Located at the northwestern part of Panay Island, the province of Aklan is bounded by the waters of Sulu Sea on the north and the Sibuyan Sea on the east, Antique on the west and Capiz Province on the south.
The settlers from Borneo organized Aklan as Minuro it Akean in 1213, which includes the province of Capiz. Thus, making Aklan the oldest province in the country.
It was one of the three political units, “Sakops”, into which Panay was divided, the other two being Hamtic (now Antique) and Irong-Irong (now Iloilo). The province gained its independence during the rule of President Magsaysay, by the Republic Act 1414 Aklan got separated from Capiz. The people of Aklan are known as “Aklanons”. Like any typical Visayan, Aklanons have a very easy-going spirit and known to have a relaxed attitude in life. But underneath this easy-going appearance lies ardent independence, they have a very strong ethnic pride brought by their past history. In fact, numerous shrines were built in honor of the warriors who took part in the province’s battle for freedom. The Freedom Shrine in Kalibo, Kalantiaw Shrine in Batan, Ingus-Ingus Hill in Buruanga and Agtawagon Hill in Balete are the symbols of the people’s pride.
Aklan’s main crops include rice, copra, coconut, corn and abaca. The surrounding seas of the island produce distinct types of fish, oyster and seaweeds. While smaller fishponds cultivate prawns, crabs and milkfish. Smaller industries such as loom weaving, gifts and house ware, metal craft, cut flowers, clay based products, furniture and food processing are the people’s other sources of income.
Kalibo, the provincial capital town, is known for the world-renowned Ati-Atihan Festival. Celebrated every third week of January in honor of Sto. Niño and in commemoration of the tenth-century land deal between the Bornean Datus and primeval “Atis”. The festival is marked by a frenzied merriment on the streets where revelers in colorful costumes paint their faces and bodies in black to imitate the appearance of the “Ati” and dance uninhibitedly to drumbeats.
Above all, the province is best recognized for its beautiful beaches that attract thousands of travelers both local and foreign. The sand of Boracay's White Sand Beach are almost impossibly fine in texture while the surrounding waters are warm, clear and blue. Added to this scene are the coconut palms nodding in gentle sea breeze and the island assumes the mantle of the perfect tropical paradise. Aside from their famous beaches, Jawili Falls, a seven basin tiered waterfall and Ignito Cave, locally known as the Elephant Cave, are two of the natural attractions in the province.
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines fly direct to the town of Kalibo daily from Manila with an approximate travel time of 45 minutes. Asian Spirit airline, on the other hand, offers daily flights from Manila to the airport of Caticlan. By sea, there are ships that go to the surrounding areas, like New Washington and Malay, Aklan. Travel time is 13 hours. From New Washington, one can reach Kalibo in a 30-minute jeep ride.
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