The Philippines is known for having some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world that are loved by both locals and foreign tourists. The province of Aklan, home base of Boracay Island, is one those Philippine destination. From white sand beaches to colorful cultural festivals, Aklan has got it all and more. Located in the Western Visayas region, Aklan with its capital of Kalibo might be a popular jumpoff for Boracay, but there’s more to this province than just the popular island tourist spot.
Best time of year: October – May
Aklan, the youngest of the four provinces of Panay Island, is actually in point of history, one of the oldest if not the oldest province in the country. Established only in 1956 as a province of the Republic of the Philippines, Aklan (including what is now Capiz) was organized as the Minuro it Akean by settlers from Borneo in 1213.
Thus, the first settlers of Aklan came from Borneo. They fled their land to escape the oppressive rule of Makatunaw, Sultan of Brunei, and settled in what is now known as Aklan. It was here where they carved out a settlement and reaped rich harvests from the fertile plains, the forests and the sea.
The purchase of Panay by the Maraynons (as they were referred to in the earlier writings of Aklan historians, Nabor and Orbistal) has become legend that has been woven into songs and dances. It tells of how Datu Puti, the leader of the Maraynons, purchased the vast valleys and lowlands from the Ati King, Marikudo, and his wife, Maniwang-tiwang, by a golden sarok, a gold necklace, bolts of cloth and some trinkets.
A feast was held in celebration of the transaction. Maraynons and Atis had a grand feasting, dancing and singing. The celebration is commemorated every year, during the blooming season of mangoes, or at about the same time of the year when the purchase was consummated. In later years when the Ati descendants of Marikudo withdraw to the mountains, the settlers chose to perpetuate the celebration. In the absence of Atis, some of the settlers smeared themselves with soot to simulate the Ati. Thus, from then on, the celebration that has withstood the test of centuries came to be known as the Ati-Atihan Festival.
The first settlers of the early Aklanons (as what they were known later) were in the area of what is now Barangay Marianos and Barangay Laguinbanwa in Numancia. The settlers, however, called their settlement Madyanos. From there they conducted exploration into hinterlands and along the coast.
Be that as it may, history or legend, and withstanding the doubt cast by skeptics, the Aklanons have always believed that their forebears came from Borneo in ten frail barangays, and that after the purchase of Panay, the ten Datus divided the island into three separate “sakups”. Akean now Capiz and Aklan, Irong-Irong now Iloilo, and Hamtik now Antique. In 1566, after Father Andres de Aguirre had baptized thousands of Aklanons as Christians in the settlement of Madyanos, Madyanos became Kalibo which is now the capital of the province. And in true Spanish fashion of divide and conquer, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi divided Aklan among his favorites and in 1760, the old “sakup” of Aklan became a Spanish-political-military province under the name Capiz until the next 240 years.
Having a distinct dialect of their own, the Aklanons never felt any identification with Capiz. When the Americans took the island from the Spaniards, their first act was to petition for the separation of Aklan from Capiz.
In 1901, when the Taft Commission came to Capiz for the inauguration of the New Civil Government under the Americans, the Aklan delegation, headed by Natalio B. Acevedo, presented a formal request for separation. The petition was not denied outright, but was not acted upon due to existing adverse economic conditions. As a compromise, the Americans promised to set up a separate Court of First Instance for Aklan at Batan and appointed Simeon Mobo Reyes as the First Provincial Secretary. But the struggle for separation never let up. The “Akleanon” a publication in 1914 kept the struggle burning.
Meanwhile, Aklanon representatives in Congress kept filing bills for the separation of Aklan. There was the Urquiola-Alba Bill in 1920; the Laserna-Suñer Bill in 1925 and in 1930, and the Tumbokon Bill in 1934.
Aklan became independent when the late President Magsaysay, signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414, separating Aklan from Capiz. The law is authored by then Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos who later became delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention and became Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals before he died. The province was officially inaugurated on November 08, 1956.
The Hon. Jose Raz Meñez was appointed Governor by Pres. Ramon Magsaysay and served up to December 30, 1959. He was succeeded by Hon. Godofredo P. Ramos, the first elected governor, in 1960. Ramos was succeeded by Hon. Virgilio Patricio when he resigned to run for Congress. Hon Jose B. Legapi succeeded Patricio, to hold office for two consecutive terms 1964-1967 and 1968-1971. Hon. Roberto Q. Garcia, Sr. was elected governor and held the position up to 1986 when after the “EDSA Revolution” several OIC’s were appointed until Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot was elected for two consecutive terms, 1988-1994. Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores was governor of Aklan for three terms, from 1994-2004. He was succeeded by Hon. Carlito S. Marquez who served for three consecutive terms from 2004-2013. Until the incumbent Governor, Hon. Florencio T. Miraflores was reelected.
The local word “tinuom” pertains to a local highland dweller’s recipe with native chicken as main original ingredient. Typically wrapped in leaves with other basic ingredients such as salt, pepper, onion, lemongrass and tomatoes. All the ingredients get cooked in the chicken broth itself which in turn becomes a very flavorful soup. This festival paved the way for all the 17 towns in the province to showcase their own take on tinuom.
The town of Malinao’s unique way of celebrating Christmas Festivities, with different activities lined up to add color to the occasion such as the Daigon, Parade & Contest & the Kahayag it Banwa( Lighting of Christmas Lanter).
Balete’s own festival highlighting the culture, tradition, & way of life of Baleten-ons.
Re-enactment of Banga Crossing massacre perpetuated by the Japanese Imperial Forces to honor the memory of 223 Banganhon who were victims of Japanese atrocities in the year 1942.
This festivity pays tribute to the real wealth of the municipality--the Malaynon workers and St. Joseph the Worker, Malay’s Patron Saint. The highlight is street dancing and merry-making participated by the labor sector, the barangays and the municipal government. The event also features PASADA, a showdown of dance presentations depicting the municipality’s livelihood and source of income of its people.
Bayangan is a local dialect meaning potter’s wheel. It is used to mold clay to various pottery products which is the pride of the town of Lezo, but for Lezeños it does not only mean molding of the famous industrial craft but it also symbolizes the molder of true Lezeño values, traditions, and cultural heritage. Bayangan Festival is celebrated in line with the Foundation Day of the municipality every 6th of July which showcases cultural dance presentation/showdown with “Pagbayang” concept and street dancing enjoining Lezeños to participate in the merry making around the Poblacion.
An annual light-a-tree program which starts as early as December 15 symbolizing a bright and peaceful world for all mankind. It is also intended to draw people to go out and see and enjoy outdoor Christmas atmosphere or scene at night.
A showcase of Buruanga’smost known product “fish”, being a coastal town. Some of the activities are float contest, cultural shows, & other entertainment to boost the morale of the townsfolk, create awareness to tourists and also advocate conservation of its marine resources.
Saguibin is an Aklanon term which means to help one another. It is within this context of reviving the true spirit of cooperation and understanding among Bangahons that gave birth to the celebration of Saguibin festival. This event is geared to promote the tourism potential of Banga, integrate its cultural heritage and sustain economic gains in the future.
The event is usually participated by 15-20 groups, costumed in modern and indigenous outfits bringing people together on the streets for merry making and to drive away evil spirits in the coming New Year.
An annual festivity held every November 24. It is a contest of colorful and beautifully decorated bamboo rafts in a parade at the Aklan River and ends in Brgy. Poblacion. Moreover, the rafts are loaded with local artifacts and different produce from the farm. Coming first in the parade of bamboo rafts is called the Lead Raft wherein, the image of the town’s Patron, St. Catherine of Alexandria is visibly displayed upon in the sight of all devotees and visitors to see. Thereafter, the icon is transferred to its permanent place in the parish church in a religious procession, and subsequently followed by the Vesper Mass, a day before the culmination day of the annual fiesta celebration.
An annual celebration of Kalibo’s Foundation Day on November 3. Among the highlight activities include a commemorative program at the Magsaysay Park, Kalibohian night market and other activities.
An annual celebration in commemoration of the 74 Batangnons who were ruthlessly mass-murdered in the hands of the Japanese invaders on the fateful day of October 19, 1942. Highlight activities include a commemorative mass offering, civic parade and program located at the actual site of the so-called massacre, and the re-enactment of “Juez de Cuchillo”.
An annual celebration of the Feast of St.John the Baptist every June 24 wherein people usually go out for the beaches and celebrate with picnics. Sports activities include boat racing at the beaches, and parlor games at the Pastrana Park.
An annual celebration commemorating the formal separation of the municipality of Malay from Buruanga, held every June 15. The celebration is highlighted by various activities such as Discovery Tour, and Paraw Regatta.
An annual celebration commemorating and giving tribute to those heroes who fought during World War ll, held on April 30 by offering flowers to the heroes’ monument.
An annual contest held on April 28 among different barangays and lechonan operators of the municipality of Numancia, dubbed as the home of the most “mouthwatering and best tasting lechon in the province”.
An annual celebration every 23rd of March, dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who consecrated their lives in the cause of freedom from their colonizers.
Annual feast held every March 1-3. A group of Katipuneros each volunteered to wound their wrists and used the blood in signing the document containing their grievances as a symbol of their revolt against the then Spanish authorities, which was made at sitio Kuntang, Ochando, New Washington, Aklan. From thence, the place was recognized as one of the historical places in the country.
An annual religious feast in honor of its Patron Saint, Sto. Niño held every 4th Sunday of January and conducted by transferring the Holy Child by means of amusing the image from the place it was first discovered, and subsequently brought to church.
Every January 21 – 22.
Every 15th of January.
An annual celebration in honor of the Sto. Niño every 3rd Sunday of January.
This event is one of the highlights inthe celebration of Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan wherein Aklanons display their ingenuity in making colorful towering figures made of paper mache, styro foam & bamboos.
An annual week-long celebration in honor of the town’s Patron Saint, Sto. Niño, which culminates on the 3rd Sunday of January. It is a jubilating, titillating, stimulating, riotous and frenetic aboriginal street dancing to the ancient rhythm of drum beats along the designated areas around the municipality, participated in by the different tribes and groups of the local people and donor color themselves with soot or colorful paint in their full battle regalia or uniforms as they go out and dance to the wee hours of the day.
An annual festivity commemorating the Feast of St. John the Baptist every June 12-23 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.
A festival held annually Showcasing the municipality’s different locally made products, as well as its various eco-tourism destinations such as the Marine Sanctuary and Coral Garden, Afga Point, Campo Verde, Jawili Falls, Bughawi Beach and the town’s reforestation project.
A festival showcasing the unique skills of Nabasnon weavers of bags, mats and hats made of indigenous bariw leaves, and said to be the fast-growing industry in the municipality. The festival celebration is highlighted in a dance performance by local talents accompanied with the rhythm of drumbeats.
An annual week-long festival simultaneously held during the province’s founding anniversary Celebration every 25th of April. 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.
An annual celebration commemorating the province’s Founding Anniversary on April 25th formally declaring independence from its mother province of Capiz in 1956.
Showcases a collection of fine arts, world stamps, Asian Antiques and much more.
Among the municipality of Lezo’s local industries that have helped augmenting the locals’ livelihood and income. Residents living by the river bank make their living making clay pots and jars likewise using indigenous materials found abundant in their area. Meanwhile, the pop-rice or better known locally as “ampaw” is made of cooked dried rice, deeply fried, sugar-coated, subsequently cut into desired sizes and dried until crispy.
A brainchild of then Congresswoman and now Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpowhich serve as a skills training center for livelihood projects, to equip the Aklanon artisans and craftsmen, the women sector, the farmers and fisherfolks alike having an attitude of entrepreneurship, and to make the products of Aklanons competitive for both the local and global market. It also serves as exhibition center or showroom of the best of the Aklan products, and as marketing center purposely to promote Aklan products.
The name was derived from the owner’s collection of artifacts, antiques, including recyclable garbage materials from the native Baleten-on folks. He transformed them into works of arts wherein an observer would gape at a broken shoe that was subsequently turned into a beautiful flower vase, an ordinary stone framed to portray realities that oftentimes are ignored by many. He would then set-up his artworks inside his private garden purposely to create a haven of inspiration for his family, to evoke their innate creative nature or talent. Hence, friends and guests who enter the place likewise get inspiration, announcing to the outside world there is a small haven of art that exists in this town of Balete, for all to see.
Showcases Filipino culture through interactive cultural expo centered on traditional farming methods in action, weaving traditional crafts etc. A visit to this place gives visitors a glimpse of how farming communities of long ago actually lived.
A century-old religious edifice which is the center of worship of Buruanganons for their Patrons, Saint Anthony and Nuestra Sra. De Salvacion.
A perfect place for mediation, relaxation, and retreats where one can commune with God, nature and self.
A century old church designed with limestone wall similar to the beautifu Miag-ao Church of Iloilo. The church finished construction in 1889 after 28 years of forced labor. Women, as much as men and children were forced to join this so-called great polo and toiled from the beginning of sunrise to sunset carrying blocks of corals and limestone from the quarries in Brgy. Afga to the construction site in edifice in the province.Brgy. Poblacion. The church building is among the oldest religious.
This larger than-life size bronze representation of Jaime L. Sin is a gift to the people of New Washington, Aklan from Ambassador Antonio L. Cabanguan Chua, who was one of the Cardinal’s closest friends and admirers. The donor chose to mark the Cardinal’s 73rd birthday, August 30, 2007 with the solemn unveiling of his 22 feet high monument on August 31, 2007 in recognition of his honor at his hometown. Throughout his lifetime, Cardinal Sin was a gift of God and at the same time, a hero to the Filipino people whom he served with love and devotion.
Located 11 kms. away from Kalibo, this convent means a lot for the highly religious folks of New Wahington. The convent was so-called, attributed to the color of the nun’s garments.
Located 9 kms. southwest from Kalibo, it is noted for its Stations of the Cross along the hillside, culminating in a beautifully built Chapel built of marble on top the hill. It is accessible by jeepneys, tricycle, private car or bus.
Originally built in 1581, to this day it stands as the oldest edifice of worship in the province. It was renovated in 1993 with the spiritual and financial support of the Aklanons themselves. The church’s edifice was subsequently renovated immediately after it was slightly wrecked by the 1990 earthquake. Its architectural design was beautifully crafted by the renowned national artist Leandro V. Locsin.
Named after an ancient ruler Datu Manduyog, successor of Datu Kalantiaw lll. It is 500 ft. high and in it are life-size Stations of the Cross that wind upwards the hill. Sprawling below the hillside is situated the beautiful 99.92 hectare campus of the Aklan State University, considered the oldest school in the province now offering tertiary and graduate academic programs.
Kultura Balete is a mixed cultural event celebrated every February and October to highlight the Culture and Arts month and the Enchanting Balete,the annual civic and religious fiesta of the Baleten-on people. Some of the activities are cultural presentations, art exhibits, agro-fishery and trade fair, symposia, art contest etc.
Wear an authentic Ati-Atihancostume, darken your face and body by covering your skin with soot or paint it with colors, then dance like an Ati. The Ati-Atihan experience happens only every 3rd week of January which culminates on a Sunday, the last day of the religious festivity.
Witness the long, tedious process of transforming a native pineapple leaf into an intricately woven piña cloth, dubbed as the “ Queen of Philippine Fabrics ”. The piña cloth and other piña products could cost a fortune when exported abroad, are considered works of art, and could count for one’s collector’s items.
It houses age-old artifacts of preserved Aklanon culture, and presently considered one of the most beautiful museums in the country.
Once served as a camp and the last line of defense of Filipino soldiers and guerillas during World War ll.
During the Spanish era, it served as the watchpoint for invading Moro pirates who used to maraud coastal villages. Underneath the hill is a cave, which according to folktales, was used as an ambuscade for English pirates, buccaneers, and other plunderers of Spanish galleons carrying precious cargoes.
It used to be the seat of government of Raja Bendahara Kalantiaw lll, then the third chief of Panay and promulgator of the famous Code of Kalantiaw. Its marker was constructed by the Philippine Historical and Cultural Society.
Considered as the highest geographical location in the municipality. Hike or trek into the former secret sanctuary of the province’s freedom fighters, or see through its lush flora alongside the hill.
It is dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who initiated the revolt against Spain.
An age-old tradition of Aklan which produces delicate and intricately woven piña cloth that are being exported abroad. The piña cloth and other piña products could cost a fortune and are being considered works of art and collector’s items.
The resort hotel has a restaurant, convention center, the Mansion, swimming pool, fitness gym, chapel, and a spa among its facilities and attractions. At the center may be found a Christmas Cottage displaying precious moments dolls and decors.
A mangrove forest that provides habitats to various aquatic species, birds and other associated organisms. Its name Kapispisan comes from the visayan root word pispis, which means birds, and Kapispisan, meaning flock of birds. This bird sanctuary is a project initiated by the College of Fisheries & Marine Sciences in New Washington, Aklan.
Offers a relaxing respite to visitors with its lush mangroves, clear water & cool nipa huts built on its boardwalk trail.
Noted for its variety of fruit and vegetable plantations, interspersed with colorful anthuriums and heliconias.
It is a multi-awarded destination and a recipient of the Golden Eagle Award in the AsiaPacific for the best mangrove reforestation project that boasts of anexceptional nature thrill for eco-tourists and visitors. The 80 hectare eco-park includes a small park and a recreation area, a 15-minute eco-walk pathway bridge built of bamboos that wind up into the wide stretch of thick mangrove plantation and ends up out onto the beach where one could enjoy a breathtaking grasp of nature or a picnic to unwind into.
It is situated 6 kms. from Brgy. Poblacion and locals boasts of it as the greenery area abundant with huge plantation of trees, clean air, and a nature’s refuge they call Little Baguio, with a stretch of clean river winding through it.
Situated along the border of the municipalities of Tangalan and Ibajay, an 28 kms. west travelling distance from the capital town of Kalibo. Its altitude of 3,700 feet makes it ideal for retreat especially during summer. It is also so-called the hikers’ paradise which abfound with thick tree plantations of green pines, mahogany, acacia, ipil-ipil, and butterfly trees that draws or entice visitors to trek deeper into the woods.
Cluster ofdead tree trunks found in an inland water. It could be reached by hiking.
Considered as one of the longest caves in the country, its length stretches to the municipality of Pandan, Province of Antique. It is located 8 kms. from Brgy. Poblacion, Nabas.
BAT CAVES, Malay, Aklan.Located on the northern end of the province, these caves serve as dwelling places by fruit eating bats and may simply be reached by hiking, or with the use of bicycle or motorbike. Local volunteers guide tourists to the cave.Entrance fee is P50.
The Bugtongbato-Naisud basin(inland) mangrove boasts 27 mangrove species. It is the only Mangrove community in the country that comprises 77% of the total 35 Philippine species. Have been identified and acknowledged by SEAFDEC-AQD as an ideal site for its various scientific researches on mangrove and aquaculture. With its high level of biodiversity, natural growth, giant and century-old endemic mangrove species that will entice eco-tourists to explore what they think is unexplorable.
It has a scenic view of Boracay Island, planted with a variety of fruit bearing trees. In it may be found a beautiful butterfly farm in the center of the park as its main tourist attractions.
Includes the Basang and Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs, another popular alternative summer destination because of its cool, clear waters gushing from above the beautifully and naturally endowed huge rock formations. More so, its waters are said by locals to be potable.
It has eight magnificent chambers connecting unto each other, and also inhabited by hundreds of bats.
A 14-hectare of unspoiled beauty of nature has three caves, refreshing waterfalls, soothing hotpot Jacuzzi & visitors are also treated to experience the process of lambanog making.
A beach resort with world class facilities where Mother Nature offers unexploited beauty and tranquility. A perfect sanctuary to reconnect with oneself, enjoy family bonding moments, try out exciting activities such as diving, snorkeling& sunbathing.
A perfect place for snorkeling and diving. For adventurous visitors, Hinugtan WhiteBeach provides a multitude of pleasurable experiences in which theycan explore the underwater world.
Offers a perfect place for relaxation or venue for themed parties and excursions.
Exhibits an array of delicate stalagmites and stalactites built over centuries from minerals deposited by dripping water.
An ecotourism destination for Adventure seeking travelers, with cliff diving sites overlooking turquoise swimming holes, and lush mangrove. Recently featured inCosmopolitan magazine & TripAdvisor as top Boracay attraction.
It is found 8 kms. In length and 4kms. Wide between the municipalities of Altavas and Batan, partly hidden from view from Batan Bay by two islets, fringed withthick mangroves and undergrowth, and rocky beaches.
It is 200 meters high resembling a Lighthouse facing the Sibuyan Sea. Underneath the hill is a beautiful,fine sandy beach.
Enjoy the cascading cool waters of Jawili Falls with seven varied shaped rock basins wide and clear enough for swimming. The nearby beach has its own local character where fishing boats are docked on the shores and local people trawl casually as the beach is untapped by mass tourism.
So-called paradise island of the Philippines and voted as among the best beaches in the world. It isnoted for its palm-fringed, pristine white sand beaches, azure waters,Coral reefs and rare sea shells. It has a total land area of 1,083 Hectares and consists of three barangays namely, Balabag, Manoc-Manoc and Yapak.
Enjoy the cascading cool waters of Jawili Falls with seven varied shaped rock basins wide and clear enough for swimming. The nearby beach has its own local character where fishing boats are docked on the shores and local people trawl casually as the beach is untapped by mass tourism.
