TIBIAO, Antique - More than 21 nautical miles away from Tibiao, Antique lies Seco, an island known for its beautiful sunrise and white playful dolphins following every vessel that pass by.

Not visible from mainland Antique, it takes a three-hour boat ride, sometimes through rough seas, before one can get a glimpse of this raw yet captivating island. But it's definitely worth the wait once you reach the island.

The 1.5-kilometer powder-fine sand bar is said to be comparable to the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.

Local officials explained that the island got its name because it resembles a human arm, which is called “siko” in the native tongue of Antiqueños.

Aside from its unspoiled water that changes color every now and then, the area is also rich in marine resources such that the local government is campaigning very hard to protect the island's resources.

In the early '90s, cyanide fishing was a major problem for local officials. There was also a time when several vessels secretly hauled white sand off the island to be sold to resorts around the country.

Today, the local government has stationed personnel to watch over Seco Island.

Antique’s tourism consultant Flord Calawag advised tourists interested in visiting the island to be physically prepared, as there are no structures or even shaded portions on Seco.

He also recommended tourists to bring big umbrellas or tent, sunblock, food, and sufficient water when planning to visit Seco.

Tourists can stay overnight using tents.

Sebaste, Antique (207KM) is a unprepossessing jewel of a community.  While Sebaste is the location of Igpasungaw Falls and certainly other attractions, for me the charm was more pervasive.  While the Municipal Building is just off the National Highway, the church and plaza are well off the highway forming a clean, unspoiled and peaceful center to the town.  It’s only steps from the church to the sea.  The entire tableau was charming. When I was there the church plaza was filled with school children.  The streets and plaza were clean and well kept.

Somewhere in Sebaste is Igpasungaw Falls, reported to be a thirty minute hike from the highway.  We did not see the trailhead and have not been able to find any on-line directions.

MT. MADJAAS
Culasi, Antique 
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Flores, Culasi
Elevation: 2113m (HP – Panay Island)
Days required / Hours to summit: 3-4 days / 14 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 8/9, Trail class 1-4
Features: Open slopes, Mossy forest, Waterfalls, Highest Point

BACKGROUND
Chief among Panay mountains and revered in local culture and tradition, Mt. Madjaas in Culasi, Antique is one of the most challenging climbs in the Visayan islands. Some questions have been raised whether Mt. Madjaas (or Madja-as; Madia-as) is the highest or second highest in Panay, but for now it is recognized as the highest. And regardless of this dispute, Madja-as is certainly the mountain that makes Antique a truly rewarding destination for climbing.

Madjaas means ‘mataas’ in some local dialect, but in English it can suitably described as ‘lofty’ instead of just tall. This loftiness will definitely be felt in the summit which opens up to the view of Western Panay island and the surrounding seas, but it extends to the mossy forests of the mountain, in which several unique flora and found have been identified.

Access is still limited and Madjaas is currently a relative-unexplored peak, but as we get more information we expect that Madjaas’ rightful place will be restored.

Our fourth destination is Sira-an Hot Spring at Anini-y Antique
Siraan Hot Spring is on top of a rugged gray outcropping with a view of the sea. So, while you immersed yourself  in the spring’s hot, sulfuric waters, you can  also took in the blue of the sea and the sky.

Spring with a view. Though the origin of the spring’s name “Siraan” is not confirmed, it has been said that the spring waters usually had white specks on them (probably from sulfur), which resembled powder bits from a woman’s face whose powder or foundation has been ruined (“nasira”).

Siraan Hot Spring offered far more visual treats than a single view of the sea, though. The curious explorer in me was amazed with the various shapes and sizes of rocks, and how the view of the sea changed as I climbed and moved from one rock to the other. Trees shooting up from the gray and yellowish rocks were a bright contrast, as well as a welcome shade, for the hot spring’s guests



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Our second destination is at Pandan, Antique, where you can find  Malumpati Health Spring and Tourist Resort is located in Sitio Malumpati, Brgy. Guia, Pandan, Antique. You can access this resort through Brgy. Sto. Rosario and Brgy. Candari.

The water comes from the Malumpati Cold Spring Headwater located about 35 minutes walk from the resort. A man-made pool was created from the river by constructing a concrete embankment so the water is kept at a certain level and allows it to overflow during heavy rains.

Local folks believed the Malumpati Cold Spring has healing properties. Healing or not, dipping in the cold water has a relaxing effect on the body. People who go there came as far as neighboring province of Iloilo and nearby Aklan.

The water from the Malumpati Cold Spring feeds the Bugang River, considered as the Cleanest In-land Body of Water in the Philippines. If you happen to visit Antique, don’t leave without visiting Malumpati Cold Spring. It’s a natural treasure that should be kept in its unspoiled state.

Our third destination is the BUGTONG BATO FALLS at Tuno, Tibiao, Antique.
Bugtong-Bato is a 7-tiered waterfall that is accessible through a 20-minute walk or foot trail. One has to cross rivers and terraces inside the thriving forest of Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique.Tibiao is a 4th class municipality in the province of Antique The Bugtong Bato Waterfalls is situated in Brgy. Tuno in the town of Tibiao in Antique. It is 7 kilometers away from the town proper or Poblacion.t’s a secret paradise of Antique that will make you relax and enjoy the trip. But before reaching the awesome waterfalls, you’ll first have to do a 20-minute hike along the murmuring streams and rice terraces. Don’t underestimate the hike. It will literally and figuratively take your breath away because of the trail and the beautiful scenery you’ll pass along the way.Bugtong-Bato Falls belong to the Bandirahan Mountain. The Japanese attacked the area during World War II which the locals say in Karay-a dialect, “gin-birahan sang mga Hapon.” Thus, that is why the mountain is called Bandirahan.he height of the first waterfall is at least 75 steps. Aside from being a unique waterfall, visitors are free to have a picnic in the area. Keep in mind though to preserve and respect Mother Nature by taking your garbage.Bugtong-Bato Falls is one of the water sources of Tibiao River. Another river called Tuno River which is named after the local tree, Tipuno.

                 

Our first destination is the Malalison (Marasison)  Island in Culasi Antique.

Mararison or Malalison Island is an unspoiled 55 hectare hook shaped island blessed with picturesque mountain ridges for a background, having refined white shells and corals for sand, transparent clear waters that boast beautiful acquatic floral and fauna, hill tops perfect for short trekking that will enable you to see all of Mararison in is grandeur. It's mini rainforest found in Tuyong-tuyong Hill(the highest hill in the island), the home of yellow naped oriole bird, fruits bats, and carnivorous pitcher plant.