Aklan – Home of Boracay Beach and Ati-Atihan Festival

whyretiretothephilippines.com

Why Retire to the Philippines

Why, you say?

Because everything we need for our retirement is over there!

• the cost of living is affordable
• the climate is mild (not too hot/not too cold)
• living is “safe and secure” (like anywhere in the world)
• the people speak English, no need to learn a new language
• people are friendly, hospitable, warm and somewhat “Westernized”
• the main religion is Christian, so there are no dietary laws to observe
• the country is lovely and the night life in the city is alive
• so many more other reasons!

This little country seems to be the best place for retirement!

AKLAN

http://wikipedia.org

From the governor of the province of Aklan:

“WELCOME TO AKLAN! It delights me to join the Aklanon community to welcome you all to our province. Aklan, dubbed as the oldest province in the country, is famous for its magnificent tourist spots and rich, diverse culture.

We invite you to visit the world’s best beach; cascading waterfalls; crystalline, cold springs; centuries-old churches; rare coral reefs; lush rainforests; and frolic with the rhythmic beatings of drums at our Ati-atihan’s street parades!

With many natural, cultural and leisure activities available, Aklan promises wholesome fun and excitement for families and honeymooners. So experience Aklan. A lasting paradise of no equal indeed.”

The province of Aklan is designated as a first class province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas. Its capital is Kalibo. The province includes the island of Boracay which is located at its northwestern tip.

The province boasts high geographic diversity, ranging from white sandy beaches, mangroves and mountainous landscapes. It also boasts the river Akean, which appears unique due to its “boiling or frothing” appearance.

Several endemic species in the Philippines are located in the province. Some of them include endangered animals such the Philippine Spotted Deer (Cervus alfredi), the Visayan warty pig (Sus cebifrons), and the Tarictic Hornbill (Penelopides panini).

Aklan is famous for Boracay, a resort island known for its white sandy beaches and is considered as one of the more prominent destinations in the Philippines. Because of this, there is frequent air travel to the province’s airports in Kalibo and Caticlan.

Nature’s bounty of the scenic attractions are found in Aklan. Boracay island, the province’s top tourist destination, is known throughout the world for its fine white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas. Its capital is Kalibo and is located at the northwest portion of Panay, bordering Antique to the southwest, Iloilo to the south, and Capiz to the east. Aklan faces the Sibuyan Sea and the province of Romblon to the north.

Aside from Boracay, there is still a lot of attractions in the Province of Aklan for tourists to explore and such as its exciting caves, cascading waterfalls, and natural pools. Ascend the seven basin waterfalls in Jawili. Plunge into the natural cold springs of Nabas. Conquer the five caves of Buruanga town or enjoy white water rafting in Libacao.

The most prominent languages in the province are the Aklan languages, which includes Aklanon and Malaynon. Aklanon is spoken by a majority of the people, while Malaynon is spoken in Malay. Other languages include the language of the Ati; Hiligaynon, the regional language; Kinaray-a; and Capiznon. Most Aklanons can speak and understand English.

Aklan is accessible from Iloilo City by land via Buses and Vans stationed at the Tagbak Terminal in Jaro District, Iloilo City. Travel time is approximately two and a half hours away from Iloilo to Kalibo and another 2 hours from Kalibo to Caticlan, the jump-off point to Boracay Island. Aklan also has its own airports and is 45 minutes from Manila by air. Aside from domestic flights, Kalibo Airport also serves direct flights to and fro Incheon and Taipei, South Korea through international flights served by Asian Spirit, Mandarin Airlines and Pacific Pearl Airways. Alternatively, flights by Sea Air and Asian Spirit through Caticlan Airport in the town of Malay are also available.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/313920/beyond-the-beach-the-untold-story-of-boracay-s-ati-tribe/story/