# Aklan

Aklan is the oldest province in the Philippines dated since 1213 AD. It is located in the northwestern part of Panay Island in the Western Visayas Region. This province is the home of the country's version of Mardi Gras Ati-Atihan Festival.
Many travellers pass through Aklan because it is the gateway to the fine beaches and other attractions of the popular resort island Boracay.

## Municipalities

Aklan is subdivided into 17 municipalities namely:
* 11.538333122.4869441 Altavas
* Balete
* Banga
* Batan - the historic and oldest capital of Aklan
* Buruanga
* Ibajay
* Kalibo- provincial capital and air gateway (KLO), Home of the famous Ati-Atihan Festival
* Lezo
* Libacao
* Madalag
* Makato
* 11.899722121.9094442 Malay- another air gateway (MPH) to Boracay Island
* Malinao
* Nabas- nature lover's haven, venue for Bariw Festival offers products of mat and hat made of native woven grass
* New Washington- known for its Sampaguita Garden and Pink Sisters Convent
* 11.704167122.3288893 Numancia
* Tangalan- launches its project Bugna it Tangalan which showcases eco-tourism project from reforestation to beaches

## Other destinations

* 11.975121.92254 Boracay is one of the country's top resort areas. It is administered as part of, and usually reached via, Aklan province. Geographically, it is an island just off the north coast of Panay.
* 11.483333122.35 Libacao‚ a fourth -class interior municipality 29 km southwest of the capital town of Kalibo. It has a vast land area, a relatively colder weather condition and beautiful natural scenery consisting of green valleys, upland farms, high mountain ranges, virgin forests, tropical flora, fauna and wildlife, numerous waterfalls, natural springs and creeks. Rich in natural resources and blessed with fertile soils favorable to agriculture, this town has become the leading producer of Abaca fiber in Western Visayas. Almost all 24 barangays are now accessible to transportation using motorcycles except for the two farthest barangays, Oyang and Dalagsaan which could only be reached by foot for 2-3 days.

## Talk

The Aklanons primarily speak Akeanon. The people also speak Hiligaynon, Tagalog, and English.

## See

* Residence of His Eminence Jaime Cardinal L. Sin, the late Catholic Archbishop of Manila located at the heart of the poblacion. It contains a chapel & houses several pieces of paintings presented to him as price of the church.
* Immaculata Adoration Chapel & Convent- more well known to Aklanons as Pink Sisters Convent located in Polo, New Washington. The convent belongs to the contemplative order of the Holy Spirit. It is a great honor to the Aklanons especially to the people of Polo, New Washington having the convent. The tranquility and peacefulness of the convent offers anyone the opportunity to really pick up the pieces of his heart and recollect himself towards a grandeur conversion. Everything is perfect there even small and big plants that surrounded the convent. Its beauty does absolutely influence one’s mind and heart. It could balance the disturbance in human’s body and soul. It can give a place of comfort for the lamenting hearts and even confused minds. Indeed, it is one’s soul sanctuary. Sisters Convent in Barangay Polo is interesting in the sense that it is the only contemporary nunnery in Aklan & in the whole region VI. If you come to Aklan for any reason it is surely worth the visit to take a moment to rest the soul. Best to come during the week or early on Sunday. It's a busy place on the weekends and religious holidays.
* Beach cottages/restaurants: Lyca, Sampaguita Gardens, Sikini & others. These restaurants offer delicious foods consisting of fresh fishes, shells, crustaceans etc. Swimming pools are featured at Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Spa including a convention center, precious moments gallery, hotel rooms, 43-ft aquarium, butterfly farm, the Thai Mansion that exhibits beautiful furniture, paintings & home decor.
* Basang cave
* Igpangi Falls
* Magirok Falls
* Magsulong Falls
* Pinatuad Falls
* Sakaan Falls
* Sayaw Falls
* Tagubtub Falls
* Tagororoc Community Based Ecotourism Site
* Sumalaysay Falls
* Well-preserved cold springs ­ Huromhurom
* Fern Valley
* 21-km-long winding coastline
* Subongcogon Diving Point

## Do

* The Nabas Bariw Festival which is celebrated (every May 12-15).
* Bakawan Eco-Park: An extraordinary eco-park that features the 75-hectare mangrove reforestation considered as the Best in Asia and recipient of the Golden Eagle Award for Excellence in environmental preservation. An "eco-walk" made of bamboos will take you into the heart of the mangrove plantation.
* Nabas has one of the last remaining low elevation intact rainforests that is home to various endemic flora and fauna. Nabas also cradles numerous waterfalls providing soothing and interesting recreational areas. A perfect place for ecotourist, it has several therapeutic cool dipping basins.
* The wild rivers near the mouth of the Aklan river are ideal for bamboo rafting and kayaking that would complement the experience of the "white beaches" of Boracay.

## Go next

* Antique
* Capiz
* Guimaras
* Iloilo