Top things to do in Kalibo, Aklan: More than just a gateway to Boracay

Hello to y’all. So I went to Kalibo earlier this year and had a taste of my first Ati-Atihan Festival. The experience was so awesome and overwhelming that I now rank Ati-Atihan Festival as the best festival in the Philippines in terms of FUN factor.

As you may already know, Kalibo is one of the gateways to the world-famous white sand beaches of Boracay. The other one is Caticlan. However Kalibo has a bigger airport and thus welcomes more tourists.

It is sad however that most tourists overlook Kalibo and head straight to Boracay. I hope this post and video changes that.

I prepared a list of top things to do in Kalibo, Aklan. Check out the list and try to cross out as much as you can from the list on your next visit.

Here it is. Enjoy! :)

15]  Visit Saint John the Baptist Church

14]  Try PAEAPAK (Aklanon religious healing)

Go to Saint John the Baptist Church and you will find makeshift tents infront. This is where you can get paeapak. The ‘healers’ will rub the Santo Niño all over your body to rid it of sickness.

13]  Make friends with superheroes and other strange characters

The most unusual characters join the Ati-Atihan Festival. Feel free to approach them and make new friends.

12]  See Santo Niño of different sizes

Santo Niño is Spanish for ‘Holy Child’ and refers to the Child Jesus Christ venerated by many Filipino Catholics. Santo Niño takes centerstage during the Ati-Atihan Festival, where he is celebrated and honored in many different ways.

11]  Learn how to be BLACK literally

Ati-Atihan Festival performers paint their faces and bodies black to pay homage to the indigenous Ati people of Aklan. Do not be surprised if somebody approaches you and paints your face with black paint.

10]  Listen to BUDOTS street musicians

Check out my video to see what I mean :)

9]  Bask in Aklanon history and culture at MUSEO IT AKLAN

8]  Check out the local market and tiangge for PASALUBONG

Pasalubong is the FILIPINO tradition of travelers bringing gifts from their holiday destination to people back home. When in Kalibo do not forget to grab some Biscocho de Kalibo, Rosafood’s Paborita and banana chips, and so much more.

7]  Walk among HIGANTES (paper mache giants)

6]  Learn how to speak AKEANON (also called Aklanon)

Check out my video if you want to learn some Aklanon words and phrases J

5]  Visit SAMPAGUITA GARDENS

Sampaguita Gardens is a resort complex created and owned by Precious Moments doll artist Samuel Butcher. It features Jojo’s Christmas Cottage with over hundreds of Precious Moments dolls. It also houses The Mansion which is the residence of Samuel Butcher and his family in the Philippines.

4]  Delight in local eats

Kalibo is famous for their tasty lechon manok (grilled chicken) and liempo. Personally I think their liempo is way better than the ones in Luzon. Don’t forget to check out Ramboy’s Lechonan and Restaurant, La Nena’s, New Peking House, and RML Manukan.

3]  Brush up on your make up skills and street fashion at the ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL

2]  Learn to drink like the locals

1]  Get your groove on while doing the SADSAD at the ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL

Ati-Atihan is the annual festival of Kalibo. It is the time when people from all ages and from all social classes come together to celebrate life through music and dance. During Ati-Atihan Festival there is no line between performers and spectators. Everyone is a performer. Everyone becomes part of the festivities. Ati-Atihan Festival is not a time for quiet processions. Sadsad is marked by loud drumbeats and spontaneous dancing. Ati-Atihan does not require choreography because dance and movement has to come from the heart.

Words are not enough to describe how fun Kalibo is so I encourage you all to watch my video. You can watch the video here...

There you go! I hope to see you all on the next Ati-Atihan Festival. Hala bira! Pwera pasma!

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