Kalibo is the capital of Aklan Province and also an alternative gateway to Boracay and the site of the ancient Philippine festivals, the Ati-Atihan Festival that takes place in January. At other times of the year, Kalibo is no different than other Filipino cities. It is fairly chaotic and congested with skyline draped in spaghetti-like electrical lines. Malay settlers from Borneo settled in Aklan in 1213 and the people here speak in Aklanon dialect. From scenic mangrove park to beautiful sandy beach, Kalibo has something to offer for everyone.

Best time to fly from General Santos to Kalibo

The best time to go to Kalibo is during the driest time. However, the dry season is also the busiest as crowds come to take advantage of the heavenly weather. Kalibo experiences the least amount of rain between November and April. February and March are often the driest months. The rainy months in Kalibo are usually between May and October. During this low season, you’ll often find much better deals on hotels and flight tickets.

Main airports available in General Santos and Kalibo

General Santos International Airport - Also known as General Santos City Airport (GES), this airport is located in the city of General Santos, Philippines. It is the largest airport in the island of Mindanao and serves domestic and international flights from destinations such as Cebu, Iloilo and Manila. Some of the airlines that operate here are Cebu Pacific and Philippines Airlines. The General Santos International Airport is equipped with facilities such as ATMs, nursing center, passenger lounge and many more.

Kalibo International Airport - Kalibo International Airport (KLO) is the international gateway to Boracay Island. Kalibo International Airport is the largest airport in Aklan and also one of the fastest-growing airports in the Philippines with over 1 million international and domestic passengers each year. This airport offers direct flights to and from destinations such as Manila, Cebu, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Seoul. Many major international carriers such as Air Asia and Silk Air operate at this airport. The main form of transportation in Kalibo is tricycle that cost PHP100 from the airport to the city center.

Climate pattern in General Santos and Kalibo

The weather in Kalibo is always warm with the possibilities of rain. The average highs for the year are around 29.4 degrees Celsius and lows average approximately 24.3 degrees Celsius. The hottest months in Kalibo are also the wet season, which means that it will be humid. The temperatures begin to rise in May and stay warm until October. It is important to take note that most storms and typhoons hit during the Habagat period (July to September).

Highlights in Kalibo

• Ati-Atihan Festival - For the festival-goers, the Ati-Atihan Festival should not be missed. This festival is held on the 3rd Sunday of every January as a tribute to the infant Jesus or also known as the St. Nino. Everyone will be dancing to the beat of indigenous music, while dressed in beautiful vibrant costumes. It is not an understatement to say that the Ati-Atihan is hailed as the Mother of all festivals in Kalibo.
• Bakhawan Ecopark - For nature lovers, you should include Bakhawan Eco-Park as part of your itinerary. “Bakhawan” means “mangrove” and this muddy shoreline was transformed into a reserve that is now known as the Bakhawan Eco Park. For an authentic nature experience, make sure to try the Mangrove Eco-Trail Experience. Besides walking through the mangrove, there are other activities such as the watchtower, souvenir shop, and canteen, massage area, picnic huts and the Center for International Mangrove Studies.
• Boracay Island - Kalibo is the gateway to Boracay. Hence, a trip to Kalibo wouldn’t be complete without visiting this famous island. One of the main beaches in Boracay is White Beach. The beach locations are separated into three former boat stations, where bangkas from Caticlan used to arrive. The area south of Station 3, known as Angol, is the perfect place for budget travelers. The stretch between Station 1 and Station 3 is busy and commercial. If you prefer a 5-star stay on the island, there are many high-end accommodation options at the stretch of beach north of Station 1. Be sure to take your shoes off and enjoy walking along the shoreline.