Aklan Philippines

Promoter of Aklan's Progress

Taurus

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 was inaugurated as an independent province on November 8, 1956.

The province is located in Western Visayas and its capital is Kalibo. It encompasses the northwestern portion of Panay Island and nearby Boracay Island, both situated within the Visayas island group and having an estimated land area of 181, 789 hectares. The province is bordered by the Sulu Sea on the northwest, the Sibuyan Sea on the northeast and the east, by the province of Antique on the west, and by the province of Capiz on the south. The northernmost limit of Aklan is Lapuz-Lapuz point on Boracay Island (Malay), while the southernmost limit is that point in the municipality of Libacao where the borders of Aklan, Antique, and Capiz meet. The easternmost part of the province is the eastern shoreline of Mambuquiao Bay in the municipality of Batan; the westernmost location is Pucio Point (Buruanga).

A known icon in the province is the annual Ati-Atihan Festival in the towns of Kalibo, Makato, Ibajay and Altavas in honor of the Sto. Nino celebrated on separate days in the month of January. So called because Aklanons, domestic and foreign tourists, wipe soot on their faces and do ethnic paraphernalia and masquerade around town as Negritos and make merry and dance in the streets to the beat of ambulant ethnic troubadours. However, modern ati-atihan groups and sounds are now prevalent and accepted.

The beautiful spots in Aklan are:

FREEDOM SHRINE (Kalibo, Aklan). Dedicated to the 19 martyrs of Aklan who started the revolt against Spain.

Museo it Akean (Kalibo, Aklan).
A repository of antiques all dug up in Aklan and the province’s cultural heritage.

Boracay Island (Malay, Aklan).
Paradise Island of the Philippines. It is world-famous for its fine and lovely palm-fringed sugar-fine white sand beaches, azure waters, coral reefs, and rare shells. Its area is 1083 hectares consisting of three barangays namely Balabag, Manok-manok, and Yapak.

Sampaguita Gardens (New Washington, Aklan).The multi-awarded resort is an attraction in itself, and true to its vision, is focused on a dynamic and motivated organization that continues to grow and prosper as it provides world-class amenities and services to an ever-growing clientele.

Jawili Beach (Tangalan, Aklan). The white sands and crystal clear waters of Jawili Beach are an excellent location for a weekend getaway or a relaxing vacation. Jawili Beach provides Boracay-like scenery with the slow pace and tranquility of a small fishing village. It is an ideal destination for sea related recreation, picnics, conferences, conventions, holiday outings, and vacations.

Jawili Falls. The splendor of Jawili Falls is only a five to ten minute walk from Jawili Beach. The seven basins have been uniquely arranged by centuries of water flow. Crystal clear water cascades from basin to basin as if rolling down a giant stairwell. The falls are surrounded by a pristine forest that serves as a wildlife sanctuary for endemic flora and fauna. Tracing the tributaries of the falls into the heart of the forest is a challenging yet rewarding adventure.

Bakhawan Eco Park. It is a community-based eco-tourism project located in Brgy. New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. The project models a fruitful partnership between the community, LGU, Government Agencies and NGOs. It advocates the need to protect and maintain the environment, in this case - the 70 hectares mangrove reforestation project earlier established while giving local communities the opportunity to increase their livelihood incomes through tourism service related activities.

Basang and Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs (Nabas, Aklan). These alternative summer destinations offer the beauty of fresh water gushing from nature-hewn rocks and exhilarating adventure down from Gibon river in a kayak.

Manduyog Hill and Aklan State University (ASU) (Banga, Aklan). Named after Datu Manduyog, successor of lawgiver Kalantiaw III. It is 500 feet high with life-size Stations of the Cross winding up the hillside and a chapel at the summit overlooking the countryside. Down the hill is the ASU, an agricultural institution spread on 69 hectares. Tropical fruit trees such as rambutan, mangosteen, and lanzones abound in the school campus as well as pasture land and sprawling ricefields.

Ob-Ob Hill (Batan, Aklan). Stands 200 meters high like a lighthouse facing the Sibuyan Sea. At the foot of the rocky hill is a fine beach.

Tigayon Hill (Kalibo, Aklan). A solitary mountain of solid rock amidst stretches of flatlands. One of the sides is a shallow cave with an arched entrance. Inside are an altar-like rock and two bench-like rock formations on the side.