Exploring the Natural Landmarks of Igbaras

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Igbaras, Iloilo is a basket full of numerous activities for tourists and visitors to enjoy. Tourism in the town is built on the concept of ecotourism and the main focus is placed on sustainable use of the natural and cultural attractions which is its foundation, as well as empowering the local communities to benefit from tourism. It offers a diversity of attractions and activities. This makes the town a one stop destination for all your adventure expectations. It is rich in flora and fauna. 

on the road to Napulak, photo by: rundmd8 . wordpress. com

MOUNT NAPULAK. The mist-shrouded peaks of Mount Napulak situated in Barangay Tigbanaba provide a stunning backdrop to its magnificent landscape. It is the highest mountain in the area measuring 1,200 meters above sea level. The shaped reminds one of a woman’s breast where massive coral rock, as big as a two-storey building, that sits on its peak and provides trekkers an eye-catching view of the city with mountain patches of the neighboring Antique Province. The trails getting to the mountain exposes the area’s virgin forests and abundant wildlife. Walking tours in the foothills are a feature, although only the experienced and fit should attempt an ascent on its peaks. The highland meets cloud and mountainous landscapes; and flanking to this astounding array of natural habitats lie the artistic farmlands and villages of the local inhabitants providing very good photographic opportunities. Possible routes can be from the Poblacion to Barangay Bagay is a 5 – 8 hour trek or from the Poblacion to Barangay Tigbanaba approximately 4 – 7 hour hike. For those planning to get to the mountain, it is best to book the at least two days before. The Municipal Tourism Office will help and recommend official mountain guides. There is no water source when on the peak of the Napulak so hikers are advised to secure water containers. It is very cold up there especially during early morning so proper clothing is needed to those who wish to pitch in their tents for an overnight stay.

photo by: bundokaholics.blogspot.com

BARANGAY IGCABUGAO prides itself with series of exceptionally beautiful forested mountains, from lowlands to highlands, large enough to preserve the integrity of the town’s ecosystem. Located 14 kilometers away from the poblacion though getting can be access by motorcycle. A downhill trek is needed from the visitor center in the area to Igaabugao Falls, the smallest in Igbaras with rock formations enveloping the cool and clear waters coming Igbolo Creek. The barangay is also home to the world’s largest individual flower, the Rafflesia. The Igcabugao Cave is 40-minuter rocky trek from the visitor center. Getting into the cave is a short climb where the chambers inside are a bit eerie and immense. Trekkers must wear helmets to be able to see extraordinary formations inside the cave that has a pool of clear and extremely cold water cave where fishes and crabs thrive. There are also bats. There are other popular caves in the area such as Passi Cave and Bais Cave.

 

Lagsakan Falls, photo courtesy of Igbaras Municipal Tourism Office

NADSADJAN FALLS in Barangay Passi is approximately 10 kilometers away from the town proper. It is a 100-foot high waterfall that pours into a cauldron-shaped natural swimming pool. It is the most visited falls of this town by tourists. Getting to the area is a one and a half kilometer not so difficult trek carved out of rocky landscapes with its fertile soils dotted with numerous serpentine-shaped river tributaries that embraces the track. A huge Balete tree stands near the falls. Other falls include Lagsakan Falls, Timapok Falls, Guiritsan Falls, Kiput Falls and Sampanan Falls.

Igcabugao Cave, photo courtesy of Igbaras Municipal Tourism Office

The vacation is ideal for adventurous families, couples and individuals, travel writers and nature photographers. Active days are complimented by comfy nights at some of the town’s affordable lodges with congenial local hosts. High Mountain View Resort in Sitio Patong, Lovell Lounge in Rizal Street and Erlinda’s Resort in Barangay Signe.

Kiput Falls, photo courtesy of Igbaras Municipal Tourism Office

The natural attraction of Igbaras as a tourist destination arises out of the variety of its unspoilt scenic beauty. It generally has substantial natural resources for tourism with a variety of landscape and ecosystems. Some of its features are unique. The Igbaras experience has novelty and rarity values not easily found elsewhere in Iloilo.

Igbaras is 40 kilometers from the city and is bounded on the north by the Municipality of San Remegio of Antique Province; east by the Municipality of Tubungan; west by the Municipality of Miag-ao; and in the south by the Municipality of Guimbal. It has a total land area of 15,245 hectares politically subdivided into 46 barangays.

To get to the, one can take a jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary Terminal in Barangay Mohon, Oton, Iloilo. Metered taxis are also available at the terminal. For more information, please contact Engr. Wilfredo “Boy” Delgado-Municipal Tourism Officer at (033) local 104- 5184022 or at 09209643404. Know more about Igbaras on the 10th TUMANDOK celebration on September 18-20 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo.