Antique, which is one of the provinces in Panay Island, has now become an eco-adventure destination on the island. Aside from the Kawa Hot Bath, trekking and dipping in Bugtong Bato Waterfalls, one can indulge in a wet and wild whitewater river kayaking in Tibiao River which is being offered by Kayak Inn. And we were so fortunate that we got the chance to try it. Yey! Adrenaline rush na!!!
When we arrived at the tourist waiting area, which was our meeting place, our guides for the river kayaking were already waiting for us. (Ooops! We apologize that we were a bit late. We just had so fun dipping into the cold waters of the waterfalls.) We went up to them, and they introduced themselves before finally escorting us to the nearby street where the kayaks rest. They didn't give us any pointers yet, but they assisted us in wearing the safety gears.
On the side, the weather was perfect, and I knew that this would be an excellent day. Excited as we are we started our hike down to the jump-off point of the kayaking. It was quite a distance, but it's bearable, your heart will beat a fit faster, and you need to catch your breath in case you are not that active. :) However, I admire the strength and endurance of our kuyas. They managed to carry the kayaks under the scorching heat of the sun with such distance, but they told us that's it's nothing. They are used to it. :)
When we reached the riverside, Kuya gave us instructions on how to maneuver the kayak.
It sounded easy, but for a first timer like me. OMG! The struggle was real. :)
I know I had done the whitewater rafting in CDO but hey, that's different. We were in a group and the guide was with us. Here, I am alone in that small boat.
Honestly, I was both scared and excited. I don't know actually which one is greater or more intense. I got a bit confused, haha! But I had to brush off that negative feeling and have fun in the water.
Meanwhile, our guides went ahead and positioned themselves in various spots in the river before finally giving us a signal that we can move into the water and started paddling.
The experience was fun. We passed several rapids, and each gave a distinctive feel. Even the splashes of the water on my skin provided the best relief in combating the sun's heat.
We had several stops in between the course because of the following reasons: the guides need to reposition themselves in Tibiao River; they need to remove the water in the kayak, and finally to give us time to rest from the raging rapids.
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| this is were I lost my other slipper :( |
The whole experience was extraordinary, and I find it short that I wanted a repeat. I guess that's always the feeling when you are pleased with what you did.
How to Get Here:
- From Culasi, take a bus bound to Iloilo, alight in Baranggay Importante or you may just inform the conductor to drop you off to where the Kawa Baths are located, fare is Php 20 per person; then take habal-habal for Php 70/head to Kayak Inn.
Contact:
Kayak Inn, Php 900 per person
Notes:
* The best time to experience this is during the rainy season.
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