Lyndol John Z. Manuyag
13 min readMar 10, 2023

Discover The Beautiful Province of Antique

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Antique is one of the provinces inside the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is renowned for its beautiful natural beauty, which includes stunning sandy beaches, rugged mountains as well as lush forests. It is also filled with history and culture and has various heritage sites and practices which have been passed over generations. Antique is the home of a variety of native communities with distinct customs and ways of living. The Capital city of San Jose de Buenavista is a center for education, trade as well as tourism. In general, Antique is a province whithers tourists the chance to explore the beauty and diversity of the Philippines.

Antique is also famous for its lively festivals which are celebrated all year long. One of the most well-known is The Binirayan Festival, which commemorates the arrival of the Ten Bornean datus on this island called Panay. Also, the Kali-Kalihan Harvest Festival and the Semana Santa are also popular occasions that celebrate the traditions and culture of the province.

How to get Antique Province

There are a variety of methods to reach Antique province, based on your location of departure and the mode of transport you choose. Here are a few common choices:

On Air: closest airport for Antique will be Iloilo International Airport. Iloilo International Airport, which is located in Iloilo City, is approximately 2–3 hours away via land travel. In the arrival hall, passengers can take taxis or travel by shuttle bus from the airport to Antique.

Through Land: If you’re traveling from outside the Philippines You can catch the bus to Antique. There are numerous bus companies that service the province, offering daily service from cities like Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo. The journey by bus can last between 8 and 12 hours, contingent on the location of your departure.

Through the sea: Another option is to travel by ferry or boat trip to Antique. Many ports within the province can accommodate inter-island vessels. These include Caticlan Jetty Port, Caticlan Jetty Port, and the Culasi Port. Check the local companies for shipping for their schedules and rates.

After you have arrived in Antique, you can travel throughout the province on jeepney tricycle, taxi, or jeepney. Some tourist attractions like the waterfalls and beaches might require additional transportation like motorcycles or boats. It’s recommended to do some research and prepare your itinerary ahead of time to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Top 10 Beautiful Places in Antique Province to visit.

  1. Mararison Island

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Mararison Island, also known as Malalison Island, is a tiny, but beautiful island just off the coast of Antique Province in the Philippines. It is famous for its clear, crystal-clear waters white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

One of the major attractions on Mararison Island is its beautiful beach, which is ideal to swim, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Visitors can also discover Mararison Island’s varied marine ecosystem through an underwater or snorkeling tour. The waters around Mararison Island are home to many beautiful sea turtles, colorful fish as well as other marine animals.

Apart from the sandy beaches, and marine species and as well Mararison Island is also known for its beautiful scenery. The island is covered by mountain ranges and hills that are rugged which provide an amazing backdrop for photography and nature walks. The island’s visitors can hike to the top of Mount Malalison for a panoramic view of the island as well as the surrounding ocean.

In the end, Mararison Island is a hidden treasure located in Antique province. It offers visitors the opportunity to get away from the bustle and noise of urban life and revel in the natural beauty and richness of the rich culture.

  1. Seco Island

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Seco Island is a tiny uninhabited island just off the coast of Tibiao in Antique province in the Philippines. It is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lively marine life and is a favorite tourist destinatiod for water sports lovers.

Seco Island is protected by coral reefs making it a great place to dive and snorkel. The waters around Seco Island house a wide variety of marine life that include vibrant sea turtles, tropical fish and whale sharks. Visitors can join an excursion to dive or snorkel to see the coral sea life and reefs.

Apart from snorkeling and diving tourists can also take part in many water sports, including kiteboarding, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. The island is famous for its consistent and strong winds, making it a great place for wind and kite sports lovers.

Seco Island also is a top spot for beach picnics and camping. Seco Island is not home to resorts or hotels, but guests can set up an outdoor tent along the beach and have the night beneath the stars. The island also houses tiny fishing villages, where tourists can purchase fresh seafood as well as other local delights.

All in all, Seco Island is a hidden treasure within the Antique province, offering visitors the chance to enjoy the natural beauty as well as the excitement of water activities. With its breathtaking beaches, crystal-clear water, and vibrant marine life, it’s undoubtedly a must-see destination for any water and beach sports lover.

  1. Nogas Island

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Nogas Island is a small island that lies near the shores of Anini-y within Antique province in the Philippines. It is famous for its beautiful white beaches, crystal clear waters, and gorgeous coral reefs which makes it a sought-after location for snorkelers and divers.

The island is protected by coral reefs that are home to a diversity of marine creatures, including colourful marine turtles, tropical fish as well as reef sharks. Tourists can take an excursion to snorkel or dive to discover the reefs and marine life. The crystal clear waters make it an ideal location for swimming , as well as other water sports.

In addition to its gorgeous ocean ecosystem Nogas Island also has an abundance of lush greenery and rocky formations that are perfect for beautiful nature walks and scenic hikes. Visitors can take a tour of Nogas Island’s distinctive rocks, hidden lakes as well as natural swimming pools.

Nogas Island is also known for its gorgeous sunsets and breathtaking views. People can enjoy a relaxing day on the beach and enjoy watching the sun go towards the horizon.

The island is uninhabited which makes it a serene and peaceful escape away from the bustle and hustle of urban life. The visitors can set up their tents on the beach, and then enjoy an evening in the night under the stars.

All in all, Nogas Island is a stunning and tranquil location located in Antique province, which gives tourists the opportunity to enjoy Nature’s beauty as well as the excitement of water activities. With its breathtaking beaches, crystal clear waters, and the vibrant marine life it’s certainly worth a visit for any nature and beach fan.

  1. Igpasungaw Falls

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Igpasungaw Falls can be described as a spectacular natural attraction that is located within the city of Lambunao in the province of Iloilo, Philippines. The waterfalls are hidden within the lush forest in Barangay Igpasungaw and are a well-known destination for nature lovers and adventurers.

The waterfalls are set in beautiful greenery as well as cascading waters offering a beautiful background for those visiting. The water falls from a height of about 20 meters to an unnatural pool at the bottom that is perfect to swim in and cool away from the scorching temperatures of the day.

To get to the falls visitors must take an easy hike through the forest through streams, and then pass through various rock formations. The hike is about 30 to 45 minutes. Visitors must wear comfortable footwear and bring plenty of water to last the entire trip.

In addition to the falls and the forest surrounding it, it has an extensive variety of fauna and flora that includes various species of birds and butterflies. The area is also renowned as a source of medicinal herbs and visitors are able to learn about the various uses for the plants from locals.

All in all, Igpasungaw Falls is a stunning and tranquil spot located in Iloilo province. It gives visitors the chance to enjoy Nature’s beauty as well as the excitement of adventure. With stunning waterfalls, lush forest, and a variety of wildlife It is certainly worth an excursion for anyone who is a nature lover.

  1. Malumpati Cold Spring

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Malumpati Cold Spring is a natural attraction that is located within the city in Pandan located in the province of Antique, Philippines. The hot spring is famous for its clear, cold water that flows down from the mountains into the natural pool, offering an enjoyable escape from the scorching heat of the day.

The spring is covered in lush greenery and visitors can participate in many activities, including kayaking, swimming, or bamboo rafting. The refreshing water and tranquil surroundings make it a perfect location for relaxing and enjoying.

Apart from its beauty in nature, The spring is recognized because of its significance to the environment. The water flowing out of the spring is part of the Malumpati River, which is the main source of water to the towns that are located in Pandan as well as Libertad. The river also is home to a variety of aquatic species, including crustaceans and fish.

To get to the source, guests need to walk through the forest. The trek lasts between 30 and 45 minutes. The walk is moderately strenuous and the visitors are advised to wear comfortable footwear and carry enough water for the trip.

All in all, Malumpati Cold Spring is an unbeatable and refreshing location within the Antique province, offering tourists the opportunity to see its beauty as well as the importance of conserving the environment. With its crystal-clear waters as well as lush greenery and serene surrounding, it’s definitely worth a visit for every outdoor and nature lover.

  1. Bugang River

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The Bugang River is a natural wonder located within the city of Pandan in the province of Antique, Philippines. The river is renowned for its clear, crystal-clear water that flow out of the mountains and into the lush vegetation of the forest surrounding it.

The river is a great location for kayaking and bamboo rafting. The river has the total length of 16 km. The smooth flow of the river is ideal for novices and families with kids. On the way, travelers can take in the stunning landscape of the mountains and forests.

One of the main attractions in the area is the Bugang River Zipline, which is the longest zipline in the river in the Philippines with a length of 750m. The zipline takes riders over the river, and offers an amazing view of the mountains and forest surrounding.

Bugang River Bugang Fluss is renowned for its ecological importance because it houses a range of aquatic species, including crustaceans and fish. It also supplies water to the cities that are located in Pandan as well as Libertad.

In the end, Bugang River is a stunning and distinctive place located in Antique province, which gives tourists the opportunity to enjoy its beauty as well as the excitement of adventure. With its clear, crystal-clear water with lush greenery, as well as engaging activities, it’s surely worth a visit for any outdoor or nature lover.

  1. Bugtong Bato Falls

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Bugtong Bato Falls can be described as a stunning natural attraction within the city of Tibiao in the province of Antique, Philippines. The falls are famous for their clear, cold water, which is flowing out of the mountains before cascading down into a series of rock formations.

The waterfalls are set in lush greenery to create a tranquil and serene setting for those who visit. The natural pool that is located at the lower part of the fall is great to swim and cool off from the scorching heat of the day.

To reach the waterfalls visitors need to go on a hike through the forest through streams and be surrounded through various rock formations. The hike takes about 30 to 45 minutes and is moderately strenuous and therefore, visitors are advised to wear comfortable footwear and bring plenty of water to last the entire journey.

Apart from the waterfalls The forest around it hosts an extensive variety of fauna and flora that includes various species of birds and butterflies. The region is also renowned for its weaving tradition and pottery. Visitors can learn about these skills from the people who live there.

  1. Kayak Inn

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Kayak Inn is an exclusive hotel within the city in Tibiao located in the province of Antique, Philippines. The hotel is famous for its green and sustainable method of operation, and has accommodations constructed of bamboo and other natural materials.

One of the main attractions of the hotel is its position along the river, providing an ambiance of peace and quiet for guests. Visitors can participate in a variety of options, including bamboo rafting, kayaking and fishing. The river also hosts diverse aquatic species, offering the perfect opportunity for visitors to gain knowledge about the ecosystem of the area.

The rooms are at Kayak Inn are basic but cozy with cottages and rooms built to blend with their natural environment. The restaurant also serves delicious meals that are made using local and fresh ingredients.

Apart from its environmentally friendly method of operation, Kayak Inn is also recognized for its tourism programs that are based on community. The hotel works closely together with its local residents to support sustainable development and create employment opportunities for local residents.

  1. Tibiao Fish Spa

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Tibiao Fish Spa Tibiao Fish Spa is an exceptional attraction inside the town in Tibiao located in the Province of Antique, Philippines. The spa provides visitors with a opportunity to experience the benefits of natural massage and exfoliation provided by tiny toothless fish, also known as doctor fish or garra Rufa.

The participants soak their feet in the water containing these fish. They then gnaw on dead skin cells to provide the natural exfoliation and massage. This is believed to provide therapeutic effects, including increasing circulation and easing stress.

In addition to the fish spa, Tibiao is also known for its hot springs as well as traditional weaving. Visitors can soak in the hot springs that are natural that are believed to provide healing qualities because of their mineral content. You can also witness and take part in the traditional weaving techniques used by locals.

Tibiao Fish Spa Tibiao Fish Spa is one of the most popular attractions located in Antique province, and draws guests from across the globe and across the country. The spa provides an unforgettable and relaxing experience, and additional benefits of helping communities in the area.

All in all, Tibiao Fish Spa is an exceptional and intriguing place located in Antique province. It offers visitors the chance to experience the benefits of doctor fish, and also get to know its local history and customs. Its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a relaxing environment It is certainly worth an excursion for anyone seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path adventure.

10.Antique Rice Terraces

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Antique Rice Terraces an amazing natural wonder located in the mountains in Antique located in the Philippines. These rice terraces are a evidence of the traditional and sustainable practices of the indigenous local people that have been cultivating the rice on these terraces for more than 2500 years.

The terraces are situated within the city in San Remigio and cover an area of about 30 acres. Rice terraces laid out in a sequence of steps. Each step is carefully designed to hold in water and stop erosion of the soil. The terraces offer a distinctive and beautiful sight, particularly in the harvesting and planting season when the fields are awash with golden or green rice stalks.

In addition to their aesthetic worth aside from their aesthetic value, they are also aesthetically pleasing. Antique Rice Terraces are also important due to their historical and cultural significance. They are considered to be one of the oldest rice fields found in the Philippines and are a testimony to the creativity and resourcefulness of the local indigenous population.

Tourists visiting the Antique Rice Terraces can enjoy an informative tour that teaches about the significance and history of the terraces and also the ancient agricultural practices utilized by the people living there. The terraces provide a unique and immersive experience that allows visitors to experience the beauty of nature as well as the culture from the Antique province.

Overall, the Antique Rice Terraces are a breathtaking and historic destination located in Antique province, which gives tourists the chance to experience the natural beauty and rich cultural richness of this region. They are a place of ancient and sustainable farming practices, they’re definitely worth visiting for anyone who is interested in culture, history and nature.