The town of Igbaras in Iloilo is home to many natural attractions. It is bordered by mountains like Mt. Taripis, Mt. Opao, and Mt. Loboc. Among its many mountains, the most visited is Mt. Napulak.

Aside from its beautiful sights and scenic views, it is also a perfect place for those who seek challenge and adventure.

There are easy trails and there are also leg shaking ascending trails, which require you to grip on something like vines, grasses, trunks and branches of trees to climb.

When you get thirsty, there is a clean water source along the trail. The mountain is covered by a lot of trees, especially coffee. You could see coffee beans sun-dried along most of the trail. The residents sell these at P50 per pack.

For a beginner, it would take 4 to 5 hours of hiking from Brgy. Tigbanaba to reach the summit. At the mountain’s peak is the nipple rock formation with a giant cross.

At the height of 1,239 meters above sea level, you could see the 360-degree view of the area downhill and neighboring towns like Tubungan, Guimbal and Miag-ao and the neighboring Province of Antique.

Charlyn Roque, 21, from Negros Occidental hiked the place twice already. She said the place is enticing because of the tropical rain-forest and the colorful insects, which you could best see at night.

When you are lucky, you could see a blooming bunch of Rafflessia along the trail. When you are not, don’t worry because there are also wild sunflowers and wild berries.

Residents are very thankful for their blessings. As tourism thrives, this provides job for residents who would serve as a guide. Others would drive ‘habal-habal’ to provide transportation.

According to barangay officials, they need formal training for their 18 guides to improve their service for the tourists and in ensuring safety as well.

Local officials appeal to tourists to avoid leaving their trash on the mountain to preserve its beauty and cleanliness for others and the next generation to enjoy.