ECO

Anini-y

Start your tour at the postcard-perfect charm of Anini-y where a massive centuries-old Spanish church stands as a vintage landmark. It has withstood natural catastrophes and the onslaught of time. Built of white corals and shells with exquisite architectural and structural design, this edifice is truly reminiscent of the Spanish era.

A casual walk along the coastline not far from the Poblacion is the Sira-an Hot Spring and Health Resort, a sulfur spring atop big boulders where warm waters, believed to be curative, flow profusely from crevices and settles in a large pool and “Jacuzzi –like” tubs. Reef barriers adjacent the resort serve as diving platforms for the more spirited sea lovers.

From the shoreline, one can take a glimpse of the idyllic and picturesque Nogas Island, an uninhabited 26-hectare marine and bird sanctuary and a 15-minute motorized banca ride from the mainland. It is a good excursion spot with its varieties of seashells scattered along its sandy, white beach. Excellent coral reefs beneath the rock sea beds contain superb panorama of marine life, making it ideal for scuba diving or even snorkeling. A thick carpet of trees and mangroves in the island create a cool and relaxing atmosphere for the weary traveler.

Locally known as Punta Nasog but officially known as Cresta de Gallo for the obvious reason that the formation of this three-peaked mountain resembles a cock’s comb. The best view of this mountain is on the street or along the shoreline of Casay. Those who have spent two hours of their lives climbing the mountain rave about the breathtaking scenery. The best time to visit is during summer months when one has the option of enjoying mountain climbing or deep-sea diving.

Anini-y is almost 40 kms south of San Jose de Buenavista, the capital town of Antique, and 90 kms from Iloilo City via the coastal road. The place is accessible by public buses and jeepneys daily from the two places mentioned above.

Tobias Fornier

Passing Punta Hagdan and Taguimtim in Tobias Fornier, one can experience a scenic view of breaking surf and coconut palms edging the beach amidst the backdrop of breathtaking sunsets during the golden hours of dusk. Off-road trails and feeder roads provide a great get-away for mountain bikers and light trekkers. Practices and rituals of Aetas and Bangotbanwas are prevalent in the hinterlands for cultural minority studies. This contemplates a refreshing experience for travelers going to San Jose de Buenavista for a well-deserved rest or an evening of cold beer and music.

Hamtic

Historians had it that the first Malayan Settlement in the Philippines was in this peaceful barangay of Malandog in Hamtic. Datu Sumakwel together with his men and other datus were said to have established a settlement here in the middle of the 13^th century. With this account, Malandog perhaps, is the first barangay to be established in the entire Philippine archipelago. A marker has been built at Malandog Elementary School campus to memorialize this significant historical account. Your next day’s stop unravels a great legacy of sea-faring and freedom-loving ancestors at the exact spot where the event took place. Every Last week of April of the year, the province longs for the Binirayan Festival. Binirayan, from the word “biray” or boat ride, literally means- a place where the boats dock- and this significant occasion of revelry and color depicts the cradle of Antiqueños’ noble heritage. Thus, to rekindle the essence of the festival, a reenactment of the Malayan Landing and Settlement is staged at the mouth of Malandog River in Hamtic, the exact location where the historic event took place in 1300 A.D. The yearly Mardi Gras and Ati-ati Competition, the prestigious Lin ay kang Antique pageant showcasing the beauty of mind, character, and physical appearance of young antiqueñas are among the highlights of the Festival that gets better with time.

Sibalom

Hike your way and enjoy the sensational view of lush forest reserve of Mt. Poras where exotic species abound. Foremost of which is the recent discovery of the biggest flower in the country locally known as Uruy and said to belong to the Rafflesia genus though it is smaller than the biggest found in the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. This particular species is also endemic to Panay Island. Conservation and protection measures are underway to better preserve the survival of the flower, which has attracted visitors and the tri-media over a period of so short a time. Going down to the riverbed of Mao-it at the foot of Mt. Poras, you will be astonished and bewildered to discover that it is laden with literally boulders and boulders of semi-precious gemstones. Recently, Mt. Poras and its adjacent mountain ranges were declared part of the Sibalom Natural Park, so visitors and nature-lovers will be assured of a natural haven for years and years to come.

San Remegio

You will enjoy not only this special trek to Mt. Poras but also the exploration of two other interesting spots in the neighboring town of San Remegio, known as the Summer Capital of Antique. These are the Aningalan and Igbaclag Caves and Clara Valley. Strategically located on the hilltop near the foliage of trees, they are an ideal ground to view the vast plains of sculptured rice paddies, riverside villages and majestic contours of rolling hills. A 20-km downhill road will definitely stimulate an adrenaline rush to intrepid bikers.

Belison

Heading downhill, take a side trip to Belison and marvel at the nesting place of giant marine turtles, locally known as “pawikan” that frequent the town’s seashore to breed, a satisfying naturalists’ delight indeed! Today, Belison is also an ideal place for mountain biking activities.

Patnongon

Your next itinerary takes off in Patnongon where you can pass by St. Augustine High School, formerly a Spanish convent near the ruins of a century-old church. A chance to observe Muscovado Milling (natural sugar considered as a health food) is a sight to experience. The first established Cabizera during the Spanish era; Bugasong is a destination in itself. A 400-year old miraculous Sto. Niño de Bugasong made of Ivory and Silver is an attraction to religious and curious cynics alike which is still housed at the town’s parish church. Another place to visit is Brgy. Bagtason, a souvenir hunter’s haven with its assortment of loom-woven “patadyong”, the only one of its kind in the Visayas and is well known throughout the province.

Valderrama

Endowed with a picturesque mountain landscape and colorful cultural beginnings, the inland town of Valderrama is a happy blend of nature and culture. A hike up Mt. Baloy, one of the last rainforests in the country, will take you to the fragile habitat of the remaining endangered species of flora and fauna. Upon descending, your hiking takes on a cultural dimension as you meet and mingle with the “Sulud Bukidnon”, a tribal community that still practices ancestor worship with elaborate rituals. After a long and challenging day of activities, a cool breezy welcome at Villa Valderrama Mountain Resort relaxes the tired muscles, preparing you for another day of thrilling adventure ahead. Action Adventure like hang gliding and rock climbing are introductory sports for seasoned adventurers.

Laua-an

Never end your journey without dropping by the sleepy town of Laua-an where you can buy hand-made bamboo crafts and the sweet-sugar taste of “lasaw”. This place is also a good jump-off point to explore the Central Panay ranges including Mt. Dumara where small scale gold panning was once an activity. Not to be left out in your tour are the Batabat and Punta Coral reefs in Barbaza, which feature unparallel wonders of Marine life. The spectacular diversity of tropical fishes and distinct coral formations in varied colors are truly interesting in the eyes of aqua sports enthusiasts.

For the more adventurous, scaling Mt. Nangtud (considered as the highest peak in Panay) and adjacent mountain ranges offer fulfilling beauty of unexplored waterfalls, wild winding rivers and unnamed caves for a more exciting mountain travel. Along the way, a visit to Camp Eupre Forest & Orchard Resort will definitely conclude your rigorous yet refreshing mountain trip.

Tibiao

If Mt. Nangtud offers tropical haven for mountain lovers, then Tibiao is the ideal venue for take off. Your travel will have a great potential for action and adventure, like mountain biking and the challenging White Water Kayaking if your itinerary begins in this town. Tourist influx in Tibiao has significantly increased after its river was found ideal for White Water Kayaking and Wild River Rafting on grade three and four categories respectively. As a matter of fact, the first ever Philippine White Water Kayaking Competition was held here last November 1998 where contenders came all the way from Australia and United States.

Your adventure further connects to a mountain resort suitable for camping activities and a multi-tiered Bugtong Bato Falls as an added attraction. Game fishing is also recommended in Seco Island, an isolated reef that boasts of its inexhaustible supply of marine life for a much-awaited prized catch.

Culasi

History has it that Madia-as Mountain in Culasi was legendary home of the great “Bulalakaw”, a god of the Bornean migrants who settled in the Island. Presently considered as one of the premier peaks for mountain climbing, a trek to its height measuring 7,217 ft. is a rewarding experience. Discover and explore the biodiversity from spotted deer, cloud rat, rare species of butterflies to moss-covered bonsai, trees, orchids and pitcher plants.

The islands of Mararison, Batbatan and Maniguin rise in a splendid view from the mainland and are said to belong to a Caribbean category. A novelty dive to its multi-colored corals and various species of tropical fishes is a memory to be treasured forever.

Sebaste

Capture nature at its best in the municipality of Sebaste. Try river trekking through the mountain trails with its exceptional travel route, a forest that’s there to provide cool and refreshing experience to what Igpasungaw falls can offer. Hiking, caving, and an introductory sport popularly known as cannoning, are potential activities to try. Not to be left behind is Sebaste Shoal, a 40-minute ride by motorized banca, offers a special treat to professional scuba divers, which is Shark Diving. A number of White tip Sharks are seen frequenting the area. Your travel will be meaningless without getting the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the antiquated figure of St. Blaise. Believed to be miraculous, thousands and thousands of devotees and believers from all over Panay island flock to this town’s religious fiesta celebrated every February 2-3 of the year.

Pandan

Further north; take a splash in the chilly waters of Malumpati Health Spring & Tourist Resort in Pandan. The spring provides water to a natural pool stretching to a river with breathtaking panorama of a scenic mountain view as a backdrop. Bugang-Malumpati River has captured national prestige by making it in the National Finals as one of the Cleanest Inland Bodies of Water for four consecutive years now. The main source of the spring was recently explored and was discovered to be perfect for cave diving.

More in Pandan, Tingib Cave offers individuals a more spiritual journey as you traverse the depths and unknown properties of the cave together with the local spelunking guides. Phaidon Beach Resort is the only world-class beach resort in the whole province where nature and technology blend so well. It boasts of modern amenities, classy facilities, and use of Internet connection. Pandan Bay provides a wide venue for Aqua Sports and Marine Attractions with the constant sighting of Whale Sharks.

Libertad

The northernmost and the provinces’ Cleanest & Greenest coastal town of Libertad boasts of its Marble Mountain. The high-quality deposits are expected to last a thousand years unless it’s tapped and explored. Spelunking in Maang-hit Cave and adjacent cave systems is an alternative adventure. Mt. Sibaliw, located at the heart of the low-elevation rainforest of Northwestern Panay, fulfills the yearnings of naturalists and environmentalists alike. Pandan & Libertad also have distinct topography and slope formations. Both are surrounded by low-elevation forest (the only remaining of its kind in the country) and are still in excellent condition as determined by its existing diversity. Snorkeling/skin diving, marine studies and research can be done in several fish sanctuaries, especially at Brgy. Tinigbas, Libertad, Antique.

Caluya

Island hopping and sailing complete your tour when you reach the island of Caluya. Islets and naval reserves overlooking the China Sea with sufficient natural potential can compete close with what world-famous Boracay can offer. The white, powdery sand beaches as well as the diverse species of marine life that abound in its unexplored coral reefs could become a major attraction to visitors and tourists. There can never be as captivating and refreshing experience as Antique, definitely your next destination for Nature & Adventure travel!