When people hear “Aklan,” their minds often jump straight to Boracay—and for good reason. The island is world-famous for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Boracay may be Aklan’s superstar 💫—famous for its powder-white sands and electric nightlife—but the province of Aklan has so much more to offer! 🏝️
From centuries-old churches and hidden waterfalls to eco-parks and cultural treasures, Aklan offers a deeper, richer kind of travel experience. As someone who loves exploring off-the-beaten-path spots, I found myself falling in love with Aklan’s old churches, peaceful beaches, eco-walks, and warm-hearted locals. It's the kind of place where you can chase adventure, slow down with nature, and reconnect with history—all in one weekend.
If you're ready to go off the beaten path and truly experience what this province has to offer, this guide is your starting point.
🚍 How to Get to Aklan
✈️ By Air
- Kalibo International Airport (KLO) – Direct flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, and international destinations (Korea, China, Taiwan).
- Caticlan Airport (MPH) – Ideal if you're going straight to Boracay.
🚌 By Land & Sea
- From Iloilo or Roxas, take a Ceres bus or van to Kalibo (2–3 hours).
- From Boracay: take a Caticlan–Kalibo van (1.5–2 hrs).
✈️How to Travel from Kalibo Airport to Boracay Island: Van, Boat & Tricycle Guide
🚗 How to Travel from Boracay to Kalibo: Complete Guide with Fares & Tips
🏨 Where to Stay
Land & SeaDuring our stay in Kalibo, we spent overnight at Kalibo Hotel. To know more, click here.
📍 Kalibo (great base for eco and cultural trips):
- 📌 Ati-Atihan County Inn
- 📌 RB Lodge Kalibo
- 📌 GQ Plaza Hotel
📍 Tangalan (closer to nature and less crowds):
- 📌 Casa Dayang Kalibo
- 📌 Casa Muntíng Buhangin (near Jawili Beach)
📍 New Washington:
- 📌 Sampaguita Gardens Resort – Home of Jojo’s Christmas Cottage 🎄
🏨 Updated 2025 Kalibo Hotels List – Where to Stay in Aklan Near Airport & Town
🚖 Getting Around Aklan
🚌 Jeepneys and vans – Best for longer trips between towns.
🚐 Rental vans or cars – Ideal for groups or those planning day trips outside Kalibo.
📝 Tip: If you're going to Tangalan, charter a tricycle or van from Kalibo early in the day for more flexibility.
Read more on 🚐 How to Get Around Aklanand Kalibo: 2025 Transport Guide with Local Tips
🌴 Top Destinations in Aklan
1. 🏖️ Boracay Island
🆕 Updates (2025):
• Station X continues to grow with more food spots and chill lounges.
• E-trike fares have gone up slightly—negotiate or confirm before hopping in.
• Visitors must still present their QR code from the Boracay QR Pass system
upon arrival.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Visit White Beach early in the morning for quiet,
pristine views.
✔ Try paraw sailing at sunset for the best views (and
IG-worthy shots).
✔ Stay in Station 1 for tranquility, Station 2 for
convenience, and Station 3 for budget options.
[📖 Read More »]
2. ⛪ St. John Nepomucene Parish
Church (Tangalan Church)
📍 Brgy. Poblacion,
Tangalan
🆕 Updates (2025):
• The church grounds have improved pathways and signage, making it easier for
self-guided visits.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Drop by on a weekday to avoid crowds and truly soak
in the peace.
✔ Wear appropriate attire—this is an active place of worship.
✔ Ask locals about the story behind the church—it adds depth to your
visit.
[📖 Read More »]
3.🎄 Jojo’s Christmas
Cottage (Sampaguita Gardens)
📍 New Washington,
Kalibo
🆕 Updates (2025):
• New Christmas-themed displays were added to celebrate its 25th year.
• The gardens are now more accessible, with shaded seating and expanded
souvenir areas.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Best visited in the late afternoon when the lights
are turned on.
✔ Great spot for families—kids love the toy displays and whimsical setup.
✔ Try the local snack bar near the exit—budget-friendly and
tasty.
[📖 Read More »]
4. 🪨 Afga Rock Wave
Formation
📍 Tangalan
Tucked off the beaten path is a natural sculpture carved by waves and wind. Afga Rock’s unique, wave-like formations are perfect for nature lovers and photo-hunters looking for something raw and real.
🆕 Updates (2025):
• No entrance fee as of mid-2025, but donations are welcome for upkeep.
• Local guides now offer short walks and photo tips (₱50–₱100).
🌟 Tips:
✔ Go during low tide for easier access and more
visible rock formations.
✔ Wear proper footwear—some parts are slippery and uneven.
✔ Sunrise visits are magical and peaceful!
[📖 Read More »]
5. 🏛️ Museo it Akean
📍 Kalibo
Step into the story of Aklan. This quaint museum holds treasures from the past—pre-colonial artifacts, indigenous relics, and insights into the island’s cultural roots. A must-visit for travelers seeking meaning behind the beauty.
🆕 Updates (2025):
• The museum has added new exhibits on pre-Hispanic trade and textiles.
• Open Tuesdays to Saturdays only, 9 AM
to 4 PM.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Allocate 30–45
minutes for a slow walk-through.
✔ Ask for the curator if you want deeper insights—they’re usually happy to chat.
✔ Don’t
skip the souvenir shop—support
local weavers and artisans.
[📖 Read More »]
6. ⛪ Kalibo Cathedral (Cathedral of
St. John the Baptist)
📍 Kalibo
More than just a cathedral, this is the heart of Kalibo’s soul. It’s the spiritual centerpiece of the world-famous Ati-Atihan Festival, and home to the beloved Sto. Niño. Come for the history, stay for the energy of devotion.
🆕 Updates (2025):
• Newly repainted façade and improved lighting for evening mass.
• Now offers guided historical tours during Ati-Atihan week.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Join a morning mass, then explore the cathedral
grounds while it’s
still cool.
✔ Visit during Ati-Atihan in January for a
once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.
✔ Keep an eye on your belongings during crowded
events.
[📖 Read More »]
7. 🏞️ Pastrana Park
📍 Kalibo
This isn't your average town plaza. Declared an archaeological site, Pastrana Park offers quiet shade and a sense of history woven into its grounds. It's the perfect spot to slow down, people-watch, and reflect on Kalibo’s early days.
🆕 Updates (2025):
• The park now includes small history markers detailing its archaeological
significance.
• Cleaned-up surroundings and more benches added.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Ideal for a quiet stroll after visiting the nearby
Kalibo Cathedral or Museo it Akean.
✔ Great for people-watching and photographing local
life.
✔ Look for the oldest tree at the center—it’s locally considered a living witness to Kalibo’s early days.
[📖 Read More »]
8. 🏡 Sampaguita Gardens
Resort
📍 New Washington,
Kalibo
A charming retreat that feels both whimsical and homey. Known for its themed accommodations and riverside charm, Sampaguita Gardens is also the proud home of Jojo’s Christmas Cottage. Great for family stays or a peaceful day trip.
🆕 Updates (2025):
• Newly renovated riverside cottages and added kayak rentals.
• Updated café menu with more local delicacies and sweet treats.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Stay overnight if you want the peaceful charm after
day guests leave.
✔ Don’t
miss the riverside walk at sunrise—it’s calming and scenic.
✔ Book ahead during long weekends and holidays.
[📖 Read More »]
9. 🌱 Bakhawan Eco-Park
(Mangrove Forest)
📍 Kalibo
From barren mudflats to a 220-hectare green sanctuary—Bakhawan is a triumph of eco-restoration. Walk along the bamboo boardwalk surrounded by thick mangroves, birdsong, and serenity. Ideal for eco-travelers and quiet explorers.
🆕 Updates (2025):
• Now spans over 250 hectares with new bamboo walkways added.
• Entrance includes a short video orientation for visitors.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to
avoid the heat.
✔ Bring insect repellent, especially during rainy
season.
✔ Watch for birds, crabs, and even flying foxes—great for
eco-photography!
[📖 Read More »]
10. 💧 Jawili Falls
📍 Tangalan
Cool, clear, and cascading into seven natural basins, Jawili Falls is Aklan’s hidden gem for relaxation and refreshment. Bring a picnic, dip into the waters, and soak in the calm.
🆕 Updates (2025):
• New signage and safety rails installed on upper levels.
• Basic restroom facilities have been improved.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Go on a weekday to enjoy the falls with fewer
people.
✔ Bring water shoes for better grip while exploring
the rock basins.
✔ Locals sometimes offer fresh coconuts—refreshing and cheap!
[📖 Read More »]
11. 🌊 Jawili Beach
📍 Tangalan
Often referred to as “Boracay before the fame,” this serene coastal stretch offers a quiet escape with golden sand, gentle waves, and little to no crowds. It’s the perfect spot to catch a quiet sunset or simply reconnect with the sea.
🆕 Updates (2025):
• Small local resorts and homestays have popped up, still quiet but with basic
amenities.
• Beach cleanups organized monthly by the community.
🌟 Tips:
✔ Bring your own mat and snacks—limited commercial
options.
✔ Stay until sunset—it’s
quiet, golden, and truly postcard-worthy.
✔ Combine this with a trip to nearby Jawili Falls for
a chill day itinerary.
[📖 Read More »]
💡 Tips & Local Travel Advice
If you're heading to Boracay, spare at least one to two extra days in your itinerary to explore the hidden treasures of Aklan. Whether you’re into culture, history, or nature—Aklan has something special just for you.
✅ Don’t rush – Add at
least 2 extra days beyond Boracay to see the real Aklan.
✅
Bring cash – Some areas have limited ATM access or signal.
✅
Respect local culture – Especially when visiting churches or during the
Ati-Atihan Festival.
✅
Try local food – Don’t miss binakol (chicken soup in coconut) and
inubarang manok.
✅
Visit during January – Experience the Ati-Atihan Festival, a mix
of tribal and religious celebration! 🎭🔥
🧭 Quick Overview Table
|
Spot |
Type |
Location |
Highlights |
|
Boracay Island |
Beach |
Malay |
White sand, water sports |
|
Kalibo Cathedral |
Religious |
Kalibo |
Sto. Niño shrine, festivals |
|
Museo it Akean |
Museum |
Kalibo |
Oldest provincial museum |
|
Bakhawan Eco-Park |
Nature |
Kalibo |
Long mangrove trail |
|
Jawili Falls |
Natural |
Tangalan |
7-tiered falls |
|
St. Nepomucene Church |
Heritage |
Tangalan |
Spanish-era architecture |
|
Sampaguita Gardens |
Resort |
New Washington |
Jojo's Christmas Cottage |
|
Afga Rock Formation |
Geological |
Tangalan |
Wave-like rocks |
🌿 Lakwatserang Ligaw Quote
✨ “The best journeys are the ones where you’re tired, happy, and exactly where you need to be.”💖
📢 Share This Post
✨ Already booked for Boracay?
Add Aklan’s hidden treasures to your itinerary and make your trip unforgettable. Explore slow, travel deep, and see the soul of the province. 🧡
For a Quick Kalibo Getway Guide, click here.
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