BY IAN RAY GARCIA JUNE 15, 2022 – THE municipality of Sta Cruz in Davao del Sur is truly an adventure seeker’s paradise. This thriving town boasts several coastal attractions, birdwatching sites, and hiking trails, including one of the gateways to the King of Philippine Mountains, Mt Apo, to name a few.
Recently, municipal tourism officer Julius R. Paner invited us to revisit one of the municipality’s popular water adventure activities that placed Sta Cruz on the adventure map since the late 90s: river-tubing.
Prior to the activity, river guide Ronnie Torlao gave us a briefing on how to mount the modified inner tubes and some important instructions in order to carry out the river adventure safely.
“We have trained river 15 guides from the local community to assist our guests. They will provide the necessary equipment and logistics, the river provides the rest,” said Paner.
Our whitewater tubing adventure in one of the country’s cleanest rivers began near Hedcor’s Hydroelectric Power Plant in Astorga before we traversed underneath Cebulan Bridge.
For about two hours, we navigated 2 to 3 kilometers of the raging Sibulan River, dodging boulders that dot the course along the way. The adrenaline-packed ride reduced speed only in a few calmer parts of the river. Otherwise, it was a total scream-fest (well, at least, during our ride) all the way downstream.
This popular community-managed activity in Sta Cruz is also a great way to enjoy the riverside greenery of Sibulan and Astorga, with an amazing backdrop of Mt Apo in the early morning. It is also a perfect bonding experience with family, friends, and colleagues.
