As my companion’s “ooohs” and “aaahs” synchronized with the sloshing sounds of the rapids of Tibiao River, I would raise my head and stare at the blue sky. My tube swirled me endlessly and I let the movement of the water send me to a Zen state of mind.

Occasionally, I would look ahead to see the nearing rapids. Our guide would holler, “Hold on!” to let us know we were approaching what they called “washing machine zone.” Every time we passed a rapid, I would again hear my friends Karla and Erica’s voices — this time in a chorus of joyous yells.

River tubing is a water activity where one sits on a donut-shaped inner tube, riding untethered and left to the control of the river’s current — except for a few occasions where the rider can use their hands to paddle. Using the International River Grading System, Tibiao River is given a grade of 4, making it an ideal river tubing and white-water rafting spot.

The popularity of this water activity in Tibiao started after a group of Australians organized a kayaking event a few years back. Since then, it has snowballed into a province-wide tourism draw when a National Extreme River Tubing Race was held in 2018.

“We have been bringing many tourists — both foreigners and locals—to this river as part of our eco-tour package. Americans, Australians, Russians coming from Boracay visit Antique to experience river tubing here,” Katahum Tours owner Flord Calawag says.

Calawag also manages Calawag Mountain Resort where river tubing sessions usually start. Here, guests can also enjoy a pre-tubing boodle meal and a hot kawa (cauldron) bath by the river afterward.

Asked if the said tourist activities may interfere with the river’s ecosystem, Calawag assures, “All resort-owners situated near the river are taught to uphold sustainable practices and proper solid waste management.”

After more than an hour of spinning over the cold waters of Tibiao river, we finally rested on still waters downstream. Despite being drenched and feeling cold, we were all stoked and even wanting to ride more — but a series of huge boulders ahead would make it extra difficult for us to ride the current further.

Stirred up by the activity, we returned to Calawag Mountain Resort for some relaxation.

BASK in the wonders of nature on a four-tiered hammock.

Many centuries ago, being placed inside a big cauldron on top of a fire would mean you’re about to get cooked alive and eaten by cannibals. Fortunately, today, you won’t end up as human stew because these giant steamers are now used as pseudo-bathtubs where one could experience a very therapeutic soak known as “Kawa Hot Bath.”

Already a popular nature indulgence and tourist draw in Antique, the Kawa Hot Bath is the earth-friendly version of the jacuzzi where you sit inside a firewood-heated cauldron filled with water and sprinkled with flowers and herbs. You can opt to tinker with your Kawa bathwater by selecting additives like milk, sea salt, coffee, turmeric or even wine and beer.

Following a few days of adventure in the province of Antique comprising of chasing waterfalls, hiking and river tubing, I felt like my body needed a pampering, so I opted for the beer-themed Kawa Hot Bath. After half an hour of submerging my body, I felt the invigorating effect immediately.

Changing to dry clothes, I joined Karla and Erica on a four-tiered hammock tied on top of each other. We reminisced about the day’s adventures we shared. Recounting every topsy-turvy incident we had at the river earlier and the various spots we visited the previous days, we all came into a conclusion that the province Antique is an underrated adventure destination.