TIBIAO KAWA HOT BATH: DIY Travel Guide on a Budget to the Original Kawa Hot bath in Antique

Kawa hot baths are now offered everywhere. Some resorts in Tagaytay and Rizal have started imitating the traditional Kawa Hot Bath that originated in Tibiao, Antique putting in their own twist to the once mind-boggling but soothing spa. I would have loved to try them but I saved the very first taste of this famous steam bath for where it has all started. I’m for diversity and innovation but I think you would all agree when I say that “Nothing beats the original.” So on my visit to the Panay Islands last year, I made sure not to miss the experience that only the original Kawa Hot Bath could offer.

MY TIBIAO KAWA HOT BATH STORY

I just came from an overnight trip in the stunning Malalison Island where I did some trekking. Two weeks before that, I was in Davao Oriental where I spent everyday discovering its hidden spots. I love spontaneous travel but it somehow could get to a point where I would need to slow down and take the backseat. I thought Tibiao was the perfect place for that so I didn’t give spending a night in Calawag Mountain Resort a second thought.

From Culasi, I rode the bus to Tibiao. I reached the junction leading to the line of mountain resorts offering Kawa Hot Bath after 15 minutes. I then walked my way to the habal-habal terminal and chartered a driver to take me up to my preferred resort. Some drivers will usually offer other resorts but I was told to stick to Calawag as they have the best service as what many travelers vouch for on the internet. Before heading up to the mountains, we stopped by an outpost where I paid an environmental fee of P50.

The ride up to the resort took 30 minutes along a steep and winding uphill road. Good thing it was already paved otherwise it would have been one hell of a difficult ride. Upon reaching Calawag Mountain Resort, I was ushered to the reception counter where I booked a room and activities for my 2-day stay. I also ordered myself dinner and breakfast meals. I was then shown around and accompanied to my room.

When I had settled and changed clothes, I went back to the reception area and waited for my turn to experience the Kawa Hot Bath. They have a variety of baths available but I chose to have the Kawa Milk Bath as it looked most enticing among all the choices. It was supposedly for an hour’s service but during my turn, I was able to enjoy it for as long as I wanted. The staff was also very kind as they refilled my kawa with warm water every 20-30 minutes. I was entertained by the sound of the river flowing and of the gorgeous view of the mountains while trying to soak myself clean of stress. It was such an extraordinary experience.

I didn’t have any other activities booked for that day. After rinsing off, dinner was served. I was told that I was the only guest spending the night at the resort so I kinda felt scared but they reassured me that some staff was staying as well. The thought of being alone in the mountains was unnerving but the night was so peaceful and quiet that I was able to doze off until morning with much ease. The morning was freezing cold but I didn’t mind. I had coffee before I went water tubing where I spent an hour shouting my heart out in exhilaration and excitement. My amazing time in Tibiao was capped off by a sumptuous meal consisting of fried rice, scrambled eggs, corned beef and a cup of coffee.

HOW TO GO TO TIBIAO

From Manila – The best airport to access Antique is Caticlan which all local airlines fly to daily. From Caticlan, there will be buses available to every destination nearby. Hop on the one going to Iloilo as it will pass by Tibiao. Alight the bus at the junction in Tibiao going to kawa hot bath resorts then ride a motorcycle/habal-habal to your preferred resort.

From Iloilo – From the airport, ride a van to the bus or van terminal going to Antique (20 Min | P70) then ride a van or a bus to either Culasi (5 Hrs | P220). The earliest trip is at 5 AM daily. Alight the bus/van at the junction in Tibiao going to kawa hot bath resorts then ride a motorcycle/habal-habal to your preferred resort.

GOOD TO KNOW TRAVEL INFO

• There are other resorts in the area but the most popular and most vouched for by other travelers is Calawag Mountain Resort. I also highly recommend this resort due to its impeccable service and beautiful ambiance. Some drivers would recommend other resorts but just politely decline the offer and insist that you be taken to this resort.
• Reservation is not necessary especially during non-peak months.
• There is no cellphone coverage in the area so you’re guaranteed a day of your needed Social Media detox should you choose to stay for the night.
• For travel to this town and other parts of Antique during the “New Normal”, please inquire from the local Tourism Office especially if you will be coming from outside of the province.

CALAWAG MOUNTAIN RESORT RATES

BUDGET & OTHER ESSENTIALS

***Budget already includes a visit to Malalison Island

There you have it lovelies! I hope you enjoyed this post. Don’t forget to share it with your friends and plan that trip now. I’ll see you on the next blog. Ciao!