YUHUM Tibiao! An Explosive Karay-a Experience

With the boosting number of visitors both local and foreign alike, Tibiao Fish Spa (TFS) ignited the flare of the once adventure tourism destination of Antique – Tibiao. Recently visitors come to Tibiao to experience the most affordable fish spa in the world. According to Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag, founder and manager of Tibiao Fish Spa, they accommodated at least 4,000 guests since they opened last June 2009 from almost 15 countries and most of them are suggesting that probably the next time they go to Tibiao will not only be for the fish spa but also to experience the adventure Tibiao can offer. As an answer, Katahum Tours was conceptualized and they’ve coordinated with the local government and the people of Tibiao come up with a tour package that will showcase the best of the town. The aim of the opening of Tibiao to tourist with the tour package is to bring additional livelihood to the locals by means of tourism. At least each of them has a role to do, the Tricycle and Habal-habal drivers take charge of the transportation of tourists while in Tibiao and the homestay service wherein guests are given the real rural experience by staying in one of the 25 households specially trained for this program.

University of Antique Hometel

The grand launching dubbed as YUHUM Tibiao! was held last January 16, 2010 at the University of Antique Tibiao campus. The event was participated in by people from the Iloilo and Antique media and government officials of the province of Antique. I was privileged to be part of the 2-day media tour to experience firsthand of what they call an explosive Karay-a experience.

Tibiao is really a paradise, an unexploited one. So many natural attractions and a whole lot of adventure. The tour package brings you into an extreme adventure and experience of the real Karay-a hospitality. Take an escapade into Kayaking from the basic up to the 3rd level and find your way through the stiff rapids qualified for the international standard of Kayaking Level 3. Experience nature and trek to the tiered-cascading waterfalls which can be seen in almost all of the hilly barangays of Tibiao especially in Tuno. After being exhausted by those treks dip into a Kawa Hot Bath to replenish your strength and get relaxed to get ready for the next adventures. Put yourself into another extreme moment by passing through a swaying hanging bridge in Malakagat and experience a real adrenalin rush until you reach the other end of the bridge. Mingle with nature at Bugtong Bato River, where intricate rock formations greet you fondled by the strong current of the crystal chilled water perfect for swimming and diving to your pleasure.

Mr. Flord Calawag giving instructions for Kayaking 101

Kawa Hot Bath

Malakagat Hanging Bridge

Bugtong Bato River

Early in the morning get into an experience on how local fisher folks do their routine with the Lambaklad fishing at Brgy. Malabor and have a breakfast by the sea with the fresh catch tuna, not to mention – Antique is a tuna highway where you can find at least 6 species of tuna. You can also experience sea boating by yourself. To take a look on a native livelihood project of Tibiao, get involve in a pottery and brick making and see how those intricate vases and bricks are being molded. Before leaving Tibiao, don’t forget the Fish Spa experience that you came for, get those calluses and cuticles nibbled by the Therafish – signatured fish species specifically bred for the spa. Drop by at the Lauan-an Muscovado Production and get some pasalubong purely Antiqueno. And don’t leave without learning a kinaray-a word to say Kruhay!!!Mabalik gid ako sa Antique. Kruhay Tibiao! Kruhay Antique!

Lambaklad Fishing at Malabog, Tibiao, Antique

Members of KAMAMBA Pottery and Brick Making renders a Karay-a folk song

Brick making

Boiler fueled by Rice Hulls

The Original Tibiao Bakery

Muscovado at Laua-an

How to get there:

Tibiao is 172 km from Iloilo City or a 3 – 4 hour road trip with a rewarding scenic view. At the Molo Bus Terminal, buses and vans plying the Iloilo-Caticlan or Iloilo-Culasi or Iloilo-Libertad routes can take you directly to Tibiao in Antique.

From Caticlan in Aklan, Tibiao is 93 km or a 2-3 hours away. At the Caticlan terminal, buses and vans plying the Iloilo via San Jose route can take you directly to Tibiao.

Contact:
Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag
+639198139893 |+639264151424
flord@tibiaofishspa.com
www.tibiaofishspa.com | http://katahum.com

Special thanks to the sponsors for making the 2-day YUHUM Tibiao Media Tour possible: Mang Inasal, Nature Spring, Sea Oil, Laua-an Multi-purpose Cooperative, University of Antique Tibiao Campus, Niel’s Resort and Resto Grill, Katahum Tours and Tibiao Fish Spa.

More Photos at gigsilonggo.com OVI