Overview

Antique is a province located in Western Visayas. The province's capital, San Jose, is located in the western portion of Panay Island and borders Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo to the east while facing the Sulu Sea to the west.

History

Antique was one of the three "Sakups" or districts of Panay before Spanish colonizers arrived on the islands. The province was known at that time as "Hantik", which was the name of the large red ants found on the island. The Spanish chroniclers, however, were influenced by the French when they recorded the name as "Hantique", and later established the formal name "Antique" after removing the "h". Unlike the English term, "Antique", the province's name is pronounced "ahn-tee-keh."

People and Culture

Antiqueños are very hospitable people who would go out of their way to extend assistance to visitors and guests. These seafaring people share many characteristics with their Panay neighbors.

The Catholic Church holds a very strong influence on Antiqueños. For centuries, the churches were the physical vanguards of the people. Piña cloth is also produced in looms throughout the province. Wine manufactured from the sap of the coconut is a cottage industry. The rugged and varied land of Antique offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities. Diving and beach enthusiasts would have a great time discovering the unspoiled islets of Antique.

Tourism

The province is endowed with natural and historical attractions. It is blessed with beautiful beaches, caves, falls, churches. It has many tourist attractions that made it a major contibutor to the growing tourism in the Philippines, such as activities, points of interest, facilities, and services.

HISTORICAL

• Anini-y Chruch

A massive white coral building located in poblacion Anini-y, 40.46 kms. south of San Jose de Buenavista.

• Malandog Marker, Hamtic

7 kms. south of San Jose, Antique; which marks the: "Landing site of the first Malayan settlers 1200 A.D."

• Old Watchtower, Libertad

143 kms. north of San Jose. It served to warn the natives of approaching pirates.

• EBJ Freedom Park

In front of the Antique Provincial Capitol building in San Jose, Antique in honor of the late Gov. Evelio B. Javier who was assassinated on February 11, 1986 while defending freedom and democracy from the forces of martial law.

• Telegrafo Hill Boundary

Straddling the Iloilo-Antique boundary, it commands a view of San Jose, Antique. The hill was a stronghold during World War II. The place is ideal for hiking and horseback riding.

• St. Agustin’s High School, Patnongon, Antique

25 kms. from San Jose, Antique; its building is a remodelled old Spanish convent near the site of the ruins of the century-old Spanish church. St. Agustin's run by Mill Hill Missionaries.

• Estaca Hill, Bugasong

43 kms. from San Jose, Antique; with an elevation of some 200 feet and a view of the sea and hills surrounding Bugasong. The hill was once the site of a watchtower to warn people of Muslim pirates.

NATURAL

• Nogas Island

A 24-hectare government naval reservation island 3 miles from the shoreline of Anini-y town proper; 20 minutes by sailboat or motorboat; ideal for shell hunting, snorkeling and scuba diving.

• Sira-an Hot Spring

A government-owned hot sulphur spring atop solid rock; warm water flowing from crevices and collects in tiled basins into a junior size, swimming pool; is along the highway 1 1/2 kilometers from Anini-y town proper and overlooks Nogas Island.

• Cresta De Gallo

Anini-y; called Punta Nasog by natives; denuded mountain of solid rock shaped like a rooster's crown believed rich in mineral deposit.

• Taguimtim

2 kms. south of Tobias Fornier. Best for picnics and swimming.

• Camp Autajay

5 kms. from San Jose; also called Pina beach; 10-hectare lot ideal for camping, live-in seminars or conferences.

• Pula Waterfalls

Red-tinted water cascades. 2 kms. away from poblacion of San Remegio.

• Bato Cueva, San Remegio

Where one can see San Jose and Sibalom towns; on clear weather, mount Madia-as in Culasi can also be seen.

• Danao Lake

Located in the high mountains of San Remegio; ideal for hunting.

• Batabat Coral Reef, Barbaza

1 km. offshore, a 20-minute ride by pump boat; varied colored corals can be seen through clear waters.

• Cadiao Resort

11 kms. from poblacion Barbaza to Bgy. Capuyawan, then 5 kms. on foot; has a Baguio-like temperature.

• Macalbag Waterfalls

A waterfall 50 ft. high, 8 kms. from poblacion Barbaza; several caves, some still unexplored.

• Hatay-Hatay Beach Resort, Barbaza

5 kms. from the poblacion; abundant spring water.

• Manglamon Beach and Cave of Tiguis

5 kms. from poblacion Tibiao; with sparkling sand and nearby cave.

• Mararison Island

4 kms. off the coast of Culasi; 15 minutes by pumpboat; a long stretch of white sand beach; ideal for beach combing and spear fishing; the presence of "pitcher plant" noted.

• Mount Madia-as, Culasi

2,117 m. above sea level; beautiful mountain scenery, different species of flora and fauna, rare orchids, wild deer and boar, a lagoon and rain forest.

• Batbatan Island

8 kms. from Mararison Island; a mound of soft greenery, an attraction to scuba divers; has natural coves, anchorages and white sand beaches.

• Bugtong Bato Waterfalls, Tibiao

6 kms. to Sitio Moleta accessible by motor vehicle up to Bgy. Tuno and a short hike along murmuring streams and hidden rice terraces. Ideal for excursions/picnics with excellent opportunities for bathing, swimming and picture taking. First three waterfalls with height up to 150 ft. are accessible.

• Tibiao River

Tibiao; 4 kms. from the poblacion considered ideal for white water kayaking by the Boracay based Tribal Adventure Group.

• Kipot Falls

7-basin falls, Culasi; 3 kms. northeast of town proper.

• Kalamasag Falls, Sebaste

About 100 ft. high; 7 kms.and a 3-hour walk from the national road.

• Igpasungaw Falls, Sebaste

3 kms. from the national highway; a 30-minute walk up hills; a natural swimming pool.

• Bugtong Bukid, Sebaste

500 meters from the national highway; have a bamboo and a nipa resthouse.

• Malumpati Health Spring and Tourist Resort, Pandan

Spring water collects in a small lake believed to have medicinal properties.

• Marble Mountain, Pandan

Marble deposit has different colors and expected to last a thousand years.

• Kaniang Resort, Libertad

Has seven water basins; seven kms. from town proper.

• Idiayan Resort, Libertad

It has the advantage of a sloping beach and nipa cottages.

• Maanghit Cave, Libertad

The cave is rich in guano deposited by bats; 7 kms. from the town proper.

• Duyong Beach, Pandan

A privately-owned white sand beach overlooking the mountains; ideal for swimming.

RELIGIOUS

• Sto. NIÑO Chruch, Hamtic

7 kms. from San Jose, Antique; has a convent and a bell tower.

• San Jose Cathedral, San Jose

Has the highest bell tower in the province.

• Sta. Rita Catholic Church, Sibalom

Old church 10 kms. Northeast of San Jose.

• Barbaza Catholic Church, Barbaza

The most modern architectural style in the whole of Antique; 61 kms. north of San Jose, Antique.

• St. Blaise Chruch, Sebaste

An object of pilgrimage for Roman Catholic devotees through the years; 108.90 kms. from San Jose, Antique.

MAN-MADE

• La Granja and Binirayan Site, San Jose

A sports complex with a grandstand and a library on a hillside; site of the yearly Binirayan Festival; also a venue for cultural presentations.

• Polythechnic State College of Antique, Sibalom

6th state college in Western Visayas; produces the best ceramic products, has a resthouse.

• Liberty Park, Mt. Agongon, Libertad

Commands a view of the town of Libertad against the vast expanse of blue sea; a camping area for boy and girl scouts.

Accommodations

• Centillion House 2000

Location: Bantayan St., San Jose, Antique

• La Vita Resort and Restaurant

Location: Madrangca Area, San Jose, Antique

• Barrio House Resort and Training Center

Location: Brgy. Dalipe, San Jose, Antique

• Binirayan Cottages

Location: Santillan Subdivision, Binirayan, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique

• Pinnacle Suites & Functions

Location: AML Building, Cor. Dalipe – Atabay St.San Jose, Antique

How to Get There

Antique is accessible via RORO (Roll-On Roll-Off) from Manila and major cities in the country. There are buses and vans plying from Iloilo City, Iloilo, Kalibo, Aklan to San Jose and vice versa.

Travel time to Antique is about two and a half hours from Iloilo International Airport and one and a half hours away from Kalibo International Airport. When touring around the province, jeepneys and tricycles also available in the area.