It is an old style of warm bath that uses a “Kawa” or a gigantic wok that serves as a bathtub. Instead of a heater, wood is used to create a fire to heat up the water and then sprinkled with ornamental and medicinal plants for a relaxing experience and fairer skin. La Escapo Mountain Resort is the perfect spot to experience this because of its geographical location. Kawa Hot Bath is prominent and one of the must-tried in Antique. Most mountain resorts offering this service are situated in Tuno, Municipality of Tibiao, 30 to 40 minutes travel from Culasi, Antique. Not only that, extreme water tubing can also be tried.
La Escapo Mountain Resort:
- Where to Stay in Tibiao, Affordable to Resort/Hotel
- La Escapo is the best place to experience Kawa Hot Bath.
- It is one of the mountain resorts situated in Brgy. Tuno.
- They have “bahay kubo” for accommodation for a cheaper price; they offer extreme water tubing, floating cottages, and a body massage. They can be contacted on 09262376136 or 09774708784.
My Solo-Backpacking in Western Visayas:
- How I Got to Tibiao: Since I had an overnight stay at Mararison Island, Culasi, Antique, using his motorcycle, Kuya Rey brought me to the Municipality of Tibiao, a 30 to 40-minute travel on the highway. The highway and the roads are concrete, so traveling wasn’t hard. While on the way to Brgy. Tuno, an environmental fee of 50 pesos will be collected, which serves as the entrance fee to the waterfalls.
This is my Day 3 – Solo Backpacking in Western Visayas. Upon arrival at the resort, we were welcomed by their friendly receptionist. I inquired about their rates, settled and placed my stuff at the cottage, and proceeded to Brgy. Tuno for a trek to Bugtong Bato waterfalls. I met Ate Marialyn at the Barangay Outpost, my super friendly and talkative trekking guide.
The first part of the trekking is passing by the residents’ houses in the village, passing by the rice fields, and lastly, an uphill trail to the waterfalls. The trail isn’t technical, but there are parts situated by the cliff, and holding on to the rope is the only support. By the way, I mentioned that my guide is super talkative. Do you know why??? She has a lot of something to share; upon my arrival at the Barangay Outpost, while walking on the trail, and when we had our goodbye – she was just amazing!
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| Photo: A view of Bugtong Bato Waterfalls. |
Each level has its respective pools; according to Ate Marialyn, the pools are deep. The tranquility and relaxing ambiance are well maintained because of the surrounding greens. Plus, the harmony of the birds singing and the sound of the rushing water create the feeling of a lazy day. By the side of the waterfalls are artistic rock formations and limestone cliffs naturally curved by nature. Bugtong Bato Waterfalls is definitely one of the must-visit tourist spots in Antique.
After the trekking, we went back to the cottage room. Tidy up. Watched a few episodes of KDrama. Listened to music. Had my lunch and took a nap. It was really a lazy afternoon!!! Woke up at 2 PM. Had time to discover what’s inside La Escapo Mountain Resort.
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| Photo of my room at La Escapo. |
I Experienced Kawa Hot Bath:
- At 4PM, everything was set up by the river – the most awaited is another lazy afternoon activity.
- The high-pitched sound of the birds singing, the relaxing echoing sound of the rushing water, the nature surrounding the area, and the temperature of the Kawa Hot Bath were perfect combinations.
- That feeling lasted only 30 minutes; another 30 minutes was for a body massage. Then, we had dinner and watched KDrama again. And rested.
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| Photo: Me enjoying Kawa Hot Bath. |
Summary of Expenses:
- The Total Amount Paid at La Escapo was 929 Pesos. See below for the itemized expenses.
- Room: 250 Pesos
- Kawa Hot Bath: 399 Pesos
- Adobo for Dinner: 70 Pesos
- 1 Cup of Rice: 15 Pesos
- Set Breakfast: 100 Pesos