Besides Boracay Island, one of the world’s best beaches, there is much more to discover in Aklan – the oldest province of the Philippines. Therefore, tourists who go to Boracay to enjoy their summer vacation might want to have remarkable side tours to submerge into the local culture.
Aklan is a place with a highly diversified culture from the Ati-Atihan Festival to simple talks with locals. Moreover, Aklan may end up as a starting destination for exploring other provinces and historical sites. There are plenty of places to stay, such as Papierus Kalibo. In this blog, we will explore the things that you need to do while you’re on the Aklan trip.
Be Part of the Ati Culture
At Kalibo, Aklan, one of the most visited spectacles is the Ati-Atihan Festival, in which Santo Niño is celebrated by using tribal costumes and dancing. The week-long festival occurs every third week of January, where on the final day, there is street dancing which showcases a range of vibrant costumes by different tribes. Not only the street dancers who can wear these beautiful costumes but also the locals and tourists can join and dance to the sound of the drums.
If your stay does not match with the festival dates, you may still visit the Ati village in Barangay Manoc-Manoc. The Boracay Ati Community Development Complex is also known as Ati Village, and visitors can talk with the indigenous Ati people.
See How Beautiful Piña Fabric Is Made
Aklan province is famous for the production of piña fabric, a delicate cloth used to make the country’s national attire, Barong Tagalog. The cloth-making procedure includes the complex weaving of the fibers, which were pulled out from the leaves of the pineapple.
Tourists may go to Piña Village in Barangay Buswang and view the painstaking work of the local weavers. If you visit Boracay Island in April, you can visit Kalibo town to attend the Piña and Fiber Festival. This week-long holiday is dedicated to the ancient crafts of making the piña cloth in Aklan.
Shop Puka Shell Accessories by Local Artisans
Have you thought of a perfect place for your summer holidays? Think about this village beach in Kalibo! It’s a remote place compared to the constantly crowded beach of Boracay. Here, you’ll witness the daily life of the local community and leave you with a picturesque atmosphere of other people’s lives.
Relaxing by the beach, you may find it unusual to see the homemade necklaces, bracelets, and anklets made of puka shells being sold by the nearby small business owner. This seashell rarity is frequently gathered from white sand beaches.
The laws governing these shells were created to stop them from becoming completely extinct, so when you see them lying on the beach, appreciate their presence and the crafts made by the natives with them.
Meet Friendly Aklanon Locals on Your Beach Getaway
Boracay isn’t just a place where you can enjoy the sand and the beauty of the beach. It’s also a great place to experience Filipino culture and meet the friendly locals! Yes, they’re known for their hospitality and cheerfulness.
Almost all Filipinos understand English, thus, don’t lose the chance to communicate and have some fun with the locals. You can visit the villages situated near the Manoc-Manoc and Tulubhan beaches to get acquainted with the Aklanons, the aboriginal people of Aklan. You will be able to see how they traditionally catch fish and sea urchins.
You will likely also meet children, who attend the beach daily to clean it from garbage, and who can’t wait to become friends with you and take a selfie together.
If you are looking for a place to live close to these villages, try to find a hotel in Kalibo Aklan Philippines. Kalibo is the capital of Aklan province. It is the main gate for entering Boracay Island. There are many hotels that you can stay in, depending on your requirements and wallets.
Indulge in Local Flavors at the Kalibo Food Festival
A visit to Boracay is also the perfect time to learn more and taste the local food. The Kalibo Food Festival is an annual event held in June at Magsaysay Park. The music is live, and the dishes of Aklan have long been traditional and unique. The festival features the celebration in honor of St. John the Baptist.
For yet another dish of Aklan, travelers can visit the D’Talipapa wet market of Boracay, which is famous for its fresh seafood. Here, one can buy live fish, shrimp, and other delicacies and hand them to a nearby restaurant to cook. In this way, one can eat fresh seafood on the spot right on the highway.
Educate Yourself on the Local History at the Akean Museum
Museo it Akean is located near the Kalibo Cathedral and provides a glimpse into the history and culture of Aklan province. It was first opened in 1882 as a place for a variety of art exhibitions.
It was originally opened by Spanish officials to promote social integration among indigenous and Hispanic cultures, and it currently houses a collection of art and history memorabilia. Overall, the museum presents an overview of Aklan history from ancient times to the present.
Add Kalibo Cathedral to Your Must-See List
When in Aklan, Philippines, tourists should think about going to Kalibo Cathedral, also known as St. John the Baptist Cathedral, as this historical church provides an insight into local architecture and culture.
The cathedral was built in the 16th century, and although it has been reconstructed several times, some of its initial specifics have been preserved.
In addition, the church is also important because of its image of the Sto. Niño is central to the local Ati-atihan fiesta. Therefore, this cultural and historical site is worth checking out for those who stay at Kalibo lodging house.
Why is Aklan the Best Place to Go?
Go to Aklan, it’s the best place ever: the most beautiful beaches are open for you, and the brightest festivals are going to meet you. If you are looking for an opportunity to have a perfect rest in the cheapest hotel in Kalibo Aklan, you need to choose Papierus Pensionne. Do not wait a minute longer – choose the best ways to see and enjoy the beauty when you do not have to pay for anything extra!
