DiscoverTangalan
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Tangalan.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Tangalan
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Tangalan
- Tangalan is a small town located close to the coast of the North-western side of Aklan, the island of Panay, where the sea blends with the hilly terrain and the tropical forests to form a wonderful nature tourist site.
- The rugged coastline borders of the town are surrounded by clean beaches, clear waters and colourful marine life which attract snorkelers and divers in the entire Philippines.
- The neighbouring islands like the Boracay and other concealed coves can be approached easily by the visitors by the sea, since Tangalan is situated in an ideal location within the channel separating the Sibuyan sea with the Panay-Island coast.
- Tangalan has become a developing destination for sustainable tourism with the local surrounding living off fishing, small-scale agriculture and a developing eco-tourism sector.
- The climate in Tangalan is quite mild, tropical, and thus the streets in this area are mostly warm and humid, which makes the place an attractive ecstasy to any person who loves a relaxing, but culturally saturated atmosphere throughout the year.
- In case you are planning your holidays to Tangalan, you can travel to the location in comfortable and affordable fashion by booking your flight with World Pinoy Flights to get to the nearest airport in the municipality.
- Capital (of the province): Kalibo
- International airport: None in Tangalan
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Kalibo International Airport (Kalibo, Aklan) – domestic and international flights (~45–60 minutes by land)
- 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
- Tangalan boasts of coral reefs and lots of fish species along its seashores, which has made it an ideal location of snorkelling, diving and marine observatory tours.
- There is the famous Jawili Falls, a seven-step waterfall that is concealed on a secluded water jungle and provides a cool relief to both the swimmers and nature photographers.
- The east-west accessibility of the town has made it easy to reach the pure islands, hidden lagoons, and privacy beaches which are ideal in day trips and also overnight accommodation.
- The area that characterises the interior of Tangalan is comprised of mild, hazy hills, forest-laden, which are considered to be scenic drives and hiking paths by those who travel adventurously.
- The fishing villages of the local coastline can be visited containing their ancient bancas (outrigger canoes) and rowing the guests among the crystal waters, providing the visitors with a true picture of the sea-faring culture of this region.
- Enjoying a fully local experience, the colourful market booths on the streets of the town proper of Tangalan offer fresh seafood, tropical fruits and locally produced handicrafts all showcasing a rich heritage of the town.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- November to May is dry season which offers the sunshine, calm water and warm weather which are needed to recreational days in beach, swimming in waterfalls and activities at sea.
- Greenery is full of vibrancy and the currents are stronger and can increase the dramatic beauty of the falls during the wet season (June to October), which can limit boat or hiking activities.
- The most appropriate time to see the entire glory of the Jawili Falls is during the late spring season when the rains had collected in the streams forming strong and harmless pools to swim in.
- The shoulder seasons in March and April will provide a balance between good weather and fewer tourists, especially to those who enjoy quiet and uncrowded beaches.
- The Tangalan traditions are best expressed through colourful parades and community gatherings which occur during cultural festivals and local celebrations, which are most active during dry season.
- In case you are planning your holidays to Tangalan, you should take weather patterns into account so that you can spend more time outdoors and immerse in cultural experience.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Jawili Falls
- The Jawili falls are seven layers with huge pine trees and dense jungle which form a natural amphitheatre and enhance the sound of falling water.
- The different levels also offer a natural pool where the tourists can comfortably swim, take a cool, and enjoy the turquoise water as it flows down the moss-covered rocks.
- there is a system of pathways around the falls, in which hikers can explore the local vegetation, which includes orchids, ferns, and rare bromeliads.
- The light is passed through the canopy and as the sunset takes place, creates a golden effect that makes the falls even more photogenic in terms of sunset photography.
- Local guides provide small-scale tours that help to understand the geological history of the falls, their ecological significance, and the myth that locals consider concerning the water.
- The best part to anyone who enjoys adventure is the last plunge of the topmost level to the crystal-clear pool, and is well worth the struggle to the top.
Jawili Beach
- Jawili Beach is only a short drive away behind Jawili falls and the white sand is fine and extends across the calm Sibuyan Sea ideal in relaxation walks.
- The waters are clear and turquoise and are good in swimming, snorkelling, and watching marine creatures like colourful fish, sea turtles, and harmless rays.
- Beach is a good destination of all kinds since visitors can hire sun loungers, umbrellas and snorkelling equipment through local vendors.
- The serene atmosphere of the beach is to be added with a little fishing village close by where fishermen take their fresh catch every morning and sell them all at the market.
- Strolls by the beach at night enable the tourists to behold sky-burst into colourful hues as the sun sets behind the horizon.
- The closeness of the beach to the falls is an excellent opportunity to spend a day hiking and swimming without the necessity of the long trip.
Tangalan Town Proper
- There is a colonial municipal hall within the town proper that also depicts the architecture of the colonial Spanish that one finds.
- The main square is enclosed by classic Filipino houses and local cafes forming a vibrant social centre where locals and tourists become one.
- The St. Isidore church makes the centre of religious life, and during its annual fiesta on May devotees and actors in vivid costumes gather.
- Local craftsmen exhibit local crafts like woven mats and bamboo knives and embroidered clothes and provide local souvenirs that reflect local craftsmanship.
- Fresh produce, seafood, and tropical fruits are sold at the weekly market stalls to enable the visitors to have a taste of the freshest tastes of the land.
- There is a local museum that shows the items and photographs that document the transition of Tangalan as a fishing village to an emerging eco-tourism venue.
Local Fishing Areas
- The beaches of the coastal resorts of Tangalan are filled with ancient bancas that traverse the Sibuyan Sea, and this gives one an idea of the ancient ways of catching fish by the people.
- Tourists have the opportunity to go along with fishermen on a fishing expedition or watch fishermen working in the early morning hours when the sea is calm and bright.
- Fish, crabs, and shellfish are abundant in the region and hence fresh seafood is commonly available in the market or served in local restaurants.
- The silent, rhythmic sounds of the sea and the view of nets being thrown into the water makes a meditative experience to those who want to have a better understanding of nature.
- Sometimes there can be local guides telling about the methods of fishing practised in their culture by their ancestors, like bamboo and woven fishing nets, which are centuries old.
- Due to the closeness of the Jawili Falls, tourists can pack one day of fishing with the waterfall and beach to form the complete day adventure of the coastline for holidays to Tangalan.
Reason 05
Discover More
Local Market (Public Market)
- The crowded street marketplace is a sensorial delight with the smells of fresh bread and pastries, roasting fish and tropical fruits filled with warmth.
- Sellers show a variety of local foods, sweet mangoes, peppery eggplants, all are brought out of the local fields.
- Seafood stalls display the day-catch such as sardines, tuna and lobsters which are processed on the spot or sold to local restaurants.
- The open design of the market will promote interaction and the tourists will be able to share friendly insults with the vendors and sample small portions of their delicacies.
- There are seasonal products in the market like Inubaran and Linapay, which are valued tastes of Aklanon.
- The vibrant nature of the market is a result of the communal nature of the Tangalan people, whose buying and selling are as much of an art as a need.
Rolling Hills Interior
- As one drives along the back roads which lead into the interior, one gets a panoramic view of the rolling hills with their green vegetation and small coconut farms.
- The smooth rise will provide a panoramic view of the local landscape which will allow tourists to have a feeling of what the region would be like without the coastline.
- There are small villages which appear all over the hills, in which the families cultivate rice, banana plants, and other crops that are the mainstay of the agricultural economy of Tangalan.
- Local farmers usually receive visitors with fresh produce so that tourists can taste freshly picked fruits, fresh eggs and homemade jams.
- There are hiking trails that wander through the hills, with spectacular views and areas where one can relax and enjoy a picnic.
- With nature as a backdrop, the hills provide a great place of photography enthusiasts who would want to make use of the play between light, shadow and greenery in a tropical environment.
Marine Sites (Inquire Locally)
- As the coastal waters of Tangalan are known to be marinically biodiverse, sometimes the local knowledge and guidance is needed to find the best snorkelling and diving spots.
- There are secret coves to which a friendly local guide can show you, where the reefs are of a variety of colours, and where sea turtles, coral nudibranchs, and schools of ray-fish can be seen.
- Parts of these marines are only reached via small boats, and therefore the voyage is an exciting adventure which starts with a picturesque ride across the sea.
- In dry season, the waters in Tangalan are fairly calm and give the underwater photographer and viewer a good visibility.
- The coral reefs are not very deep and so it is a safe and pleasant introduction to the sea by the people who have not experienced much diving.
- The reefs are generally preserved by the local fishing community who consider them as a community asset and continue to take care of them in a bid to keep the marine locations intact to the next visitors.
Local Eateries
- Small restaurants are located all over the streets of Tangalan, which has a distinctive flavour of Aklanon and Western Visayan cuisines, which are not only simple but also fulfilling.
- Some of their dishes, including the Inubaran, which is a combination of chicken or pork, banana pith and coconut milk, are a display of the affection given to food in the region as a comforting food.
- Linapay is a dish that is cooked in taro leaves and coconut cream, which reflects the innovative application of local ingredients and methods of cooking.
- Seafood, grilled or stewed fresh is common in most menus and is indicative of the attachment the town has to the Sibuyan Sea.
- The restaurants tend to utilise local and fresh produce, and a customer can taste the authentic local flavour.
- Eating out in these restaurants will give you a close look into the lives of the residents of Tangalan as the staff is friendlier and it has a relaxing ambience.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Aklanon which is a Visayan dialect that is mixed with Hiligaynon and Tagalog is the main language used in Tangalan, which means that no conversation is monolingual.
- The economy of the community is based on fishing, small-scale agriculture, and the developing eco-tourism industry that provides a livelihood to the community.
- The Aklanon cultural identity is directly connected to the sea and land as they are reflected in traditional songs, dances, and narration of tales which glorify both the land and the sea.
- The local fiesta held every May on the feast of St. Isidore the Labourer, is characterised by colourful processions, dancing in the streets and general feasting.
- On an annual basis, residents will hold festivals to commemorate harvests and bountiful fishing seasons with local music, dance and food stands.
- The artisans still use the old methods to make traditional handicrafts like woven mats, bamboo baskets and embroidered cloth work.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Inubaran is the special food of Tangalan, tender meat, young banana pith and creamy coconut milk make a delicious stew.
- The article Linapay presents the Culinary creativity of the region including the cooking of seafood or meat using taro leaves with a natural coconut cream, which creates a moist and rich dish.
- Seafood, such as grilled fish, shrimp, and crabs are plenty as Tangalan is located very close to the Sibuyan Sea and this is a must-have dish to any fisherman or culinarian.
- Roast chicken is the regional dish which is commonly cooked especially during the community functions and serves as a savoury aromatic delicacy.
- You will find an abundance fresh produce in the local markets including mangoes, bananas, and leafy greens, which are utilised in daily meals.
- Street vendors serve fast food such as tap silog and tortang talong, which provide a traveller with a glimpse of what the Filipinos eat in the street in a tropical environment.
Fun
- A cool experience in the clear and refreshing swimmable waters of the Jawili falls is an amazing way out of the tropical heat and a popular activity among the families and adventurers as well.
- The peaceful, uncongested beach areas give sufficient time to sunbathe, picnic on the beach, and enjoy solitude.
- A visit to the rural interior and its hilly landscape and tiny farms will help the visitor feel the relaxed rhythm of Aklanon life, untouched by the city.
- Local festivals and fiestas which include music, dancing and common feasts offer a good cultural experience to the traveling.
- Exploring the hiking paths that cover the hills is an excellent view and an opportunity to view the local wildlife.
- Trying an instructed fishing excursion or how to weave conventional bamboo fishing nets will make tourists feel the maritime legacy of the region for holidays to Tangalan.
Fashion
- Cotton or linen clothing that is lightweight or breathable in nature is also necessary in the hot and humid climate at Tangalan, which makes the person comfortable during outdoor activities.
- Beach and waterfall trips should be accompanied by swimwear and durable sandals or water shoes to keep feet dry in case they come into contact with rocks.
- It is also important that UV protection equipment (wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen) should be used to cover the skin against the intense tropical sun.
- Walking shoes that are comfortable will be required on touring the streets, market stalls, and the surrounding hiking paths in the town.
- Hand-woven fabrics (e.g. hand-woven mats, embroidered shirts) are a very traditional form, which is especially useful when visiting local craftsmen or visiting festivals.
- Beachgoers need to carry a small waterproof bag where they store their electronics and other personal items to ensure that they are not wet.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Sibuyan Sea coastline has abundance of sea life that provides snorkelling, diving and seabird viewing in a natural habitat.
- The Jawili Falls with its seven falling levels offer a green, tropical atmosphere of swimming, taking pictures and relaxation.
- Tangalan has a very diverse landscape as the interior is characterised by dense forests, small farms, and occasional wildlife.
- The unspoiled seashores and inlets of the western coast are perfect spots to go beachcombing, explore tide-pools and study marine life.
- Flora in the area also comprises of mangrove forests, coconut plantations and tropical fruit trees, which favour various ecosystems.
- Eco-guided tours provide an understanding of the ecology of the area, conservation measures and the need to preserve the natural resources of Tangalan.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- May 15th is the day of the yearly holidays to Tangalan fiesta of St. Isidore the Labourer in the town, with the parades, the dancing in the streets, and the feasts of the local people that display their traditions.
- Harvest festivals are a praise to the bountiful harvests of the sea and land and they are marked with festivals which include boat parades, fish-tasting stalls, and rice planting demonstrations.
- Fishing festivals are held where fishermen display the fish they have caught and compete against each other to win prizes and exchange tips on cooking.
- The traditions of the region are maintained through the performance of traditional Aklan dances and songs during celebrations in the town.
- The local craftsmen also showcase their works in the festivals and this gives the visitors an opportunity to buy the handmade products and this helps to boost the economy of the local people.
- The celebrations offer the tourists a total experience where they get to interact with the locals, sample local food and drink as well as get involved in community joviality.