Antique: A Complete Guide to Its Shores and Tales

Known as Binirayan Country, Antique is a scenic province located on the western side of Panay Island in the Philippines. Often described as the Land of Sails, Stories, and Seas, Antique remains one of the country’s underrated travel destinations. With its dramatic coastlines, waterfalls, mountains, and rich oral traditions, the province offers an immersive experience for travelers seeking both adventure and authenticity. Let’s explore Antique.

📋  TABLE OF CONTENTS

• I – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
• II – POINTS OF INTEREST
  • BUGTONG BATO FALLS, TIBIAO
  • KAWA HOT BATH, TIBIAO
  • TIBIAO RIVER
  • OTHER PLACES TO VISIT SOON
    • MALALISON ISLAND, CULASI
    • MALUMPATI COLD SPRING, PANDAN
    • MT. MADJA-AS
    • NOGAS ISLAND, ANINI-Y
    • SECO ISLAND, TIBIAO
    • SAN REMIGIO RICE TERRACES
• III – HOW TO GET HERE
• IV – SAMPLE ITINERARY
• V – WHAT TO BRING
• VI – FINAL THOUGHTS
• VII – REFERENCE

I – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• Geography and Terrain – Antique stretches along the western coast of Panay Island, bordered by the Sulu Sea to the west and the Central Panay Mountain Range to the east. Its landscape is a combination of rugged mountains, rolling hills, rivers, waterfalls, and pristine beaches. The province is also home to Mt. Madja-as, the highest peak in Panay.
• History and Heritage – Antique’s identity is deeply rooted in the Binirayan migration story, which tells of early Malay settlers who established communities along its coast. This legacy is celebrated annually during the Binirayan Festival in San Jose de Buenavista, highlighting the province’s resilience, unity, and historical significance.
• Religion and Culture – Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Antique, influencing local customs, fiestas, and traditions. However, indigenous beliefs and oral storytelling remain strong, especially in upland communities. Festivals, music, and folk dances continue to preserve Antique’s cultural identity.
• Economy and Craftsmanship – The province’s economy is largely agricultural, with rice, coconut, sugarcane, and fishing as major industries. Handwoven products, bamboo crafts, and local delicacies reflect the craftsmanship and creativity of Antiqueños.¹
• Other Notable Points of the Province²
  • Peaceful and less commercialized compared to neighboring provinces
  • Ideal for eco-tourism and adventure travel
  • Known for warm, welcoming locals

II – POINTS OF INTEREST

BUGTONG BATO FALLS, TIBIAO

A seven-tiered waterfall accessible via a short trek, ideal for swimming and cliff diving.

KAWA HOT BATH, TIBIAO

Giant iron cauldrons filled with heated spring water, herbs, and flowers for a therapeutic soak.

TIBIAO RIVER

Popular for river tubing and extreme rafting during the rainy season.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT (SOON)

MALALISON ISLAND, CULASI

Known for its sandbar, rolling hills, snorkeling spots, and stunning sunrise views.

MALUMPATI COLD SPRING, PANDAN

A crystal-clear mountain spring perfect for swimming and cliff jumping.

MT. MADJA-AS

The highest mountain in Antique, favored by experienced mountaineers.

NOGAS ISLAND, ANINI-Y

A protected marine sanctuary with coral reefs, mangroves, and a historic lighthouse.

SECO ISLAND, TIBIAO³

A remote sandbar paradise popular for kite surfing and camping.

SAN REMIGIO RICE TERRACES

Hidden upland terraces that showcase Antique’s agricultural heritage.

III – HOW TO GET HERE

• Fly to Caticlan Airport (Aklan) or Iloilo International Airport.
• From Caticlan, Antique is less than an hour away by car via Pandan.
• From Iloilo, travel by bus or private vehicle (3–4 hours).

In our case, we drove all the way from Caticlan using a self-drive vehicle that was rented for ₱2,000. Gas is at the expense of renter. But since we only toured Tibiao, we only ended up paying ₱800 for the gas. You can divide this cost for a group of 5 pax. Contact Faye Kuizon for car rental +63 999 934 8663.

IV – SAMPLE ITINERARY

We only had a day tour in Antique, so it’s more about exploring Tibiao and nearby Towns. But if you are considering 2 days itinerary, you can use this suggested trip:

DAY 1

• 7:00 AM | Travel from Caticlan to Tibiao | ₱1,500–₱2,500
• 9:00 AM | Bugtong Bato Falls Trek | ₱150–₱200
• 12:00 NN | Lunch (Local Eatery) | ₱200–₱300
• 2:00 PM | Kawa Hot Bath Experience | ₱250
• 4:00 PM | Explore Tibiao River Area | Free
• 6:00 PM | Check-in & Rest | ₱1,500–₱2,500

DAY 2

• 7:00 AM | Travel to Culasi | ₱500
• 9:00 AM | Island Hopping: Malalison Island | ₱500–₱1,000
• 1:00 PM | Lunch on the Island | ₱250
• 3:00 PM | Stopover at Malumpati Cold Spring | ₱50–₱100
• 6:00 PM | Return to Caticlan

V – WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable outdoor clothing
• Swimwear and towel – Towels are rented from ₱50–₱100 in Kawa Hotbath resorts. Better to bring one
• Trekking sandals or shoes
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Cash and waterproof bag

VI – FINAL THOUGHTS

Antique is a province where nature heals and culture speaks. From the whispering waterfalls of Tibiao to the rolling hills of Malalison Island, every corner tells a story shaped by time and tradition. Often overlooked, Antique rewards those who take the road less traveled with unforgettable experiences. This is Antique—Binirayan Country.

VII – REFERENCE

1. Provincial Government of Antique – https://antique.gov.ph ↩︎
2. DOT Western Visaya – https://www.facebook.com/DOTR6WesternVisayas/ ↩︎
3. Tibiao LGU – https://tibiaoantique.gov.ph/category/uncategorized/ ↩︎