About Antique
Located along the western coast of Panay Island, Antique Province is a hidden gem in the Visayas that beautifully balances nature, history, and local charm. Known as the “Province Where the Mountains Meet the Sea,” Antique offers breathtaking waterfalls, refreshing hot baths, and untouched beaches that captivate every traveler’s heart. From the enchanting Kawa Hot Bath of Tibiao to the adventure-packed Bugtong-Bato Falls and Malumpati Cold Spring, this province is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Beyond its natural beauty, Antique also showcases a rich cultural heritage reflected in its traditions, festivals, and warm people.
Tourist Spots in Antique
Mararison Island
Mararison, or Malalison, is a gorgeous island. Before it became prominent and captured the attention of travelers and tourists worldwide, it was a fisherman's island, where locals lived, using their boats and nets as their primary livelihood. Today, this island is open to anyone who wants to discover and experience what it has to offer.
Rolling Hills
Your escapade cannot be completed without hiking the Rolling Hills of Mararison Island. From the summit, there is a 360-degree view of the island and the nearby municipalities. In addition, you can enjoy the relaxing ambiance, with hills surrounded by greenery and a cool, calming breeze. If you are brave enough to walk the trails in the dark, you can wait and enjoy the beauty of the golden sunset, with reflections on the water, the shape of the mountains, and the horizon—a perfect backdrop for Instagram.
The Sandbar
Mararison is an island, so its waters are crystal clear. The photo above was taken from the top of the rolling hills, a spot where the water's clarity is undeniably outstanding. Its shoreline has fine white sand with a mixture of colorful shells. During low tide, the shoreline extends, forming a long sandbar. If you are looking for underwater flora and fauna, scuba diving and snorkeling are also available.
Kawa Hot Bath in Tibiao
Kawa Hot Bath is a must-try. It is an old-style warm bath that uses a “Kawa,” or a gigantic wok, as a bathtub. Most of the resorts offering Kawa Hot Bath are situated in Brgy. Tuno is 30 to 40 minutes away from Culasi. To heat the water in the wok, they use wood. Then, it is sprinkled with medicinal and ornamental plants for a relaxing experience and to restore beauty.
Bugtong Bato Waterfalls
Bugtong Bato is just one of the waterfalls. You can reach these spectacular waterfalls by trekking and passing through the "pilapil" of the residents' farmlands. Because the area is surrounded by trees and other plants, tranquility and calmness are preserved. Wants extreme? Bugtong Bato has different stages. You can reach the higher stage by spelunking using a single rope as support.
Where to Stay in Antique
- There are no five-star hotels, so a homestay with the locals can give you a remarkable experience.
- I had an overnight stay at Kuya Rey's house. Had dinner and breakfast with his family and had a great conversation. Kuya Rey can be contacted on 0929 322 0927. He also has a boat rental.
Where to Stay in Tibiao
- There are a lot of resorts in Brgy. Tuno.
- La Escapo Mountain Resort is highly recommended in Tibiao. They have “bahay kubo” accommodations and offer the Kawa Hot Bath, body massage, floating cottages, and extreme water tubing. They can be contacted on 09262376136 or 09774708784.
How to Get to Antique
- By Air: You can book a direct flight from Manila to Roxas City airport. Ride on a motorcycle or tricycle to Pueblo. Ride in a van to Kalibo and alight at the Ceres Bus Terminal. Ride a bus with an "Ilo-Ilo" signboard and alight in Culasi.
- By Bus: Routes via Bus with RoRo transport are available in Cubao, Starmall, Robinsons Antipolo, and Alabang.
Summary
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, soaking in a kawa, or immersing yourself in local culture, Antique Province offers an experience that’s both rejuvenating and enriching. It’s a destination that invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and appreciate the simple yet profound beauty of rural life in the Philippines. As one of the country’s most underrated destinations, Antique is waiting to surprise and inspire every traveler who dares to explore its timeless wonders.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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