About Kawa Hot Bath
Situated in the lush mountains of Antique, the Kawa Hot Bath in Tibiao offers a unique and relaxing escape where tradition meets tranquility. Using giant iron cauldrons once used for cooking sugar, this one-of-a-kind bath experience lets visitors soak in warm herbal water infused with local flowers and leaves. Surrounded by nature, the Kawa Hot Bath is a perfect way to unwind after an adventure in Antique, combining wellness, culture, and rustic charm.
Backpacking in Antique
This is my Day 3 – Solo Backpacking in Western Visayas. Since I had an overnight stay at Mararison Island, using his motorcycle, Kuya Rey brought me to the Municipality of Tibiao, a 30 to 40-minute travel on the highway. The roads are concrete, so traveling wasn’t hard, although we got caught in a thunderstorm.
Where to Stay in Tibiao
La Escapo Mountain Resort
La Escapo is one of the cheapest resorts in Tibiao that offers a Kawa Hot Bath. They have a bahay kubo (photo above) for accommodation, they offer extreme water tubing, floating cottages, and a body massage. They can be contacted on 09262376136 or 09774708784.
Upon arrival at La Escapo Mountain Resort, we were welcomed by their friendly receptionist. I inquired about their rates, settled and placed my stuff at the cottage, and proceeded to Brgy. Tuno for trek to Bugtong Bato waterfalls. I met Ate Marialyn at the Barangay Outpost, my super-friendly and talkative trekking guide. While on the way, an environmental fee of 50 pesos will be collected, which serves as the entrance fee to the waterfalls.
Bugtong Bato Waterfalls
The first part of the trek is passing by the residents’ houses in the village, passing by the rice fields, and lastly, an uphill trail to the waterfalls. The trail isn’t technical, but there are parts situated by the cliff, and holding on to the rope is the only support. By the way, I mentioned that my guide is super talkative. Do you know why??? She has a lot of something to share; upon my arrival at the Barangay Outpost, while walking on the trail, and when we had our goodbye, she was just amazing!
The photo above is a stunning view of the Bugtong Bato Waterfalls. Each level has its respective pools; according to Ate Marialyn, the pools are deep. The tranquility and relaxing ambiance are well maintained because of the surrounding greens. Plus, the harmony of the birds singing and the sound of the rushing water create the feeling of a lazy day. By the side of the waterfalls are artistic rock formations and limestone cliffs naturally curved by nature. Bugtong Bato Waterfalls is definitely one of the must-visit tourist spots in Antique.
After the trek, we went back to the cottage room. Tidy up. Watched a few episodes of KDrama. Listened to music. Had my lunch and took a nap. It was a lazy afternoon!!! Woke up at 2 PM. Had time to discover what’s inside La Escapo Mountain Resort.
Stunning Photos
The Relaxing 30-Minute Kawa Hot Bath
At 4 PM, everything was set up by the river – the most awaited was another lazy afternoon activity. It is an old style of warm bath that uses a “Kawa,” or a gigantic wok that serves as a bathtub. Instead of a heater, wood is used to create a fire to heat the water, and then sprinkled with ornamental and medicinal plants for a relaxing experience and fairer skin. The high-pitched sound of the birds singing, the relaxing, echoing sound of the rushing water, the nature surrounding the area, and the temperature of the Kawa Hot Bath were perfect combinations. That feeling lasted only 30 minutes; another 30 minutes was for a body massage. Then, we had dinner and watched KDrama again. And rested.
The next day was another challenging day. As always, I woke up at 3 AM – please don’t think that it’s bad or something creepy is happening; it’s just my body clock that activates. Had my electronics fully charged, had breakfast, and tidied up. And at 6 AM, I settled everything and left La Escapo at 7 AM.
Expenses
The Total Amount Paid at La Escapo was 929 Pesos. See below for the itemized expenses.
- Room: 250 Pesos
- Kawa Hot Bath: 399 Pesos
- Adobo for Dinner: 70 Pesos
- 1 Cup of Rice: 15 Pesos
- Set Breakfast: 100 Pesos
How to Get Here
Book a flight to Iloilo International Airport, the nearest airport. Ride a taxi to the bus terminal. Then, a bus ride bound for Kalibo via Antique. Ask the driver to drop you off at Tibiao town proper (travel time: around 3–4 hours). Lastly, habal ride to La Escapo.
Summary
A visit to the Kawa Hot Bath in Tibiao is more than just relaxation—it’s an experience that connects you to the rich traditions and natural beauty of Antique. Whether you’re easing tired muscles after a trek or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this soothing hot bath under the trees will leave you refreshed, recharged, and enchanted by the province’s hidden gems.
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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