Last January 2012, after celebrating my birthday in Iloilo (for the 2nd time around), we visited the nearby province of Antique. It was indeed an enchanting and adventurous trip. It was my first time to visit the province though I am a frequent traveler in Panay Island.
Antique is part of the Panay Island which comprises other provinces such as Capiz, Aklan and Iloilo. Its capital is in San Jose and two hours away from the city of Iloilo. People in Antique do have same dialect with Ilonggos and do share same traits of hospitality to visitors. You'll get amazed on vast rice plantations, lush forest and sparkling seas. If you are the type of traveler who likes nature trips, Antique can be best suited for you!
How to get there:
There are lots of ways to visit the Antique province:
1. Via Iloilo - From Iloilo Airport, go to Molo town proper for Ceres bus and vans plying to Antique province. Fares may range from 150-200 pesos depending on the location you are going to visit in the province. Travel time is around 3-4 hours on bus and 2 hours on van.
2. Via Kalibo, Aklan - From Kalibo Airport, there are vans and buses plying to nearby Antique town. Fares may also range from 100-150 pesos depending on the nearby Antique towns that you are going to visit. Travel time is around 2-3 hours from Kalibo.
3. Via Caticlan, Aklan - From RoRo vessel, there are buses going to Antique to Iloilo. Fare rates may depend on the places you are going to visit. Travel time is around 2-3 hours. If you are coming from Boracay you can also do the sidetrip of visiting Antique province.
Places of Interest:
1. Trekking at Bugtong Bato falls - famous for its seven-tiered falls and the rice terraces along the trek
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| Our wacky pose! |
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| Rice Terraces |
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| Mountains and Rice Terraces |
2. Tibiao Fish Spa - a different natural alternate on having a foot and body spa
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| It tickles :) |
3. Beach - Antique province has a vast shoreline so you can feast of basking outside while the sun is on. You might also try boating activities and island hopping on nearby islands in Culasi town. You can also try the Lambaklad fishing which shows the teamwork / bayanihan spirit of townsfolk on catching fish and sharing it with everyone.
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| The beach |
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| Lambaklad Fishing |
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| Sunset |
4. Kayaking and Kawa Hot Bath near Bugtong Bato falls - try to immerse yourself in a simmering "kawa" after a long trek in the falls
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| The Kawa! |
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| The Kayaking trail |
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| The Rapids |
5. Visit the church in San Jose Antique
6. Have fun on Hanging Bridge in Tibiao Antique
7. Seafood feast
8. Cruise the Malumpati River - one of the cleanest river in the Philippines
9. Stargazing at night by the beach
10. Visit old towns - I noticed that most towns in Panay still bores strong influence during Spanish times. Churches, municipal halls and town plazas are usually adjacent to each other and every town we visited in Iloilo, Antique and Capiz do have common denominators in their towns including the old architectures and town's plazas.
Additional Notes:
It is always best to have friends or relatives in the area that can show you around good places to visit in the province. One of my considerations on visiting new places is to ensure we knew someone around the place who can show us around and also guide us on our travel. Our advantage is that my significant other has relatives in Antique and took great care of us. Our travel is fun and unforgettable. We also met new friends.
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