#malumpati

It’s mid-March and everyone began their summer escapade as early as January through posting their summer-ready pictures and escapades. So to spare myself from envy, I decided to pack my things including my camera and asked some friends to accompany me with my backpacking plan. This year, I decided to discover Antique for the second time (click here for my Nogas #adBEAnture). With it unspoiled rivers, lush mountains, pristine seas, green-rich fields, wonderful people and of course the comfort of speaking in Karay-a, who wouldn’t want to visit the place, right?

In order to enjoy the laidback, fun-filled and less crowded eco-tourist spots, schedule your trip on weekdays or off-season.

Our first stop is the farthest in our itinerary, the MALUMPATI COLD SPRING, located in Brgy. Guia, Pandan Antique.  Pandan is the second to the last town in Antique if you are coming from Iloilo. Since our point of departure is from Miagao, our travel time is six hours via bus. We left the town by 9AM and reached the cold spring by 3PM, time including stopovers to eat and buy foods in San Jose and Culasi (where we ate our lunch). Despite the long hours of bus ride, my fascination with the green farmlands and mountains, clear river waters and blue seas was so strong I couldn’t sleep. I tend to forget that we are going to travel for long hours before reaching our destination but I really don’t care.

The spring that is the main swimming spot, is 15-20 minutes away from Pandan town proper depending on your vehicle. In our case, we hired a tricycle and paid P200.00. We also asked Manong Driver to fetch us early in the morning for our next trip. On the way to the cold spring, we passed through the Bugang River, known as the cleanest inland body of water in the country and which the Malumpati is connected to.

After reaching the Malumpati Cold Spring, we secured a place to stay. We paid P1, 100.00 for an electric fan room good for four pax. The room has a comfort room and a shower, sink and a table where we can eat and drink beer. After settling down, we decided to change and take a dip in the cold spring. The entrance fee is P20.00. There are rates for cottages and equipment for swimming. Since we knew the caretaker, we were able to get a cottage for free where we put our important stuff.

I usually take photos of the place, that’s my rule on travelling but since I was so tired from the travel, I spent most of my time skinny dipping and swimming. All my stress from travel melted away and was replaced by the excitement and relaxation offered by the very cold water of the river. I was so mesmerized by the shallow part of the river because the water gives a bluish color and tourists can see fishes swimming around. People in the locality would climb trees and jump to the water. There’s also a diving board for those who are interested to dive. Water tubing is also a great activity if tourists want to enjoy and exploit their time visiting the area.

What I loved about my schedule is that I get to enjoy the place by myself. Only a few group of tourists are in the area. According to locals, tourists usually flock the area during weekends and if the river is crowded, the people won’t enjoy the cold water. The cold spring is until 6PM only. Stay-in tourists can buy grilled foods and rice sold within the vicinity. They can also chill in the cottages with hard drinks and pulutan. Caretakers and locals are very welcoming.

The view in Antique.

Malumpati Cold Spring

Nanay Elvira

The monkeys in The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars. LOL!

Up close.

From heaven? Lol.

The best liempo on earth!

House for rent 3k/day.

Sunday guests were overwhemlming.

At last, I’m Twenty Four!

I just want to say “Thank you” to everyone who remembered me on my birthday. I never thought I matter like how you made me feel. I am deeply overwhelmed with the greetings and gifts! :)

Early birthday dinner treat courtesy of ny mom. :)

Mother, I appreciate the dinner treat. I love the native chicken. I had fun eating because I am with you and Tebz. Thank you for giving me advices even though you…