Antique is a gateway to Panay Island, where you can discover white-sand beaches, tumbling waterfalls and rainforest-covered mountains. The incredible landscapes make Antique an outdoor adventure and ecotourism stronghold. Sunbathe on deserted islands, hike to hidden rice terraces and hunt down one of the biggest flowers in the world.
Things to do in Antique
Base yourself in the lively capital of San Jose de Buenavista. A wide selection of hotels, cafes and restaurants make the town popular with travellers. Fill up on local dishes like “binakol” chicken soup cooked in coconut water and “binabak” freshwater prawns steamed in banana leaves.
Charter a boat and sail to Malalison Island off the coast of Culasi. In just 20 minutes, you’ll land on a tiny island fringed by sugar-white sand and turquoise water. Trails wind up the grass-covered hills and treat you to spectacular views. Enjoy a simple meal of fried fish, steamed rice and stir-fried water spinach at a local restaurant. Crescent-shaped Seco Island will amaze you with its dazzling white sand and crystalline water. There are no facilities on the tiny island, so pack plenty of food and water.
Beat the tropical heat and swim at Bugtong Bato Falls. The falls cascade down a rocky cliff and into an emerald-green pool. The short hike to the falls takes you past lush rice fields. Dry off on the rocks before heading back to the trailhead.
Hike to the Antique Rice Terraces surrounded by rolling hills and rugged mountains. The rice terraces have a huge 600-hectare footprint and were planted almost 100 years ago by indigenous farmers. The remote mountain village of San Remigio is an ideal base to visit the rice terraces. The village also attracts botanists in search of rafflesias, one of the largest flowering plants in the world. Hire a local guide for your best chance to see the blood-red tropical flower.
Getting around Antique
Antique is on the west coast of Panay Island. Antique Airport in San Jose de Buenavista is a gateway to the island. You can also fly to Iloilo on the southern tip of the island, then travel by bus to Antique. Passenger ferries dock at Lipata Port in Culasi, while colourful “jeepney” shared taxis operate in Antique and across Panay Island.