ECOTOURISM: Adventures

Bugang River Nature, Cultural and Adventure Tour

The tour, through the management of the Bugang Community Based Eco-Tourism Organization, aims to present the exquisite sites of Pandan while showcasing the cultural heritage of the community and the environment. It is composed of three aspects: nature, culture, and adventure. The nature aspect is to appreciate the beauty of nature by viewing the scenic spots of the Bugang area. The culture aspect is to facilitate a better understanding of the local customs, traditions, practices, and beliefs of the community. And the adventure aspect is to experience a real sense of adventure on the river such as rafting, boating and trekking.

Malumpati Head Spring and Caves

About 10 meters in diameter and 40 meters deep, the spring is located some 15 minutes walk from Malumpati.

It is an ideal place for those who would like to be in solitude and to commune with nature.

For adventure, one may also do spelunking in a cave with an altar where, some people believe, supernaturals pray.

Malumpati Watershed and Forest

The Malumpati forest, a declared municipal watershed and park, is the home of the most endangered hornbills in the world, the "Visayan Writhed-billed Hornbill" (Aceros waldeni), locally known as the "Dulungan" and also the "Visayan Tarictic Hornbill" (Penelopides panini) locally known as "Tirik". These hornbills can only be found in Panay and in Negros. Various rare butterflies, endangered and endemic bird species also abound the forest.

Rosa Mystica Shrine

Established along the Quibacan River, the shrine was made known after a vision revealing the area's sacrality. A spring located nearby is believed to be miraculous. The Rosa Mystica Shrine is often visited by religious groups from nearby municipalities. Part of it are the 13 stations of the cross along the way going to the shrine, which makes the place ideal for hiking.

Mab-o Mountain

Mab-o is ideal for mountain trekking and has been scaled by local mountain climbers with an elevation of 475 meters above sea level. Located at Barangay Mag-aba, one could jumpstart from Malumpati Resort to see the exquisite view of Pandan Bay plus the poblacion.

The site is about two hours hike from Malumpati. Nature-lovers will be delighted to see the nearby pygmy forest, while cultural enthusiasts would love to see the Tumaca's legendary giant clamshell in the mountain.

This site is believed to be the place where the legendary Tumaca together with his tribesmen lived.

This same place was where Tumaca lived with Maria Kastila, the wife of Governor General Fuentes whom he abducted.

At present, a big oyster shell is found in this mountain which people believe has been the bathing tub of Maria Kastila.

Mampa of Pisak

Hidden deep, amidst the hills of surrounding barangays of Badiangan, Perfecta and Aracay is a waterfall cascading some 400 meters down to Antagusan river. Still untouched by artifice, one could almost feel the mysteries lurking from moss-covered boulders to the crystal water running around the bends. Known to the natives as Mampa of Pisak, it is accessible by about three hours trekking from Idiacacan river towards the direction of Aracay. For the enthusiasts, with ardent desire of adventure - it is a challenge of hard climb.

Whale Shark Watching

Another potential eco-tourism attraction that may be explored is whale shark (Rhincodon Typus) watching in Barangay Mag-aba and Patria. Every year, from December to May, whale sharks are frequently found by fisherfolks usually inside their fishing nets. Aware of the ecological significance of this species, the fisherfolks never harmed them but rather released them back to the sea. However, once whale shark gets inside the fishing nets, the fisherfolks gets nothing of their catch. It is therefore important for the municipality to look into the feasibility of whale shark watching as an ecotourism attraction while providing alternative livelihood for the fishing communities.

Archeological Expedition Site in Manlonggong

The site of archeological excavations in Sitio Manlonggong, Barangay Guia, where pieces of Ming Chinese jars and jarlets were unearthed in 1980s. It is reported that one of the jars displayed in the National Museum was excavated in Barangay Guia, Pandan, Antique.