When we travel, there are many factors we consider, such as the accessibility of the destination to civilization, room rates, affordability of food, and activities offered. However, not all destinations can provide all of these factors, and there is often a trade-off. For example, some destinations may be affordable but have limited amenities, while others may be more expensive but offer luxurious experiences. Therefore, it is essential to research and choose a destination that best fits your budget and preferences.
Recently, 
Our first destination was Calawag Mountain Resort in Tibiao, Antique.
Calawag Mountain Resort
Calawag Mountain Resort is a secluded and rustic retreat located in the town of Tibiao, Antique, Philippines. Situated in the heart of the province, the resort is nestled at the foot of the majestic Mt. Madjaas and surrounded by lush vegetation and scenic landscapes. Its remote location provides a sense of tranquility and isolation, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The resort is located near a river, which adds to its charm and natural beauty. Guests can enjoy the calming sound of the flowing water and take a dip in the cool and refreshing river during their stay.
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However, it is important to note that the resort's location means there is no cellular reception in the area, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it allows guests to disconnect from their daily routines and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing vacation. On the other hand, it may be inconvenient for those who need to stay connected with the outside world.
In terms of facilities, the resort offers a range of activities, including trekking to nearby waterfalls, swimming, and river tubing. There are also several options for accommodations, such as cottages with AC or basic fan rooms that are simple yet comfortable. However, it is important to note that the resort is not for everyone, as some guests may find the lack of modern amenities and technology challenging. Nevertheless, for those seeking an authentic and nature-oriented experience, Calawag Mountain Resort can provide a unique and memorable stay.
How to get there
We arrived at Caticlan Airport around 09:20.
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If you're arriving at Caticlan Airport, there are tricycles waiting outside the airport. You'll need to purchase a ticket for PHP150.00 (USD 2.75) per tricycle to get to Jetty Port, where the Bus Terminal is located.
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It's more cost-effective to travel in a group, as we did – there were three of us, so we divided the fare by three. Haha!
Once you arrive at the terminal, look for a bus with the sign 'Iloilo via San Jose' or 'Culasi - San Jose' – it will pass through the town of Tibiao.
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The fare for an air-conditioned (AC) bus is PHP200.00 (USD 3.672), while the fare for a regular or non-AC bus is PHP165 (USD 3.029). We departed the terminal at 10:30 and arrived in Brgy. Importante at 13:00. Brgy. Importante is only 84 kilometers from Jetty Port. The normal travel time with no stops should be just 1 hour and 30 minutes, but since we were commuting on a bus, our travel time took 2 hours and 30 minutes. I got super annoyed about the fact that we were behind on our itinerary. Haha!
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From the entrance arc of Brgy. Importante, ride a motorcycle to the resort. The motorcycle can only accommodate one passenger and costs PHP90.00 (USD 1.652) per trip. You'll also be asked to stop at a small booth to pay PHP50.00 (USD 1) per person for the environmental fee.
I kept nagging about how overpriced the fare was for just a 4-kilometer distance on a smooth cemented road. After dropping us off, we asked the driver to pick us up the next morning at 7:00 am since we couldn't text or call them due to poor reception.
Upon arrival, we checked-in, as we had made reservations prior to our trip. We booked a fan room with a river view that had a single bed and a double-sized bed for PHP399.00 (USD 7.325) per person.
The room we got was decent for its price, and the shared bathroom and toilet were only a few meters away. Although the room was poorly maintained, towels were provided, so it was okay.
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At 14:00, we were starving, so we ordered food from the resort during check-in. We ordered grilled pork, chicken, and three cups of rice, which cost us almost ~PHP1,000.00 (USD 18.358). It's crazy how expensive their one cup of cooked rice is, as for PHP50.00, you can buy one kilogram of raw rice.
If I remember correctly, the price of the pork was around ~PHP300.00 (USD 5.52). We had our lunch by the river, and despite the prices, we still managed to enjoy it and somehow forget about the cost. But if you know me, I love to complain when things are overpriced.
River Tubing
We booked a 2km river tubing experience for PHP499.00 (USD 9.161). At first, I planned to go for the 1km option because PHP499.00 was a bit over my budget, but the 2km ride was the only one available due to low water levels in the river.
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This was my main reason for returning to Calawag Mountain Resort - to do river tubing again. I had already tried it once before and loved the adrenaline rush it gave me and the feeling of satisfaction at the end.
Kawa Bath
After 45 minutes of river tubing, we went back to the resort and soaked ourselves in a large cauldron filled with hot saltwater for PHP299.00 (USD 5.50). Other add-ons, such as milk, beer, and coffee, were also available for an additional PHP100.00 (USD 1.84) on top of the base price of PHP299.00.
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We stayed there for over 30 minutes, chatting about anything and taking pictures of ourselves getting partially cooked.
We ended the day with dinner and hopped into our next destination the following day. Due to the travel time to Caticlan, we decided to go directly to Boracay since we wouldn't be able to catch the boat ride to Carabao Island at 9:00.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, despite my negative comments about their food prices and activities, I still believe it is worth returning to the place, although perhaps not anytime soon. I would like my friends and family to experience what I had experienced there, including the serenity and tranquility of the location. It has a retreat-house kind of vibe where you can disconnect from technology and just enjoy conversations about anything while soaking in the river, like old times.
About the Author
Meet Kevin de Arca, a Data Analyst by profession and an adventurous wanderer at heart. With a passion for exploring new places and cultures, he uses traveling as a way of distressing and making unforgettable memories. He is always wondering where to wander next.✈️ 🏖 🌅