Panipiason: Gateway to Aklan Mountain Adventures

Panay Island
Rivers cut through the rugged landscape, their currents swift and lively, carving paths around smooth, timeworn boulders scattered along the banks. These natural stone sentinels stand as enduring reminders of Madalag’s raw, majestic charm—a place where the elements shape both the land and the spirit of those who journey through it.

Several waterfalls cascade like silver curtains down Madalag’s rugged ridges, each one a hidden gem tucked within its forested folds. The area is still home to magnificent flora and fauna—rare orchids, towering dipterocarps, and elusive wildlife thrive here. Yet this natural wealth speaks with an urgent voice: a stronger call for conservation is not just necessary, but vital to protect the fragile ecosystems that make Madalag a living sanctuary.

Locals of Madalag
Locals like this elderly lady rely with non-timber products for livelihood. Image by Klyvin Reyes.

A collaborative initiative led by Aklan Trekkers is working to organize local community mountain guides and equip them with practical and financial skills. The goal is to align social entrepreneurship with their capacity to host visitors, fostering immersive experiences that celebrate and protect their natural environment.

Through our organization, Aklan Kamera Org (AKO), we are committed to supporting initiatives that highlight the natural beauty of the area and inspire a deeper love for nature. Our goal is to awaken an innate sense of responsibility to care for the environment. Through our photographs and videos, we strive to offer meaningful perspectives that underscore the vital role of documentary-making in nature and wildlife conservation.

Klyvin June Torres Reyes
Klyvin June Torres Reyes
Klyvin is an Aklanon photographer, mountaineer, and conservation advocate, co-founder of Balintanaw Travels, and Vice President...


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