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Malay

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Malay

Malay is a municipality in the Aklan province of the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is the second most populated municipality in Aklan, with a population of 60,077 in 2020. Malay is the northernmost town on Panay Island and the youngest municipality in Aklan. The resort island of Boracay is part of Malay, and most travelers come to Malay on their way to Boracay.

Malay is known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and blue waters. It's also home to the Malay Ecological Park, which has a butterfly farm and views of Boracay Island. Some of the popular attractions in Malay include Panghilan Cave, Virgin Island, and Puka Beach. You can also enjoy sunset sailing, a traditional water activity where you can watch the sunset. Other things to do in Aklan include visiting the Nino Ati-Atihan Festival, exploring Bakhawan Eco-Park, discovering Sapsapon Cave, marveling at Jawili Falls, or learning about The Herminia Piña Weaving Industry.

Malay is a coastal municipality with 17 barangays (districts), miles of coastline, bays, islands, seaside villages, and watersport centers. The main city of Malay is Caticlan.

Explore Malay

Create your itinerary with our top picks below

Travel Tips for Malay

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Malay

A guide to Malay's local transportation

Tricycle
Taxi
Boat
Other Transportation Options

Upon arriving at Caticlan Airport, travelers have the option to take a tricycle to the Tabon jetty for ₱50 per person. Alternatively, they can choose to walk to the Caticlan Jetty Port, which is a 10-minute walk from the airport.

Practical Tips for Malay

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How Is The Weather in Malay?

Malay, Aklan experiences a tropical climate characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season, lasting from May to November, brings overcast skies and frequent rainfall, with July being the wettest month. In contrast, the dry season, from November to May, is marked by partly cloudy conditions and fewer rainy days, with March being the driest month. Temperatures range from 77°F to 89°F year-round. Cloud cover varies, with clearer skies typically from December to April and cloudier conditions from April to November. Overall, Malay offers a hot, windy climate, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking tropical weather.

What Are The Best Attractions in Malay?

1. Boracay Island

Boracay Island is a tourist destination known for its white sand beaches, clear water, coral reefs, and rare seashells. It's made up of three barangays: Balabag, Manoc-Manoc, and Yapak, and has a total land area of 1,083 hectares. Some say the island is perfect for a budget vacation, and others say it's one of the best Visayas tourist spots.

Boracay has so much to offer for anyone looking to visit. Its beautiful beaches, especially the famous White Beach, and a wide range of water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing make it a fantastic destination. The island is also known for its lively nightlife with beach bars and fun venues, perfect for those who enjoy entertainment after sunset. You can enjoy stunning sunsets, especially on White Beach while treating yourself to local dishes and fresh seafood. Additionally, Boracay has plenty of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to charming beachside resorts, ensuring a wonderful and cozy stay for every visitor.

2. Puka Shell Beach

Puka Shell Beach, also known as Yapak Beach, is a less touristy and quieter beach on Boracay Island in Malay, Philippines. It's a popular alternative to the island's more lively areas and is known for its white sand, clear water, and shiny puka shells.

Puka Shell Beach is a popular choice for tourists for many reasons. Its tranquil atmosphere draws visitors seeking a quieter alternative to the bustling White Beach, as no large buildings obstruct the picturesque view. It's a place to relax, sunbathe, and take strolls along the shore. The clear waters and gentle waves make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The beach's remote location contributes to its peaceful environment, with gentle waves ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Moreover, the abundance of puka shells along the shoreline not only adds to the beach's rustic charm but also signifies a thriving marine ecosystem. While the grainier sand may feel less refined, it adds to the beach's unique appeal. Puka Shell Beach is also favored as a picnic spot, as it doesn't charge an entrance fee, although amenities for purchasing food are limited. To avoid crowds, some suggest visiting during early morning or sunset, while others caution that the busiest times are from noon to afternoon when visitors arrive by land and boat.

3. Crystal Cove Island

Crystal Cove Island in Malay, Philippines is a popular day trip destination for island-hoppers visiting Boracay. The island is a peaceful retreat with white-sand beaches, coral gardens, caves, and a resort. Crystal Cove Island Resort provides a tropical escape, spanning 2 hectares and situated between Boracay and Panay Island.

Crystal Cove Island offers a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including sunbathing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, trekking, cave exploration, and swimming. The island features two coves, a museum, an aviary, and traditional old houses, creating a serene environment ideal for reflection. Situated in the Sibuyan Sea, Crystal Cove Island is easily accessible from Tabon Port on Caticlan Island, just 751 meters away, or Boracay Jetty Port, approximately 2.10 kilometers away. Travelers can either take a boat from these ports or opt for an island-hopping tour package that includes a stop at Crystal Cove. The island and resort operate daily from 8 AM to 4 PM, with an entrance fee of 300 PHP per person.

4. Willy’s Rock

Willy's Rock is a volcanic rock formation on Boracay Island that has become a popular tourist destination for its unique shape, shrine, and location on the beach. It's a tidal island with a statue of the Virgin Mary on top of steps carved into the rock. It's located at Station 1 on Boracay's 4 km white sandy beach and is often compared in shape to a battleship with the shrine as its mast. The rock is open at all times and there's no entrance fee.

At low tide, you can even walk directly to the reef, and you can see the entire white-sand beach and the crystal-clear waters. It has a very favorable geographical location and is an iconic attraction on the white sandy beach of Long Beach.

At Willy's Rock, there are several activities to enjoy and other nearby destinations to visit. White Beach, stretching over 4 kilometers, offers a stunning grotto ideal for swimming and admiring breathtaking sunsets. Diniwid Beach offers a quieter atmosphere compared to other beaches, providing an excellent spot to unwind while enjoying a beer and watching the sunset. Bulabog Beach is known for kitesurfing and windsurfing, offering opportunities for both experienced enthusiasts and beginners to take lessons or simply observe surfers in action. For panoramic views of the east coast and three surrounding beaches, visitors can hike up Mount Luho, a 100-meter mountain equipped with three viewing decks.

Where Should I Stay in Malay?

Pinjalo Resort Villas

Pinjalo Resort Villas offers a prime accommodation option for visitors to Station 2, Boracay. Situated just 0.36 km from Boat Station 3, the resort enjoys a convenient location close to public facilities, ensuring easy accessibility. Designed to provide a serene and peaceful retreat away from the crowds, Pinjalo Resort Villas is an ideal choice for travelers seeking relaxation. Guests can expect splendid service and a wide range of facilities, ensuring a hassle-free stay. Whether traveling solo or with loved ones, the resort's pool offers a perfect setting for an enjoyable and rejuvenating day.Nearby attractions include the central shopping area, Boat Station 2, Ciriaco S. Tirol Hospital, D'mall Boracay, D'talipapa, and AMC Medical Clinic, adding to the convenience and appeal of Pinjalo Resort Villas' location.

Location: Station 3, Manggayad Malay, Boracay Island, Balabag, Station 2, Boracay Island, Philippines, 5608

Candice Lucy Hotel

Candice Lucy Hotel, located in Malay, offers a convenient stay option for travelers. Located merely 0.69 km from Tabon Jetty Port, the hotel boasts a strategic position, facilitating easy access to nearby attractions. Tourist spots such as Tambisaan Jetty Port and Sibolon are within proximity, enhancing the hotel's appeal.

Guests can anticipate excellent service and a diverse range of facilities at Candice Lucy Hotel, ensuring a pleasant and hassle-free stay. Nearby recreational spots include Caticlan Jetty Port, Cagban Beach, Boracay Land Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH), and Manoc-Manoc Beach, offering ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.



Location: Tolosa Street, Caticlan, Malay, Aklan, Philippines, 5608

S-E Hotel and Residence

S-E Hotel and Residence offers a convenient stay option for visitors to Malay. Strategically situated just 1.43 km from Tabon Jetty Port, the hotel enjoys easy accessibility and proximity to public facilities. Guests can expect splendid service and a wide range of facilities during their stay at S-E Hotel and Residence, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Nearby attractions include Caticlan Jetty Port, Cagban Beach, Boracay Land Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH), and Boracay Island Special Fire Protection Unit, providing ample opportunities for exploration and leisure activities

Location: Aklan West Road, Malay, Aklan, Philippines, 5608

Navarro Hotel

Navarro Hotel, located in Malay, offers an ideal accommodation choice for travelers. Conveniently located just 0.7 km from Tabon Jetty Port, the hotel provides easy access to nearby tourist attractions such as Tambisaan Jetty Port and Sibolon, enhancing the overall guest experience. Guests can anticipate splendid service and a wide range of facilities during their stay at Navarro Hotel, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit. Additionally, the hotel offers premium spa treatments for guests looking to unwind and rejuvenate themselves. Nearby recreational spots include Caticlan Jetty Port, Cagban Beach, Boracay Land Transport Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (MPH), and Manoc-Manoc Beach, providing ample opportunities for leisure activities and exploration.

Location: Dela Torre St. Caticlan, Malay, Aklan, Philippines, 5608

How to Get to Malay

Air Travel

To reach Malay, Philippines by air, travelers can fly into Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, also known as Caticlan Airport. Airlines such as Royal Air Charter Service and AirAsia Philippines offer flights from Manila Airport (MNL) to Caticlan. Upon arrival at Caticlan Airport, travelers can easily transfer to their accommodations using shuttles or tricycles.

Land and Sea Travel

Travelers can opt for land and sea travel options to reach Malay. From Kalibo, the capital of Aklan, buses or vans are available to take passengers to Caticlan. From there, ferries depart for Boracay Island and other nearby islands. Traveling from Manila to Malay by bus and ferry typically takes around 16 hours and 6 minutes, with fares ranging from ₱1,500 to ₱2,100. Another option is to take a train and flight combination, which takes approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes, with fares ranging from ₱1,600 to ₱7,000.

Travel within Boracay Island

Once on Boracay Island, travelers can easily access Malay by taking a local Bangka boat and taxi. This journey usually takes around 21 minutes and costs between $5 and $15.

In This Guide

Explore Malay

Travel Tips for Malay