More than its tourist spots, Antique is more known for its legendary folklore of aswang and mananangal. Those mythical legends probably have kept tourists from pouring in to the province, making Antique one of the most unexplored places in the Philippines. But during my brief visit to this off-beat province, I found places, culture and eco activities that are at par with any famous tourist spots in the country. Allow me to welcome you and peel the mystery behind the province of Antique.

 

► HOW TO GET TO ANTIQUE

Antique is located in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, sandwiched between the provinces of Aklan and Iloilo. Currently, there are no direct flights to the province but there are two ways to get to Antique from Manila.

● ANTIQUE VIA KALIBO / CATICLAN ●
ADDITIONAL BUS OR TRICYCLE RIDE TO KALIBO BUS TERMINAL + BUS TO ANTIQUE
 
MANILA TO KALIBO ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,900.00 +/-
● AIRASIA - Flies 6 times daily | (02) 722-2742
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 5 times daily | (02) 7020-888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 3 times daily | (02) 777-5932

CEBU TO CATICLAN ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME + TRICYCLE TO KALIBO BUS TERMINAL + BUS TO ANTIQUE ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,200.00 +/-
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 2 times daily | (032) 230-8888

CEBU TO KALIBO ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME + TRICYCLE TO KALIBO BUS TERMINAL + BUS TO ANTIQUE ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,200.00 +/-
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 2 times daily | (02) 7020-888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 3 times weekly | (02) 777-5932
● TIGER AIRWAYS - Flies 2 times weekly | (02) 798-4499

 
BATANGAS TO CATICLAN ○ 9 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 1,000.00 +/-
● 2GO - Sails 5 times weekly | (02) 528-7000
 
ROXAS TO CATICLAN ○ 4-5 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 420.00 +/-
● MONTENEGRO LINES - Sails 5 times daily | (043) 289-2832
● STARLITE FERRIES - Sails 3 times daily | (02) 724-3034 | (043) 723-9965
● SUPER SHUTTLE RORO - Sails 4 times daily | (0915) 646-6857 | (032) 231-0639

BULALACAO TO CATICLAN ○ 3 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 375.00 +/-
● FASTCAT - Sails 5 times daily | (032) 842-9341 | (0946) 576-0544
 
ODIONGAN TO CATICLAN ○ 3 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 80.00 +/-
● 2GO - Sails 5 times weekly | (02) 528-7000
● ROMBLON SHIPPING LINES - Sails 5 times weekly | (02) 528-7000

HAMBIL (CARABAO ISLAND) TO CATICLAN ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 80.00 +/-
● LOCAL PASSENGER OUTRIGGER BOATS - Sails once daily

 

● ANTIQUE VIA ILOILO ●
ADDITIONAL AIRPORT VAN TO MOLO TERMINAL (PHP 50.00) + VAN OR JEEP TO ANTIQUE (2 HOURS, PHP 110.00)

VIA MANILA TO ILOILO ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,900.00 +/-
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 7 times daily | (02) 7020-888
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 5 times daily | (02) 777-5932
VIA MANILA HARBOR PIER 4 TO ILOILO ○ 27 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,600.00 +/-
● 2GO - Sails thrice weekly | (033) 336-2110

VIA BACOLOD BREDCO PORT TO ILOILO ○ 1-4 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,900.00 +/-
● 2GO - Sails multiple times daily | (033) 336-2110
● MILLENNIUM - Sails multiple times daily | (034) 433-9360
● MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES - Sails multiple times daily | (034) 704-2322
● OCEANJET - Sails multiple times daily | (032) 255-7560
● TRI-STAR MEGALINK - Sails multiple times daily | (034) 422-6059
● WEESAM EXPRESS - Sails multiple times daily | (033) 337-3282

VIA PUNTOD WHARF TO ILOILO ○ 15 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,400.00 +/-
● 2GO - Sails once weekly (Saturday) | (033) 336-2110

VIA CEBU DOMESTIC PORT TO ILOILO ○ 12-14 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 800.00 +/-
● COKALIIONG SHIPPING LINES - Sails 6 times weekly | (033) 335-8833
● TRANS ASIA SHIPPING LINES - Sails 6 times weekly| (033) 335-8499

VIA PUERTO PRINCESA PORT TO CUYO TO ILOILO ○ 24 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,900.00 +/-
● MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES - Sails 4 times weekly | (033) 335-0955
● MILAGROSA SHIPPING LINES - Sails 4 times weekly | (048) 337-8627

► SPEAK ANTIQUE

Kinaray-a is the local dialect in Antique, one of the thirteen most spoken dialect in the country. Cuyanon, Caluyanon, Hilagaynon, Ati and Cebuano are also spoken. Most locals, however, know how to speak Filipino and English.

Thank You - Salamat
Good Morning - Mayad nga aga
Good Afternoon - Mayad nga hapon
Good Evening - Mayad nga gabi
How Much? - Tag pira?
Where is… - Sa diing ang…

► ANTIQUE TOURS

While tourism is fairly new in Antique and most tourists and travellers visit the province using the DIY or do-it-yourself method, there are a few packaged tour outfits that make it easier and more convenient in exploring the area.

KATAHUM TOURS 
Contact Number: (0919) 813-9893
Email: flord@tibiaofishspa.com

TRIBAL ADVENTURES
Contact Number:  (0920) 558-7188
Email: tribaladventures@gmail.com

► WHERE TO STAY IN ANTIQUE 

There are only a handful of places to stay in at Antique. I haven’t seen any big hotels in the province although there are inns, hostels and resorts in the area. The most common mode of accommodation are homestays. Overnight rates are quite cheap, starting at roughly Php500.00 good for two persons, but at that price, don’t expect an air-conditioned room.

KAYAK INN
Rates: Click Here
Address: Barangay Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: (0908) 504-3463 | (0921) 570-1947
GPS Coordinates: 11.317480, 122.078762

PANDAN BEACH RESORT
Rates: Click Here
Address: Barangay Dionela, Pandan, Antique
Contact Number: (036) 278-9379 | (0917) 580-9648
GPS Coordinates: 11.720368, 122.090582
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM 

ZIPLINE INN 
Rates: Starts at Php 500.00 (2pax)
Address: Barangay Tuno, Tibiao, Antique 
Contact Number: (0920) 499-6903 | (0919) 579-5436
GPS Coordinates: 11.317675, 122.075501

 

SEARCH FOR MORE ACCOMMODATIONS IN ANTIQUE

 

► WHERE TO EAT IN ANTIQUE

If fancy restaurants and cuisine are what you’re looking for, then this province might not be for you. Places to eat in Antique consist mostly of eateries and carinderia. There are a few restaurants in the area but they’re mostly inside resorts. For street food, besides the usual pork barbecue and isaw stalls that pop up in the afternoon, there’s not much chow in that department.

FLORING’S CARINDERIA 
Type: Filipino Food
Address: Ilaures Junction, Brgy. Ilaures, Bugasong, Antique
Contact Number: (0927) 542-1917
GPS Coordinates: 11.010008, 122.049816

TIBIAO BAKERY
Type: Pastries, Baked Products
Address: D.L. Bandoja Street, Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: (036) 653-0048
GPS Coordinates: 11.288831, 122.036158

MAMAMMIA RESTAURANT
Type: Italian, Filipino Restaurant
Address: Iloilo-Antique Road, Langgawon, Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: (0998) 485-2963
GPS Coordinates: 11.347014, 122.058689
PHOTO FROM DETOURISTA.COM
VBOTS LUTONG BAHAY
Type: Filipino / Antiqueno Rice Meals
Address: Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: 
GPS Coordinates: 11.282704, 122.038392

► WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN ANTIQUE

For a sleepy province, there are surprisingly a lot of things to do in Antique; the place is more of an eco-adventure and cultural place than for sight-seeing. One can visit historic places, island beaches and resorts, but Antique’s real draw is its rafting, hiking, island hopping, diving and local industry immersion.

 

ANINI–Y CHURCH 
Address: Brgy. Poblacion, Anini-y, Antique
Contact Number:  
GPS Coordinates: 10.430675, 121.925600

SIRA-AN HOT SPRING 
Address: Brgy. Nato, 5717 Anini-y, Antique
Contact Number: (0947) 315-6766 | (0917) 498-9652
GPS Coordinates: 10.421850, 121.941021
 

PATADYONG WEAVING 
Address: Barangay Bagtason, Bugasong, Antique
Contact Number:  (0906) 843-8687
GPS Coordinates:
 

CALUYA ISLAND  
Address: Caluya Island, Caluya, Antique
Contact Number: N/A 
GPS Coordinates: 11.919583, 121.558194
 

MALALISON ISLAND 
Address: Culasi, Antique
GPS Coordinates: 11.414861, 122.021028
PHOTO FROM RJDEXPLORER.COM

MALALISON VIEWDECK
Address: Culasi, Antique
GPS Coordinates: 11.414861, 122.021028
PHOTO FROM DETOURISTA.COM

 

LAOA-AN MUSCOVADO SUGAR MILL
Address: Laoa-An, Antique
Contact Number: (0919) 813-9893 via Katahum Tours
GPS Coordinates:
 

BUGANG RIVER RAFTING
Address: Brgy. Dionela, Pandan, Antique
Contact Number: (036) 278-9379 | (0917) 580-9648 
GPS Coordinates:

MALUMPATI COLD SPRING
Address: Pandan, Antique
Contact Number: (0927) 111-2222
GPS Coordinates: 11.767087, 122.076549
PHOTO FROM DETOURISTA.COM

PATNONGON CHURCH & CONVENT RUINS
Address: Iloilo-Antique Road, Patnongon, Antique
Contact Number:
GPS Coordinates: 10.913288, 121.993274

ANTIQUE RICE TERRACES
Address: Brgy. General Fullon, San Remegio, Antique
GPS Coordinates: 10.991580, 122.207211
PHOTO FROM DETOURISTA.COM
IGBACLAG CAVE & STONE CASTLE
Address: Brgy. Aningalan, San Remegio, Antique
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM DETOURISTA.COM

RAFFLESIA BLOOMING SITE
Address: Brgy. Aningalan, San Remegio, Antique
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM DETOURISTA.COM

IGPASUNGAW FALLS
Address: Sebaste, Antique
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO FROM DETOURISTA.COM

BUGTONG BATO WATERFALLS
Address: Barangay Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: (0919) 813-9893 via Katahum Tours
GPS Coordinates: 11.316585, 122.087067

CLAY POTTERY
Address: Barangay Bandoja, Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: (0919) 813-9893 via Katahum Tours
GPS Coordinates:

KAWA HOT BATH
Address: Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: (0908) 504-3463 | (0921) 570-1947
GPS Coordinates: 11.317480, 122.078762

LAMBAKLAD FISHING
Address: Barangay Malabor, Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: (0919) 813-9893 via Katahum Tours
GPS Coordinates: 11.272919, 122.044764

NICA RAMBUTAN FARM
Address: Barangay La Paz, Tibiao, Antique 
Contact Number: (0927) 676-0634
GPS Coordinates:

SECO ISLAND
Address: Tibiao, Antique 
Contact Number: (0919) 813-9893 via Katahum Tours
GPS Coordinates: 11.318444, 121.670778
PHOTO FROM OUTOFTOWNBLOG.COM 

TIBIAO FISH SPA 
Address: Tibiao, Antique 
Contact Number: (0919) 813-9893
GPS Coordinates: 11.268887, 122.049274

WHITE WATER KAYAKING
Address: Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
Contact Number: (0908) 504-3463 | (0921) 570-1947
GPS Coordinates: 11.317480, 122.078762
 

BURI WEAVING 
Address: Barangay Diclum, Tobias Fornier, Antique
Contact Number: (036) 320-1434
GPS Coordinates:

► WHAT TO BUY IN ANTIQUE 

I didn’t see a single souvenir shop during my visit to Antique; so if you’re into ref magnets and key chains, cross that off your list of things to bring back home. You can however buy more legit pasalubong in the form of buri and textile products.

BURI PRODUCTS 
Buri Handicraft Association
Address: Barangay Diclum, Tobias Fornier, Antique
Contact Number: (036) 320-1434

PATADYONG FABRICS
Bagtason Loom Weavers Association
Address: Barangay Bagtason, Bugasong, Antique
Contact Number:  (0906) 843-8687

► ANTIQUE SAMPLE ITINERARY

The province of Antique consists of eighteen towns. It is a big province and in all probability, a lot of places are still unexplored in terms of tourism. I’m basing this three-day itinerary on the tour I made of Antique via Katahum Tours (Iloilo entry). We used a van to navigate the province. If you have an additional day, I suggest that you visit Seco Island, do the Bugang River Tour, and visit the Antique Rice Terraces.

DAY 1

Morning arrival from Iloilo City
Breakfast at Melinda’s Restaurant in Anini-y
Visit Anini-y Church
Visit Sira-an Hot Spring
Visit Malalison Island
Lunch Sira-an Hot Spring
Visit Buri Weaving Center
Visit Patadyong Weaving Center
Do Afternoon Lambaklad Fishing
Check in at Zipline Inn

DAY 2

Breakfast at Lambaklad Fishing Area
Visit Tibiao Pottery
Visit Nica Farm 
Visit Tibiao Fish Spa
Lunch
Visit Bugtong Bato Falls
Dinner at Zipline Inn

DAY 3 
Early Hotel Check Out 
Breakfast at Zipline Inn
Do White Water Kayaking
Do Kawa Hot Bath
Lunch at Floring’s Carinderia 
Depart from Antique to Iloilo END OF 3-DAY ITINERARY

 

► EXTEND YOUR ANTIQUE TRIP

BORACAY
► Boracay Travel Blog
Travel Time: 2 to 3 hours away by bus and ferry
Departure Point: Antique Highway
Suggested Number of Days: 3 days up

GUIMARAS
► Guimaras Travel Blog
Travel Time: 2 to 3 hours away by bus and ferry
Departure Point: Antique Highway
Suggested Number of Days: 1 to 3 days

ANTIQUE TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY
UPDATED AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2016