Last May 13, 2025, was a day filled with laughter, adventure, and the peaceful sound of nature. Our choir group decided to go on a nature bonding trip to River Tugnaw, located at Barangay Mahaba, Cabadbaran City. I had seen this place many times on my Facebook feed, and every time I saw it, I couldn’t help but admire how calm and beautiful it looked. I used to tell myself, “Someday, I’ll visit that place and see if it’s really as amazing as the pictures say.” So when I found out that our group was going there, my heart jumped with excitement. I started preparing everything right away—extra clothes, food, water, and my phone for pictures. I was so eager that I could barely sleep the night before.
Early in the morning, I woke up full of energy and excitement. We brought our own food because it’s always more fun to share what we have and enjoy a simple picnic together. We left around 8:00 a.m., and the travel itself already felt like part of the adventure. The road to River Tugnaw was quite challenging—it was full of curves, and on one side, you could see the green mountains standing tall and proud. The ride made me a little dizzy, but every time I looked outside, I was amazed by how peaceful and fresh the surroundings were. The air smelled like trees and earth, so clean compared to the city.
When we finally arrived at 9:00 a.m., the moment I stepped out of the vehicle, I felt the cool breeze touch my face. It was so refreshing that it instantly removed all the tiredness I felt from the trip. The place was even more breathtaking than the pictures I had seen online. The water was crystal clear—you could actually see the rocks beneath it. The sound of the flowing river was like music to the ears, and the tall trees created a natural shade that made the whole area feel calm and relaxing. I couldn’t help but smile and say, “Wow, this is paradise.”
We started by taking pictures because every corner looked like it came from a postcard. Then we unpacked our food and shared it together. There was laughter everywhere as we enjoyed eating under the trees with the sound of the river beside us. The place gave such a peaceful feeling, as if time slowed down just for us to appreciate the beauty around. After eating, we decided to go for a swim.
The moment I dipped my feet into the water, I screamed—it was so cold! It felt like ice water running through my veins. I couldn’t believe how freezing it was, but at the same time, it felt incredibly refreshing. The water was clean and pure, coming straight from the mountains. I could feel my stress and worries being washed away with every splash. Everyone was laughing and playing in the water, and I couldn’t stop smiling. It was one of those moments you wish would never end.
The place was peaceful yet full of life. The birds were singing, the wind was blowing gently, and the sunlight sparkled on the surface of the river like diamonds. It was the perfect escape from the noise and stress of everyday life.
As I looked around, I realized how amazing God’s creation truly is. River Tugnaw is not just a place—it’s an experience that reminds us to appreciate nature and spend time away from the noise of the city. The clean air, the clear water, and the natural scenery make it the perfect spot to relax and recharge. It’s also a great place to bond with friends, reflect, and simply feel grateful for the beauty around us.
That day, I learned that sometimes, the best adventures are not in faraway places but in the hidden treasures near us. River Tugnaw is truly one of those treasures—a hidden gem of Cabadbaran City. Its untouched beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and crystal-clear water make it a must-visit destination. If you’re looking for a place where you can breathe fresh air, enjoy nature, and create unforgettable memories with the people you love, then River Tugnaw is the perfect place for you. Once you experience its cold waters and peaceful charm, you’ll understand why it’s called one of the most beautiful treasures of nature in the city.