Text and photos by Jesson Morata
THE decreasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases has prompted the Cebu City Government to launch its Highland Bloom and Ecotourism project to revive the tourism industry in the city’s mountain barangays.
There are at least 10 barangays tucked in the mountainous areas of Cebu City, including Busay, Tagbao, Malubog, and Sirao, among others.
Many of these mountain barangays are located along the Transcentral Highway or TCH that has become an increasingly popular site for people wanting to unwind yet cannot do so outside Cebu due to travel restrictions brought about by the pandemic.
For years, TCH has been known as a source of flowers and root crops. In fact, Cebu City’s tourism industry has attracted hundreds of tourists to visit aesthetic plant-filled spots along TCH, such as the Sirao Flower Garden, Terrazas del Flores, Buwakan ni Alejandra, and Evo Nature Camp, among others.
Over time, resorts and parks also sprouted in the area.
One of the beautiful places to go to, explore, and unwind away from the stressful noise of the city can be found in TCH—the Lakeview Le Jardin.
Botanical garden
The Lakeview Le Jardin is a new botanical garden located in Sitio Inaad, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City.
It is home to plants of varying types and colors, which add up to the stunning view of the landscape.
Opened in March 2021, it is definitely a scenic paradise for plantitas and plantitos
The Lakeview Le Jardin is a must-add to the list of places to go to along TCH. Beyond the fact that you can take so many “Instagrammable” photos here, you can also breathe in the fresh air, delight in the harmonious scents of the flowers, appreciate the gifts of nature, and relish the fascinating view of the entire landscape. And you can share this experience with your family or loved one.
Inside the garden
You can find a restaurant inside the wide Lakeview Le Jardin. The restaurant offers burgers, pizza, cold drinks, and more.
The restaurant’s design includes horticultural elements that enhance the taste, experience, and comfort of the visitors.
From the Lakeview Le Jardin, you can also behold the magnificence of Malubog Lake in Barangay General Climaco, Toledo City.
How to get there
For those who opt to go to Lakeview Le Jardin by public transportation, you can ride a habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire) from JY Square in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City and disembark at Charlie’s Cup.
You can also ride a V-Hire going to Balamban, Asturias, and Tuburan from the terminal of Ayala Center Cebu and disembark at Charlie’s Cup.
Rate and schedule
Lakeview Le Jardin has an entrance fee of P100 for adults and P50 for children eight years old and below.
The botanical garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., from Wednesday to Monday.
For more information, you can email lakeviewlejardincebu@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page, lakeviewlejardincebu.
CONTRIBUTOR:
Jesson Morata is a native of Lapu-Lapu City and a marketing and communications specialist in the Visayas and Mindanao for one of the BPOs in Cebu City. His hobbies include biking, motorcycle riding, trekking, running, and traveling.