Things To Do
in Tibiao

A tangy fish stew using native souring agents like batuan or tamarind, often made with fresh river or coastal fish; common at family tables and local eateries.

Must-Try!

Coconut milk-based dish with taro leaves and sometimes fish or pork; found in home kitchens and local carinderias (small eateries).

Chicken soup cooked with coconut water and ginger (binakol) or clear ginger-based tinola—comfort food served in many provincial restaurants.

Best time to visit for outdoor activities: clearer skies, lower river flow (which can be better or worse for tubing depending on the stretch), and comfortable trekking conditions. Peak visitor months are around December to February—book accommodations in advance during holidays.

Expect heavy rains, sudden downpours, and occasional typhoons—river activities can be dangerous due to strong currents and flooding; some trails and roads may be muddy or impassable.

Transitional periods can offer pleasant weather with fewer tourists. April is warmer and drier but can be hot; November brings the first rains but still decent weather for exploring.

One of the highest peaks on Panay Island, offering multi-day treks, alpine scenery, and dramatic views; access points are several hours from Tibiao and require guides for longer routes.

Protected area with trails through lowland forest, waterfalls, and endemic flora—good for day hikes and birdwatching, with easier access compared to high-mountain treks.

Shorter local trail leading to Bugnay Falls—an accessible hike suitable for families and photographers, with swimming at the base pools.

Main gateway for southern Panay with regular domestic and some international flights. From the airport, reach Tibiao by bus or private van via Iloilo City to San Jose de Buenavista then local transport to Tibiao; travel time around 3–5 hours depending on transfers and road conditions.

Serves Aklan and northern Panay with many budget carrier connections. Ground travel to Tibiao requires bus or van transfers across Panay and can take 3–5 hours; useful if arriving from certain international flights.

Smaller regional airport in Capiz province with limited flights; overland transfer to Tibiao is possible and may be shorter depending on route, but check schedules—ground travel may still be several hours.

The dominant ethnolinguistic group in Antique; many locals speak Kinaray-a and hold strong community and agricultural traditions.

Many residents also speak Hiligaynon (Ilonggo), especially those with connections to Iloilo—bilingualism is common and helps visitors communicate.

Younger people often migrate to cities for education and work; remittances and return visits influence local economy and culture.

The most popular sport across the Philippines, widely played in Tibiao with local pickup games and barangay competitions in the evenings and weekends.

Common among school programs and community events, often played on simple town courts.

Not traditional sports but popular recreational pursuits that attract both locals and visitors—virtually a local specialty.

Vegetarian options exist but are basic—rice, vegetables, coconut-based dishes, and fried banana. Communicate clearly that you don't eat fish or meat; smaller eateries may substitute vegetable proteins or prepare simple veggie versions on request.

More limited—request dishes without fish sauce, shrimp paste, or egg; vegetables cooked in coconut milk are your best bet. Bring snacks and be prepared for less variety than in big cities.

Many traditional dishes are rice-based and naturally gluten-free, but watch out for soy sauce and commercial sauces that may contain wheat. Ask cooks about ingredients if you have celiac disease or severe allergies.