Discover Kalibo

Kalibo brings together several themes to consider when planning your trip: the Ati-Atihan Festival, museums and memorial sites, as well as Tigayon Hill and coastal areas with beaches. First, consider whether you are travelling primarily for the festival or would rather focus on other cultural and scenic highlights. This decision will help you narrow down your travel dates and tailor your hotel search to the purpose of your trip.

Ati-Atihan in January

The Kalibo Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Festival takes place every year from the second week of January to the third Sunday in January. You should check current information for the exact dates for each year. During the festival, Ati-Atihan tribes parade through Kalibo’s main streets in colourful costumes, dance to the beat of drums and call out: “Viva kay Señor Santo Niño, Viva!” This makes the festival period a useful planning anchor if you want to time your trip around the celebrations.

You can also explore the festival from a cultural perspective. The Ati-Atihan Museum in Pastrana Park showcases handcrafted works and patterns of the Ati, as well as stories about their community connected with the festival. Museo it Akean offers a different focus: it displays artefacts related to Aklan’s history and works by Aklanon artists. If you plan to visit a museum, it is advisable to check current opening hours in advance.

Memorial Sites and History

The Aklan Freedom Shrine commemorates the 19 martyrs of Aklan and features an image of the revolutionary leader Gen. Francisco Del Castillo. Kalibo Cathedral (St. John The Baptist Church) was originally built in 1581. These sites highlight different aspects of history: the shrine is dedicated to the memory of the martyrs and a revolutionary leader, while the cathedral’s recorded construction history provides a distinct historical reference. Together with the museum exhibits, they can guide your choices if history and culture are your main interests.

Tigayon Hill and Coastal Areas

Tigayon Hill and Caves is the highest point in Kalibo. On Tigayon Hill, you can walk in the footsteps of a former secret refuge used by the province’s freedom fighters. Here, a notable geographical feature meets a historical legacy. Conditions can vary, so check the latest information before setting out on a hike.

The coast is also part of Kalibo’s geographical diversity. The barangays of New Buswang, Pook, Caano and Mabilo stretch along a coastal area with beaches. Conditions and access can vary, so it is worth checking them before planning a visit. The hill and coastal areas offer different scenic themes to consider when planning your trip, without requiring you to follow a particular route.

Piña Weaving as a Cultural Reference

In the municipality of Kalibo, Piña weaving is a livelihood for many Aklanon families as well as part of their cultural heritage. It also thrives in the other municipalities of Aklan Province. This craft adds a broader cultural and economic context to the specific museums, memorial sites and scenic themes. When looking for a hotel, it can help to decide on your main focus first: the January celebrations, historical and cultural themes, or the landscape. Then check the options for your own travel dates through the booking channel.

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