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.