Kalibo is the capital of the province of Aklan, Philippines. It is a large town, with an airport that serves as the main gateway for Boracay, and a rich culture.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
"Kalibo" derives from Akeanon sang kalibo (one thousand), referring to the thousands of Ati (Negritos) who attended the first Catholic Mass in Panay. It was also named as Akean, from another Akeanon word. Kalibo was also spelled as Calivo during the Spanish era. The town was inhabited by Akeanons, a people believed to have originated from Borneo and sailed into Panay. When the Spaniards under Miguel Lopéz de Legaspi arrived, Kalibo had a population of about 2,000. Lopéz de Legaspi hired about 500 of the locals to help him in the conquest of what would become the Philippines. Kalibo was then part of Capiz.
Motorized tricycles will take you just about anywhere in Kalibo for a standard rate of ₱6.50, and can take up to 8 passengers. Foreigners or tourists are commonly asked for much higher rates.
Kalibo Mangrove Park is one of the places that must not be missed as well as the piña weaving industry. 1 Kalibo Mangrove (Bakhawan) Ecotourism Park. One of the most successful mangrove reforestation projects in the country. (updated Jul 2016) 2 Museo it Akean, Martelino Street, ☏ +63 36 268 9260. Town's museum. It is a repository of the province's rich cultural heritage. (updated Jul 2016) 3 Kalibo Cathedral. During the Ati-atihan festival, don't forget to visit the Kalibo Cathedral and witness the Catholic faithful get a brief respite with the "paeapak" or the massaging of a small Santo Niño (Christ Child) statuette onto the devotees. (updated Jul 2016) 4 Pook Port, Pook, Aklan.
The renowned Ati-Atihan Festival is held every 3rd week of January, celebrated with frenetic dancing, and drinking to the wee hours of the morning.
During the Ati-Atihan Festivals and the run-up to Aklan Day, food festivals abound where seafood, and copious amount of pork and beef are grilled and served al fresco at the town's main streets. 1 Aquafresh Seafood & Chicken Inasal - Kalibo, 20 Toting Reyes Street, ☏ +63 92 14000880. 8:30AM-9:30PM. (updated Aug 2023) 2 Kalibo Bikestop Burgers, F. Quimpo Avenue, ☏ +63 99 53756339. noon-9PM. (updated Aug 2023) 3 Tea Time Food Corner, D.Maagma Street. Open 24 hours. Fast food restaurant. (updated Aug 2023) 4 K Samngyupsal-Gui Kalibo, Osmena Avenue. 11AM-8PM. (updated Aug 2023) 5 Panimalai Resto & Café - Laserna, Laserna Street. 9AM-9PM.
Alcohol is cheap like everywhere in the Philippines and is very much readily available at supermarkets, convenience stores, corner stores, and literally alongside the road. The coldest beer in Kalibo -- sometimes literally frozen -- is at Lakapaya, an eatery two blocks from the city plaza which serves pilsner for ₱25), along with arroz caldo (rice soup) at the same price.
Kalibo is relatively safe - although cases of pickpockets and an occasional brawl arises especially during the Ati-atihan festival rush where people from other provinces flood the town. Kalibonhons are naturally peaceful and religious folks. Like most Filipino cities, Kalibo is home to many street children, who may ask you for money (especially if you look western) with their palms out. Any money you give them may be taken by their parents or spent on drugs or cigarettes. If you really want to help them, buy them a nutritious meal or, better yet, a toothbrush and toothpaste (some sari-saris stores sell them). You can also donate to an aid organization instead.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Aug, Kalibo typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 25 rainy days.
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