is what I love about life, the simplicity that comes with it!
Luckily, the weather was in our favor that day. The sun was hiding in the clouds, the wind not too breezy, just the quietness and the whispers of the mountains were all we hear. Weird, I found it romantic.
UP WE GO- ROADTRIP TO THE TOP!
My third-time visit to the highlands of Tuburan was when I and my cousin hit the road for our road trip one holiday.
The plan was to visit and see the Molobolo Spring of the town. My cousin Iman hadn't seen the famous spring ever since. So when the holiday came, we agreed to go to Molobolo. But the plan suddenly changed when I suggested going up to the highlands and enjoying the ride before going to the spring.
I don't know, there's something on this highlands that gets me excited. Am I enchanted by these mountains? Or I was a fairy back then, and this is where I belong. Haha. Lol!
There I was again, inhaling all the energy of the mountain!
We had a great time on our road trips. Riding up and down the unwinding road is full of fun and adventure! We had a few stops and took some snaps as our souvenirs.
When we were satisfied with the ride, we head back to the lowlands and enjoy the rest of our day in the spring.
This journey of mine going back to the mountains lets me realize that there’s nothing quite like an adventure in the mountains, being surrounded by these gentle giants. Be it who I am with, I always enjoy the relaxation it gives me. Don't you think I'm a certified mountain girl at heart?
That's another of my "mountain love story"🤗. How about you, is there a place you always come by?