More about hotels in Aklan
About Aklan accommodation
Aklan sits on the northern tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas, and for most travellers it means one thing: the doorway to Boracay. But the province itself has plenty going on beyond the airport transfer, from a lively provincial capital to quiet mangrove boardwalks and a seven-tier waterfall that tumbles straight onto the coast. Staying in Aklan proper, rather than pushing straight through to Boracay, gives you a relaxed, budget-friendly base with easy access to the island and a genuine taste of provincial Philippine life.
Where should you stay in Aklan?
- Kalibo: the provincial capital and home to Kalibo International Airport, with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants and transport links in Aklan.
- New Washington: a quiet coastal town a short drive from Kalibo, handy if you want to be close to the Bakhawan Eco-Park mangrove boardwalk.
- Tangalan: a laid-back municipality on the coast, best used as a base for exploring Jawili Falls and its nearby beaches.
- Malay and Caticlan: the jetty port area where boats cross to Boracay. Boracay itself has its own dedicated Traveloka page, so this guide focuses on the rest of the province, though staying near Caticlan can make sense if you have an early boat to catch.
How much is Aklan accommodation?
Aklan is one of the more affordable parts of the Philippines to book a stay, especially compared with Boracay itself.
- Budget, around AU$15 to AU$35 a night: simple guesthouses, inns and budget hotels, mostly around Kalibo town centre.
- Mid-range, around AU$35 to AU$70 a night: comfortable hotels with air conditioning, a pool and breakfast included.
- Higher-end, AU$70 a night and up: boutique hotels and resort-style stays with extra facilities, though the widest luxury selection is still on Boracay itself.
What is Aklan known for?
- The Ati-Atihan Festival, held in Kalibo every January, famous for its colourful costumes, painted faces and lively street parades set to nonstop drumbeats.
- Being the main gateway to Boracay, with flights landing at Kalibo before a short road and boat transfer to the island via Caticlan.
- Pina cloth, a fine handwoven fabric made from pineapple leaf fibre by local weavers, recognised as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage craft.
- Jawili Falls in Tangalan, a rare seven tier waterfall that cascades down to meet the sea, with natural pools for swimming.
- Bakhawan Eco-Park, a 220 hectare mangrove forest in Kalibo with an easy boardwalk trail, a great spot for a relaxed nature walk.
What are the best hotels in Aklan?
Hotel choice in Aklan is concentrated in and around Kalibo. A few well known options include:
- Marzon Hotel Kalibo: a popular mid-range pick with spacious rooms and a pool, close to shops and cafes.
- Hotel Metro Kalibo: a central hotel with its own rooftop bar and restaurant, handy for an evening out.
- La Esperanza Hotel: a garden set hotel a short walk from the Aklan Freedom Shrine and Magsaysay Park.
- Ati-Atihan Festival Hotel: a budget friendly, festival themed hotel in the town centre.
Inventory outside Kalibo is thinner, with mostly small inns and guesthouses in the coastal towns, so it pays to book ahead for a specific property, especially during festival season.
Tips for booking a stay in Aklan?
- If your trip lines up with the Ati-Atihan Festival in January, book your Kalibo hotel well in advance as rooms fill up fast.
- Heading on to Boracay? Factor in around one to one and a half hours for the road and boat transfer from Kalibo to Caticlan.
- Basing yourself in Kalibo is a smart move if you have an early flight out, since the airport sits right in town.
- Pack light rain gear even outside typhoon season. Aklan is tropical and showers can appear with little warning.
- Ask your hotel about airport or jetty port transfers when booking. Many Kalibo properties can arrange this directly.
