Tibiao (Antique)

Overview

Tibiao sits on the west coast of Antique, where rivers run down from the slopes of Mount Madja-as toward the sea. Its signature is the kawa, a large iron cauldron heated over a wood fire and filled with water, herbs, and flowers for a slow outdoor soak. The same rivers feed a day of tubing and kayaking, and trails lead to Bugtong Bato Falls and the cold springs at Malumpati. Offshore, the white-sand island of Mararison adds a beach day to what is otherwise a highland-and-river trip.

Standout experiences

• 01 Kawa hot bath

  An outdoor soak in a fire-heated cauldron of herb-and-flower water, the town's signature ritual.

• 02 Tibiao River tubing

  A guided float down the river from the Madja-as foothills, with calmer kayaking for those who prefer it.

• 03 Bugtong Bato Falls

  A forest cascade with a natural pool, reached on a short trek.

• 04 Malumpati Cold Spring

  A clear, cold spring-fed swimming area near the highway, popular with locals.

• 05 Mararison Island

  A white-sand island offshore from nearby Culasi, for a beach day between river trips.

Getting there

Kalibo International Airport (KLO) is the closest airport, about two hours from Tibiao. From Kalibo or the Caticlan jetty port, take a bus bound for Iloilo or Culasi and get off at Tibiao, then a habal-habal to the accommodation. From Iloilo City, vans leave Molo Terminal for Tibiao and take about four hours.

When to go

River tubing and kayaking on the Tibiao River are best from July to February, when the river carries enough water; dry spells can leave it too low, so travelers should check the water level with the operator first. The kawa hot bath and the trek to Bugtong Bato Falls run year-round. Weekdays are quieter and allow longer use of the baths.