DiscoverMalinao
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Malinao.
Book Now Pay Later
Loading traveller reviews…
Join Our Newsletter
Get tailored flight deals, travel tips & inspiration straight to your inbox.
HandpickedMalinao HolidayDeals
Complete holiday packages with flights, hotels and experiences in Malinao.
Stays AcrossMalinao
From luxury beachfront resorts to city hotels and budget stays.
UnforgettableExperiencesin Malinao
Search and book amazing activities and tours across Malinao.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Malinao
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Malinao
- When you are arranging the visit to the Malinao, Aklan, you should also consider the book with the World Pinoy Flights, which have a convenient flight between Manila and Cebu to deliver you to the centre of this quiet municipality.
- Malinao is located in the middle, northwestern region of Aklan Province, and is a lowland surrounded by rolling plains and low hills that are rising on the eastern side, which makes the landscape of the place serene and welcoming.
- The town lies close to the river Aklan which is also a source of irrigation and this makes the town have a very special combination of agricultural activity as well as natural beauty that can be easily observed by the visitors.
- In the past, Malinao has been used as a major producer of rice, which gave it the image of a highly productive farmland in Aklan a fact that is also evident in the crowded local markets.
- The plains, which lie in the lowlands and are bordered by forests and farmlands, are covered with the remains of the colonial buildings, providing the view of the past that compliments the contemporary charm of the rural areas.
- Be it a history student, a nature lover or even a person who simply wants to get out of the hustle and bustle of many people, the serene streets and hospitable people of Malinao make the place a memorable place to every traveller who plans their holidays to Malinao.
- Capital (of the province): Kalibo
- International airport: None in Malinao
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Kalibo International Airport (Kalibo, Aklan) – domestic and international flights (≈30–40 minutes from Malinao)
- Godofredo P. Ramos Airport / Caticlan Airport (Malay, Aklan) – domestic and limited international flights (≈1.5 hours by land)
- 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: Aklanon, Hiligaynon, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The extensive rice fields which make up the landscape of Malinao are a commendation to the efforts of the community as they also present magnificent views and an opportunity to have a first hand experience into the rhythm of the life of a farmer.
- The stone church and convent built during the Spanish era is now a silent testimony to the colonial history of the town as people can visit the town and walk along the stone corridors and fantasise about the years of devotion.
- The eastern side of the municipality has rolling hills that give beautiful scenic views that are a contrast to the flat agricultural plains to make a scenario that is ideal to take a snapshot and reflect.
- Aklan River is a stream flowing around the town centre that provides the irrigation water supply with an effective supply of natural artery that supports the agricultural and day-to-day activities of the people.
- The main square, which is encircled with ancient architecture, is the centre of community life where the residents conduct their markets, celebrations and daily social interactions.
- Malinao is a unique model of rural sustainability in the Western Visayas because of the combination of cultural heritage, natural resources, and agricultural success for holidays to Malinao.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Dry season, which runs between November and May, has stable weather conditions that would make it perfect to explore rice paddies, take a stroll in ancient ruins, and participate in outdoor activities that will not be interrupted by heavy rain.
- It is the most alive time of the year as the fields are in full green, with clear skies and warm sunshine, which are inherent to the tropical climate.
- Although the wet season between June and October provides the much needed rains to replenish the rivers and the soil, it also causes the unpaved roads to become muddy and less navigable to the travellers.
- March and April are shoulder months, which means that the temperature is pleasant and there are fewer tourists, as well as offering a more intimate experience with the local culture.
- The harvest events, which are followed after the rainy season, provide a good opportunity to observe the rites of celebration, communal feasts, and traditional music, which demonstrate the agricultural pride of the town.
- The greenery and the fresh air make the region a refreshing backdrop to any itinerary, regardless of the season and make every experience there a rewarding one.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Malinao Church
- The stone walls of the church, though decayed still resound with the tales of the early missionaries who preached in this lowly place.
- The original footprints of the convent can be tracked by the visitors, where they learn how the locals modified the colonial structure to accommodate their life in the community.
- The arches in the ruins form a dramatic profile against the sky, particularly in sun set and sun rise where the light illuminates the stone with golden colours.
- Internally, there are old artefacts and ancient murals to provide an insight into the religious art and religion of the $18^{\text{th}}$ century.
- The nearby plaza is an occasion site of cultural shows and events where the travellers are able to immerse themselves into the local cultures.
- Historical backgrounds where guided tours are available enhance the discovery of these timeless heritage sites.
Vast Rice Fields
- A tour through the countryside allows one to have generous views of endless stretching green paddies stretching to the horizon, which show how the people who live there are disciplined and hard-working.
- In the fields, you will see the rhythmic motion of irrigation channels sending water to the fields to irrigate the crops using the Aklan River.
- The cultivated areas are particularly impressive when they are in the planting season and the seedlings are planted in tidy rows that expose a perfect picture.
- The rice terraces are mirrored in the declining light at dusk to produce a natural canvas which varies with the setting of the sun.
- It is also worth visiting during the time of harvest when you can see how the families work together towards the harvesthood, a sure warm sight.
- The natural scenery of the environment has the hills surrounding the fields which bring a depth and a texture to any given photograph.
Malinao Town Proper
- The city hall is a hub of city life, with a busy square around it full of local tradesmen and food carts.
- As you walk over town, you will see a blend of modern buildings and standing colonial houses that depict how the community has transformed over time in terms of architecture.
- Fresh products, rice, and other local snacks can be found in the local market that is open in the morning and is in full compliance with the culinary tradition of Aklan.
- Public events, including fiestas and markets usually spill on the streets and this gives a real picture of the social life in the day-to-day life.
- The streets of the town are designed to facilitate a slow walk, and tourists can enjoy the beats of the life in the town without any haste.
- Local histories are preserved in libraries and small museums located within the town, and they are must-visit locations of history lovers.
Rolling Hills Viewpoints
- High positions in the middle roads provide large panoramic views that contrast the plain lands with picturesque emergence of hills.
- These perspectives are usually surrounded with mature trees which provide shades, and very suitable in picnics or meditation.
- Sunsets make the hills look warm and amberish, which make a beautiful background of photos and memories.
- The road leading to much of the place is surfaced with local stone, to give an impression that it is the extension of historic roadways of the region.
- The nature will be enhanced with cultural storeys as sometimes local guides will provide folklore about the hills.
- These are the spots where the birdwatchers would enjoy and the hills have a host of native species which can be viewed at a safe distance.
Reason 05
Discover More
Local Market (Public Market)
- There is a hustle and bustle in the market, with sellers offering freshly grown rice, colourful vegetables, and the smell of spices which are characteristic of the region.
- The colourful produce stalls will encourage the visitors to sample the produce of the earth, giving them the sensory experience of the fresh food, unprocessed foods.
- The fish vendors within the area display an array of fresh seafood, which the tourists can taste to enjoy the fresh catch of the day.
- The location of market is a meeting point of the locals and tourist in the city because the market is central and as a result, informal cultural exchanges take place.
- There are also handicrafts and woven textiles; these present unique souvenirs which can be used to absorb the artistic spirit of Aklan.
- Market days are usually held in conjunction with seasonal festivals which will enhance the enthusiasm and provide the visitor with an opportunity to see local festivities in all its glory for holidays to Malinao.
Aklan River Banks
- The serene areas on the river side invite the visitors to unwind and take in the flowing water that enters the farmlands surrounding the area.
- The banks are densely covered with small wooden bridges which provide good points of view to shoot pictures and reflect.
- The fishermen that have been fishing on the river all their lives are frequently seen stopping to narrate about the history of the river and its connexion with the town.
- The river is very clear making it possible to see the aquatic life in crystal-clear images during dry season, which serves as a natural spectacle to the experience.
- The picnic spots by the river are very small and invite the families to come together, which adds to the feeling of unity and mutual fun.
- Evening strolls along the shores, showing slight changes of light, which transform the water into a glittering reflection of the hills around them.
Local Eateries
- Aklanon cuisine is represented in small, family-style restaurants, with foods such as Inubaran and Linapay bringing out the fresh coconut milk and domestic herbs.
- The relaxed, informal restaurant (dining) environment allows the visitors to blend with the locals and have a true, unprocessed taste of the cuisine.
- The restaurants specialising in different variations of the traditional recipes motivate the travellers to experience various flavours in one meal.
- Local sources of ingredients will mean that each bite will be a reflection of the agricultural wealth of the area.
- Waiting staffs are usually friendly and may tell you the cooking tips and family secrets that add flavour to the dining experience besides sustenance.
- there are also numerous restaurants which offer live local music transforming a mere meal into a cultural festival to the senses.
Local Handicrafts
- Woven textiles, baskets, and pottery in the markets have been made in the same manner as has been passed down over the ages.
- They are crafted by local artisans, and the skill of these artisans is demonstrated by the use of natural fibres or eco-friendly dyes.
- The visit will make the shopping experience a learning experience because the visitors can observe the artisans working on their craft, whether weaving or pottery.
- Every artwork has a storey behind it, whether it is a symbol of local values or depiction of the natural environment of the region.
- The local people use the sale of handicrafts to sustain their economy and this guarantees that the artisans will be able to carry on with their craft to the coming generations.
- Craft sessions are also offered sometimes where travellers get to make a simple object following the instructions of the skilled craftsmen.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Aklanon, a Visayan dialect, is the language of the majority of Malinao, but it is made in the cadence and sound that is peculiar to the Western Visayas.
- Hiligaynon and Tagalog are also much familiar and there can be free communication between the residents as well as visitors in other parts of the Philippines.
- The agricultural lifestyle of the town is deeply impressed and rice together with coconut cultivation is the main influence of everyday rituals, celebrations and collaboration.
- Aklanon people are also religious as reflected by the many churches, shrines, and devotional activities that can be found all over the municipality.
- Malinao has a strong community spirit since neighbours tend to cooperate on harvesting, building repairs and taking care of the community spaces.
- The fiestas are celebrated by traditional songs, dances, and storytelling, which form a bright tapestry of cultural expressions that characterise the local identity.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- The Aklanon classic dish, the loveliest dish, Inubaran amazes the customers with a sweet taste of chicken or pork simmered in young banana pith and creamy coconut milk and the spicy fragrance.
- One more local cuisine, Linapay is a dish that features the taste of taro and coconut cream, enveloping seafood or meat in a superb and aromatic sauce.
- Freshly picked rice, which are grown on the local paddies, is a standard in most of the meals, and is a delicious, slightly nutty flavour that goes well with a large variety of meals.
- Lechon Manok is a crowd favourite in the Philippines, which is prepared locally, with crispy skin and juicy meat that has gained popularity in the Visayas as a homemade dish.
- Street food includes the soft-boiled quail eggs (called kwek-kwek) that are dipped in savoury sauce and serve as a quick and tasty snack that goes well with the local beverages.
- Fruits like bananas, papayas and mangoes are also common in the season and offer natural sweetness as well as refreshing options as after meal snacks.
Fun
- The ancient stone ruins can be studied historically thus providing a physical contact with the past as the travellers can follow the footsteps of centuries of religious faith.
- The presence of awe and peace are experienced by capturing the beauty of the expansive views of the rice fields using a camera or just taking a relaxing ride around the field.
- It is a highly personal experience, in the countryside of the Malinao, having seen the farmers working and experiencing local holidays to Malinao.
- The large plazas and markets offer plenty of room to walk around, sample the food that is sold on the street and talking to the locals in the informal way.
- Walking by the banks of the river of Aklan in the evening can relax you, making you hear the waves softly lapping, the rustling of the surrounding trees.
- The simplicity and serenity of the daily rhythms of Malinao can be a refuge of many visitors who have to deal with the city life.
Fashion
- Light, airy clothes are required to keep one comfortable in the tropical weather, particularly in the peak dry season when the weather can get hot.
- Lightweight and loosely fitting clothes, which contain natural fabrics, like cotton or linen, can help regulate the body temperature, as well as move freely, even in uneven areas.
- Cushy shoes, preferably strong walking shoes or sandals with good treads are imperative when exploring ancient ruins, going up and down hills or walking through slushy fields.
- A light jacket or shawl combined with a lightweight dress or a short-sleeved shirt will be a convenient and stylish way to go in the evening.
- Before heading to the island, sunscreen and a broad-brimmed hat are an indispensable accessory that shields the skin against the scorching sun and keeps the look relaxed and island-ready.
- Even the simplest things, such as woven bracelets or little bags do not only complement the clothing but help local artisans who make them.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The Malinao fertile valley lands are a large agricultural plain which is made up of rice paddies and coconut trees of green that reach up to the horizon.
- The Aklan River which is a major waterway flowing through the municipality helps provide a natural passage of various aquatic species and source of irrigation to the farmlands.
- It has rolling hills on the eastern side, which are used to provide the area with a flat landscape and great viewpoints as well as a cooler microclimate than the low plains.
- There are many native trees and beasts in the nearby forest, and therefore the location is a good place to watch birds and take photographs of nature.
- River and floodplains are fed by seasonal rains and the ecosystem is dynamic sending life to the areas, sustaining agriculture and nature.
- Visitors will also be able to experience the rhythm of the rural life, as of the farmers taking care of their crops and the local children playing along the riverbanks, all in the natural beauty of Malinao.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The holidays to Malinao Town Fiesta, held on the second day of February, is an honourable occasion in celebration of the patron saint (Nuestra Señora de Candelaria), which is accompanied by colourful processions, mass, and community feasts that all are welcome to attend.
- Abundance is celebrated through local harvest festivals that are held at the end of each successful crop and then the fields are converted into stages where traditional dances, traditional music and communal meals are held.
- Once in the year, the town has a procession known as Simbang Gabi, which collects the whole community in one night to pray together and devote their time together, with the accompaniment of nightly performances in the streets.
- Music festivals to celebrate the various seasons are also accompanied by music festivals that provide local talents an opportunity to express their talents and to preserve their cultures.
- Celebrations usually include the erection of fancy pasalubong buildings/posts or arches showcasing the community pride and creativity.
- These celebrations are not only a commemoration of the religious and agricultural customs of the people, but also an achievement of strengthening ties between the residents and this serves to cement the reputation of Malinao as being a tight-knit, friendly community.