Nestled at the northern portion of the seahorse-shaped Antique province, Culasi is a wealthy town endowed with natural and historical attractions. It is blessed with beautiful beaches, caves, falls, and churches. The province has many tourist attractions, activities, points of interest, facilities, and services to offer.
Glimpse of History – Villa de Hong Kong
During the Spanish times Culasi was known by its old name "Bacong". Now, Bacong is only one of its barangays. The town also had the biggest Chinese population in Antique, so much so that it had a barrio named "Villa de Hong Kong" in their honor. It is now part of the Poblacion. Japanese troops occupied Culasi in 1942. It was liberated by Philippine Commonwealth troops under the 6th Infantry Regiment of the Philippine Constabulary in 1945.
Thriving Industry and Livelihood
Farming and fishing is the major livelihood where the Culasinhon depend their living. The rolling hills of Mt. Madja-as are rich in manganese, copper and coal found in Timbaban. Other metallic mineral deposits are white clay and pebbles in the island barangays of Malalison and Batbatan. Sand and gravel is being extracted in various rivers and used for infrastructure. Another metallic mineral is the limestone deposit found in Sitio Bula, Camancijan and is used for agricultural and industrial purpose. Limestone is used in the production of cement.
Most treasured one is the oil deposit in Maniguin Island explored by the Philippine National Oil Corporation (PNOC). Several companies drilled oil deposit in Maniguin with black coal. Maniguin has a potential reserve of 28 million barrels to 250 mmbbls based on the PNOC drilling project report.
Blooming Tourism
The province has many tourist attractions, activities, points of interest, facilities, and services to offer. There are at least five tourism potentials in the municipality:
- the Majestic Mt. Madja-as
- the Rio Guintongaban
- Malalison Island
- Batbatan Island
- Maniguin Island.
Getting Around
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.
From Iloilo, take Culasi bound buses or L300 van at Antique Transport Terminal in Molo, Iloilo City. Travel time from Iloilo City to Culasi is approximately 3 hours.