The province of Aklan is popular for two things – the Ati-Atihan Festival and Boracay Island. But more than festive dancing and beach parties, Aklan is also home to many natural wonders from cascading waterfalls to cold springs.
Located in the northwestern part of Panay island, Aklan composed of 17 municipalities and one congressional district which is Kalibo, its capital. The province is considered as the oldest in the country when it was settled by the Bornean datus who fleed from a tyrant datu in Borneo. The dialect is Akeanon which is quite different from Hiligaynon or Ilonggo.
The natural wealth of this province is evident as you take a long drive from Kalibo to Caticlan when going to Boracay Island. Here you traverse amidst, virgin forests and wind along cliffs along with breathtaking sceneries and views.
Boracay: Aklan's Pride
Tourism
Aside from Boracay Island and the Ati-Atihan Festival must-see places include:
Old Churches
- Nepomuceno Parish Church ( Kalibo)
- Old Church in Batan ( the historical Code of Kalantiaw was composed)
Nature’s Wonders
- Diving spots in Buruanga
- Cold Springs in Nabas
- Mangroves in Kalibo
- River in Madalag
- Wild river in Libacao
dolls from PRecious Moments showcased in Sampaguita Gardens
Attractions
- Sampaguita Gardens in New Washington
- Cardinal Sin’s Ancestral House in New Washington
- Piña Village in Kalibo
Getting there
By Air
- there are two airports in Aklan- Kalibo and Caticlan with Caticlan for those bound for Boracay Island
- Aklan is 45 minutes away from Manila with daily flights; for Caticlan, there are five airlines operating like Asian Spirit, Philippine Airlines, Cebu PAcific to name a few.
By Sea
- From Manila, it takes 14-18 hours to reach Aklan. You can also take a ship bound for Iloilo or ROxas and then take a land trip to Aklan.
By LAnd
- There are many direct buses ( aircon and non-aircon) and vans to Kalibo and Caticlan. It takes 4 hours to Kalibo and 5 hours to Caticlan.
For more information, visit the official site of Aklan. Click here.
Tags: Aklan, Ati Atihan Festival, Boracay Island, Caticlan, Kalibo, province of Aklan
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Ati-Atihan is celebrated together with Cebu’s SINULOG right? 3rd Sunday of January? I’d like to experience Ati-atihan for a change…
Hi Ace,
Yup, same time with Sinulog. Why not? Put it in you calendar as early as now…By the way, thanks for dropping by in my site…you are my most avid reader…:-)
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