DiscoverBatan
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Batan.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Batan
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Batan
- In case you want to plan holidays to Batan, Aklan, this guide will reveal to you the way to enjoy the serene waters, fertile mountains and rich local culture that make this quiet municipality in the South China Sea a secret amidst the not-so-noisy islands.
- A quiet and peaceful coastal-and-inland municipality, Batan is only a few feet off the coast of Aklan and hosts the visitors with its serene environment.
- The mangrove forests in the town have a long and isolated lake that is the hidden sea of the town and known only by a few people making the travellers feel exclusive.
- The hilly terrain, clear waters and the sandy beach here and there make up a scenery that appears wild yet friendly.
- Whether it is old shrines or colonial artefacts, heritage sites will make you aware of the rich history of the area.
- Holidays to Batan provides the nature enthusiast with an escape full of nature and each turn presents a new landscape especially those who are tired of the busy tourist locations.
- Combination of beaches, lakes, hills and cultural sites, makes this place to be an ideal resort to a serene and scenic holiday.
- Capital (of the province): Kalibo
- International airport: None within Batan
- Nearest international airport: Kalibo International Airport
- Nearest domestic airport: Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Caticlan)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Akeanon (Aklanon), Hiligaynon, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- Tinago Lake (Tinagong Dagat)- long and isolated body of water glittering by the canopy of mangroves.
- The Ob-Ob Hill- a rocky outlook, which has wide-ranging views of the sea and the landscape around it.
- An oceanic reef reserve, where snorkelers and divers flock in droves as far as Philippine is concerned.
- The historical places of interest in relation to the early settlement on Aklan such as the old churches and buildings full of folklore.
- Every highlight has its own unique flavour, and they include such activities as calm paddling on the lake, or adrenaline-filled hikes on the cliffs.
- These attractions can easily be combined by visitors in one day so as to enable maximum beauty of the area.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The most ideal season to visit is during the dry months when there is no cloud cover and waters are still calm.
- During this season, lake life is safe, hill walking is fun and beach touring is serene.
- Snorkelling and diving are also a pleasant experience in the marine sanctuary due to the favourable weather.
- The wet season can make the hills sticky and the lake can overflow, which restricts the activities in the outdoors.
- Mornings and late afternoons are the best time to do sight seeings at any time of the year.
- The shoulder months (April to June and September to November) are mild and there are few crowds, hence they are a better choice to travellers who like a quieter experience.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Tinago Lake (Tinagong Dagat)
- Cruising the lake gives a peaceful adventure to the hustle and bustle of urban life.
- Kayaking lets you sail silently through the roots of the mangroves and see the wildlife in the area.
- The lake has clear waters also suitable in fishing whose common catches includetilapia and bangus.
- The colours of the horizon captured in the sunset on the lake are unforgettable, being of orange and pink.
- The tiny wooden huts in the shore also provide a glimpse of the simple way of living that the local people have.
- Guided tours may provide you with the knowledge of the history of the lake or about the legends of the treasures hidden in the lake.
Ob Ob Hill
- The ascent to the top gives you a huge reward of sweeping views of the Sibuyan Sea, and the hills around.
- At the peak, one can observe the large mangrove forests that enclose the sides of the lake.
- At the foot of the hill there is a little diving-pool, where the coral and coloured fish are seen.
- The climbing paths are both challenging and easy and therefore suitable to both the novice and the experienced climbers.
- Visiting early in the morning will not make you wait in a queue and will give you a peaceful beginning to your day.
- The mountainous nature of the hill is a good place to take photographs and when the sun is rising.
Kalantiaw Shrine
- The heritage of this famous Kalantiaw Code is kept by this cultural landmark.
- The architecture of the shrine is Spanish influenced and local in nature.
- Tourists have an opportunity to get to know the myths and storeys that defined the early history of Aklan.
- Small vendors selling local snacks and handcrafted items are found in the adjoining plaza.
- Even the stone carvings on the shrine are elaborate and show scenes of folklore and day-to-day life.
- There are guided tours that display how important each of the symbols cut into the walls was.
Coral Garden / Marine Protected Area
- The coral reef is a living marine biodiversity aquarium that is friendly to snorkelers and divers.
- Underwater scenes based on colourful fishes, sea turtles and colourful coral formations are memorable.
- There is preservation of the area hence the ecosystem is healthy to the future generations.
- The reef has different levels that divers of any experience will get to explore, starting with layers that are shallow to those that are deep.
- There is equipment hire and safety briefing in local dive shops.
- One can have a good glimpse of the delicate coral formations by simply strolling on the edge of the reef.
Reason 05
Discover More
Pandan Hills
- Small hills that are blanketed with Pandan palm trees provide a scenic hiking experience that is easy.
- The hills give the panoramic view of the sea, which is best during a sunset.
- There are native species that can be seen by bird watchers and these are found in the damp climate.
- Small farms are scattered across the area where people have an opportunity to taste local produce.
- Guided tours may be conducted to get to know about the local farming methods.
- Bring a picnic, and have a noisyless lunch on one of the benches at the summit of the hill.
Puting Bato (White Stone Mountain)
- This is an enormous granite structure that is popular among adventure tourists.
- It is not easy to climb, however, it will be worthwhile when the climbers view the surrounding landscape with sweeps of the mountain.
- The rocky slope of the mountain has rare plants which are adapted to the harsh conditions.
- Along the trail, one is likely to see wildlife like local deer and birds.
- The mountain looks different at night and one can see the stars without these urban lights.
- It is possible to have local guides who can take you safely to the summit and tell you the history of the mountain.
Camanci Falls
- The waterfall falls off a high cliff into a natural pool and forms a cool oasis.
- The crystal clear water in the pool is good to swim in during the day when the weather is hot.
- The vegetation around provides a green background to the photos.
- The road to falls has interesting rock formations and small falls.
- The falls are culturally important as indicated by the locals educating tourists on the cultural value of the falls.
- It is a nice place to hold family picnics and other outdoor parties.
Spanish Era Relics
- As silent monuments of the past stand old cannons, stone arches and colonial churches.
- The relics are also usually situated in small plazas creating an impression of continuity.
- Tourists will be able to follow the architectural designs that affected the development of Aklan.
- Ancient gravestones are found in the local cemeteries that narrate the tales of first settlers.
- These relics are utilised in most sites with local artisans preserving and restoring in order to keep the heritage alive.
- Walking tours offer backgrounds and storeys that make history come alive.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- There is a rich folklore in the area, particularly storeys that interweave with the Kalantiaw folklore.
- The traditions of Roman Catholics have strong roots and churches are the most important people in the life of the community.
- The festivals are characterised by colourful costumes, music, and dances which give an account of the history of the region.
- Shared identity is strengthened through community gatherings i.e. nightly prayers and dance performances.
- The holidays to Batan people value their cultures and this is how they transmit it to their generation.
- Tourists are advised to practise these cultural aspects when they are staying.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Seafood is also a main staple, and seafood dishes such as grilled bangus and shrimp sinigang are served every day.
- Local chefs tend to use fresh coconut milk and seaweed as a flavour addition to their food.
- Puto is a snack made of rice and is mostly available in peculiar flavours occasionally spiced with native herbs.
- The traditional Filipino cuisines are served in small restaurants, and they taste like home.
- Everything is flavoured with farm-to-table produce, rice, vegetables, and tropical fruits.
- Spending a day of the local cuisine will provide you with an idea of the diversity of the local cuisine.
Fun
- Tinago Lake has boating and kayaking activities which give you the opportunity to visit secluded areas.
- Snorkelling and scuba diving showcase the underwater world of the marine sanctuary that is bright.
- Climbing Ob-Ob Hill and Puting Bato is both physically challenging and rewarding to the eye.
- Cruising between beach barangays will have you explore other coastlines.
- The view of the sunset on the hill or lake will be a wonderful memorable romantic experience.
- Local entertainment is also inclusive of local dances in festivals.
Fashion
- Beach clothes are quite light, suitable in the summer heat and water sports.
- Hiking shoes or sandals are also necessary in order to move around hills and trails comfortably.
- Water shoes and swimwear are used to keep feet safe in the sea or the lake.
- When attending churches and shrines, humble dresses are respectful.
- Light tropical clothes make you chill in case of day trips.
- A big hat and sunscreen make a good travel wardrobe complete.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Mangrove ecosystems are found in the shores of Tinago Lake and they provide a special wetland experience.
- The marine protected area is a living exhibition because of the marine life in coral reefs.
- Mountains have exotic plants and offer observation spots of the Sibuyan Sea.
- Bird-watching is best done in woody regions whereby endemic species can be seen by keen eyes.
- During hikes, wildlife such as deer, lizards and other birds can be observed.
- The holidays to Batan tours give a feel of the local nature and the conservation of the area.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- In January, there is the Ati -Ati / Malakara Festival where local traditions and street dancing in colour are displayed.
- Juez de Cuchillo on October 19 is a historic battle that is being reenacted.
- December 8 is the Immaculate Conception Fiesta that includes religious processions and cultural exhibits.
- The celebration of the community spirit is maintained by Barangay-level celebrations all year round.
- Both festivals provide an opportunity to sample local delicacies and observe traditional clothes.
- At the same time, as a visitor, one is able to engage in the events with dignity and know the importance of every occasion.
- To achieve optimal travelling experience to holidays to Batan, it is best to book with World Pinoy Flights so as to have convenient routes and competitive prices.