Hello, @Hivers! 🌄
I’m excited to share one of my most refreshing and unforgettable experiences, my nature walk and climb to Mount Napulak, a beautiful mountain located in the municipality of Igbaras, Iloilo. As a teacher and a mother, my days are usually filled with lessons, chores, and responsibilities. Life can get busy and tiring, so once in a while, I crave the peace that only nature can give. When I heard about Mt. Napulak, I knew it was the perfect place to unwind, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with myself. The name “Napulak” actually means “nipple” in our local dialect because of the mountain’s unique shape, a large, nipple-like rock formation at the summit. It might sound funny at first, but once you see it in person, it’s truly amazing and one of a kind.
We started our journey early in the morning, full of excitement. The trail began with easy paths surrounded by green fields and coconut trees. As we climbed higher, the air turned cooler, and the sound of birds and rustling leaves filled the trail. It wasn’t an easy hike, especially when the road became steeper, but every step felt worth it. Mt. Napulak stands around 1,239 meters above sea level, not too high, but enough to challenge you a little. Some parts made my legs tremble, but I just kept going, telling myself, “Kaya ko ja!.” Along the way, we passed through thick forests and grassy ridges, and even spotted some wildflowers. They said the rare Rafflesia speciosa, the world’s largest flower, can sometimes be found there, though I wasn’t lucky to see one that day. After a few hours of hiking, we finally reached the campsite, where a gentle breeze greeted us. The view was breathtaking, mountains stretched endlessly, clouds seemed within reach, and the peaceful silence made me forget all my worries.
The final climb to the summit was the most exciting part. There was a wooden ladder leading to the top of the rock formation where a cross stood proudly. From there, I saw a 360-degree view of Iloilo, Guimaras Island, and even Mt. Kanlaon from afar. Standing there, I felt small but deeply grateful. The world looked so big and beautiful. Every hardship of the climb disappeared, replaced with a quiet sense of peace. I smiled and whispered a prayer of thanks, for strength, for nature, and for this simple moment of calm above the clouds. Going down was another adventure, but my heart was light. That experience reminded me that life is like a mountain, sometimes steep, sometimes tiring, but always rewarding once you reach the top.
I’m sharing this here because moments like this remind us to pause, breathe, and appreciate the beauty around us. Whether we are teachers, parents, or busy workers, we all need time to reconnect with nature and with ourselves.
🌱 Observation Details • Scientific name (Latin): Rafflesia speciosa (a rare giant flower native to Panay Island, though not seen during this hike) • Date of observation: November 1, 2025 • Location: Mount Napulak, Igbaras, Iloilo, Philippines • Latitude / Longitude: 10.7156° N, 122.3132° E • Original community reference: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations
Although I didn’t encounter the Rafflesia speciosa during my climb, my observation focused on the natural ecosystem of Mt. Napulak — the mountain flora, bird songs, and the serene landscape that make this place a treasure of biodiversity in Iloilo.
I was onboarded by @antonette and @chinito, whom I met through Facebook. They patiently guided and oriented me on how Hive works, and because of them, I found the confidence to share my stories here. I also understand that posting here comes with responsibility — no AI usage, no plagiarism, and only quality, original content. The photos I’ve included are personally mine, taken with love during my nature walk and edited using Canva.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I hope it reminds you to pause, breathe, and find peace in the beauty of nature. 🌿