By VINCE G. LOPEZ
October 30, 2010, 7:47pm
Boracay and the Ati-atihan festival are among the top reasons tourists visit Aklan
Mention the place Aklan to anyone and the imagery of fine white sands quickly come to mind. Known as the gateway to one of the most popular destinations in the country, the province of Aklan is more than just white sands and clear blue waters.
With a fascinating festival to boot and bountiful natural wonders for all sorts of tourists, the province remains to be one of the most visited provinces in the Philippines.
Aklan may be known famous for its world-renowned beach but the province is considered to be a mountainous terrain. One of the most amazing features of Aklan is its 709 hectares of virgin forests to maintain the beauty of its mountainous surroundings.
As far as festivities are concerned, no one does it best than the people of Aklan who, for three days on the third week of January, leave it all out and party on the city streets of Kalibo for the famous Ati-atihan festival. The said festivity is considered to be “Queen of Philippine Festivals” where the celebration lasts for three days. The street party is characterized by the rhythmic dances of darkly painted performers holding the image of the Sto. Niño.
Unlike its counterparts, the Ati-Atihan festival street dancing parade allows anyone to join in and party with the rest of the representing tribes. From shell clad warriors, soot covered dancers and nipa-dressed foot soldiers, the parade turns in to a hodgepodge of personalities.
Locals, on the other hand, are one of the finest craftsmen in the country as Aklan is also considered as a land of expert weavers. The province is the biggest producer of Piña cloth that has been inspiring international designers for their fashion collection.
Fast facts
Local Dialect: Aklanon, Ilonggo
Festival: Ati-atihan Festival
Must See:
Boracay — The enticing white sands of the beach is irresistible for both local and international tourists complete with night parties.
Bakhawan Eco-Park — dubbed as the Philippines, most successful mangrove reforestation and considered to be one of the most scenic places to unwind in Aklan.
Batasan Point — known for its wealthy marine lives and is said to be the best stop over for scuba divers, snorkelers, cliff-board divers, excursionists, and nature enthusiast for province guests.
Ashram Balay-Pagduaw – known for its advocacy on finding spiritual peace with nature. The place is perfect for meditation, relaxation and retreats.
Ignito Cave — The cave is noted for its abundant deposit of guano from various species of bats & birds finding shelters inside the cave. The site is also the province’s longest and grandest cave
Hidden Paradise — The elevated location offers the best scenery to witness the panoramic view of sunset, mountains, rivers, seas and green fields within the province.
How to get there:
Aklan’s Caticlan and Kalibo Airport serves as the entry point for major airlines coming into Aklan as there are already daily flights scheduled to land in both airports. Traveling by sea is also possible with numerous ferries going to Caticlan from Manila while land travel is also possible via buses going to Mindanao.
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