Monthly Archives: February 2014

A Leisurely and Fast-Paced Cruise of the Bugang River (Pandan, Antique)

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We had barely caught our breath, upon our return to Malumpati Spring, when we were told to assemble at the dam area.  Here, three bamboo rafts awaited us, to quietly cruise, downstream, the 3 to 4-km. length of the Bugang River. Unique modes of transportation here, these rafts, only assembled when needed, were manned by 3 BCBTO polemen to steer the raft – one standing in front and two at the rear.

The bamboo rafts waiting for us at the dam

The bamboo rafts waiting for us at the dam

Cruising a quiet stretch of the Bugang River

Cruising a quiet stretch of the Bugang River

Jandy, Eman and I rode in one raft.  Through this scenic cruise, we appreciated this river’s rich ecosystem of diverse and lush flora and fauna as we snake along the clear, emerald green waters of the river.  The hour-long raft trip took us along a surreal landscape of decades-old trees (some of them gnarled), mangroves, coconut trees, bamboo groves and nipa palms that lined the banks all along the turquoise water’s edge. Some of the trees were felled by the fury of Typhoon Yolanda International name: Haiyan) which also struck the town.

The colorful rocks underneath the clear waters

The colorful rocks underneath the clear waters

Negotiating a bamboo fish trap

Negotiating a bamboo fish trap

We sometimes had to duck to avoid hitting overhanging tree branches along the way but, altogether, the river cruise produced a calming effect on me.  Where the water level was shallow and the current slow, we could clearly see, right through the bottom, the colorful stones and rock formations underneath. Dipping my feet at the river’s cool waters was an extreme delight.

A gnarled tree along the river bank

A gnarled tree along the river bank

A grotesque tangle of tree roots

A grotesque tangle of tree roots

At some part of the river, some rapids would form, something our expert polemen could negotiate with ease and precision. At the other parts of the river, we passed under a number of bamboo or wooden bridges and encountered small islands, a number of grazing carabaos along the river bank and some unsightly bamboo fish traps.

A river bank spectator

A river bank spectator

Banks lined with nipa palms

Banks lined with nipa palms

On our arrival at Manlonggong Point, beneath the Guia Bridge, we alighted from our bamboo rafts and transferred to smaller bancas manned by one boatman each. I only had time to rub some suntan lotion before boarding my banca.  Jandy rode on another one.

Transferring to small bancas at Manlonggong Point

Transferring to small bancas at Manlonggong Point

Racing towards the sea on my banca

Racing towards the sea on my banca

This time, we were to paddle, the rest of the river’s length, out towards the Bugang Estuary facing Pandan Bay. Pandan riverfolk waved and cheered us along the river bank as Jandy and I, as well as the others, paddled furiously towards this finish line.

Merienda at Cocco Beach Bar & Restaurant

Merienda at Cocco Beach Bar & Restaurant

Our boat race ended at the Bugang River Estuary Fishport and, from there, we again boarded the van for the short drive to Le Palme Beach Resort.  Here, we were to have a merienda of kakanin, bibingka and buko juice at its Cocco Beach Bar and Restaurant facing the white sand beach of Pandan Bay.

Check out “Resort Feature: Le Palme Beach Resort“

Le Palme Beach Resort: Brgy. Zaldivar, Pandan, Antique. Tel: (036) 278-9037. Mobile number: (0912) 335-5293.  E-mail: support@lepalmebeachresort.com  and lepalmebeachresort@yahoo.com.  Website: www.lepalmebeachresort.com.

Trekking Along the Bugang River (Pandan, Antique)

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We all awoke by 7 AM and had breakfast at Pandan Beach Resort.  After breakfast, the others boarded the van while Clelia and I joined resort owner Gigi Bautista in her car bound for Malumpati Spring, the main source of the Bugang River. I had been here twice before (the second time for Jandy) and the place still looks the same, save for the new zipline facility and wall climbing and rappelling tower of Pandan Adventure Boot Camp.

Bamboo rafting at Malumpati Spring

Bamboo rafting at Malumpati Spring

One of the cleanest inland bodies of water in the country, the Bugang River stretches from Brgys. Guia to Sto. Rosario and ends at Brgy. Zaldivar.  Here, we were to experience a real sense of adventure on the river – trekking, rafting and paddle boating.

The Bugang River

The Bugang River

The river, ranked first among the cleanest inland bodies of water in the region for three consecutive years,  has also won 3 awards – the “Dangal Ng Ilog” Award during the 1st National Summit on the State of Philippine Rivers in 2005; the “Hiyas ng Turismo” Award from the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapiligiran on December 6, 2006 (Iloilo City); and the “International Green Apple Environmental Award for Environmental Best Practice, Local Authorities and Ecotourism Category” from the Green Organization (an independent, non-political and non-profit UK ecology group) in the United Kingdom in 2011.

Start of the trek along the river's edge

Start of the trek along the river’s edge

The local government of Pandan, in an effort to preserve and protect the Bugang River while promoting it as a tourist attraction, has established the Bugang Community Based Eco-Tourism Organization (BCBTO). They spearheaded the Bugang River Cultural, Nature and Adventure Tour to help visitors foster an appreciation for the beauty of nature and develop better understanding of the locals’ practices through activities like rafting and paddle boating along the Bugang River. In 2006, the International Green Apple Environment Awards for Environmental Best Practice awarded this initiative with the Gold Winner in the Local Authorities and Ecotourism Category.

The rope ferry

The bamboo raft

Upon arrival at the spring, some of us, including Jandy, took a dip at the bracingly cold waters of the spring, others went rafting and some went shopping for souvenirs.  The arrival of Mr. Reynaldo Perez, the Malumpati Safety Officer and Operations Manager of the Pandan Adventure Boot Camp, signaled the start of exploration of the head waters of the river which are actually a pair of deep springs, one of which is the major source of the municipality’s water supply.  He assigned to us BCBTO guides Ria Dondon and Jomar Dionela and, together with Ms. Gigi, our tour narrator, we started our hike from the spring, across the bridge and past the Pandan Water District pumping station, into the dense forest.

Crossing a bamboo bridge

Laurie crossing a bamboo bridge

The trek, along the river’s edge, was not too difficult, but we did have to ford a stream as well as cross a bamboo bridge. Clelia and Leah also tried riding a bamboo raft moored along the river.

The smaller, still unfathomed spring

The smaller, still unfathomed spring

The river truly lived up to its reputation as the cleanest river in the country as you can actually see the marine plants, said by marine biologists to be endemic to the river, underneath the clear, turquoise waters.  There were, however, also a number of unsightly bamboo fish traps on the river. The end of the trek brought us, after 45 mins., to the smaller of the 2 springs which has been measured, by British divers, to a depth of nearly a hundred feet (30 m. or more) without finding the bottom. However, swimming wasn’t allowed here.

Crossing a swinging bridge on the return trek

Crossing a swinging bridge on the return trek

We returned to Malumpati Spring via a different route, passing through small settlements, a marker of the Kyoto Gyosei High School (who did reforestation along the Malumpati Watershed for 10 years) as well as crossing a much longer and swinging bamboo bridge.

R&R at Pandan Beach Resort (Antique)

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From Sebaste, we boarded our van for the short, 14-km. drive to Pandan town.  Here, we were going to stay at the upscale Pandan Beach Resort, our home for the 2 remaining days of our Antique Tour.  On hand to welcome us was Ms. Gigi Bautista, the resort’s owner and Gen. Manager.  Too bad we arrived late to catch the sunset.

Pandan Beach Resort

Pandan Beach Resort

Upon our arrival, Gigi booked all of us in single, twin and triple-sharing suites complete with all the modern conveniences hotel rooms in the city carry – airconditioning; combinations of queen, double and single beds; private bathrooms with hot and cold showers; and flat-screen cable TVs.  Some have refrigerators.

Check out “Resort Review: Pandan Beach Resort“

Sebaste Suite

Sebaste Suite where Jandy and I stayed in

All 7 rooms were named after the 5 Antique (Culasi, Libertad, Pandan, Sebaste and Tibiao) and 2 Aklan (Buruanga and Malay) towns that comprise the Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park.  Jandy and I stayed at the Sebaste Suite which had 1 queen-size and 2 single beds, actually good for 4 persons.

 

 

 

Marquesa’s Bistro Bar & Restaurant

Marquesa’s Bistro Bar & Restaurant

After checking in, what awaited us at Marquesa’s Bistro Bar & Restaurant was an array of Filipino dishes, prepared by house chef Leo de Guzman, for dinner – binabak, freshwater river shrimps (patuyaw) pounded and then steamed with onions, ginger and buko (tender young coconut meat); inubarang manok, a hearty mix of native chicken and chopped ubud (core of a banana stalk); buttered shrimps; grilled marlin; and adobong pusit (squid) plus a dessert of pinais (cassava suman).

Adobong pusit

Adobong pusit

Binaba (freshwater shrimps)

Buttered freshwater shrimps

Grilled marlin

Grilled marlin

The bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, beer, mixes and wines.  After dinner, we had an audience with young Pandan Mayor Jonathan D. Tan who gave us an overview on what Pandan town has to offer to tourists – trekking, bamboo rafting along the Bugang River, one of the cleanest inland bodies of water in the Philippines; swimming at Malumpati Spring; beachcombing on Antique’s only stretch of white sand beach on the mainland and, now, scuba diving.

Gigi Bautista with Pandan Mayor Jonathan D. Tan

Gigi Bautista with Pandan Mayor Jonathan D. Tan

After dining, some of us, including me, squeezed in a little work on our blogs (the resort provides wi-fi internet access) while others just opted to relax their tired muscles with a delightful and soothing massage at the gazebo.

The gazebo

The gazebo

A garden setting

A garden setting

Regine tries out the cozy and colorful hammock

Regine tries out the cozy and colorful hammock

The private beach area

The private beach area

Pandan Beach Resort: Brgy. Dionela, Pandan, Antique. Tel: (036) 278-9379.  Mobile numbers: (0922) 812-7906 and (0917) 580-9648.  E-mail: info@pandanbeachresort.com and pbrpandan@gmail.com.  Website: www.pandanbeachresort.com.

How To Get There: Pandan is located 123.7 kms. from San Jose de Buenavista, 35 kms. from Brgy. Lipata (Culasi), 30 kms. (a 45-min. drive) from Brgy. Caticlan (Malay, Aklan), 55 kms, (a 1.5-hr. drive) from Kalibo (Aklan), 65 kms. (a 1.75-hr. drive) from Dumaguit Port (Aklan) and 223 kms. from Iloilo City (Iloilo). About 3 kms. north of the town, a road forks, one to Libertad and the other to Kalibo (Aklan).

The Church of St. Blaise (Sebaste, Antique)

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From Culasi, we all boarded our van for the 19-km. drive to the next town of Sebaste where we paid a courtesy call on Mayor Jose Christopher A. Varona at the town’s municipal hall.  After our courtesy call, we again boarded our van and made a stopover at the nearby Church of St. Blaise, a pilgrimage site.  There is nothing outstanding about the church, which is of modern design. It’s what’s inside that matters – the venerated image of St. Blaise (locally called Señor San Blas).

The Church of St. Blaise

The Church of St. Blaise

The church altar

The church altar

The statue was sent as a gift to Fr. Mariano Vicente Zapanta, then the assigned parish priest of Pandan, by his mother Doña Matilde Zapanta, wife of the Duke of Seville. When Fr. Zapanta was transferred to Ipayo (the former name of Sebaste), he brought along with him the statue of St. Blaise and installed him in the church. Not long after, St. Blaise was made the patron saint of Ipayo and the town’s name was changed to Sebaste to honor the town, somewhere in Armenia or Capadoccia, where St. Blaise, then a bishop, had a see.

The widely venerated statue of St. Blaise

The widely venerated statue of St. Blaise

Jandy placing his head underneath the statue

Jandy placing his head underneath the statue

Aside from being a bishop, St. Blaise was also a Doctor of Medicine and a throat specialist. Miracles, attributed to him, claim that he not only prevented calamities, but also healed the sick. The news of his miracles spread throughout the length and breadth of the region. Thus, every 3rd of February, his feast day, countless number of people from Antique, Aklan, Iloilo, Capiz, Negros, Mindanao, Mindoro and many other places, visit the church for healing.

The prayer to St. Blaise

The prayer to St. Blaise

The statue of St. Blaise is carried over to touch the head, the back and up to the ankle of devotees, from different places and from all walks of life, but especially the poor and the simple, who flock to the church and line up, seeking the miracle of healing or his intercession.  Though it was already past his feast day, we were given the privilege to do just that, albeit in a shorter queue.  I prayed to him for healing, not just for myself, but also for my autistic son Jandy. We also recited the prayer to the saint.

How To Get There: Sebaste is located 108.9 kms. from San Jose de Buenavista, 206 kms. from Iloilo City (Iloilo) and 69 kms. from Kalibo (Aklan).

Malalison Island (Culasi, Antique)

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We woke up at 7 AM and, after breakfast at Anna Sophie Hostel, were all driven to the Culasi Municipal Hall where we made a courtesy call on Mayor Joel A. Lomugdang.   From the municipal hall, we made the short drive to Culasi Blvd. where we boarded 3 motorized pumpboats that would take us on our day-long excursion to Malalison (also called Mararison) Island, the nearest of the town’s offshore islands (the others are Batbatan Island and Maniguin Island). Joining Jandy and I on the boat were Flord and Maricar.

Malalison Island

Malalison Island

The 4-km. boat ride to this beautiful, 55-hectare, undeveloped, and hook-shaped island took just 20 mins..  On the island is one of the town’s three island barangays with about 700 inhabitants.  We landed at the island’s white sand beach, in front of the shell of what used to be the multi-purpose hall, ruined when Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) struck the island.  Nearby is the island’s signature sandbar which stretches about 100 m. from the beach.

On our way to Malalison Island

On our way to Malalison Island

As it was still very early for lunch, we decided to trek the raw and rugged beauty of the island, with its hilly and grassy prairie-like landscape (the island has been called the “Batanes of Antique”).   Maricar and Clelia decided to just stay behind and swim the time away.

View of the fishing village, the sandbar and Mt. Madja-as

Bird’s eye view oof the fishing village, the sandbar and Mt. Madja-as

The initial trek was very tiring, as it was uphill and, as the terrain was mostly grassland, there were almost no trees to provide shade from the intense heat of the sun.  However, the view from the top was spectacular, with the fishing village and its lagoon and sandbar below us and, across the deep blue sea, majestic Mt. Madja-as on the Antique mainland.

A carnivorous pitcher plant

A carnivorous pitcher plant

As we trekked the island’s spine, we observed some of the island’s interesting flora including carnivorous pitcher plants.  The downhill trek was not as tiring as the uphill trek but it was quite treacherous as the trail was very steep.  At this point, we could espy the island’s white sand cove, Nablag Islet, the typhoon-damaged, roofless shell of the island’s elementary school, and a small grove of pine trees as well as mosquito-repelling eucalyptus and neem trees.

Trekking the Batanes-like landcape

Trekking the Batanes-like landscape

Upon reaching the school, we rested for a while before proceeding on to the cove.  Nablag Islet is just across the cove and we can cross it by foot, via a sandbar, as it was low tide, but we decided against it as it was almost noontime and we still had a long return trek ahead of us.

White sand cove and Nablag Islet

White sand cove and Nablag Islet

From the cove, we again went up a hill, where we again had magnificent views around the island, and down the rock shore where we found two 100-ft. long, sea-sculpted caves.  Trekking here was also difficult as we had to traverse slippery and sharp boulders along cliffs and rock formations.  Here, Regine slipped and drenched her camera.  From this area, we were picked up (or should I say, rescued) by our boat which brought us back to the village.

A sea-sculpted cave

A sea-sculpted cave

At the village, a pumpboat soon arrived, bringing in our packed lunch as well as Mr. Jonathan Jurilla and Ms. Marie Joy R. Sumagaysay, both U.P. Visayas (Miag-ao, Iloilo) Asst. Professors, the latter present during the patadyong weaving demonstration at Bugasong.  For the next three days, both were to join us for the rest of the tour.

Traversing rock formations along the coast

Traversing rock formations along the coast

After lunch, Maricar, Regine, Leah, Clelia, Arjay and Marcos left on the boat back to Culasi. Eman, Laurie, Jandy and I decided, while waiting for the boat to return, to go swimming at the left side of sandbar while Flord, Rupert, Arthele, Laurie, Jonathan and Joy whiled the time away under the relaxing shade of a tree.

Mt. Madja-as with sandbar in foreground

Mt. Madja-as with the island’s sandbar in foreground

Swimming here was great, as the shore along the sandbar was relatively shallow, the waters crystal clear and we again had the magnificent view of Mt. Madja-as as a backdrop, a scene that reminded me of Camiguin’s White Island and its backdrop of Mt. Hibok-Hibok.  Our boat arrived arrived after an hour and a half and the rest of us left the island by 4 PM.

Our media group at Culasi Blvd.

Our media group at Culasi Blvd.

Sunset at Tiguis Beach (Tibiao, Antique)

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We have just ended our fun-filled Tibiao Eco-Adventure Tour activities and, back at our van, we made our way along the National Highway, to Tiguis Beach, Tibiao’s popular seaside scene, where we were to watch the great sunset. This gray sand beach, in Brgy. La Paz, faces the Cuyo East Pass, a part of the South China Sea.

Fishermen and family members hauling in their net

Fishermen and family members hauling in their net

This typical swimming beach is also a place where one can and feel the ambiance of peace and serenity by just listening to the surf.  Along its shores are cliffs, talisay trees and huge, century-old balete (locally known in the Visayan dialect as lunok) trees. While waiting for the sunset, we also watched children playing along the shore and fishermen hauling in their nets.

The magnificent sunset at Tiguis Beach

The magnificent sunset at Tiguis Beach

The sun soon reached the horizon and its setting was quite spectacular, as the conditions were right, with hardly any clouds to block the view.  All the photos we took were gorgeous.  No wonder it is included in the itinerary of Katahum Tours.  A cave is said to be located nearby. After watching the sunset at Tuguis Beach in Tibiao, we again returned to Culasi for another overnight stay, this time at the Anna Sophie Hostel & Garden. The resort, located within Culasi poblacion, next to Northern Antique High School, was already operational but still undergoing some additional construction.

Check out “Hotel and Inn Review: Anna Sophie Hostel & Garden“

Still the owner, Mrs. Palacios, tried to make our stay as comfortable as possible, seeing to our every need as best as she could.  After checking in and freshening up, we were all invited for dinner set up at the driveway, the resort having no restaurant yet.

Media group with Ms. Palacios (left)

Media group with Ms. Palacios (left)

In spite of minor discomforts brought about by the ongoing construction, the cool breeze coming from the sea negated the need for airconditioning and assured a good night’s sleep, even for those checked in at fan-cooled rooms.  Another big plus was the wireless internet access which allowed me to post some blogs and the others to access their social media accounts, something we sorely missed the past few days, Typhoon Yolanda having struck Antique just 3-1/2 months ago, disrupting communications within the province.

Anna Sophie Hostel & Garden: Felipe S. Alpas St. Centro Sur. Culasi, Antique. Mobile number: (0920) 476-2508.

Katahum Tours: Tibiao, Antique.  Mobile numbers: (0919) 813-9893 and (0917) 631-5777. E-mail: flord@tibiaofishspa.com. Website: www.katahum.com.

How To Get There: Tibiao is located 73 kms. from San Jose de Buenavista, 12.6 kms. from Barbaza and 17 kms. from Culasi.

Kayaking the Tibiao River (Antique)

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Upon our return to the barangay hall of Tuno, we again boarded our van and were brought to the banks of the Tibiao River where the river kayaks and the staff of Tribal Adventure Tours were waiting for us.  This was to be the last stage of our day-long Tibiao Eco-Adventure Tour – actual kayaking at the Tibiao River.

The Tibiao River

The Tibiao River

The swirling Tibiao River, rising on the slopes of Mt. Madja-as, plunges with over 1,000 m. on its short run to the ocean. With 23 kms. of rocky, narrow but navigable, grade 3-4 rapids, it is being promoted by the Department of Tourism as a whitewater kayaking destination.

All ready to go

All ready to go

The usual is a pleasant 8-km. (one-day) excursion as access to the upper section is difficult.  Put-in is at Igpitoy and ends at a spot called Tigbaboy.  The river has many chutes, playable holes, eddies and waves, a number of small drops with substantial and nearly continuous, grade 3 rapids and no really dangerous spots except in very high, grade 4 water.

Jandy's kayaking run

Jandy’s kayaking run

There weren’t enough kayaks for all of us so it was just Jandy, Arjay, Arthele, Clelia, Jonathan, Laurie, Leah, Marcos and Regine on the kayaks, all wearing the required life vests and helmets.  After being instructed on the basic kayaking skills, it was off to the waters for them on their short, maneuverable kayaks.

Jandy back on land after kayaking run

Jandy back on dry land after kayaking run

We observed their kayaking run from the vantage point of the 80-m. long hanging bridge suspended above the Tibiao River. This usually serves as a finishing line in kayaking-slalom competitions.

How To Get There: Tibiao is located 73 kms. from San Jose de Buenavista, 12.6 kms. from Barbaza, 17 kms. from Culasi and 89 kms. from Brgy. Caticlan (Malay, Aklan).

An Unusual Hot Bath (Tibiao, Antique)

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From Bugtong Bato Falls, we all took a different foot trail, this time making a 20-min. hike to Bugtong Bato Falls Inn where we were to have our lunch, on an outdoor bamboo picnic table, of fried fish, pork adobo and steamed rice plus delicious, homemade coconut and mango flavored ice cream for dessert.

Our picnic area

Our picnic area

After this filling repast, an unusual treat awaited us – an exotic and soothing hot bath in a kawa, a huge wok (fryer) that was transformed into a jungle hot tub (PhP200), an idea similar to Japanese ofuro hot baths which use rectangular wooden tubs.

The row of baths being prepared

The row of baths being prepared

The kawa with "ingredients" added in

The heated kawa with “ingredients” added in

We were supposed to have this at Kayak Inn, an upland riverside resort operated by Tribal Adventure Tours, an adventure outfit, but there was no supply of spring water needed to fill the kawa.  Luckily for us, Bugtong Bato Falls Inn also offered these unusual hot baths – with spring water available.

Meditating inside the fryer

Contemplating the fate that awaits me inside the fryer

The five big, recycled kawas, cauldrons used for cooking muscovado (raw brown sugar) and taken from abandoned sugar mills, are filled with natural flowing spring water fed from a pipe.  Then, a real fire, fuelled by chopped wood, rice hulls, charcoal and dried palms, is placed underneath the kawa to heat the water.  Guyabano and guava leaves, said to cure skin disorders and add aroma, are then added as “ingredients” to the now heated water, together with ginger slices and flower petals.

Jandy's turn at the cooker

Jandy’s turn at the cooker

Once the water temperature was right, I took the first shot at experiencing the feeling of being “cooked alive,” the wooden ladle adding a nice touch. While having my hot dip, I felt my muscles, tired and tense after a morning of strenuous hiking, being relieved as the heat permeated my skin. As the kawa can fit two, Jandy joined me after a few minutes.  During the session, an attendant controls the fire so that it does not become too hot.  The thickness of the kawa prevents the fire from scalding our skin.

Father and son bonding moment in a kawa

Father and son bonding moment in a kawa

All the while, I enjoyed the sights and sound of the nearby forest.  It is recommended to just stay there for 20 to 30 mins., otherwise you’ll end up like a prune.  Truly, a “must do” while in Tibiao.

Peter's Lodge

Peter’s Lodge

For those, who want to stay overnight, you can stay at Peter’s Lodge, just beside the baths.  The 2-storey nipa and bamboo lodge, which could be rented overnight for PhP1,500, has a fan-cooled bedroom on the second floor, a 6-pax ground floor dining area, and a bathroom.

Fan-cooled bedroom

Fan-cooled bedroom

6-pax dining area

6-pax dining area

Peter’s Lodge: Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique. Mobile numbers (0920) 499-6903 and (0939) 492-8554.

Katahum Tours: Tibiao, Antique.  Mobile numbers: (0919) 813-9893 and (0917) 631-5777. E-mail: flord@tibiaofishspa.com. Website: www.katahum.com.

How To Get There: Tibiao is located 73 kms. from San Jose de Buenavista, 12.6 kms. from Barbaza, 17 kms. from Culasi and 89 kms. from Brgy. Caticlan (Malay, Aklan).

Bugtong Bato Falls (Tibiao, Antique)

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After our orientation at Zipline Inn, we again boarded our van for the drive to the barangay hall of Brgy. Tuno where we secured the services of local guides Arnel Vicente and Marialyn Benito for our trek to the 7-tiered Bugtong Bato Falls, so called because it is perched in the midst of a lone rock.  The first three waterfalls, with heights up to 150 ft., are easily accessible.

The trek begins ....

The trek begins ….

Zipline Inn owner Ms. Ofelia Gaal also joined us on this hike to her property.  According to her, it just takes her 25 mins. to get to the falls  but I figured it would take me much longer with my mobility issues due to osteoarthritis.  We just brought along our essential gear – cameras, water, hats, etc.

Passing rice terraces on the way to the falls

Passing rice terraces on the way to the falls

Another bucolic scene

Another bucolic scene

The hike, through a craggy mountain trail, took us past streams, lush forests, beautiful rice terraces and over two bamboo suspension bridges.

Crossing a bamboo footbridge

Crossing a bamboo footbridge

Hiking through this incredible countryside was worthwhile and a treat by itself, even without the falls at the end of the trail.  Along the way we also encountered some grazing cows as well as a number of fallen trees,  visual evidence of the destruction wrought by Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) on the town.

The first waterfall and its swimming hole

The first waterfall and its swimming hole

Surprisingly, in under 40 mins., we arrived at the beautiful falls and our prize for completing the hike – its inviting swimming hole.  It is thus with great anticipation that we dipped our tired bodies in its cool, refreshing water.  In my excitement though, I forgot to remove my belt bag with my cellular phone in it.  A total loss.  Oh well.

Steps with rope leading to the second tier

Steps with rope leading to the second tier

After a while, we decided to try out the second waterfall.  Getting there entailed a short but steeper climb up a staircase with a stout nylon rope to assist us, much too challenging for Maricar who decided to stay behind.  Once up there, it offered another cool, inviting swimming hole for us to swim in.

The second tier of the falls

Father and son at the second tier of the falls

The third fall, visible from here, was a different story as it was accessible only by swimming across this second swimming hole and then climbing another nylon rope up the slippery side of the waterfall.  Tricky to say the least. Still, I admit to being envious seeing the others do it.  If only I were 20 years younger.

Steps and rope from second to third tier of falls

Steps and rope from second to third tier of falls

Only Clelia and Rupert, as well other visiting foreign tourists, attempted this.  The third falls offers the smallest but the most beautiful of the three swimming holes, said to have deep blue waters.

Katahum Tours: Tibiao, Antique.  Mobile numbers: (0919) 813-9893 and (0917) 631-5777. E-mail: flord@tibiaofishspa.com. Website: www.katahum.com.

How To Get There: Tibiao is located 73 kms. from San Jose de Buenavista, 12.6 kms. from Barbaza, 17 kms. from Culasi and 89 kms. from Brgy. Caticlan (Malay, Aklan).

Orientation at Zipline Inn (Tibiao, Antique)

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From UA Hometel, we were again driven to Tibiao Fish Spa where we had breakfast.  After this, we again boarded our van to the poblacion where we paid a courtesy call on Mayor Gil B. Bandoja at the municipal hall.  Day 3 was to be the start of our Tibiao Eco-Adventure Tour and, right after our courtesy call, we proceeded to Zipline Inn  where we will have our orientation over cups of coffee.  Here, we were warmly welcomed by owners Leslie and Ofelia Gaal.

Check out “Hotel and Inn Feature: Zipline Inn“

Zipline Inn

Zipline Inn

The now-retired Leslie, a Canadian citizen of Hungarian ancestry, was a former serviceman and marathon runner.   His wife Ofelia (nee Cumla), a native of Tibiao and a cousin of Flord and Leah, convinced Leslie to retire here and build an inn on their 1,800 sq. m. lot.

From the road, steps lead down to the inn

From the road, steps lead down to the inn

Both philanthropists, they also financed the hanging bridge over the Tibiao River that connects Sitio Malakagat with the rest of the town.  Before the hanging bridge was built, flooding along the river, during the rainy season, prevented the townspeople from selling their produce or children from going to school. The couple also own the 4.7-hectare property that includes Bugtong Bato Falls, Peter’s Lodge and Bugtong Bato Falls Inn.

Ofelia and Leslie Gaal

Ofelia and Leslie Gaal

Zipline Inn is named as such because of the adjacent zipline facility of Tibiao Eco-Adventure Park. The inn is also the gateway to Tibiao’s many eco-adventure activities – hiking to the aforementioned Bugtong Bato Falls; kayaking at the Tibiao River; zipling and wall climbing at Tibiao Eco-Adventure Park; and popular kawa hot bath at Kayak Inn as well as in Bugtong Bato Falls Inn.

Zipline Inn: Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique.  Mobile numbers: (0920) 499-6903 and (0919) 579-5436.

How To Get There: Tibiao is located 73 kms. from San Jose de Buenavista, 12.6 kms. from Barbaza, 17 kms. from Culasi and 89 kms. from Brgy. Caticlan (Malay, Aklan).