Antique is home to the indigenous tribe of the Iraynon Bukidnon, responsible for creating the only rice terraces cluster in the Visayas. There are four terraced fields to be found in this province – the General Fullon Rice Terraces, the Lublub Rice Terraces, the Bakiang Rice Terraces, and the San Agustin Rice Terraces.

The Binirayan Festival

Antique is host to the Binirayan Festival, a month-long festival that starts in early December. It commemorates the arrival of Bornean datus and honors the Malay roots of the Antique locals. The term binirayan literally translates to ‘where they sailed to,’ referring to where the Bornean datus sailed to upon arriving at Panay Island. 

The festival opens with a parade from the Pantalan Port to Malandog Beach, believed to be where the ancestors docked. This glorious celebration continues with theatrical street plays where performers are adorned in full Malayan costumes and traditional rituals are performed in Binirayan locations. By the sea, a colorful flotilla attracts onlookers. Street dancing competitions, beauty contests, exhibitions of local arts, crafts and products complete this month-long festival.

Awe-inspiring Reasons to Visit Antique

Antique offers abundant reasons for you to come and visit. There are beaches a-plenty to satisfy your lust for sea and sun, as well as adventures on both water and land.

Reason #1 – The Island Calls

Commonly known as Mararison by the locals, this area of grass-covered rolling hills (called Lantawan), stretches of white sand and pebble beaches, various rock formations, and a shifting sandbar beckons you to throw your cares away and soak in the land and waterscape. Swimming, snorkeling, and trekking to a 360-degree view of the entire island are just a few of the activities waiting for you.

Reason #2 – Something’s Fishy 

Visit the Tibiao Fish Spa, a popular tourist spot in Antique. Give your feet some feel-good time as you dip them in water teeming with Therafishes that feast on the dead skin from the soles of your feet. It may tickle at first, but the end result will give new life to your tired soles.

With its clear, clean, and fast-glowing waters, the Tibao River is the perfect spot for whitewater rafting. Guides are available to help you wade through the currents and to make sure that you are safe and sound throughout your kayak adventure.

Reason #3 – I’m Falling for You

Igpasungaw Falls is a series of waterfalls within the rainforest. Each level of waterfall has its own catch basin that is ideal for either swimming, cliff jumping or waterfall sliding. Try one or try them all. Getting there is half the fun and adventure as you take a 45-minute trek through farms and forests, mini waterfalls, bamboo bridges, and rivers. 

Reason #4 – Have Some Clean Fun

Bugang River is recognized as “The Cleanest Inland Body of Water” in the Philippines. It is also a popular destination for river tubing. Start out by going with the flow of the blue-green lagoon, and head on to the rushing rapids as you marvel at the lush vegetation along the riverside. Your destination stops once you reach the Malumpati Cold Spring.

Reason #5 – Getting Cold Feet and More

Popular with local and foreign guests, the Malumpati Cold Spring features a cold and refreshing freshwater pool along a calm river. Guaranteed to cool you down, this is a must-visit venue during the warm summer season. Try the diving platforms along the pool, and for thrillseekers there are more exciting activities to try such as a zip line, wall climbing, and rappelling. For a day or overnight stay, huts are available.

Reason #6 – The Pleasure Island

A white sand beach awaits you at Nogas Island. Swim to your heart’s content, go snorkeling, and discover a bounty of corals and rich biodiversity. On the island itself, explore the area as you trek through a Kalachuchi-lined trail where you will find a lighthouse with a fascinating view of what lies below this island. Near the lighthouse, have yourself photographed with the 100-year old Balete tree in the background.

Reason #7 – All Soaked Up 

A Kawa (cauldron) Hot Bath is a must when you are in Tibiao River. Originating from this province, the Kawa Hot Bath gives a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for your skin. Soak in a large kawa filled with lukewarm water, flowers, and a choice of other ingredients such as herbs, beer, kalawag (turmeric), wine, milk, coffee or salt. A firewood is lit underneath the kawa just to warm the water and make soaking a more pleasurable experience for you.

While you’re at it, you might as well take advantage of the cool, running water as you go water tubing or kayaking. Or you can simply have a peaceful and relaxing meal by the river, prepared by the locals.

Reason #8 – A Sight to Behold

The 200-year-old well-preserved Antique Rice Terraces is a cultural treasure of the province. To enjoy this panoramic sight, a viewing deck is available for you to appreciate the grandiosity of this man-made structure, alongside two waterfalls that serve as irrigation for the terrace crops and a refreshing vista of towering mountains and virgin forests.

Reason #9 – The Best Things in Life are Free

The San Jose Esplanade in the capital of Antique runs along the town’s newly developed coastal road. Here you can experience an unobstructed view of a sunrise or sunset, or simply take a relaxing walk to enjoy the sound of the waves hitting the shore, breathe in the fresh sea breeze, and take in the calming sight of the sea.

Reason #10 – Getting High

Aningalan is dubbed as the “Summer Capital of Antique.” It is a highland community that boasts of cool year-round temperatures with a picturesque mountain view. Come Strawberry Season, guests are encouraged to take part in strawberry picking. Aningalan has karst formations that may have been there for hundreds, maybe even thousands, of years. The fertile rainforest is where you will find Igbaclag Cave. Other activities at Aningalan include a bamboo raft ride at Danao Lake, horseback riding, and a visit to the flower garden where you can find at least two species of the Rafflesia flower (also known as the corpse flower due to the unpleasant scent it gives off). 

Antique Cuisine at its Best

Antique offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes for you to sample. The Porbida is made with chicken cutlets boiled in coconut milk, a souring agent called alupidan (or garlic vine), annatto powder and chili peppers.

For fish, shellfish and other seafood, they have various meal preparations that will keep you asking for more. 

Ginat-an nga Dagmay is a mix of dagmay leaves, stalk and tubers, kadyos (pigeon peas) and bagongon (river snails) boiled in coconut milk. 

Linapwahan is a sweetish broth with a concoction of vegetables (malunggay, green papaya, saluyot, okra, alugbati, squash, string beans, ampalaya, eggplant and kulitis) mixed with an assortment of fresh water shrimps, river crabs, dried shrimp fry, dried anchovies, and pinakas dried fish) all boiled with tomatoes, onions and ginamos (shrimp paste) or salt.

Binabak is made from pounded river shrimp and steamed with young coconut meat and ginger, all wrapped in banana leaves.

For the sweet tooth in you, there is the Butong-Butong, a hard and brittle stick or cane made from muscovado. This is similar to the Tira-Tira.

Antique has so much more to offer. The next time you plan a trip, aim for Antique and have the adventure of a lifetime.

The post From Cold Springs to Hot Baths and Rice Terraces–Make Antique Your Next Destination appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

As tourism has a multiplier effect—creating not only jobs but also livelihood opportunities through offering of goods and services—sustainability ensures the preservation of destinations, thriving of culture and traditions, and inclusive growth. Moreover, as sustainability measures often involve the community, the locals themselves become part of the meaningful experience of their hometown’s visitors. 

Here are the top sustainable tourism destinations for your next adventures in the Philippines and the communities that you will encounter on an unforgettable journey.

The eco-friendly locals of Mt. Hamiguitan and Mt. Apo in Davao

The Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental is Mindanao’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, with attractions such as a pygmy forest where trees are stunted to only about 4.5 feet in height. There are 1,974 endemic plant and animal species that have been identified so far, including carnivorous pitcher plants, the iconic Philippine Eagle, Philippine cockatoo, and golden crowned flying foxes.  The locals are engaged not only in tourism but also in sustainable livelihood programs. One of these is beekeeping using the native stingless bee species called ‘kiyot’. This also helps with pollinating and protecting Mt. Hamiguitan’s vegetation.  

The Mount Apo Natural Park is home to 272 bird species, 111 of which are endemic, including the Philippine Eagle which is the largest in the world. The mountain is also inhabited by several indigenous groups: the Manobos, Bagobos, and Klata who consider it as a sacred mountain. They perfectly demonstrate how to coexist in harmony with the environment. Trek porters are equipped by the local tourism offices to share their knowledge of the mountain and its conservation. 

The artisans of Ilocos, Panay Island, Eastern Visayas, and Central Mindanao

The women of Ilocos, particularly in the towns of Paoay, Vigan, Pinili, down to the towns of Santiago in Ilocos Sur and Bangar in La Union have been weaving from their homes since pre-Hispanic times. Their hand-loomed Inabel fabric, made from cotton blends is made into blankets, table covers, and even apparel, such as bags, shoes, and face masks for the new normal, with traditional designs that have been passed down through generations. 

Panay Island also has a proud tradition of weaving, with several weaving communities across the island. In Aklan, they dexterously weave the fibers of the piña or Red Bisaya pineapple plant into delicate-looking cloth made into home decor and even formal apparel. Aklanon weavers are known for their piña and silk cloth creations that are embroidered with floral designs while the weavers of Iloilo and Antique are known for employing the suk-suk or inlaid weft technique in hablon and patadyong cloth.

Weavers in Eastern Visayas use materials harvested from plants that grow abundantly in their area to craft mats that can be used for sleeping or fashioned into decorative items such as place mats and plant holders or even bags and fans. These materials range from abaca, buri palm, coconut leaves and ribs, rattan and tikog or reed grass, pandan, pawa which is a type of thin bamboo, and seagrass. 

The surfing communities of La Union, Baler, Siargao, Surigao del Sur and Eastern Samar

The surfing hotspots of the Philippines have produced not only a burgeoning tourism industry but also world-class local surfers. Those living in the islands have picked up the sport and the waters of La Union, Baler, Siargao, Surigao del Sur and Eastern Samar have increasingly seen more locals on their boards. These friendly Filipino surfers are the embodiment of the laidback local surfing lifestyle and are also staunch advocates of caring for their marine environment. 

The culinarians of Iloilo City, Bacolod, Zamboanga City, and Davao City

Visiting the different regions of the Philippines is a taste trip, with each province contributing richly to the food map of the country, with recipes that make use of what is easily available in their locality. A cultural awareness of these dishes and the resulting food tourism ensures that not only the recipes are handed down to the next generation but heirloom produce will continue being planted by the local farmers.

Iloilo city is considered as one of the food capitals of the Philippines, with flavorful delicacies such as bowls of La Paz Batchoy noodles and Molo Soup. Negros Occidental is called the Sugar Bowl of the Philippines for its fields of sweet sugarcane. Among their preferred dishes for guests especially those visiting its capital city, Bacolod are Inasal (chicken grilled over hot coals), Piaya (unleavened flatbread filled with muscovado sugar), and Kansi or beef shank with bone marrow cooked in broth flavored with a local souring agent called Batwan.

Seafood abounds in Zamboanga, and their must-try dishes include ingredients such as a crustacean locally called Curacha, Imbao or mangrove clams, snails called Kulo, and Lato — a seaweed that resembles small green grapes, or commonly known as green caviar. Davao is known for its fruits, ranging from pineapples, bananas, sweet pomelos, and the infamous durian. For a memorable meal, try the specialties that make use of fresh seafood such as Kinilaw, the local version of ceviche, and Sinugba or freshly-grilled seafood.           

The farming communities of Negros Occidental

To experience life on a Filipino farm, visit the 14 farm tourism sites that have been accredited by the Department of Tourism in Western Visayas. These farms highlight the potential of sustainable agriculture that can provide income streams for the communities who profit from both the produce and their eco-tours. Visitors can relax and appreciate the bounty of nature while learning the technology applied to the farming practices suited to the climate and soil conditions of the area.

Travel safely!

All these tourist destinations have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel, Apple Store, or Google Playstore.

The post These Local Communities are Thriving with Sustainable Tourism in the Philippines appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

With more than 7,000 islands offering a unique experience to visitors, the Philippines is a destination unlike any other. Whether it’s relaxing on the beaches or the mountains, enjoying the vibrant urban life, or immersing yourself in indigenous culture, there are one-of-a-kind experiences that await in the Philippines for different types of travelers.

​​If you’re looking for an unforgettable and authentic experience, as well as ideas on where to travel in the Philippines, these eight distinctively Filipino activities from various regions of the Philippines are something you may want to consider.

1. Cycling around Intramuros on a Bamboo Bike

Situated right in the heart of Manila, Intramuros is a popular day trip destination for history buffs and tourists who want to get to know the Philippine capital. And here’s an exciting way to do it: ride a bamboo bike. Bambike Ecotours offers a chance to explore the walled city’s old-town charm and its fascinating pieces of Philippine history in an eco-friendly way. These handmade bamboo bikes come in many options for a safe and comfortable ride, with Bambassadors acting as guides while touring the historic fortress city.

2. Zooming through Banaue’s Winding Roads on a Wooden Bike

If your next trip takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, you can fully immerse yourself in the region’s culture and explore its majestic sites through the local mode of transportation. Up in the mountains of Banaue, tourists can try out hand-carved wooden scooters that can reach up to speeds of 50 kilometers an hour. These bikes are a testament to the Ifugao’s wood carving skills and ingenuity, as they are made with scraps of wood and pieces from old rubber tires. This is an adrenaline-fueled way to enjoy a picturesque view of the centuries-old Banaue Rice Terraces, which their ancestors carved by hand on the mountainsides.

3. Test Your Balance on Bamboo Stilts in Cebu

Cebu is a scenic vacation destination that offers a plethora of fun things to do, from trips to historical monuments, island getaways and mountain retreats. It’s also the birthplace of Kadang-Kadang (Karang), an old Filipino game that involves walking—or rather, running—on bamboo stilts. This unique and thrilling activity was recognized as a traditional team sport under the Laro ng Lahi in 1969, but it is considered a childhood game through generations. Kadang-Kadang is played by locals in communities all across the island, and tourists can try out their skills on balance and speed by hopping on a pair of stilts and participating in a team race that runs (or wobbles) for 100 meters. It also has the added benefit of letting you see the beautiful city from a slightly higher point of view.

4. Go Off-Road on a Lahar Adventure in Pampanga

Pampanga offers more than just a delectable taste of Philippine cuisine. This not-so-hidden gem also has one-of-a-kind outdoor activities that are must-tries for intrepid travelers. You can, for instance, go on an off-road tour of the streams and sandy terrain of the province’s lahar trails. Locals have ingeniously and admiringly taken these remnants of the devastating Mount Pinatubo eruption of 1991 and turned it into a destination for extreme sports enthusiasts. There are a number of travel operators that offer guided tours on 4×4 ATVs or motorcycles through this unique landscape. Visitors can pre-book via call or through their websites.

5. Relax in a Kawa bath in Antique

The Kawa or giant cauldron is typically used for cooking fiesta fare in the Philippines, but in Antique, it provides a rustic and relaxing experience. The mountainside resorts welcome visitors after a trek in the woods of Tibiao in Antique with a refreshing hot bath in a kawa, with water heated over a wood fire and scented with aromatic herbs and flowers. Those who want to experience another kind of therapy can visit the Tibiao Fish Spa, where guests can dip their feet in a pond for fish to nibble on and exfoliate.

Direct flights from Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Antique Airport in San Jose de Buenavista are the fastest way to travel to Antique and enjoy this one-of-a-kind bathing experience. If you’re coming from Manila, you can also take a flight from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to either the Iloilo International Airport, Kalibo International Airport, or Caticlan Airport, all of which are a two- to three-hour bus ride away from Antique.

6. Visit the Philippine Eagle in Davao

The Philippine Eagle is regarded as the Philippines National Bird. It is the largest of the extant eagles in the world in terms of length and wing surface, and it is now considered critically endangered. This is why it is protected in sanctuaries such as the Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao. Mount Hamiguitan is a UNESCO Protected Highland Nature Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. A somewhat challenging trek is rewarded by a treasure trove of biodiverse sightings, including a chance to watch for the majestic Philippine Eagle in flight. Those who would rather study the area’s biodiversity indoors can visit the natural science museum that can be found on the premises. For a quick glimpse of the eagles, guests may also opt to visit Philippine Eagle Center, a private sector-managed rainforest in Davao City that shelters and breeds Philippine Eagles in captivity.

7. Learn the Indigenous Art of Weaving in the Cordillera fabric circuit

The upland tribes of the Cordillera Region have a rich culture that is woven into their fabrics. This circuit tour brings travelers to stunning interactive and informative displays of the fabrics that are produced in the region using cotton and other natural fibers that are woven and weft into their traditional designs on looms that have been passed down through generations. Tour stops include weaving villages and museums, with opportunities to go souvenir shopping for these handmade works of art sewn into stunning articles of clothing or incorporated into decorative pieces for the home.

8. Organic Green Tour (OGT) Circuit

This circuit traces the Philippine food roots through a combination of organic farm tours and traditional meals that use the freshly harvested produce. The tour runs through the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT) area with two farm tourism destinations, namely the Benguet Agro-Eco Farm in Sablan and the UM-A Farm in Tuba. Among the activities are pick-and-pay and the opportunity to partake in a traditional community celebration hosted by the farmers held around a warm bonfire amid fresh mountain air.

Travel safely!

The Tourism Department, which has been awarded a SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in recognition of its adoption of “health and hygiene global standardized protocols” that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, conducts thorough inspection and assessment to ensure that only those who are accredited are allowed to open and receive guests.

To ensure safe access to these unique experiences, the Tourism Department enhances its health and hygiene protocols, with tourism workers undergoing constant training and tourism establishments implementing standardized safeguards in their premises to protect their guests and employees.

Through its Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), the Philippine government is constantly updating its protocols to safeguard Filipinos and foreign nationals traveling to the Philippines. To know the latest updates and travel advisories about the Philippines, visit https://www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The post 8 Unique Nature and Culture Trips to Try in the Philippines appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Imagine an itinerary packed with visits to sugar mills and ancestral houses, feasts of heirloom dishes, sugar farming, and even a ride on a steam locomotive—a refreshing break from the typical mountain tours and water activities. These are just some of the many exciting activities to look forward to in Western Visayas as the province reopens its doors to tourists. Visitors will get to explore the sugar heritage of Negros Occidental which came from Panay Island, particularly Iloilo and its neighboring towns where most of the sugar planters originated. Currently, only the Western Visayas has these intact sugar refineries in the country. Sugar mills are still intact in Negros Occidental, while in Panay, there are still extant small muscovado mills in Antique.

A beautiful complement to the Sugar Trail adventure is a visit to the growing Slow Food community in Negros Island, one of two such communities in Western Visayas (there is also a Slow Food Community in Panay). The former is recognized by the Italy-based organization Slow Food International and has 25 food items listed in the “Ark of Taste”, a catalog of endangered heritage foods around the world. Among the food items in Negros Occidental included in the list are batuan (organic souring agent), kadyos (pigeon peas), criollo cacao (white-bean cacao), and darag chicken (native Ilongo chicken). Slow Food is a concept that seeks to preserve local food cultures and traditions. It promotes traditional cuisines and the sustainable preparation of food.

Today, many travelers take an active interest in the source and history of their food and are becoming even more invested in learning about the communities that grow them. While Guimaras’ beautiful beaches and delicious mangoes make it an amazing place to visit, this stunning island also offers engaging farm-to-table agri-tourism attractions. Its Agri-tourism Circuit features a network of farm sites, including mango orchards, bee farms, salt farms, and aquaculture ponds scattered across the five municipalities of Guimaras. The tour takes visitors to Guimaras Wonders Farm and National Mango Research and Development Center in Jordan, Sebario Salt Farm in San Lorenzo, SEAFDEC Marine Reserve, and Aqua-Culture Farm in Nueva Valencia, Southern Orchard, and Spring Bloom Farm in Sibunag. Travelers can also drop by the old Trappist Monastery in Jordan, founded in 1972, where they can stock up on mango-flavored goods, jams and sweets, and many other sweet delights.

The underwater world of Western Visayas must also not be missed. You can only imagine the incredible scenery that lies within the province’s enchanting blue seas, from undamaged reefs to rich marine wildlife and a unique underwater environment. The Western Visayas Dive Circuit comprises Nogas Island in Antique, a 24-hectare deserted marine sanctuary and government naval reserve with a highly abundant marine life that is regarded by most divers as one of Panay Island’s most stunning dive sites. The Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary in Iloilo offers enticing opportunities for snorkeling and diving. It is home to a diverse range of fish, invertebrates, micro-organisms, and lush vegetation. Dive spots for skilled and seasoned divers are additional attractions for tourists looking to see the breathtaking white-sand beaches of Boracay in Aklan. Yapak and Crocodile Island are its most popular diving destinations. For macro enthusiasts, the Sipalay diving sites in Negros Occidental are ideal. People come to Campomanes Bay in search of adventure at its famed diving spots like Turtle Island, Sunken Island, and the MS Jojo wreck.

The most eco-conscious travelers will get an amazing adventure in Bacolod. You’re sure to see a spectacular array of wildlife at every turn at the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Biodiversity Conservation Center in South Capitol Road. Its ecological area is teeming with flora and fauna indigenous to the region. Due to deforestation and the rise of commercial and agricultural operations, most animals and plants here are in danger of extinction. This conservation center helps tourists design more eco-friendly trips and connect with the environment and wildlife while learning to respect their habitat.

Majority of the towns in Iloilo are known for having outstanding Spanish-influenced architecture. You will find beautiful churches, cemeteries, watchtowers, and bridges in nearly every site. A visit to the province’s southern and central districts takes travelers to many unique churches with rich histories to dive into as you explore them. The Baroque-Romanesque parish church of St. Thomas in Miagao, which was proclaimed a National Shrine in 1973 and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List of 1993, is a must-see when visiting these heritage churches. A tour of the Leon, Pavia, Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, Tigbauan, Guimbal, and San Joaquin churches also provides a memorable experience.

Travelers are encouraged to check the official websites of the sites and attractions they plan to visit as well as https://philippines.travel for the latest updates on open destinations, travel restrictions, and entry requirements and safety protocols.

The post Underrated Destinations in Western Visayas: A Discovery List appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.