Antique is not just famous about Boracay Island, Malalison Island, Bugtong Bato Falls. Antique is also famed as the "Kawa Hot Bath Capital of the Philippines."
Photo Credit by Alex (Gopro Hero5)
Fast Fact
Barangay Tuno is situated in the middle of the mountains. The large mountain hamper the signal and frequency so you definitely not gonna received any calls or text messages up there, so better inform your relatives or love ones that they won’t be able to reach you for a certain period of time.
Stories from the old dwellers speaks about a folklore legend and myths about the mountains of Tibiao lies a stronghold of the withes. And whoever trespass the mountains will be cook alive in a large iron pot. This story was pass on to frighten stubborn and hard headed kids going to the mountains.
Photo Credit by Alex (Gopro Hero5)
One of the oldest resident of Tibiao bespeak that long before the Spanish colonialization the natives of Barangay Tuno have already been closely related to sugar mill farming. It started as a family way of living until the half of the community started practicing sugar mill farming. Barangay Tuno of Tibiao is the primary muscovado product supplier of western Visayas until dreadful World War 2 devastated the land of Barangay Tuno.
Traumatized from the effects of the war and left with nothingness, the community decided to leave their land. After a year they returned to their native land and planned to start again. Sadly, the locals have lost interest in sugar mill farming and started focusing on rice planting. And one freezing afternoon.
Some locals decided to make use of the "kawa" (Large iron pot) as a hot tub to repel the freezing weather. A visitor from a distant family of the local dwellers got interested in hot tub, he told the locals how the experience was? The locals replied it’s perfect.
On the day one the old "kawa" (large iron pot) got its new purpose. And as years goes on "kawa" hot bath improved itself. Locals place fresh flowers, leaves, tree roots and young trunk skins to add aroma, soothing scents, and relaxing feeling when you deep into the hot kawa bath.
And I will experience it first-hand. So, after our Malalison adventure we head straight to kawa hot bath. From Culasi we ride a tricycle to take us to Barangay importante. It took us about 30 to 40 minutes to reach Barangay Importante.
Then we hire a Habal-Habal to take us to Barangay Tuno "The Kawa Hot Bath Capital of the Philippines". We took from Barangay importante to Barangay Tuno about 40-50 minutes (but can be travel in 30 minutes), it was kind of long because we went off road a little bit to take pictures about their unique rice paddies and rice terraces.
After several picture taking we beat up the road and then finally reach the entry point of Kawa hot bath. Barangay Tuno have numerous resorts, inns, homestays that offers kawa hot bath. And our first choice is kayak inn for the reason it is near the river side area. So, we went inside and register and book for a night.
The staff of the kayak inn called their assistant to accompany in our respective rooms. The room is neatly made of bamboo. They have nice carving and uniquely hand made especially the woven part. After short sight-seeing inside the room, we just drop off bags and followed the assistant heading to the river bank area where the kawa is firmly cemented in the boulders.
While the assistant is preparing the kawa hot bath. We took some photos within the surrounding and then we decided to jump into the river. The river water was cold enough to make us head back to the river bank area. There were also guest ahead of us and we notice they were giggling, later we known they were enjoying the fish spa.
As we look back the assistant was still installing the needed materials for the kawa bath. so we politely ask the fellow guest if we could join them, they barely able to reply us because they are laughing so hard from the ticklish feeling that they could only do is waving us to join them while laughing.
So we join in and few seconds the fish already munching our feet. Eating away the dead skin beneath my foot and it was really ticklish but also delight kind of feeling. We stayed with the other guys more or less 20 minutes until the assistant called our attention, saying the bath is ready. So bid our farewell with the other guest and proceed to the kawa hot bath.
At first it was really hot i could barely dip my foot, but with several attempt we finally submerge our feet’s, then gently splash our body with hot water until it get used to it. And when my body got used to the heat I finally submerge it all. I can feel my muscles and joints are finally relaxed.
The hot water truly soothe our tired body with the right blend of flowers, herbs, and tree parts. Truly it is one of the best relaxation moment of my life. And i highly recommend you should try it. You should place it in your bucket list.
After the relaxing bath with head back to the room, we quickly rinse ourselves and head to the registration area and ordered something for dinner.
After taking order, we head back to the room and waited for the dinner to be delivered. While waiting we were entertained by a large group of fireflies dancing in the air. It was a sightful show, combine with gushing flow of the water from the river made us forgot about time.
Moments later the assistant delivered our order, and we were delighted by the fragrance and simplistic display of our meal. After a few minutes we found ourselves full and contented. After several chat we decided to sleep in preparation for our next destination. The relaxing feeling of hot bath made us fall as sleep as if we were drunk and spell bound.
The following morning, the music played by the birds and soothing sound of the river greeted us as we woke up. We pack up our bags and took a last glance. It was a satisfying experience. And I’m looking forward to be back here.
Photo credit by Alex (Gopro Hero5)
Friendly Travel Reminder.
Bring enough cash with you for the reason they don’t have nearby ATM Machine.
Pack with you some insect repellent.
Take with you some personal medicine. There is no nearby pharmacy.
Bring towels and toiletries.
They are selling souvenir t shirts, treats, anklets, bracelets, key chains and others for a reasonable price. Your small contribution could help a family in the community.
Navigational Guide.
If you're coming from Luzon and Mindanao, Book a plane via Caticlan Airport. Take a van or south bound bus via San Jose Buena vista. Inform the driver or conductor to alight you at crossing barangay importante. Bus fare would be around 80-90 Php and as for van fare range would be 90-100Php. Travel time would be one to two hours.
From barangay importante hire a Habal-Habal or single motorcycle to take you to Barangay Tuno. Fare price range at 100php one way only. Travel time would be around 30-40 minutes. Do stop by along the road side for you will see a unique landscape of rice terrace as you head to the jump point. They have green and yellow scenery that will make you stop for a while and take a selfie or groupie. Perfect for your instagram or other social media platform account.
Book yourself at Kayak Inn 250Php per person per night. The Kawa Hot bath is 250Php per person per 30 minutes.
Activities you might want to try
Fish Spa
River Kayaking price ranging around 400-500Php
River Tubing price ranging around 300-400Php
Thank you steemians for dropping by. Hope you find this blog helpful. Till Next adventure. Have a wonderful day.
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