Things To Do
in Kalibo
Kalibo is a vibrant town located in the province of Aklan, Philippines. Known for its annual Ati-Atihan festival, Kalibo attracts visitors from all over the world to experience its lively parades and colorful street performances. The town is also home to beautiful white sand beaches, making it a popular destination for beach lovers.
Kalibo offers a mix of modern amenities and traditional Filipino culture, creating a unique and memorable experience for visitors.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the Kalibo Cathedral to appreciate its stunning architecture and rich history. Take a stroll around the town plaza to immerse yourself in local culture.
Explore the Aklan Freedom Shrine, a significant historical site, and learn about the region's independence. Enjoy local delicacies at a nearby restaurant.
Dine at a local eatery and taste authentic Aklanon dishes. Wind down with a leisurely walk along the riverbank.
Take an early boat ride to Boracay, renowned for its white sand beaches. Spend the morning soaking up the sun and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Try watersports like parasailing or snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life. Relax on the beach with a refreshing drink.
Enjoy a beachfront dinner while watching the sunset. Experience the vibrant nightlife at one of Boracay's popular bars.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and scenic landscapes, ideal for relaxation and water activities.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with local festivals and traditions.
- Friendly and warm locals, known for their hospitality.
- Affordable cost of living and travel compared to other tourist destinations.
- Proximity to other attractions in the Visayas region, making it a good base for exploration.
- Limited infrastructure and amenities compared to larger cities.
- Occasional issues with public transportation and traffic.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters like typhoons and floods.
- Potential language barrier for non-Filipino speakers, especially in rural areas.
- Limited healthcare facilities for severe medical conditions.
Best Activities in Kalibo
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the mangrove forest, enjoy bird watching, and take a nature walk in this eco-park.
Hike to the hilltop for a panoramic view of the surroundings and explore the cave system.
Try river cruising, kayaking, or simply enjoy the scenic beauty of the river and its surroundings.
Visit nearby beaches like Boracay and other surrounding islands for water activities and relaxation.
Tours
Uncover the best of Kalibo with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Kalibo
Visit one of these nice places.
Bakhawan Eco-Park is a mangrove reforestation project that offers a picturesque boardwalk through the mangrove forest, providing opportunities for great views and photo opportunities.
Aklan Riverside Park is a scenic riverside park with stunning views of the Aklan River, making it a great spot for photos and enjoying the natural beauty of Kalibo.
Pastrana Park is a historical park that features a Japanese peace garden, colorful flowers, and a scenic lagoon, providing beautiful backdrops for photography.
Food in Kalibo
Kalibo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional chicken soup cooked with lemongrass, ginger, and green banana. It's a popular comfort food in Kalibo and can be found at local eateries like Máma Tánáw Restaurant.
Must-Try!
Fresh oysters are abundant in Kalibo due to its coastal location. Try them fresh or grilled at the Talabaan Park along Pastrana Park or at local seafood restaurants like Redd’s Talabahan.
A chicken soup cooked in coconut water with lemongrass, ginger, and green papaya. This dish is commonly available at Jandels Restaurant and other traditional eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Kalibo better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a hub for fresh produce, local snacks, and street food. Visitors can experience the buzzing atmosphere while sampling snacks like banana cue, fish balls, and puto-bumbong.
A. Bonifacio Street is lined with hawker stalls offering an array of local street food such as balut, kakanin, and grilled skewers. These stalls are perfect for exploring the diverse flavors of Kalibo.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Kalibo, it is important to show respect for elders by using polite language and gestures, and by actively listening to their advice and stories.
To show respect for the local culture, participating in community events such as fiestas and religious celebrations is welcomed and appreciated in Kalibo.
Being open-minded and showing appreciation for local customs, traditions, and values is a sign of respect in Kalibo.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Kalibo with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Kalibo
Ensure a smooth experience
In Kalibo, tipping is not a common practice. However, in some upscale restaurants and hotels, a service charge may already be included in the bill. If not, a tip of 10% to 15% of the total bill is appreciated.
Cash is the primary method of payment in Kalibo, and credit cards are not widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It's advisable for visitors to carry enough cash for their expenses during their stay in Kalibo.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Kalibo.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Kalibo with pleasant weather and vibrant Ati-Atihan Festival in January.
Expect heavy rainfall and humidity, but still a good time to visit for lower crowds and lush green scenery.
Kalibo at Night
Hiking in Kalibo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination near Kalibo, Mount Bagatayam offers scenic views and a moderate trek through lush landscapes.
Known for its challenging trails, Mount Baloy provides adventurous hikers with a rewarding experience and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
A relatively easy hike suitable for families, Bantayan Hill features historical landmarks and beautiful views of Kalibo.
Famous for its biodiversity, Mount Kabalin-an offers diverse flora and fauna along its hiking trails, making it a great spot for nature lovers.
Located just a short drive from Kalibo, Malinog Hills presents beautiful vistas and a peaceful hiking experience amidst nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Kalibo through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Kalibo by plane.
The primary airport serving the region, located in Kalibo, Aklan.
A key airport for tourist access to Boracay Island, situated near Caticlan.
An international airport located in Iloilo City, approximately 90 kilometers from Kalibo.
An international airport servicing Bacolod and the surrounding region, located roughly 130 kilometers from Kalibo.
An international airport located on Mactan Island in Cebu, approximately 200 kilometers from Kalibo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary ethnic group in Kalibo, known for their distinct language and culture.
A significant group in Kalibo, typically speaking Cebuano and often involved in trade and commerce.
A demographic group from the neighboring Iloilo province, engaged in various economic activities in Kalibo.
Members of this group are scattered throughout the region, often involved in government and educational sectors.
A minority group engaged primarily in business and commerce.
Includes various Visayan ethnic groups, contributing to the local labor force and community.
Comprising various small groups, they maintain their unique traditions and practices.
The Soul of Kalibo
Discover the essence of Kalibo through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A highly popular sport in Kalibo, played in various local courts and often featuring community tournaments.
Widely played, especially among schools and women's leagues, with a strong community following.
Gaining popularity among youth, with local leagues and schools promoting the sport.
A popular indoor sport, frequently played in community centers and sports clubs.
A traditional sport in the Philippines that involves kicking a rattan ball over a net, enjoyed by many in Kalibo.
Kalibo is near beaches where surfing is popular, especially during the tourist seasons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kalibo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Kalibo's cuisine is heavily centered around seafood, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Look for options like grilled vegetable skewers, fresh fruit salads, and vegetable-based soups.
Those looking for gluten-free options can enjoy dishes such as fresh seafood, tropical fruit bowls, and rice-based snacks. Communicating dietary restrictions clearly to the restaurant staff will ensure a comfortable dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Kalibo with these cultural adventures.
