Honestly, wanting to experience getting boiled alive in a wok made me want to pack my bags and visit Tibiao, Antique for a day. Doesn’t sound like something to your liking? Better try it out before you say no because simmering in a pot soaked with soothing leaves was the best thing to do after ending the day’s activities.
Tibiao is the 4th municipality located in Antique. A small yet serene area surrounded by rice paddies, lush greenery, and friendly folks! It’s quite the eco-adventure spot with amazing experiences to offer and sights to behold.
Trek Through Bugtong-Bato Falls
A 7-tiered waterfall found in Brgy. Tuno (Located 7 kilometers away from the town proper) is worth the visit. I recommend you put this first thing in your itinerary once you arrive in Tibiao. It’s a 30-minute walk of lush greenery, rice paddies and flowing streams. Read more about this adventure!
Try River Tubing
This is extreme sightseeing at its best, try going down the river on a tire tube! It’s a 7-kilometer trip which will last you an hour and a half of rapids and rock. Best enjoyed in groups like this adventure we had!
Be Pampered By Fish
Foot spas are nice, but have you ever tried getting one from a Doctor Fish? The Garra rufa is the kind of fish that nibbles at your skin flakes which can result in smoother and healthier skin, as long as you can stand the tickle fest that’s going to surround your feet. The fish were divided into two pools by size. The smaller sized fish were quite timid yet very thorough with their skin picking while the larger ones became a challenge for our group. Their mouths were bigger and as a result, I found this experience quite hair raising since I have very tickly feet!
Getting Cooked Alive In A Kawa Hot Bath
Now, this is the best finale to end our activity and while relaxing the muscles to the point of napping. Forget jacuzzis, getting cooked in a wok is better! You can also choose the flavor of your soup mixed in with soothing leaves and flowers. Check it out here.
Learn The Art of Pottery Making
Before leaving for Tibiao the next day, we decided to try our hand at traditional pottery making. Hidden from the main road of the Antique highway is the pottery factory in Barangay Bandoja. A couple of charming elderly women with years of experience gave us a demonstration. Learn more about it here!
and more!
Here are more activities which I didn’t get to do but would be worth trying out while at Tibiao:
Try the Teren-Teren at Tibiao Bakery
A popular small bread with a sweet filling that resembles a train, hence it has been called the Teren-Teren. I read that this is best eaten fresh and hot from the oven. You can find this at the local bakery that’s been open since 1953!
See Museo de Tibiao’s Large Sized Pearl Collection
You can find the two “Pearls of Tibiao” here. Each valued at around $100 million. If you’re curious, you can visit their museum which opens from 8AM to 5PM.
A Boodle Fight Lunch
Feast your eyes on a group lunch feast by the river. Their Karay-A menu contained fish, chicken adobo, mixed vegetables and among other dishes prepared on banana leaves.
How To Get To Tibiao, Antique
By Land
via Caticlan
Charter a tricycle to Ceres Bus Terminal. Take the bus to San Jose, Antique and let the driver know you’ll be stopping for Tibiao. . Or you can inform them to stop at Barangay Importante.
Bus fare: 100php
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
via Kalibo
You can easily reach Tibiao via Kalibo especially if you don’t have plans to travel to Boracay or are already there. First, take a tricycle to the jetty port since you can find Ceres buses stationed right beside the jetty port. For those coming from Boracay, just exit the port and walk to the terminal.
Bus fare: 130php
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
via Iloilo
If your starting point is from Iloilo, the only way to travel would be by Bus or Van. Go to Molo Terminal and get a van or bus bound for Caticlan, Pandan, or Culasi. Let the driver know that you’ll be heading for Tibiao.
Bus Fare: 110php Van Fare: 200php
Bus Travel Time: 6 hours
Van Travel Time: 4 hours
By Air
Keep in mind that there are no flights that fly directly to Tibiao. With the travel time as a priority, It is best to reach Tibiao when you travel from Caticlan since this is only a 2-hour bus ride which is by far the fastest. Don’t start from Iloilo if Tibiao is your main destination since it is a 4 hour trip by van. Kalibo is also another alternative since the flights are more affordable and frequent compare to Caticlan.
Getting Around Tibiao
If you don’t have your own private transportation, Tibiao is best traveled with the use of Habal-Habal or a tricycle. The rate would depend on your destination, make sure you ask before you ride.
The most basic landmark is the Petron Station across the corner leading to the barangay.Don’t forget that you may also have to register and pay the environmental fee of 50PhP, before entering the destinations along Tibiao River.
Where to Stay
Here’s a small list of places that I would recommend when you arrive at Tibiao, Antique. You can also easily view other available accommodations by using the Agoda widget on the right. Just simply fill in the dates and the place you’re planning to travel.
Kasa Raya Travelers Inn
This is the inn we stayed at overnight which is just right by the Iloilo-Antique highway and beside the Petron gas station. The rooms are air-conditioned and is clean and made of bamboo. There is also internet and a quaint cafe. Their adobo is a must try!
Kawa Inn
You can also experience their fish spa and the kawa hot bath if you plan to stay here. I was also informed that they have a decent internet connection as well and a small pool for kids. Also, their rooms are airconditioned.
Calawag Mountain Resort
You can also experience their fish spa and the kawa hot bath if you plan to stay here. The view of the Tibiao river is also good here. They were renovating their rooms during our visit and hopefully, you can experience their new amenities when you decide to visit!
Don’t Forget To…
- Bring your trash with you, don’t litter.
- Bring insect repellent
- Slather on some sunblock
- Wear something Dri-fit or better yet, a rash guard.
- Wear proper footwear!
- Stay hydrated and bring water