10 years ago, I would have gone backpacking without any plans. However, as I grew older, I realized the perils of my old ways. Being the 30+-year-old tita that I am now, I hate unexpected turns. I spend days before my trip planning my day-today activity. La Escapo Mountain Resort in Tibiao, Antique was different. It’s the living proof that the best moments are those you didn’t plan at all.
I initially intended to stay at another resort in Tibiao. I was grateful though that we had a slight miscommunication with the owner of the resort and we ended up not having a place to stay that night. If it weren’t for our van driver at the time, we wouldn’t have met the wonderful people of La Escapo Mountain Resort. We were received with open arms regardless of how hesitant we looked on staying at the resort at first (yes, yes, because it was unplanned). But the moment we were lead to our cottage, all my doubts were gone. The kubo was huge and to think that it’s only 250 Php per person, per night! We had a dining area, a spacey bathroom,and a room equipped with a kulambo and blanket. We were told by Ate Mary Ann that it can get really cold at night and she wasn’t lying! The air was fresh and crisp. Imagine a virgin rainforest…that was what we had. We had trees around us and we can hear the crickets rendering a delightful symphony. We had a good night’s sleep at the resort. I couldn’t be more relieved that the city was miles away from me.
LaEscapo Mountain Resort serves food! We tried their La Escapo Inasal meals which was very generous. Their Chicken Inasal was savory to the very bone and it’s with unlimited rice! Their Grilled Pork was just as delectable and pleasing. We didn’t have problems deciding if we were just starving that’s why the food tasted great: it was really delicious. We even ordered the same meals for the rest of our stay!
With the help of the resort staff, we had our plans laid right from the morning the next day. We started with the trek to Bugtong Bato Falls through the trail in Mount Bandirahan. The hike took around 20 to 30 minutes with the beauty of nature as your backdrop. Our guide is an old woman named Nanay Menen who astonished the living hell out of me. She trod the path with ease while sharing stories about the community of Tibiao. I appreciated her constant reminder for us to take care of our steps and her resolute offer to carry our bags to which we refused almost as determinedly.
Upon reaching Bugtong Bato falls, we were informed by Nanay Menen that the falls is 3 tiers high. The way to the second tier was dangerous because the steps were steeper and slippery. We all agreed we should go regardless and I was worrying about Nanay the whole time. As it turns out, I should be more worried about myself because she didn’t need any help at all! Upon reaching the second tier,we saw the way to the third tier to which we dared (again). It was a scene right out of Indiana Jones. The path was dangerously vertical and we were holding onto ropes. According to Nanay, the path used to be descending through the falls but it was dangerous so they changed it. To tell you the truth, the new trail scared me. It looked thrillingly similar.
The falls and the plunge basin of all 3 tiers were a sight to behold. We decided to take my phone to the third tier because it took clear photos. Sadly, all of the photos were gone now.
We stayed longer on the 1st tier because the water is shallow enough for you to lounge but deep enough to swim on. We were the first visitors of the day and it was a warm thought having shared it with someone inspiring as Nanay Menen. Our way back was a breeze. We made an effort to greet everyone we came across with. For me, this is the least I can do to express my gratitude to the townsfolk: for taking care of this natural wonder and also for sharing with me,an outsider, the beauty of their town. We settled our payment for the environmental fee and guide fee as soon as we were back at the jump off point and gave a little extra to Nanay Menen for being thoughtful the whole trek. We also saw her picking up the food wrappers left by other tourists while waiting for us (there weren’t many, thank goodness!) (we helped, of course!!!) and this further touched our hearts.
Right after, we headed to the river to experience the Tibiao River Tubing! I honestly underestimated the current. Here are 2 friendly, but important reminders:
1) No matter how good you are in holding on to your stuff, never trust yourself.
2) The current seems calm from where you will be starting but once you reach the middle part of the course, prepare for some drops and twists.
I had to learn the hard way. The resort staff were all discouraging me from bringing my phone. I told them I can manage. Since they saw that I couldn’t be deterred, they gave up and handed me a mobile phone bag/protector. To make the long story short, I found myself totally wet with my phone dead. Damn it. No regrets, though. The experience was gold! I was in a fit of uncontrollable laughter because it was thrilling and it excited me to no end. I had fun being dragged along the river! Our guides warned us for any sharp falls and curves. We survived the fury of Tibiao, River and ended in a stable stream where locals were having their picnic. They were all happy to see us and we were too! Some congratulated us even and offered us shots! It was so cool in its own little way!
It was finally time for some rest and relaxation after the river tubing! We watched as the La Escapo Mountain Resort staff prepared our Kawa Bath. The fire blazed as the water was itching to boil. They placed flowers and herbs in and as soon as it was well-heated, the pleasant smell filled the area. We stayed in the Kawa Bath for almost an hour. It couldn’t get any more relaxing than this. The cold, rainforest air contrasting the warmth of the bath was heaven. The Kawa Bath also came with a free, full-body massage. I was jumping in and out of consciousness at that point. It was so relaxing that I was dozing off! The oil they were using was minty and it was a good choice especially for those who just had a maddening adventure around Tibiao.
After the message, as much as we wanted to stay, we prepared to leave. My heart ached. Being in La Escapo in Tibiao, Antique became, indeed, an escape for me.We never intended to stay here but this was where we ended up in. La Escapo is a place where we learned all about Tibiao. The warmth of Nanay Menen, Ate Mary Ann Marcelino, and Kuya Larry Felipe, to name a few, was unparalleled. I didn’t want to leave and return to the road.
Ever since that day, Antique held its grip on me. It was my unexpected turn. It was an unplanned adventure. But of all the things that I never saw coming, La Escapo and Tibiao, Antique in general, was the most pleasant surprise that I am willing to submit to again. Just like Kuya Larry’s parting words “Mamimiss namin kayo!” Asta sa liwat, Tibiao and I will be back!
Howto go to Tibiao, Antique:
- From Iloilo International Airport, ride a van toSM City Iloilo (70 Php)
- Take the jeepney bound to Molo Terminal then ride a van bound to Tibiao, Antique. Travelling via van is suggested as it only takes 4 hours without traffic. When you travel by bus, expected travel time is 6 hours minimum. Van Fare is 200 Php while Bus Fare is 110 Php.
- Asked to be dropped off in Tibiao and ride a tricycle to the resort. You can coordinate with La Escapo so that they can pick you up.
Contact Information:
La Escapo Resort
Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique
Tibiao, Antique, Philippines 5707
Mobile Number: (0977) 470 8784 and (0926) 237 6136
***Please be very patient when it comes to their reply to your text messages. There are no stable mobile phone signal in Tibiao, Antique regardless of the resort.
Room Rates: 250 Php/pax
Kawa Hot Bath with massage: 299 Php/pax
River Tubing: 399 Php/pax
Bugtong Bato Falls: 150 Php Guide Fee
***Prices are subject to change. But restassured they are one of the most economical yet quality resorts in Tibiao!
***Antique is part of our independently-arranged Panay Backpacking Adventure in hopes that we finish Project 81 (Or visiting all the 81 provinces of the Philippines)!!! You can read our adventures around the Panay Island by clicking the links below:
Guimaras: Trike Tour and Island Hopping
Jannispaghetti = Wanderlust 