Looking for a fun and exciting place to spend the weekend in Panay? The town of Tibiao, Antique is geared up to be an eco-adventure destination in this side of the archipelago. Easily accessible by land from any point in Panay, Tibiao is a blessing for thrill seekers and nature lovers since it is just a few hours away from travel gateways such as Iloilo, Boracay (Caticlan), and Kalibo. Tibiao offers attractions found in other popular eco-adventure destinations in addition to the town’s unique set of charms that is sure to give tourists a fun experience to cherish for a lifetime!
White water river kayaking in Tibiao River, Antique
White Water River Kayaking
The Tibiao River boasts of crystal clear waters suitable for white water rafting/kayaking at various grades of difficulty. Courses are available for those interested to experience this challenging recreational outdoor activity. For Grade 1, basic kayaking course introduces first timers to paddling a kayak in calm waters. Grade 2 course are fit for those kayaker who wants to experience a higher level of skill paddling through the rapids and big stones. Grade 3-4 course are for those professionals who want to enjoy an adrenaline rush adventure in the strong currents surpassing the big boulders and difficult maneuvers.
The Tibiao River is one of the best white water rivers in the country perfect for kayaking. In fact, it hosted the first “International Kayaking Cup,” which was initiated by Tibal Adventures, Inc. in 1997.
Lush landscapes of the Tibiao River
Basic kayak course grade 1 (very Basic skill) rapids
Approaching grade 2 white water (basic paddling skill) rapids
Varying drops and boulders ensure a challenging course for kayak enthusiasts
Bugtong-Bato Falls
Cool down at the refreshing 7-tiered cascades of the The Bugtong-bato Falls. The waterfalls is accessible by a 20-minute foot trail through the lush forests of Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao.
20-minute foot trail to Bugtong-bato Falls from Brgy. Tuno
First cascade of Bugtong-bato Falls
Trail to the second cascade
Second and third cascade of Bugtong-bato Falls
Climb to the third cascade
Kawa Hot Bath
Enjoy a unique relaxation experience in Tibiao by bathing in a hot kawa (large vat or frying pan), just like a local jacuzzi. This unique kawa hot bath will surely relieve the stresses in your body. Just imagine yourself dipping in a kawa filled with warm water. This kawa was used before for cooking muscovado or organic brown sugar. But later on, it was developed for this only one of its kind purpose.
Pottery and Brick-making
Learn a new skill in Brgy. Bandoja, a village in Tibiao known for its pottery and brick making. This place is blessed to have 450,000 metric tons of clay reserve for pottery and brick making. Get a hands-on in making the pots and bricks. Discover the art of creating hand-made pots and bricks as you mold chocolate-brown soil into marvelous masterpieces.
Lambaklad Fishing
Before the strike of dawn, set off to the Malabor coast of Tibiao, Antique and enjoy the experience of “Lambaklad Fishing.” This unique fishing technique involves laying down a huge stationary fish trap (one of the biggest in the country) to collect migratory fish such as tuna, mackerel, moonfish, barracuda, and manta rays passing through the western border of the Cuyo East Pass (also known as a tuna highway).
Dawn at the Malabor Coast of Tibiao, Antique
Double-tiered floating bamboo raft
Gorgeous view of Antique’s mountain ranges during sunrise
Yellow fin tuna
Tibiao Fish Spa
After an adventure in Tibiao, take a load off and experience the relaxing sensation of hundreds of little fish nibbling on your feet like little masseurs. The town boasts of the most affordable fish spa in the world using locally bred “TheraFish.”
The first branch of Tibiao Fish Spa in Tibiao, Antique
Katahum Tour Packages
Katahum Tours offers various packages for those interested to experience an adventure in Tibiao. The packages are ideal for group tours and team building events. Here are details on pricing and contact information:
1 day regular tour – PHP 1,499.00 per person
- Four adventures from any of the following: Waterfalls, Butong River swimming and cliff diving, Malakagat Hanging Bridge, Tigbaboy Hanging Bridge, Manlamon Cave, Kawa Hot Bath, Pottery and Brick Making
- Includes guided tour and tour transportation within Tibiao
- Free basic kayaking short course and unlimited Tibiao Fish Spa
- Free packed lunch· Souvenir
2 days and 1 night – PHP 3,399.00 per person
- All adventures: Waterfalls, Butong River swimming and cliff diving, Malakagat Hanging Bridge, Tigbaboy Hanging Bridge, Manlamon Cave, Kawa Hot Bath, Pottery and Brick Making, Lambaklad Fishing, Sea-boating at Malabor coast, Sunset viewing at Tiguis Beach
- Includes guided tour and tour transportation within Tibiao· Free basic kayaking short course and unlimited Tibiao Fish Spa
- Accommodations, four meals and souvenir
3 days and 2 nights – PHP 3,999.00 per person
- All adventures: Waterfalls, Butong River swimming and cliff diving, Malakagat Hanging Bridge, Tigbaboy Hanging Bridge, Manlamon Cave, Kawa Hot Bath, Pottery and Brick Making, Lambaklad Fishing, Sea-boating at Malabor coast, Sunset viewing at Tiguis Beach
- Includes guided tour and tour transportation within Tibiao
- Free basic kayaking short course and unlimited Tibiao Fish Spa
- Accommodations, six meals and souvenir
Rates are subject to change without prior notice. For current prices and other inquiries contact:
Katahum Tours
- Contact person: Flord Nicson Calawag, F.T
- Email: tibiaotours@gmail.com
- Mobile: +63921-8011808
- Phone: (63)(033)3967090
Getting to Tibiao, Antique
Tibiao, Antique is approximately 2 to 3 hours away by private vehicle from Iloilo City, Boracay (Caticlan), or Kalibo, Aklan. Commuters from Iloilo City can ride the buses bound for Libertad, Antique (via San Jose de Buenavista). Likewise, commuters from Caticlan can go aboard buses headed southwards to San Jose de Buenavista.
Hey, you know i’m from San Jose, Antique. I’m just wonderingwhat if no tour? pano kung entrance and kami na bahala sa gustonaming adventure. pano yun? how much?
What are the options of getting to Tibiao from Kalibo airport after 5pm? Please email me back.
Thank you
Hey Erica,
Best to contact Katahum tours about transportation to/from Tibiao.
http://katahum.com/how-to-get-there/
Thanks for this posting! I was looking at this trip with Tribal Adventures but it was way out of my budget, Katahum Tours is a much better fit.
Antique have lot of like this… so many more. I hope we can help promote this attractions as this is our requirement in our major subject. :) More fun In ANTIQUE :))
I’m assuming the rafting path isn’t at all that dangerous or risky based on the pic. Still looks fun though. The local DOT should promote more on these attractions. A blogger is more efficient that those lazy agencies.
I sing ” we built this city”
(screaming!)Say you don’t care who goes to that kind of place
Too many runaways eating up the night
” Don’t you remember?We built this city, We built this city on rock and roll!”
We just want to dance here, They call us irresponsible, write us off the page.
It’s just another Sunday, Who counts the money ,underneath the bar?
Don’t tell us you dont need us, ’cause we’re the simple fools.
“The City by the Bay, the city that rocks, the city that never sleeps”
This is excellent- the amount of detail and the pictures. But my goodness, who was taking the photos while you were river rafting? The rapids looked treacherous. Great itinerary, will definitely put it in the “must go there one day” file.
@JB , my big big appreciation thank you
H!there ive just discover a new haven paradise in iloilo’s little baguio the “PINERIDGE BUCARI” i hope u can go there, its simply a perfect view that looks like tagaytay,marvel the landscapes of benguet and feel the climate of baguio.. relly nice, relly good, relly fun while relaxing under the pines… just visit the website casafiammetta.com or see my pic s at facebook (jb bravo).. hope u can see it yourself! tnx
Antique is one of the undiscovered tourist destinations in the Philippines, IMO. There’s a lot of excellent places to visit in the whole province.
I have actually been in three provinces in Panay (iloilo, Aklan, Capiz) but never in Antique. I thought it was a deserted place. LOL. But this post made me think otherwise
i like d meztiza hope i wil meet her samday.
aaahhh! this blog is just what i needed! i went river rafting in sacramento when i went to california a few years back and have been itching to do it again ever since! definitely bookmarking this blog! thanks for the info!