Freedom Shrine

Located within the town proper of Kalibo. Accessible by private cars, tricycles and motorcycles. The town´s famous landmark where fierce battles ensued during World War II. A monument eas built to signify the heroic stand of Aklanons. Mortar and other fragments of armaments can be found at the vicinity.

Boracay Island

Paradise island of the Philippines. Located 68 kms. from northwest of Kalibo, Aklan´s capital, 25 minutes ride by pumpboat across a channel from the northwestern tip of fPanay. It is famous for its world´s finest and loveliest palm fringed white sand beaches, azure waters, coral reefs and rare shells. Its area is 967 hectares consisting of 3 barangays namely Balabag, Manok-Manok and Yapak.

The widest and longest white beach stretching about 3 1/2 kms. from Din-iwid to Sitio Angol is between Balabag and Manok-Manok. Water is crystal clear and during fine weather one can see the sea floor. The beach at Manok-Manok is somewhat rocky with occasional patches of white sand. Ocean floor slopes steeply.

White pebbles of varying sizes are numerous at Yapak. Here too is the source of Puka shells that can be made into elegant necklaces and bracelets.

Wasak-Wasak Falls

Its cascading waters and location reminds one in a paradise where nothing is heard except the chirping of birds. Located 4 kms. from Buruanga town proper, it can be reached by buses, jeepneys or private cars.

Tulingon Cave

Believed to be one of the longest caves in the Philippines, Tulingon stretches 20 kilometers from Bo. Libertad, Nabas, Aklan to Bo. Patria Pandan, Antique. A survey indicates an enormous deposit of guano. Cave entrance is found in Bo. Libertad, Nabas, or 55 kms. northwest of Kalibo or 15 kms. from Nabas poblacion.

Nabaoy Reforestation

If Tangalan boasts of its Campo Verde, Malay itself has its own to be proud of Greenery inhabits the areas, a natural landscape, various garden plants and pollution free air, a sight deserving to be called little Baguio. Stones throw away from this reforestation is a river of enough width and depth. Located 6 kms. from Malay town proper.

Ingus-Ingus Hill

Located 2 kms. away from Buruanga town proper. Approximately 10 minutes ride by buses, jeepneys or private cars. It is an elevated mass of rocks, bordering the exist of Buruanga river, separating the poblacion from barrio Algeria and overviews the sea at three sides. During the Spanish regime, this hill was made as watchtower to guard or spy the approaching vintas of Moro pirates that used to maraude the coastal places.

Underneath the hill is a cave, which according to old tales, was used as a waiting place of English sea pirates, bucchaneers, hijackers of Spanish galleons with precious cargoes from Mexico.

Cross at Sitio Agbunsud

In Bo. San Dimas, Malinao, lies a hilly sitio called Agbunsud. On the top of the hill is a big cross which was once erected by the parish priest of Malinao. The cross marked the boundary of Makato and Malinao. During the revolution, the cannons of the revolutionist were mounted on this hill.

Tigwati-an Island

Lies northeast of Sitio Tabon, Catiklan, Malay. About five.minute ride by boat from the mainland or twenty-minute ride from Boracay Island. Shells of varying sizes and kinds lie on its predominantly white sand beach. On its side is a small cave with nature-carved stone at its wall where fresh and salty water forms a small pool. Another cave can be seen from top of the hill.

Fatima Hill

Noted for its way of the cross on the hillside. Atop the hill is a chapel made of marble. Located 9 kms. southwest of Kalibo.

Kalibo Ati-atihan

Scene of yearly celebration in honor of Sto. Niño. Held every third week of January, popularly known worldwide as Ati-atihan. So called because Kalibo natives, domestic and foreign tourists masquerading as Negritos imitate aboriginal dances on streets around the town plaza in manyhour affair, the biggest, noisiest and rowdiest in the country. A church ritual end the festival.

Aklan (1,818 square km) occupies the northwest portion of Panay and slopes gradually from the rugged, forested mountains of its interior to the Sibuyan Sea. Kalibo is the provincial capital and oldest town in Aklan. Sleepy Kalibo comes to life in January, when the Kalibonhons play host to thousands of visitors who descend on them for the Philippine's greatest party, the Ati-Atihan Festival.

Aklan is bounded by the Sulu Sea on the northwest, by the Sibuyan Sea on the east and northeast, by the province of Antique on the west and by the province of Capiz on the south.

Aklan encompasses the northwestern portion of Panay Island and the intirely of nearby Boracay Island both situated within the Visayas Island, group. Cadastrally located from north to south between 12° 00´N and 11° 19´S and from west to east between 121° 50´W and 122° 35 35´E. Aklan 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 point on Boracay Island (Malay), while the southernmost limit is the point in the municipality of Libacao where the borders of aklan, Antique Capiz meet. The easternmost part of Aklan is the eastern shoreline of Mambuquiao Bay in the municipality of Batan, the westernmost location is Pucio Point (Buruanga).

Aklanhas an estimated land area of 181,789 hectares. This is the official estimate of the National Census and Statistic Office and the Bureau of Forest Development. However, the figure remains only an estimate because the provincial and municipal boundaries are in dispute, and because the province has not been entirely cadastrally surveyed.

Aklan is composed of 17 municipalities, the largest in land area being Libacao and the smallest, Lezo. Each municipality maintains a municipal government whose seat is the barrio designated Poblacion, and which carries the same name as the entire municipality. Within the province are 327 barrios, the largest number being located in Ibajay, the smallest number being located in Balete.

The capitol of Aklan is located in Barrio Estancia, near Poblacion of Kalibo. Poblacion Kalibo is approximately 160 road kilometers from Iloilo City, 90 road kms. from Roxas City (Capiz), 175 road kms. from San Jose (Antique), and 216 air kms. from Manila. Approximate road distance from Kalibo to all other poblaciones are as follows: Altavas, 38.0 kms., Balete 17.0 kms., Nabas 44.0 kms., New Washington 10.0 kms., Numancia 4.5 kms. and Tangalan 19.0 kms.

Pursuant to the Integrated Reorganization Plan of 1972, Aklan is a member of Region VI, Western Visayas.

Brief History.  Aklan is the oldest province in the Philippines, organized in 1213 by settler from Borneo as the Minuro it Akean to include what is now Capiz.

The capital of Aklan changed location several times. Towards the end of the fourteenth century Datu Dinagandan moved the capital to the present site of Batan which was captured in 1399 by Chinese adventurers under Kalantiaw, who forth with ruled Aklan. In 1433 the son of Kalantiaw, Kalantiaw III laid down a written code of laws now known as the Code of Kalantiaw. The short- lived Kalantiaw dynasty ended when Kalantiaw III was slain in a duel with Datu Manduyog, legitimate successor to Datu Dinagandan. When Manduyog became the new ruler, he moved the capital to Bakan (ancient name of Banga) in 1437. Several datus succeeded Manduyog and when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi landed in Batan in 1565, Datu Kabayag was ruling Aklan from what is now the town of Libacac.

Lopez de Legaspi divided the Minuro it Akean into 5 encomiendas which he distributed among his faming followers. Those encomiendas were in Mambusao, Batan and Panay. Along with political changes, the Spaniards introduced Christianity and in a short while thousands of Aklanons were baptized.

Towns were laid following the Spanish pattern, each organized around a plaza with church, municipio and school. Roads were carved out of forests to link principal towns. In 1716, the area of the MInuro it Akean was designated a province. But to the dismay of Aklanons it was called Capiz and until Aklan became a province on its own in 1956, the Aklanons never knew rest.

In 1896 an Aklanon member of Bonifacio´s Katipunan arrived in Batan and he organized Aklan for the fight against Spain. Battles marking this struggle are commemorated today with numerous municipal holidays, notable among them being New Washington´s "Pacto de Sangre" celebration.

Having developed an identity of their own, a distinct dialect being no problem, the people of Aklan felt they shoud govern themselves. After the Americans took the country from Spain in 1901 an Sklan delegation petitioned the Taft Commission, which structured the new civil government of the country for separation from Capiz.

The petition was not turned down, but it was not granted. As a sop, the Americans promised to set up at the right time a separate court of first instance for Aklan at Batan. They appointed Simeon Mobo Reyes as first provincial secretary. But the struggle for separation never let up. The newspaper " Aklanon" which began publication in 1914 advocated creation of a separate province while Aklanons in Congress filed numerous bills for the same purpose, including the Urquiola-Alba bill in 1920, the Laserna-Suner bills in 1925 and 1930 and the Tumbokon bill in 1934.

Aklan finally became an independent province when President Magsaysay signed into law on April 25,1956, Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz. This law authored by Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos and the province was inaugurated on November 8, 1956. Ramos became the first congressman of Aklan; he was succeeded by Jose B. Legaspi. The third congressman, serving until the declaration of martial law in 1972, was Rafael B. Legaspi.

Languages / Dialect.  Languages / dialect spoken are English, Tagalog, Akeanon, Hiligaynon, Cebuano and others.

Climate.  According to the Philippine Athmospheric Geographical and Astronautical Service Administration, the province of Aklan is characterized by two areas of somewhat different climate. The difference lies mainly in the amount and schedule of rainfall, while temperature differenced is very slight.

The municipality of Buruanga, Malay, Nabas, Madalag and Libacao has a first type climate, meaning two pronounced seasons a year. While the municipalities of Ibajay, Tangalan, Makato Lezo, Numancia, Kalibo, Banga, Batan, Malinao, Balete, Altavas and New Washington belong to third type climate. Season in this area is not very pronounced. It is relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.

Temperature is almost constant throughout the year. The coldest month is experienced on January measuring 26°C, it rises steadily to an average of 29°C in May, and then declines gradually to the January level. Cooler temperature is very much common in areas of higher elevation.

Major Industries.  Most Aklanons derive livelihood from rice, corn, coconut, abaca and pottery making. Fishponds and off-shore fishing employ many persons in Aklan. There exist no large scale industry. What thrive are small-scale industries like piña-cloth weaving, abaca and bamboo handicraft.

Points of Interest

Kalantiaw Shine. Located in Batan, east of Kalibo. Seat of government of Rajah Bendahara Kalantiaw III, the third chief of Panay and promulgator of the famous code of Kalantiaw. The marker was erected by the Philippine Historical and Cultural Society. A former school building, converted into a museum, displays antiques, a copy of the original manuscript of the code, and historical accounts of great national heroes.

Agtawagon Hill, Balete. The Agtawagon Hill is Balete´s pride. It is located at the southeastern part of Morales, about 7 kms. away from the heart of the town. The hill was the last line of defense of the Filipino Patriots during the Spanish-Filipino conflict. The same hill had served as Camp of the Filipino soldiers and guerillas during the second World War. Foxholes had been built on the summit of the hill seeing the approaching enemies.

Museo It Akean. Located within the town proper of Kalibo, corner Martelino-Burgos Streets. A repository of antiques all digged up in Aklan. Famous works of arts are likewise displayed. These traces the province of Aklan´s rich cultural and historical past.

Manduyog Hill and Aklan Agricultural College. Located in Banga, about 9 kms. southeast of Kalibo. The hill was named after Datu Manduyog, successor of law-giver Kalantiaw III. It is 500 ft. high with lifesize 14 stations of the cross winding up the hillside and a chapel at the summit overviewing the countryside scenery. It can also be classified as religious and at the same time man-made tourist attraction.

Beneath the hill is the Aklan Agricultural College, an agricultural institution spread in 69 hectares near Banga poblacion. Tropical trees such as rambutan, mangosteen and lanzones, a pasture and ricefield can be found at the school campus. The school has been, many times, a venue for regional and national conferences, workshops and seminars.

Ob-ob Hill. Located in Bo. Songcolan, about 4 kms. east of Batan poblacion. It stands like a lighthouse facing the Sibuyan Sea with an altitude of 200 meters. At the foot of the rocky hill is the fine beach of Ob-Ob.

Tinagong Dagat. Located 20 kms. from Kalibo via Dumaguit or 1 km. from Batan. Approximate travel time is one hour and five minutes to the site. This "hidden sea", approximately 8 kms. long and 4 kms. wide, is between Altavas and Batan, partly hidden from Batan Bay by two islands. It is fringed with mangroves, thick undergrowth and rocky beach elevation. It is a rich fishing ground during the northeast monsoon season when Sibuyan Sea is rough. Water is clear, ideal site for swimming, speedboating and waterskiing.

Tig-Ayon Hill. A solitary mountain of solid rocks standing amidst stretches of flatlands by the Aklan River. At its base, is a cave as wide and airy as a dome and its flat floors are unassorted piles of stalagmites. On one side of the hill inside a cave-like structure with an arched entrance is a rock resembling a table used by priest during mass, and on its side are the two bench-like structures.

Lambingan Beach. A fine palm-fringed beach, about 3 kms. northwest of Kalibo. Many cottages of varying sizes spread on the shoreline for frolickers to take shade after a refreshing swim on its cool waters.

Bougainvilla Beach. Located 4 kms. northeast of Kalibo. Its cool water is perfect for swimming. At sundown the place abounds with promenaders.

Manimpa Falls. A 50 feet high waterfalls with several basins located in Can-awan, Libacao. The falls is also accessible by foot from Libacao town proper.

Tindog Falls. Located in Madalag. It is unique among other falls for its basin is on top instead of having it below the falls. Stair-like stones are carved where the water cascades down. It can be reached by foot from Madalag.

Tigis Falls. Located 3 kms. from Buruanga town proper. Approximately 10 minutes ride by means of buses, jeepneys or private cars. A good hide-out during summer for its inhibitive location.

Agnaga Falls. Located 2 kms. away from the town proper or Malay, Aklan. A scenic view awaits the visitors as they can freely swim on its clear waters. Its a perfect hideout especially during summer as its cool water beats the intense heat that summer months bring.

Mampahon Falls ( Malinao, Aklan). A falls with an all-year-round clear and cool waters. It is about 20 kms. southwest of Kalibo. The falls, a major source of Malinao River, has 2 basins, one is 8 feet deep and the other 6 feet deep. Both an ideal sites for swimming.

Floripon Point Beach. Located at the eastern tip of New Washington, or about 20 kms. away east of Kalibo. Its wide beach fringed with coconut trees beckons the visitors to this resort.

New Washington Beach. A 14 kms. beach with the poblacion at midpoint fronting Sibuyan Sea. The place serves as fishing village of the town. Fresh fish, crabs, shrimps and lobsters are sold here. Accessible by public jeepneys, buses, tricycles and private cars.

Navitas and Camanci Beach. Both beaches border the Sibuyan Sea. Its waters are excellent for water skiing and coconut trees are fringed along the shores. Located in Numancia, about 4.5 kms. northwest of Kalibo.

Jawili Falls (Tangalan, Aklan). It has 7 basins, the highest of which is found about 100 feet high, arranged in tiers from about 20 feet high. The first basin, oval-shaped, is 40 feet by 60 feet, holding 12 feet deep clear water. The other basins are of similar shapes from 130 square feet to 240 sq. feet in area and 8-10 feet deep except the sixth basin with a swimming area of 540 sq. feet. It is 28 kms. northwest of Kalibo and 3 kms. from the poblacion of Tangalan. It is a one-hour ride from Kalibo and is accessible by jeepneys, buses, private cars and tricycles from the town proper to the site.

Afga Beach. Located 22 kilometers northwest of Kalibo. Located in Bo. Afga, Tangalan. White beach stretches 2 kilometers. Visitors may either go swimming or boating. Colorful fishing nets are dried at daytime on the shore. Accessible by buses, jeepneys, tricycles and private cars from the town proper to the site.

Basang Cave. One of the sources of Gibon River is inside Basang Cave with 2 basins of clear, cool waters for swimming. Located in Bo. Laserna, Nabas.

Pink Sisters convent. Located 11 kms. away from Kalibo. For highly religious New Washington folks, this convent means much to them. Everything here is pink, from the convent´s facade to corridors and to the nun´s dresses.

Guinsimbahan, Malinao. The old original site of the Catholic Chapel was on top of the hill. It is called "Guinsimbahan". It is located on the western part of the town. It has an area approximately 2/3 of a hectare of level ground. No definite year has been told as to whom the chapel was built and by whom. The old San Cristobal Street leading to this historical site was clearly of tall grasses and shrubs in the early part of the year 1942. It is also classified as historical tourist attraction.

Camp Verde (Border of Tangalan and Ibajay). Its 3,700 feet altitude makes it a cool retreat during hot summer months. At the border of Tangalan and Ibajay, 28 kms. west of Kalibo, is Campo Verde reforestation. Green pines, mahogany, acacia, ipil-ipil and butterfly trees drew visitors deeper into the woods.

May Ann´s Place (Malay, Aklan). A terrace, a simple word best describing a beautiful place located at Tabon Point, Catiklan. What for its hilly location that one could only utter in appreciation the beauty of the seas beyond the paradise island in between and as the day comes near its passing, a fascinating view of the sun as it casts its colored shadows in the west. For private-loving people, a bungalow with four rooms and a cottage with two rooms has been built for their cozy stay.

Pottery Making. Families living along the banks of Aklan River near the town plaza of Lezo make clay pots and jars the old-fashion way.