As my companion’s “ooohs” and “aaahs” synchronize with the sloshing sounds of the rapids of
Tibiao River, I would stare at the blue sky while my tube
swirls me endlessly. Lying relaxed, I then just let the movement of the water send my consciousness to a Zen state of mind. Occasionally, I would look ahead to see the nearing
rapids. Our guide would holler “hold on”
up ahead the stream to let us know we were approaching what they refer to as “washing machine zone”. Every time we
pass a rapid, I would hear my friends Karla and Erica’s crescendo
voices—this time in a chorus of joyous yell.
River Tubing in Antique
River tubing is a water
activity where an individual sit on a donut-shaped inner tube, riding un-tethered
and left to the control of the river's current—except for a few occasions where
the rider can use their hand to paddle. Using the International River Grading
System; Tibiao River is given a grade of 4, making it in ideal river tubing and
white-water rafting spot.
The popularity of this water
activity in Tibiao started after a group of Australians organized a kayaking
event a few years back. Since then, it has snowballed into a province-wide
tourism draw when a National Extreme River Tubing Race was held in 2018.
Katahum Tours owner Flord
Calawag says "We have been bringing
many tourists—both foreigner and locals—to this river as part of our eco-tour
package. Americans, Australians, Russians coming from Boracay visiting us to
experience river tubing in Antique"
Calawag also manages Calawag
Mountain Resort where river tubing sessions usually starts. Here, guests can
also enjoy a pre-tubing boodle meal and a kawa hot bath by the river afterward.
Asked if the said tourist activities may interfere with the river's eco-system,
Calawag assures that "all
resort-owners situated near the river are taught to uphold sustainable
practices and proper solid waste management".
After more than an hour of
spinning over the cold waters of Tibiao river, we finally rested on still
waters downstream. Despite being drenched and feeling cold, we were all stoked
and even wanting to ride more—but a series of huge boulders ahead would make it
extra difficult for us to ride the current further.
Stirred-up by the activity
we return to Calawag Mountain Resort for some relaxation.
Kawa Hot Bath in Antique
Many centuries ago, being placed
inside a big cauldron on top of a fire, would mean you're about to get cooked
alive and to be eaten by cannibals. Fortunately, today, you won’t end up as
human stew because these giant steamers are now used as pseudo-bathtubs, where
one could experience a very therapeutic soak known as “Kawa Hot Bath”.
Already a popular nature
indulgence and tourist draw in Antique, the Kawa hot bath is the Earth-friendly
version of the jacuzzi where you sit inside a firewood heated cauldron filled
with water and picked flowers and herbs. You can opt to tinker with your Kawa
bathwater by selecting additives like milk, sea salt, coffee, turmeric or even
wine and beer.
Following a few days of
adventure in the province of Antique comprising of chasing waterfalls, hiking
and river tubing, I felt like my body needed a much-needed pampering, so I opted
for the beer-themed Kawa Hot Bath. After half an hour of submerging my body, I
felt the invigorating effect immediately.
Changing to dry clothes, I
joined Karla and Erica on a four-tiered hammock tied on top of each other. We
reminisced about the day’s adventures we shared. Recounting every topsy-turvy
incident we had at the river earlier and the various spots we visited the
previous days, we all came into a conclusion that the province Antique is an
underrated adventure destination.
How about you, have you tried the kawa hot bath and river tubing in Antique?
How about you, have you tried the kawa hot bath and river tubing in Antique?
