WELCOME TO AKLAN
Aklan is the oldest province in the Philippines, organized in 1213 by settlers from Borneo, as the Minuro it Akean to include what is now Capiz. It became an independent province when President Magsaysay signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz.
Aklan (Inakeanon) Aklan is a member of the Western Visayan branch of Philippine languages, a part of the Malayo-Polynesian language family. It is spoken mainly in the province of Aklan on the island of Panay in the Philippines by about 460,000 people.
Aklan is very famous for having one of the best white beaches
in the planet. This province is not just all about Boracay, it also has other
interesting tourism spots that tourists can explore.
HOW TO GET THERE
Aklan is 450 kilometers from Manila and is a popular jump-off point for
travelers going to the island paradise of Boracay. , Once you’re there,
you can get around by renting a van. You can also take a tricycle to most
destinations for P8 to P15
By Air
Aklan has two airports: the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in
Caticlan and the Kalibo International Airport. Both airports receive flights
from Manila and Cebu and the one in Kalibo caters to international flights.
Manila is 45 minutes away from Aklan.
By Land
The best way to reach Aklan by land is to travel from Iloilo
City. Board a bus or van from the Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District. The trip
will take around two to three hours of travel.
Alternatively, this can also be done through San Jose, Antique
(three to five hours) or Roxas City, Capiz (one and a half hours).
By Sea
There is no major port or wharf in Aklan, but the four ports
that is has are very accessible. Shipping lines such as MBRS, Moreta Shipping
Lines and Negros Navigation bring passengers to Aklan from Manila, Capiz and
Romblon.
Travel time from Manila to Aklan will take around 14 to 18 hours
of travel.
WHAT TO EAT
Toting Reyes St., Kalibo, Aklan
Ramboy’s doesn’t look like much, but this simple shop sells the best
roast chicken and liempo in town.
Lorraine’s Tapsi and Catering Services
Mabini Extension, Kalibo, Aklan
Apart from their Tapsilog (P70), this small eatery has a unique specialty:
Pansit Shanglan This noodle dish costs P70 and is made with Mongolian
sauce and has an egg on top.The owner made up the name by mixing
the words Shanghai&Alan,which is the name of her friend who
suggested the recipe.Because Lorraine’s does catering, their menu is
very wide. Another favorite here is the Sicilian Beef Caponata (P120,
good for two), and there’s also Filipino food like Ginataang Bulalo (P320,
good for four) and the Aklanon dish Chicken Inubaran (P420, good for
four).
Analyn Valencia Residence
Sitio Valencia, Bayanihan Road, Pook, Kalibo, Aklan
Analyn Valencia makes the best Suman sa Latik in Kalibo, Aklan. Drop by
for a snack or to buy pasalubong.
Rosa Food
Linabwan Norte, Kalibo, Aklan
A taste of native longganisa, head to Rosa Food. One pack costs P132,
and they also offer other pasalubong items from Aklan.
Niño’sIhaw-Ihaw
Maagma St., Kalibo, Aklan
This restaurant was recommended to us by Kuya Odong, our local driver.
Order the grilled tanigue, squid, and lapu-lapu. Price range is P150 to
P300 per person.
Saylo Cuisine
Quezon Avenue, Kalibo,
Saylo specializes in Aklanon food. Try the Chicken Binakul (P290),
Seafood Special (P190), the veggie-based Linapay (P70) and the
spareribs (P190). For dessert, try Inday-Inday, which is similar to Suman
sa Latik.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
Bakhawan Mangrove Ecopark
For nature lovers, there’s one-kilometer-long bamboo
boardwalk that runs through the mangrove forest. At the end,
there’s a great view of the sea! Entrance fee is P20 per person.
Have your own Face Paint
Fully embrace the Ati-atihan Festival and have your face paint.
Well, you do not have to put black soot all over your face like I
did, simple designs are available just like the one above.
Prices vary according to the design.
Hear mass at the Kalibo Parish Church
The Kalibo Parish Church or Cathedral Parish of St John the
Baptist is the oldest place of worship in Aklan. The
construction of the church started in 1804 and was finished in
1826. However, just like any other old structure, it also
suffered some calamities. The first one happened when a fire
hit the town in 1885 and destroyed the convent. The convent
was reconstructed the following year.
The last ordeal took in 1990 when an earthquake measuring
7.1 on the Richter scale struck the island of Panay causing
cracks on the church's brick walls. Restoration and
improvement was done while retaining some features of the
old church. The Kalibo Cathedral houses the image of the
Santo Niño, to which the Ati-atihan festival is honored.
Visit the Museo it Akean
there’s a great view of the sea! Entrance fee is P20 per person.
Have your own Face Paint
Fully embrace the Ati-atihan Festival and have your face paint.
Well, you do not have to put black soot all over your face like I
did, simple designs are available just like the one above.
Prices vary according to the design.
Hear mass at the Kalibo Parish Church
The Kalibo Parish Church or Cathedral Parish of St John the
Baptist is the oldest place of worship in Aklan. The
construction of the church started in 1804 and was finished in
1826. However, just like any other old structure, it also
suffered some calamities. The first one happened when a fire
hit the town in 1885 and destroyed the convent. The convent
was reconstructed the following year.
The last ordeal took in 1990 when an earthquake measuring
7.1 on the Richter scale struck the island of Panay causing
cracks on the church's brick walls. Restoration and
improvement was done while retaining some features of the
old church. The Kalibo Cathedral houses the image of the
Santo Niño, to which the Ati-atihan festival is honored.
Visit the Museo it Akean
Located just across the Kalibo Cathedral is the Museo it Akean. This museum showcases the attractions and colorful traditions of Aklan. It also has the memorabilia of Archbishop Gabriel Reyes aside from the piña textiles and old jars dug up in Aklan.
DESTINATIONS IN AKLAN
BORACAY
Boracay! of course, this wouldn't be a top destinations in Aklan,
without mentioning this famous island. Over the past years, Boracay
has transformed itself from this quiet getaway with a lovely beach
into a bustling and very commercialized place.
Jawili Falls
Jawili Falls, Located in tangalan, Aklan, this seven basin waterfall is
a sight to be hold. Tangalan itself is so tranquil and gives off a sense
of timelessness. The municipality of Tangalan can be reached via
jeepney, and there you get on a tricycle to take you the falls.
Tigayon hills
Tigayon hills, a solitary mountain of solid rock stretches of flat lands. One of the side is a shallow caves with an arched entrance.
Altavas Underground Cave
Altavas is a fourth class municipality in
the province of Aklan Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a
population of 24,619 people. It is 41 kilometres (25 mi) from Kalibo and
45 kilometres (28 mi) from Roxas
City.
Buruanga Point
Another
must dive spot while on a day trip is Buruanga Point
otherwise known as Batason
Point. More recently this has
become famous as ‘Ariel’s Point’ which is set up
as a picnic
place on the rocks where cliff jumping is the main attraction.
In
fact the dive commences directly beneath those cliffs with a
plateau at 4m
depth leading onto a vertical wall don to 30m+.
The wall is blanketed by
colourful soft corals playing host to
groupers, trumpet fish, flute mouths,
anemones with their
resident anemone fish plus the ubiquitous flatworms,
nudibranchs and lionfish. There are numerous swim throughs
in the deeper parts
and the highlight of the dive is the resident
group of horse eye trevally
schooling at the corner where the
current is strongest. On a day trip we
will rest between dives
in the spectacular Batason Bay and enjoy a BBQ lunch on
the
boat or the beach.
Agnaga Falls
AGNAGA Falls is one of
the seven wonders of Malay, Aklan, with Boracay Island topping the list. Agnaga Falls are
located in Malay, Aklan. A scenic view awaits visitors as they swim in its
clear waters. It is a perfect hideaway specially during summer as its cool
water beats the heat To get to Agnaga Falls from Boracay, take a
pump boat from Cagban (or Tambisaan) to the Caticlan jetty port. You
may then take a tricycle straight to Agnanga Falls. It’s best to wear sneakers
and don’t forget to bring your drinking water and a snack if you would like to
picnic there.
Aklan Freedom Shrine 
It is a monument to early Aklanons. Here you’ll find the remains of 19
Aklanon martyrs as well as an effigy of Francisco del Castillo – the leader of
the Katipunan in Aklan
Kalibo Cathedral
Altavas is a fourth class municipality in the province of Aklan Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 24,619 people. It is 41 kilometres (25 mi) from Kalibo and 45 kilometres (28 mi) from Roxas City.
Buruanga Point
otherwise known as Batason Point. More recently this has
become famous as ‘Ariel’s Point’ which is set up as a picnic
place on the rocks where cliff jumping is the main attraction.
In fact the dive commences directly beneath those cliffs with a
plateau at 4m depth leading onto a vertical wall don to 30m+.
The wall is blanketed by colourful soft corals playing host to
groupers, trumpet fish, flute mouths, anemones with their
resident anemone fish plus the ubiquitous flatworms,
nudibranchs and lionfish. There are numerous swim throughs
in the deeper parts and the highlight of the dive is the resident
group of horse eye trevally schooling at the corner where the
current is strongest. On a day trip we will rest between dives
in the spectacular Batason Bay and enjoy a BBQ lunch on the
boat or the beach.
Agnaga Falls
AGNAGA Falls is one of
the seven wonders of Malay, Aklan, with Boracay Island topping the list. Agnaga Falls are
located in Malay, Aklan. A scenic view awaits visitors as they swim in its
clear waters. It is a perfect hideaway specially during summer as its cool
water beats the heat To get to Agnaga Falls from Boracay, take a
pump boat from Cagban (or Tambisaan) to the Caticlan jetty port. You
may then take a tricycle straight to Agnanga Falls. It’s best to wear sneakers
and don’t forget to bring your drinking water and a snack if you would like to
picnic there.
Aklan Freedom Shrine
Aklan Freedom Shrine
Kalibo Cathedral
It houses the said-to-be-miraculous image
of the Child Jesus. It was originally built in 1581 and was renovated in 1993.
Pagatpat Mangrove Park
Pagatpat Mangrove Park is a
fish sanctuary located in Barangay
Panilongan, Buruanga Aklan. Facing the
crystal clear water of
Sibuyan Sea, a refuge to various species of marine life.
The park offers a stroll with its elevated
pathways connecting the
mangroves. It offer a function room which can
accommodate up to
100 guests ideal for meetings, retreats, weddings, birthdays
and
baptismal. It is famous for its serenity where you can hear
are
only the splashes of school of fish, the waves striking the natural
limestone encircling the park and the trunks of the mangrove.
FESTIVAL AND EVENTS
KALIBO STO. NIÑO ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
This festival dates
back when the peace agreement
between early Negrito settlers and the Maraynons
that came over
from Borneo was being commemorated. Therefore, participants
willingly blacken themselves with soot and put on colorful tribal
costumes.
Nowadays, it is one of the most vibrant celebrations
honoring the Holy Child
Jesus, Sto. Niño. Hence, it is considered
as the Filipino Mardis Gras. Known to
be “The Mother of all
Philippine Festivals,” there are many activities and
events that
people are looking forward to during the week-long celebration.
Some activities include the Search for Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo
Ati-atihan,
Aklan Festivals Parade, Higante Contest and concluded
every 3rd Sunday of
January with a High Mass to kick off the final
day of merrymaking and
procession. The key activity and one of
the main reasons tourist travel many
miles to Kalibo is the native
dance competitions of participating tribes in
full gear
accompanied by primitive rhythm of drumbeats. More so, what
makes
this festival more exciting is that everyone, not only the
competing groups, is
allowed to crowd the principal streets of
Kalibo to dance nonstop for several
days rejoicing zealously to
their religious vows.
AKLAN PIÑA AND FIBER
FESTIVAL
A week-long festival simultaneously held during
the province’s founding anniversary celebration on the 25th of April each year.
It is a product showcase of world class craftsmanship and ingenuity using
indigenous raw materials such as abaca, piña fiber, raffia. The festival aims
to promote, preserve and develop the loom-weaving industry in the province,
hoping to establish Aklan as the handloom-weaving destination in the country.
KALIBO FOOD FESTIVAL
A yearly event commemorating the Feast of St.
John the
Baptist from June 12 to 23 under one venue and various
kiosks offer a
variety of either local or foreign dishes in the
manner of local tradition of
the town’s local constituents and
usually accompanied by live musical bands to
entertain
guests and visitors and the locals alike.
When To Go
Kalibo: La Eperanza Hotel, Kalibo Queen’s Inn,
Garcia Legazpi Mansion, Ambito Pension House, Kalibo Hotel, Marson Hotel and
many more.
Nigi Nu Noos Beach Resort, Boracay Victory Beach Resort,
Ambassador
in Paradise, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, Two
Seasons Boracay Resort
and more.
Where
To Eat
To take a sumptuous meal, you may try the following
restaurants:
Kalibo: La Eperanza Hotel, Kalibo Queen’s Inn, Garcia
Legazpi
Mansion, Ambito Pension House, Kalibo Hotel, Marson Hotel and many
more.
Boracay: Boracay Coco Huts, Blue Bamboo Hostel, Ralph’s
Place, Nigi
Nigi Nu Noos Beach Resort, Boracay Victory Beach Resort,
Ambassador
in Paradise, Shangri-La’s Boracay
Resort and
Spa,Two Seasons Boracay Resort and
more.
Gallery
Pagatpat Mangrove Park
Pagatpat Mangrove Park is a fish sanctuary located in Barangay
Panilongan, Buruanga Aklan. Facing the crystal clear water of
Sibuyan Sea, a refuge to various species of marine life.
The park offers a stroll with its elevated pathways connecting the
mangroves. It offer a function room which can accommodate up to
100 guests ideal for meetings, retreats, weddings, birthdays and
baptismal. It is famous for its serenity where you can hear are
only the splashes of school of fish, the waves striking the natural
limestone encircling the park and the trunks of the mangrove.
FESTIVAL AND EVENTS
KALIBO STO. NIÑO ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL
This festival dates back when the peace agreement
between early Negrito settlers and the Maraynons that came over
from Borneo was being commemorated. Therefore, participants
willingly blacken themselves with soot and put on colorful tribal
costumes. Nowadays, it is one of the most vibrant celebrations
honoring the Holy Child Jesus, Sto. Niño. Hence, it is considered
as the Filipino Mardis Gras. Known to be “The Mother of all
Philippine Festivals,” there are many activities and events that
people are looking forward to during the week-long celebration.
Some activities include the Search for Mutya ag Lakan it Kalibo
Ati-atihan, Aklan Festivals Parade, Higante Contest and concluded
every 3rd Sunday of January with a High Mass to kick off the final
day of merrymaking and procession. The key activity and one of
the main reasons tourist travel many miles to Kalibo is the native
dance competitions of participating tribes in full gear
accompanied by primitive rhythm of drumbeats. More so, what
makes this festival more exciting is that everyone, not only the
competing groups, is allowed to crowd the principal streets of
Kalibo to dance nonstop for several days rejoicing zealously to
their religious vows.
AKLAN PIÑA AND FIBER FESTIVAL
KALIBO FOOD FESTIVAL
A yearly event commemorating the Feast of St. John the
Baptist from June 12 to 23 under one venue and various
kiosks offer a variety of either local or foreign dishes in the
manner of local tradition of the town’s local constituents and
usually accompanied by live musical bands to entertain
guests and visitors and the locals alike.
When To Go
Kalibo: La Eperanza Hotel, Kalibo Queen’s Inn, Garcia Legazpi Mansion, Ambito Pension House, Kalibo Hotel, Marson Hotel and many more.
