■ LIST OF SUMMER DESTINATIONS FOR QUICK REST AND RECREATION

Unsure whether you have much time to really go far this summer? You have at least a good number of places to pack up for a quick rest and recreation. Cebu’s 44 towns offer a wide array of choices, from white sand beaches to heritage sites and mouth-watering delicacies. Some ideas take you to Toledo City’s labyrinth garden and relics; Tabuelan gives you a river cruise and a sumptuous buffet; Badian offers waterfalls and canyoneering tours; Dalaguete dishes out strawberry gardens; Boljoon features postcard vistas and centuries-old ruins.

Sexciting destinations that won’t disappoint. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the white sand beach, take in a town’s cultural heritage, or feast on mouth-watering delicacies or fresh produce, the options for any type of traveler are endless. Here are some ideas for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway to the countryside.

Tabuelan

Fancy a scrumptious meal while on a river cruise? This new ecotourism destination 80 kilometers from Cebu City will be happy to welcome you. For P500 per head, you can enjoy buffet lunch, live piano and the service of a tour guide while on a cruise in Batawang River. The Tabuelan Floating Restaurant is open everyday, but reservation two days before your visit is required. Call 09228503864 and look for Sherwin or Ana to reserve seats.

Aloguinsan

This town’s award-winning ecotourism project, the Bojo River Cruise, isn’t just a treat for the visitors, it also provides livelihood to the community. Help support the fisherfolks manning the tours and commune with nature at the same time in Bojo River. Rates for eco-tour is P400 per head inclusive of swimming and a tour.

Alegria

Apart from Badian, Alegria is also a jump-off point for a canyoneering adventure that includes dives, swimming between rocks and scaling a rock wall.

Boljoon

This postcard-pretty town offers visitors not just a magnificent view of the Bohol Strait, but also lessons from its rich cultural heritage. Its church, Nuestra Señora del Patrocinio de Maria Church, is the oldest among the remaining stone churches in Cebu, and was named a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure. Other places of interest are the watchtower ruins and the town’s fortress.

Toledo City

A new attraction on this side of Cebu is a labyrinth garden and chapel that houses a collection of religious images and relics. The Capilla Santa Ana in Barangay Ibo is a private property, but its owners welcome visitors—just be sure to make appointments before you go. The number to call is (032) 4678101. Badian

Those who are up for the thrill of jumping from seven to 40-foot waterfalls can head out to Badian and experience their canyoneering tours. The package costs P1,000 per person on weekdays and P1,300 on weekends. The adventure, which lasts for three to four hours, features several waterfalls, including Kawasan.

Camotes

A lot of local and foreign tourists marvel at the beauty of the islands in Camotes, with its powdery white sand beach, the laid-back feel of the towns and the friendly locals. Santiago Bay and Lake Danao in San Francisco town and Timubo Cave are the more popular attractions, but other towns and islets have more secluded areas that tourists are sure to enjoy.

Cebu City

If spelunking is your idea of fun, Cebu City’s mountain barangays have quite a few that’s waiting to be appreciated. The caves can be found in Barangays Sudlon II, Tabunan, Tagbao and Tap-Tap, where waterfalls and thick vegetation can also be found. ummer’s got you itching to get out of the city, but you’re not sure if you want to spend that much time (and money) to fly out to other cities for a quick rest and recreation. Worry not because Cebu’s 44 towns and nine cities—all accessible by car or bus and ferry ride—boast of

Dalaguete

Who would have thought that strawberries grow in Cebu? Well, they do, and the good news is you can buy the freshly picked berries and other fruits and herbs from Sergio’s Farm in Barangay Maloray. Though strawberry picking by guests was already stopped last week, the caretakers would be happy to pick them for you for a fee. The farm is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for an entrance fee of P50.