DiscoverSibalom
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Sibalom.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Sibalom
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Sibalom
- Go on a holidays to Sibalom, Antique by first arranging this through World Pinoy Flights, and experience first-hand, as you take off the plane, the serene countryside of Antique beneath.
- Imagine these misty mornings, with which you first open your eyes on the dirt roads of the village, the smell of fresh pine and wet earth, and the wild cry of river birds.
- Observe the classic structure of the town: the narrow streets and the ancient nipa huts, the huge community marketplace where people sell fresh fish and woven baskets, and the small church which reminds of the spiritual core of the village.
- Make your way into the streets, and in the open spaces which lie there in your way you will find things which are curious, little parks where the children play, and where you can sit down and rest under the shade of old trees and watch the sunset.
- Be thankful that you have a feeling of community that hangs in the air, with well-wishing faces willing to part a smile or a quick recipe to the local linapay, a soft, steamed rice cake, that is only filled with simple happiness.
- Is the excitement building up? That is, in the very near future you will experience the beauty of nature that can only be found in Sibalom as an adventure destination.
- Capital (of the province): San Jose de Buenavista
- International airport: No international airport in Sibalom
- Nearest commonly used:
- Evelio Javier Airport (Antique Airport, San Jose de Buenavista) – domestic flights
- Iloilo International Airport – for international and major domestic flights
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Kinaray-a, Hiligaynon, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The first attraction is the holidays to Sibalom Natural Park which is a vast enclave that is a home to diverse unique plant life and wildlife making it an experimental area to eco-tourists.
- Then there is the grand Mt. Igmatongtong which stands high above the scenery, and commands sweeping views that compensate every stride of the hectic climb up its steep sides.
- The third attraction site is the crystal-clear waters of the canal and river systems that flow through the municipality that make it ideal in refreshing swims and relaxation picnics.
- Fourth, the region hosts the world-renowned Rafflesia speciosa with gigantic and smelly flowers that cover the forest in bright colours after every several years.
- Fifth, the biodiversity of the region is on display in a complex of natural heritage zones that are freezing the ancient flora and fauna, which gives guests an opportunity to observe the species that are not found anywhere on the planet.
- Lastly, the rhythmic waves, of the local culture, music, dance, and communal gatherings, provide an elements of human warmth, which is the addition to the strong natural beauty.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The dry seasons between November and May make the trails clean and the weather pleasant thus providing ideal conditions to trek, camp and explore the hidden treasures of the forest.
- In case you like your mountain fun in colder temperatures, schedule your trip during the months of December to February when clouds are low in the air, and the air is sharp, which makes breathing the mountain fresh air at the high altitude.
- The wet season which runs between June and October brings the jungles to be green and fertile but some parts of the journey are prone to be wet, thus one has to move keenly.
- The early spring, when the Rafflesia is in flower, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the huge petals of the plant open up against the green background.
- Holidays to Sibalom fall visits are also mild and easy to explore the river banks, and at a relaxed pace by the photography lovers.
- No matter the time of the year, natural environments of Sibalom are sure to provide an experience of a kind as every month, there is the palette of colours, smell, and sounds that one could encounter.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Sibalom Natural Park
- Learn about the Rafflesia speciosa, a rare plant rarely seen in the wild, and its life cycle, and the ecological delicate balance behind it.
- Stroll along forest paths that are in excellent condition and cut across ancient trees and rocks with moss and clear streams and have constantly varying viewpoints.
- Find the native birds of the area including the Philippine bulbul, also referred to locally as the kuyut-kuyut and hear their calls reverberating in the forest.
- Visit local guides who will teach you about the flora of the park, the legends of the Rafflesias, and the preservation being done in the park.
- Have picnic in the specified places whereby you can sit on blankets and enjoy fresh rice cakes and the local fruits harvested by the local villagers.
- Go back at sunset and see the sun set behind the hills, tinting the sky with the orange and pink that are reflected off the surface of the calm water.
Mt. Igmatongtong
- Start climbing at sunrise, when the clouds cover the mountains, and experience the refreshing coldness, which preconditions a day of adventure.
- Climb a sequence of switchbacks cut out of the rocky terrain with each turn opening panoramic vistas of the archipelago and the islands off in the distance.
- Stand on the top and eat a handful of pine needles, which have been blown down there, and smell the air and touch the world blue and green.
- Take pictures of the panorama view: the winding river of the coastline, the rice paddies patchwork under, and the hissing of wind on the ridge.
- Drop in the late afternoon when the sun sets in a golden light that illuminated the trails and gives a picture-postcard view of the valley.
- End the climb by enjoying a simple, freshly cooked meal together with the rest of hikers, powered up by locally produced food and coffee, which is robust and smells like heaven.
Iglanot Tree House & Campsite
- Camp in an overgrown tree house made of re-used timber, with a rare elevated view of the canopy of the surrounding woods.
- And play with the natural shade to sleep on the hottest day, and hear the sounds of the insects and the birds which make a symphony night.
- Take guided night walks, during which you will be informed about creatures of the night that are able to survive in this secure environment.
- Take a stroll around the area in the daytime and see what trails there are that lead to little waterfalls where the cool spray of the water is an invigorating rest to the hot.
- Simple campfire cooking, learn to cook local food, like ilok-ilok with fresh products in the neighbourhood.
- Depart the site feeling relaxed, having been immersed in the natural environment in a close, low-impact environment.
Kanalon River
- Start your day by plunging into the cool water of the river, in the cool quicksand, and sense how the filtration of an untouched stream makes it pure.
- Find secret curves where the river flows slowly forming shallow pools where one can enjoy a swim or even relax in the sun.
- Take the nearby trails that wind along the water, and you will see some rare orchids and ferns growing out of wet soil.
- Cross small parts of it using a bamboo bridge that was constructed by local craftsmen and experience the sensory experience of old-style building techniques.
- Have a quick rest by putting your feet into the river, and letting the slow running current soothing your life.
- Spend a day exploring the region, and then relax and have a picnic on the river, enjoying fresh fruits and other local delicacies that resonate with the tastes of the land.
Reason 05
Discover More
Birdwatching in Sibalom Natural Park
- Be there in good time to hear the first chirps of the sun and then find nesting places of the coloured Philippine pygmy kingfisher sitting along the riverbanks.
- See the evasive black sighted dove with the aid of a pair of field glasses whose timid nature contributes to the silence of the park.
- Hear the musical thud of the Philippine cockatoo whose callings are heard in the forest like a breathing metronome.
- Get a picture of the plumage of the Philippine quail, which is of soft stuff, entirely in harmony with the moss-covered ground.
- Tape the sounds of the bird species, and save it to examine it later and share with other nature study lovers.
- The session can be summarised by discussing with experts on the importance of maintaining such habitats to the future generations.
Waterfalls and Hidden River Bends
- Trace a marked path, which winds round to a hidden waterfall, behind a veil of vines to the waterfall, which falls into a crystal pond.
- Take a swim in the cool and mineral-rich waters and experience the refreshing nature of the natural spring.
- Repel down a safe part of the side of the waterfall by using a lightweight rope, and have a thrilling experience.
- Continue on the bend of the river then find a sequence of tiny streams that empty into a greater lagoon forming a plexus of water life.
- Watch the dragonflies flying over the water, with their electrostatic wings reflecting the sun rays.
- Take pictures of the gorgeous whole scenery including the small fish in shallow pools and the waterfall that towers higher.
Local Farms and Rural Communities
- Go to a family farm with rice paddies that spread out like an emerald green patchwork quilt and damp brown patches, which reflect the sun.
- See how the farmers irrigate the fields using ancient irrigation methods that have been practised centuries.
- Attend a practical planting experience, and learn how to sow and harvest with an expert farmer.
- Sample the freshly-picked mangoes, papaya and bananas, whose juices are a testament to the tropical climate.
- Discuss community sustainable agricultural schemes of the community and how modern environmental issues are managed with traditional ones.
- Drive away with a better understanding of the effort that goes into the farm and transforms it into a living, breathing pantry.
Mini-eco Adventures: River Trekking, Bamboo Bridges and Forest Photography
- Begin by walking down the river side, along a natural trail made by centuries of water erosion.
- Go across a row of bamboo weaveryed bridges, all locally made with sustainable materials and methods.
- Take breaks to take photos, to capture the play of light and shadow on canopy and the river reflection.
- See the wild animals like Philippine flying lemur who might just be a transient outline of the trees.
- Have a disposable camera to capture the action, and then digitalize the films at a later date as a personal collection.
- Finish the day with the thought of how little environmentally friendly actions can put you in a close connexion with the workings of nature.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Witness the community planting of rice which is a ritual that brings together generations of the villagers, whose hands exchange a seed in a symbolic act of continuation.
- Go to the town fiesta, with its street traders plying along the streets with colourful crafts, and the elderly telling tales reflecting on the history of the area.
- Enjoy the traditional folk dance, tinikling, in which people step in time between bamboo poles with agility and grace.
- Sample the local buko pie, a sweet pastry prepared of young coconut meat, which is an indication that that part of the world is dependent on the coconuts.
- Visit an evening of singing and narrating about the myths of the mysterious origins of the Rafflesia.
- Take a tour through a weaving workshop and see how the artisans convert raw fibres into colourful pieces of textiles with each pattern being a storey of the land.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Taste the soft rice cake that is stewed in banana leaves (called linapay), and its sweetness without being too strong is a routine of celebrations.
- Enjoy the recently prepared roasted chicken soup, the tinolang manok, prepared with local herbs and greens.
- Taste the bistek sa mansanas, a sweet and sour beef dish marinated in pineapple juice, the combination of sweet and savoury tastes.
- Savour the pakwan, a cool melon jam, usually with a scoop of coconut ice cream as a light dessert.
- Have a sweet banana roll known as turon, it is fried to a golden crisp and commonly eaten by friends at sunset.
- Enjoy the kalamay, sticky rice candy prepared using coconut milk, a sweet treat to the coconuts that the area was highly rich with.
Fun
- Take a difficult hike up the mountain Mt. Igmatongtlong, and as you go, you feel like you are rushing to the finish as you see the mountain top ahead of you.
- Relax in the clear water of the river, finding secret places that would be good to have a quick swim or even a peaceful day of recharge.
- Have a campfire under a starte canopy and simply enjoy the silence of night after an adventurous day.
- Document the beauty of the surrounding scenery using a DSLR and how to change its settings to suit the warm, end of day light.
- Meet other travellers in a common picnic, sharing tales and giving tips on travelling.
- Go to the local falls and take your time to listen to the quietness of water and coolness of the mist on your face.
Fashion
- Select breathable shirts with cotton on and wears of lightweight trousers during day hikes so that they do not do anything during long walks during warm weather.
- Use strong hiking shoes with good support of the ankle, without falling on the rocky paths in the forest.
- Bring a hat and a pair of sun glasses which protect your eyes against the sun which is very bright in the tropics.
- Pack a light waterproof jacket, which can come in handy in case of a sudden rain or even lower temperatures towards the mountain tops.
- Carry a reusable water bottle, which will ensure that you remain hydrated and reduce plastic waste when travelling.
- Put on a pair of comfortable sandals so that you can relax by the river or on the campsite allowing your feet to breathe after one such day on the trails.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- See the rarity of the Rafflesia speciosa in the wild, an uncommon experience that only a few people have the honour of witnessing.
- Watch the variety of bird life, kingfishers in bright feathers, and timid night-jars who bring the forest expressive elements of sound.
- Take hiking trails through a curving forest of old trees that seem to have their roots digging through the earth like glueing the forest.
- Go on a holidays to Sibalom guided river trekking where you will be taught how to go through the natural currents and name the local fish species.
- Take pictures with the gentle show of light through the canopy where the moments of beautiful serenity are gone in a moment.
- Stay in eco-lodges that are perfectly integrated with nature and have an opportunity to hear the concert of the night insects.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Attend the holidays to Sibalom Town Fiesta in January, when the patron saint is celebrated with processions, music and the show of local talent.
- Visit the Rafflesia Festival; during this event, eco-tourists come together and observe the blooming season of the flower, and engage in conservation discussions.
- Visit the Barangay Fiestas, where each neighbourhood sells something different, games and traditional shows.
- Enjoy the parada ng kabayo, a horse parade that demonstrates the equine heritage of the region along with a fine display of manoeuvres on the riders.
- Have a listen to the kulintang ensemble play, whose melodious sounds could be heard in the open areas during night feasts.
- Meet local craftsmen that exhibit woven materials and carved wooden pieces and transform every festival into a vivid marketplace of cultural interchange.