Set on a cliff side looking out over Tibiao’s long stretch of river and towering mountains sits this mystical inn that offers to cook you, for a fee.
The recipe goes something like this: they will pour some water and leaves onto the kawa (in English, pot), toss in some dried coconut leaves underneath, start the fire, and then when the water starts to simmer, they will ask you to step inside as you’ll be the main ingredient. Stay still for one hour, and that’s it! You’re now as tender as a beef steak, ready to be devoured on.
Nope, kidding, they won’t eat you. But the process stays the same.
It sounds crazy but the strange experience has been successfully bringing Kayak Inn an influx of tourists (and even a noteworthy competition just within the neighborhood), since its conception in 1996.
As if poking fun at the idea that the province is a home to witches who use large pots to cook humans, these interesting items are originally used to process muscovado sugar from an abandoned sugar mill nearby. The kawa is made of thick cast iron, so you won’t have to worry about getting cooked as it won’t easily get hot once the fire is set.
At night, you could stay at one of Kayak Inn’s nipa huts without any electricity, only natural winds gushing and the sound of river lulling you to sleep.
Best time to go here is from September to February, where the river is usually high, perfect for kayaking. It’s also during these months wherein the fireflies aren’t too shy of showing you their light.
Reachable via a habal-habal (or single motorcycle), Kayak Inn is located in Brgy. Tuno, Tibiao, Antique.




How to Get There
From Manila, you can fly to Kalibo or Iloilo. There are buses that leave for Antique from these two jump off points. Travel time is 2-3 hours.
Contact Person
Shiela Endrico: 0905-906-2380
Edwin Endrico: 0930-127-5197
You may also book your stay in Kayak Inn HERE.
Please share the pic below on Pinterest! π
nice article Shayne, apparently those large pots are rare now.once common in Manila.one more reason to visit Antique.i hear the beaches are nice.
Thank you, John! Yes, I have been to one of the beautiful beaches in Antique. The article will soon be posted. It’s really a lovely town full of accommodating and warm people. I would love to come back!
I love this! This reminds me of the old times but it sounds more fun and surprisingly affordable.
It is indeed fun and affordable! You should try it some time. π
the Kawa is really huge! I think 3 persons can fit on it..I wanna try it too! π
Yes, Don. This is actually the biggest kawa in Kayak Inn. Could fit 3-4 persons. Go, plan your trip to Antique! π
Gusto kong pumunta dito, parang masarap maligo dun sa kawa. Gusto ko din itry.
Yes, it’s very relaxing. π
Interesting! I wanna try to experience it too. haha.
Go, go, go! Di mo pagsisisihan hehe π
I heard about this place but I haven’t tried this myself. It’s a shame since I used to go to Iloilo City a lot. The bath looks great! Although, It’s kind of scary because I might feel like I’m slowly becoming dinner.
Thank you for the beautiful photos.
Oh my gosh, I want to try that Kawa! It’s a badass thing you know, it kind of remind me of those human-eating Witch movies/stories! Hahaha
Yep, that’s true! hahaha
That looks very interesting. My father hails from Antique but I’ve never been there myself. It seems scary for me, the idea of being ‘cooked’ but I guess it’s no different from a very hot jacuzzi. Pluses there is that it’s outdoors. Thank you for sharing.
The first time I saw the photo, it kinda reminds me of those old cartoon shorts where one was bathing alongside food ingredients. But, man, I think this one’s even betterβthough strangerβthan the typical hot springs. Set-up pa lang, mapapainsip ka na e.
It’s oddity is its most exciting (albeit scary) factor, actually. thanks for visiting, slickmaster π
Oh wow I love this!!!
I loved it too! Tibiao is peaceful, perfect for soul searching, in case that’s your thing. π
I will try this Kawa Hot Bath in the near future! I’ve seen this in some blogs and I think this is one of the most relaxing things.
it is! thanks for dropping by, peachy. π
I was supposed to visit this last year but they said it was a bit far from Sibalom. So this time, I will come here first before going to Sibalom, Antique. hehe .. It looked so much fun and thank you for sharing! π
Angelo
http://www.AngeloTheExplorer.com
I haven’t been to that side of Antique, Angelo. Also wanted to visit Anini-y Antique but due to time constraints, I wasn’t able to go. I heard it’s also beautiful there. Antique is so underrated, don’t you think? π
Nice read. I’ve been wanting to go, More reasons to make it a priority.
thank you, Karla. you have a nice blog too. π
Thank you for featuring Antique! ^_^
My pleasure. π Are you from Antique?
Yes I am. π
I’ve been to Tibiao before but we never tried this kawa hot bath. I haven’t heard about it then. Then I saw an international blog where the blogger featured this kawa hot bath. But I remember the kawa being small, yours is so big! Hope to try this in the future.
Yes, you should definitely try it Kimpy! It’s a fun and relaxing experience π
We visited Tibiao, Antique, just to experience the kawa hot bath! It just looks so enticing in pics and it did not disappoint. There are small kawas for solo guests and there are also large kawas that can fit two people, perfect for couples. π
I agree with you, it doesn’t disappoint. Which kawa did you go to, here in kayak inn or the other one near the falls? π
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Is it safe to go alone?
Yes! I was alone when I went there last year π
kumusta where i can buy this kawa hot bath ? and price ? please text me on my number 0929-3483832
Hi! You may try some muscovado sugar factories as they might have these or know where to get these.
Hi!!!! After you dip in KAWA do they offer body massage???its very relaxing i want to try it soon
Hi Tricia! At the time of my visit, they didn’t offer body massage. But you can try and ask them! I’m sure that’d be a really nice addition to what they’re currently offering. Enjoy Antique! ?β¨
this looks so adventurous and exciting, not to mention romantic for a couple…We will have to make a trip to enjoy this attraction.