The creepy balete in Tigayon Hill

Tigayon Hill, around three kilometers from the town of Kalibo is an interesting place to visit. It’s primarily made of limestone that has been overgrown with vegetation and this only means one thing: the presence of several caves and cavities, thus, it is also where you can find Tigayon Cave.

At first glance, the huge balete tree can give you the creeps with its size and the tangle of roots at its base that go down over rocks and almost to the cave. It’s branches also spreads out and just imagine if it’s getting dark and you’re all alone here…But this isn’t the creepiest I’ve seen.

READ MORE: The creepiest tree I’ve ever seen in my life!

Tigayon Cave is a shallow cave that has swift birds nesting inside. It’s not the only cave in this little hill. Around it are several cavities, both big and small that can be found while you follow the trails. Based from a recent preliminary excavation conducted by the National Museum, they found artefacts of bone, teeth, shards of pottery with interesting wavelike markings.

READ: CAVE SITES IN KALIBO’S TIGAYON HILL TRACE ARTIFACTS OF CULTURAL, HISTORICAL VALUE

A flight of cemented steps leads to the hilltop where a chapel has been constructed. At the top, you can see the Aklan River as it meanders along the plains of the province. The trail going down to the other side has several stations of the cross and during the Holy Week, is a popular pilgrimage area for Catholics.

Although far from the town, the hill offers a different kind of small adventure, mysticism and thrill. Atop, just sitting on one of the benches or rocks or steps can be relaxing as its windy and cool.

HAVE YOU SEEN THE MAN BESIDE THE HUGE BALETE TREE ABOVE?

GETTING THERE: Tigayon Hill is around three kilometers from the Kalibo town proper. To get here, you need to hire a tricycle and tell the driver to take you to the hill in the Barangay Tigayon.

My gratitude to the Kalibo Municipal Tourism Office for touring me around this town.