Yes, it’s kind of like being boiled in hot soup, but it’s an invigorating hot soup that’s good for the skin.

Imagine an old rusty kawa (huge pan) turned into a clean hot bath tub with a local twist!

“Kawa” is the local word for a large thick fryer and looks like a giant wok. This was used to make brown sugar which is rich in molasses. A kawa bath is similar to Ofuro a type of bath which Japanese enjoy in rectangular tubs made of wood.

Tibiao, located in the province of Antique, in the Western Visayas of the Philippines, is famous for its hot kawa baths. The tubs are heated over fires of bamboo, where you sit in the water with fragrant leaves, flowers, and herbs.

Luckily, the water is heated so slowly that a person can have time to adjust to the rising temperature, so there’s little risk of being scalded and the water never gets to the point where it’s boiling or dangerously hot.

Instead, the warm waters are soothing for aching muscles, which is excellent considering the area is a popular spot for swimming in the Tibiao River, zip lining, kayaking, mountain climbing, and hiking.

Travelers can stop for the baths at the Kayak Inn, located in Tibiao. The inn offers day trips and tours along the river for travelers to get plenty of adventure in before they relax in the kawa spa.

Sitting in the middle of a kawa with hot water and herbs can give you a totally different experience. In fact, you might get the impression that you would be cooked and that what makes the experience enjoyable.

Disclaimer: Credit to the rightful owners. We do not intend copyright infringement with these
photos.

Rowenalyn Panong

WIR Intern

University of Rizal System