Igbaras, A Haven for Adventurers

The Philippines’ image has been long associated with the idea of paradise and conjuring postcard-perfect visions. From different thrilling landforms like the breathtaking mountain landscapes of the highland paradise, Bukidnon, or the living landscape, Banaue Rice Terraces, or perhaps the home to the largest tract of primary forests in the Philippines, Sierra Madre, to astounding water forms like the longest and most famous cave, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, and the highest falls, Aliwagwag Falls, truly, paradise exists in the Philippines. But have you ever imagined a place where you could find all these wonders in one spot? From the heights of the mountains to the slopes of the stream, the municipality of Igbaras in Iloilo province marries the best thing a traveler is looking for—adventure.

How to get there!If you wish to put your skills into practice and seek some adventure, head on to Igbaras, Iloilo. This 15,245-hectare area is bounded on the north by the Municipality of San Remegio Antique, the Municipality of Tubungan in the east, the Municipality of Miag-ao in the west, and the Municipality of Guimbal in the south. For only Php 70.00, you can catch a jeep going to Igbaras in the Iloilo Terminal Market in the city proper, and for just less than one and a half hours of trip, you can reach the portal of paradise, the Igbaras town plaza. You can take a “habal-habal” (mode of transportation) from Igbaras town proper to explore the region’s beauties. The fare ranges from Php 200.00 to Php 300.00, depending on how far you’re traveling. The Municipal Tourism Office of Igbaras is open daily and is happy to assist you in making your stay enjoyable and memorable.

Keeping things natural

The town of Igbaras takes pleasure in possessing a string of breathtakingly beautiful forested mountains that range in altitude from lowlands to highlands and are sufficiently sizable to protect the ecological balance of the community. One great example is the Dayhag Campsite in Barangay Passi, Igbaras. It is a wide-open field on the top of a mountain that gives a panoramic view of Mt. Napulak, the neighboring towns of Igbaras, and the vast farmlands. “Tourism in Igbaras is built on the concept of eco-tourism, and its main focus is placed on sustainable use of the natural and cultural attractions, which are its foundation, and empowering the local communities that benefit from it,” said Choline Rey Tagacay, caretaker of Dayhag Campsite and an advocate for responsible ecotourism. For a Php 20.00 entrance fee, you can find your inner serenity in the green fields and blue skies; it;’s the ideal place to take a pause and get away from the bustle of the city. You can spend the night for just Php 100.00 or rent the cottage for Php 500. You can either hike from Barangay Passi or rent a motorcycle from the town and ride it up to the campsite to get there. Either way, adventure awaits you.

Insides of a mini jungle

Tucked in a forest area, deep within Brgy. Passi of Igbaras, Nadsadjan Falls hides an incomparable beauty within the thickets of trees and bushes that thrive in the distant barangay. This 100-foothigh waterfall is one of the main sources of water for the residents of the lowland and agricultural lands. The main cascade of Nadsadjan Falls can be reached in 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 and rocks that have been eroded over time, creating a plunge pool that embraces the track. A bit of a mission to get to, this untouched beauty is a lush paradise hidden inside a mini-jungle. The waterways surrounded by sand and gravel blend with crystal-clear water flowing from above, perfectly describing the town’s name origin: “ig” or “tig,” which means “plenty of’’ or “season of,” while “baras’’ is a local dialect, which means “sand.” Entrance is free; the very least that one can do as a responsible visitor is to maintain the cleanliness and the biodiversity that thrives in the area. Other falls in Igbaras include Lagsakan Falls, Timapok Falls, Guiritsan Falls, Kiput Falls, and Sampanan Falls.

The journey is an adventure itself

Exploring Igbaras is a cycle of turns and brakes, enough to make you grip, hold on, and try not to fall. It is as if you are riding a roller coaster in slow motion. But in the end, you’ll realize that it’s not just about reaching the very peak—every experience along the way is worthy of remembering, like how the town’s picturesque scenery has a way of slowing you down. Nature was so beautiful that it stopped us in our tracks, or perhaps it’s Mother Nature’s way of teaching us to appreciate what she has to offer. It’s the feeling of the air shifting as the sun rises and warms the valley, wondering at the vast forest on the way up the summit, or just sitting back at camp, lying on the grass, watching the blue skies with the sounds of waterfalls as your background, and stopping on the roadside when you come across anything that will pique your curiosity. A place to experience an adventure that will make your eyes twinkle and your itinerary lost in the wind. A town that has so much to offer to anyone who dares to wonder. A space heaven for adventurers—Igbaras, Iloilo.