Altavas
,Altavas is a municipality in Aklan province in the Philippines, known for its agricultural industry. It is a quiet and laid-back town surrounded by lush rice fields and coconut plantations. The town's main attractions include the St. Isidore Parish Church and the Altavas Plaza.
Altavas is also famous for its colorful festivals and warm hospitality of its residents.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Altavas
morning
:Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Altavas Church, known for its stunning architecture. Spend some time exploring the local market nearby for fresh fruits and traditional snacks.
afternoon
:Head to the picturesque Buntog River for a relaxing picnic by the water. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and perhaps even go for a short swim.
evening
:Wrap up your day with a local dinner at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Filipino dishes. Take a sunset stroll along the river to end the day on a peaceful note.
Nature and Adventure
morning
:Start with an invigorating hike at Mount Iloilo, enjoying the fresh air and breathtaking views. Early risers can spot numerous birds and wildlife along the trail.
afternoon
:After lunch, visit the Altavas Eco Park for a variety of outdoor activities like zip-lining or nature walks. This park is a great way to connect with nature and get your adrenaline pumping.
evening
:In the evening, return to Altavas town and enjoy some street food from local vendors. Try the BBQ skewers and other local delicacies while mingling with the locals.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful natural scenery, including beaches and mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage and local traditions.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Diverse recreational activities such as diving, hiking, and water sports.
- Cost of living is relatively low compared to urban areas.
Bad
- Limited access to modern amenities and infrastructure.
- Potential issues with transportation and connectivity.
- Job opportunities may be scarce, especially in specialized fields.
- Healthcare facilities may be insufficient or lack advanced medical technology.
- Natural disasters such as typhoons can affect the area.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in Altavas
Explore the scenic trails and lush landscapes in Altavas through hiking adventures.
Beach outings
Visit the pristine beaches near Altavas for swimming, picnicking, and relaxation by the sea.
Cycling
Enjoy cycling tours around Altavas to discover its picturesque surroundings and local culture.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Altavas with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Bakhawan Eco-Park
Offers beautiful views of the mangrove forest and the Aklan River, as well as opportunities for nature photography.
Lion's Head
Provides a picturesque backdrop of the surrounding mountains and landscape, making it a great spot for taking memorable photos.
Bugtong-Bato Falls
Features a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, creating a magnificent scene for photography enthusiasts.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Binakol
A traditional chicken soup cooked inside a bamboo and infused with coconut water, lemongrass, and ginger. It is a popular comfort food enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Recommended place to try: Binakolan sa Altavas
Must-Try!
Inubarang Manok
A hearty chicken stew made with taro, coconut milk, and spices. The dish offers a delightful blend of creamy and savory flavors, and can be found at various local eateries throughout Altavas.
Tamilok
A unique street food option, tamilok are woodworms harvested from mangrove trees and are typically eaten raw with vinegar, calamansi, and chili. Head to coastal areas or local seafood markets to sample this exotic delicacy.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Altavas better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Altavas Public Market
A vibrant hub of local food culture, the Altavas Public Market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, and street food. Visitors can explore stalls selling grilled skewers, native kakanin (rice cakes), and fresh tropical fruits.
Plaza Food Stalls
For an authentic street food experience, visit the food stalls at Plaza where you can sample a diverse range of local snacks and delicacies. From grilled fish and meat skewers to freshly made puto bumbong (glutinous rice cake), the stalls offer a true taste of Altavas street food.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for Elders
In Altavas, it is important to show respect for elders by using proper titles and showing deference in speech and behavior.
Hospitality
Residents of Altavas value hospitality and welcoming behavior. It is common to greet visitors warmly and offer refreshments.
Conservative Dress
When visiting Altavas, it is advisable to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites and during community events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Altavas with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
Tipping is not a common practice in Altavas, Philippines. It is not expected in most situations, such as in restaurants or for services.
Payment
Payment in Altavas, Philippines is mainly done in cash for most transactions. Credit card usage is not as common, so it's important to have cash on hand for purchases and services.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Altavas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Summer (March to May)
Best time to visit Altavas, Philippines with warm and dry weather, perfect for outdoor activities and beach trips.
Rainy season (June to November)
Expect heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons, with a possibility of some outdoor activities being disrupted.
Cool season (December to February)
Milder temperatures and occasional cool breezes make it a pleasant time to visit, but some outdoor activities may be limited.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mount Iglit - Baco National Park
Located about 50 kilometers from Altavas, this national park offers diverse flora and fauna, with multiple trails that cater to different hiking levels.
Mount Madja-as
Approximately 60 kilometers away, Mount Madja-as features lush landscapes and beautiful scenic views, making it ideal for both novice and experienced hikers.
Kalibo Hilot
Situated around 70 kilometers from Altavas, this area is known for its trail along along rivers and hills, perfect for a day hike surrounded by nature.
Dumaguit River Trail
This trail runs alongside the Dumaguit River, offering a unique hiking experience with opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. It’s around 30 kilometers from Altavas.
Mount Agtuuganon
Located roughly 40 kilometers from Altavas, this mountain offers challenging trails and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Altavas through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Altavas by plane.
Kalibo International Airport (KLO)
The nearest international airport to Altavas, located approximately 60 kilometers away.
Caticlan Airport (CLA)
An international airport servicing the island of Boracay, located about 75 kilometers from Altavas.
Iloilo International Airport (ILO)
Located around 150 kilometers from Altavas, this airport connects to various international destinations.
Bacolod-Silay International Airport (BCD)
An international airport located about 170 kilometers away, serving the western Visayas region.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)
Approximately 280 kilometers from Altavas, this is one of the busiest airports in the Philippines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Cebuano
A major ethnolinguistic group in the Visayas region, known for their distinct dialect and cultural practices.
Ilocano
An ethnolinguistic group originating from the Ilocos Region in northwestern Luzon, often involved in agriculture and trade.
Visayan
Encompasses various groups from the Visayas and parts of Mindanao, known for their diverse languages and cultures.
Tagalog
A prominent ethnolinguistic group primarily from Luzon, recognized for their influence and role in national language development.
Ibanag
Indigenous to the Cagayan Valley region, known for their unique culture and agricultural practices.
The Soul of Altavas
Discover the essence of Altavas through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball
Basketball is the most popular sport in Altavas, played in schools, barangays, and local leagues. The community often participates in tournaments and it is a common pastime for locals.
Volleyball
Volleyball has gained popularity among both men and women in Altavas, with many community teams and events organized regularly.
Football (Soccer)
Football is played in various age groups and is growing in popularity, especially among the youth, with local clubs and school teams forming.
Sepak Takraw
Sepak Takraw, a sport native to Southeast Asia, is enjoyed in Altavas, with players competing in local tournaments and friendly matches.
Karate
Martial arts, particularly karate, has a following in Altavas, with training programs available for youth and adults interested in self-defense and fitness.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While local cuisine typically revolves around meat and seafood, many restaurants and eateries in Altavas offer vegetable-based dishes such as pinakbet (mixed vegetable stew) and laing (taro leaves in coconut milk). It's advisable to communicate dietary preferences clearly to ensure suitable options.
Gluten-free Choices
Finding gluten-free options may require some explanation, as Filipino cuisine often includes soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. However, some establishments can accommodate by offering rice-based dishes and alternative condiments. Communicating dietary needs in advance is recommended.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Altavas with these cultural adventures.
