Things To Do in Antique, Philippines

It was another boring night at work when I spontaneously decided to go on adventure. I hurriedly went home right after my shift, packed my bags and  went straight to the port of Bacolod. I reached the port of Dumangas around 6 am and  a friend of mine was waiting there for me as I had no idea where to go next. Hahaha.  I had no sleep but my mind was filled with euphoria and I could not hide my excitement. Finally, I could cross this place off my bucket list.

Day ONE

6 AM               Arrival from the port of Dumangas

7 AM               Breakfast in Jollibee

8 AM               Take a van or bus from Molo terminal bound for Culasi, Antique

12 NOON         Lunch at Anna Sophie Hostel, Centro Sur, Culasi, Antique

1 PM                Check in at Anna Sophie Inn, Mararison Island

2 PM                Take a walk on the beach 

3 PM                Start trekking around the scenic Mararison landscape 

Mararison Island  is a 20- min. boat ride from the port of Culasi. If you don't like crowded beaches, this is the best place for you. Great beach, clear water and breathtaking view. It is also a perfect place to unwind and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. 

The Little Batanes of Panay

The picturesque view of the blue waters of Mararison Beach with the highest peak Mt. Madjaas in Culasi, Antique as the background.

The mini cave of Mararison Island 

Accommodation and Expenses

You may contact Anna Sophie Hostel and book a reservation. (pump boat, tour guide and a good place to stay on the island) contact number is 0920 476 2508/ 0905 272 8685/ 036-277-6673. You may also contact Mr. John Sumanting of Culasi Tourism Office. (036) 277-8077, 09163245068. 

Mararison Island Rates 

Room with AC                            2,000 PHP 3-4 pax

Non AC                                       1000  PHP  4-6 pax

Group Room                               1500 PHP max of 10 pax

Pump boat                                   800 PHP good for 5 pax  (round trip) 

Tour guide for trekking              200 PHP good for 5 pax 

Van Fare going to Culasi            200 PHP ( travel time is about 4 hours)

Travel Tips 

When trekking, bring lots of water. The island has a generator that operates at 6 pm- 5 am. Cellphone signal is weak but there are areas where I was able to get 3G (globe), just enough for me to upload real time photos of my adventure. They also cook food for guests, just pay a service charge but very affordable. There are many sari- sari stores on the island where you can buy supplies like water, ice, food, shampoo, body soap and beer. The locals are very friendly and helpful. 

Sunset View

Swim with me

How's this for a morning view?

 How To Get There

From Iloilo Airport, take a shuttle van going to Molo Terminal. Fare is 50 PHP. From Molo Terminal, you have two options. You may either take a van bound for Culasi, Antique (travel time is 4 hours) or take a bus (travel time is more than 5 hours). Fare is 200 PHP. 

From Kalibo, take a ceres bus or van going to Culasi, Antique. Travel time is about 2 hours and fare is 82 PHP.

 Be sure to spend a night here. Set up a camp on the sandbar and just enjoy watching the stars while listening to good music and to the crashing waves. Share your life stories with your travel buddies over a couple of beers. Forget all your worries and just live in the moment.

Day 2 

6 AM               Wake up call and breakfast by the beach
7 AM               Time to say goodbye, Mararison Island and wait for manong bangkero
8 AM               On our way to Tibiao, Antique
9 AM               Visit Kayak Inn and experience the famous Kawa Hot Bath
10 AM             Visit the hanging bridge
11 AM              Start trekking and visit Bugtong Bato Falls

At last! I experienced the famous Kawa Hot Bath here in Kayak Inn, Tibiao. It was an awesome experience. This is one of the best tourism products here in Tibiao, Antique. One will surely enjoy a hot bath under the huge trees overlooking the beautiful Tibiao River. 

After that unique Kawa Hot Bath experience, we went straight to the hanging bridge. Overcome your fear of heights and cross the hanging bridge and enjoy the breathtaking view of Tibiao River and the beautiful mountain view from afar. Based on the web, the Tibiao River is one of the best white water rivers in the Philippines because of it's clear waters suitable for water rafting or kayaking.

Our next destination was Bugtong Bato Falls in Barangay Tuno, Tibiao. It is a 7- tiered waterfalls but only three of which are accessible. It was almost lunchtime when we started trekking. The falls is accessible through a 30- minute walk. It is suitable for adventurers and nature lovers. You will definitely enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and will serve as your reward for the hike. 

Bugtong Bato 1st Falls 

Bugtong Bato 2nd Falls

Bugtong Bato 2nd and 3rd Falls 

Accommodation and Expenses

For inquiries, you may contact Kayak Inn at 0908 504 3463 or 0921 570 1947. 

Kawa Hot Bath                                        200 PHP for 30 minutes only 

Habal Habal                                             70 PHP (one way) 

Bugtong Bato Falls Tour Guide              200 PHP 

How To Get There

There are two gateways to Antique by land, these are Iloilo and Aklan. From the Molo Terminal, you can take a bus or van bound for San Jose, Antique and Libertad. Travel time is approximately 3-4 hours. Fare is 180 PHP. 

More Photos Below 

Memories make life more meaningful 

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See you on the road!