Discover Antique: Riding the Rapids of Tibiao River

The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.  ~G.K. Chesterton

It has been my practice for almost five years now to go somewhere I’ve never been to. That way, I’ll be able to know more about the Philippines and share my experiences in this blog.

This summer, I chose the province of Antique. It’s quite near my home province of Iloilo but I have never been to any of its tourist destinations.

My travel buddy Maia who’s based in Antique prepared the itinerary for us. We originally plan to visit Tibiao for the Bugtong Bato Falls and Kayaking at Tibiao River, Pandan for the Malumpati Cold Spring, and Culasi for Mararison Island. We made it to the first two but Mararison has to wait for another time.

If you plan to go to Bugtong Bato Falls, you might as well try kayaking at Tibiao River since both are located in Brgy. Tuno. It will only take you a 15-minute ride in the Skylab (motorcycle) from the highway via Brgy. Importante.

We’re fortunate that it rained the night before so Tibiao River has strong rapids. During summer, the water tend to be shallow thus whitewater kayaking or rafting is not very challenging.

We rented kayaks at Kayak Inn for P100 per hour. Both of us are newbies in kayaking so we had some tutorials from the Kayak Inn staff. It’s really not that hard since we paddled where the current is not so strong. You see, I have this little problem. I don’t know how to swim.

Nonetheless, with sheer guts (and the kayak tutor nearby), I was able to paddle a few meters. It ’s a nice feeling to be able to ride with the rapids, taking control of the paddle and steering the kayak to where you want to go.

If you think about it, it’s like taking control of your life. You’ll meet big rocks along the way but you have the control to avoid it. If you capsize, then my friend, you either swim or you drown. So much of my life’s lessons.

If you are in a group, you can rent a raft at Kayak Inn and start upriver where the current is stronger and more challenging. You can also stay overnight as long as you have reserved beforehand so the staff can prepare for you. Accommodation is rustic and there are no bars or restaurants nearby. The place is really for the adventurous soul who wants to commune with nature.

Tibiao River rapids is both for the beginner and the seasoned sportsman. In fact, it was the venue of the International Kayaking Competition in 1997. If you’re into extreme sports, the rainy season brings in more challenging rapids.

And of course I couldn’t pass up the chance to have my jump shot at the Brgy. Tuno hanging bridge.

If you’re interested to discover Tibiao’s tourist destinations and tour packages, you can coordinate with Richie Germia, Tibiao Tourism Officer at cellphone number (0916) 946-2984.

Tagged as: Antique, Rafting, Tibiao, Tuno, Whitewate Rafting, Whitewater Kayaking