The site spans hundreds of hectares of mountain ranges with an elevation averaging 600 meters above sea level. The highest point, at P1,300 meters above sea level, commands a spectacular full view of the beaches in the north and southwest portions of the province of Iloilo.

Its cool temperature from 18-20 degrees dips to a low 10 degrees in December to February, making the area as Iloilo’s major summer capital.

Natural features include the Tabionan Reforestation Project which is frequently used as a camping ground of visitors and where 30-50 year-old pine trees are found, the Mansiga Cave in sitio Tabionan where a person has to go 30 feet down the side of a cliff to gain access to its entrance, and the Imoy Water Falls located at the headwaters of the Aganan River in barangay Camandag. The stream where the fall drops has crystal clear waters and is surrounded by big awesome trees and beautiful wild flowers.

Located about three hours going towards the east central part of Iloilo, the site is presently used mostly by backpacking visitors for camping, trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, horseback and mountain bike riding, or just plain and simple meditation as no overnight facilities are yet available.

Its exotic biodiversity is a great come-on for environmentalists. Its fauna include the Visayan warty pig, snakes, lizards, hawks, frogs, hornbill and monkeys. Species of existing endemic flora are pine trees, narra, teak, bacan, antipolo, hambabalop, mahogany, antosan-dilaw, kultingan and undergrowth coffee.

A combination of livelihood, environmental rehabilitation and conservation activities will serve as interesting and valuable additional features: tree planting activities, demonstration farms of ecology-friendly and appropriate farming technologies, organizing  Bantay Gubat  forces to protect watershed areas, IEC programs to deepen the people’s care for their environment, horticulture, inland fishing, and native chicken and quail raising as livelihood activities. Necessary support services are pavilions, cottages, eco trails and a viewing deck. Waterfall areas also need to be improved, as well as access roads that were devastated by Typhoon Frank last year.

Homestay facilities can be developed to provide overnight board and lodging services for visitors and additional income for local residents.

Photos by: Leon LGU, R. Ramirez