DiscoverAltavas
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Altavas.
Book Now Pay Later
Loading traveller reviews…
Join Our Newsletter
Get tailored flight deals, travel tips & inspiration straight to your inbox.
HandpickedAltavas HolidayDeals
Complete holiday packages with flights, hotels and experiences in Altavas.
Stays AcrossAltavas
From luxury beachfront resorts to city hotels and budget stays.
UnforgettableExperiencesin Altavas
Search and book amazing activities and tours across Altavas.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Altavas
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Altavas
- Welcome to holidays in Altavas, Aklan whenever a visitor comes to Altavas, there is a kind of greeting of rolling hills that touch the sky, calling the traveller to find a destination where time is like a long time friend.
- Altavas is a quiet and rural municipality situated on Panay Island and it provides a taste of the true Filipino lifestyle as the winding streets are lined with simple houses and the relaxing whir of household chores.
- Hidden Sea or the best jewel of the town, the Tinagong Dagat is located at the back of the mangrove-lined banks, a top-secret lagoon that sings of the untainted nature.
- Secret waterfalls and caves of the Barangay Talon like Agtutoe-an and Quinasay-an beckon adventure tourists who cherish to splash in cool pools of fresh water.
- General Ananias Diokno Shrine is placed on a hill top, which is a proud reminder of the brave past of the town and it has a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
- Regional cuisine, particularly Puto Tostado, which is crispy and fresh, and oysters, which are fresh, allow the visitor to experience the very basic, and yet, rich food culture of Altavas.
- Capital (of the province): Kalibo
- International airport: No international airport in Altavas
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Kalibo International Airport
- Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Caticlan) (for international flights)
- 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
- Holidays to Altavas, Aklan are best when the sun is kind and sky is dry, with all the hiking, swimming, and walking being blissful.
- The Hidden Sea (Tinagong Dagat) is a brackish mangrove-lined water that conceals itself behind thick trees, to be used in silent contemplation or in bird watching.
- There are falls such as Agtutoe-an and Quinasay-an which run over crystal beds forming cool pools that beckon as one takes some refreshing dip after a lengthy walk.
- The General Ananias Diokno Shrine is a historical structure in the town with a highlight of a peep and a panoramic view of the fertile green hills of the Philippines.
- Altavas Town Plaza and Veterans Memorial Park as the places of life of the locals are the spots where they meet, telling storeys, music, and the serene beauty of the evening.
- Puto Tostado, a toasted rice cake, will provide the travellers with the sweet tradition of the town, and the emerging oyster industry will most likely offer a new seafood dish.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Holidays to Altavas, Aklan The dry season, November to April is the most alive time in Altavas, Aklan when waterfalls are dry and trails are clear and dry.
- During the wet season, May to October, the rains are heavier and this fills the waterfalls into more spectacle-like scenes, but some roads might get muddy.
- The best time to visit is either in January or in February when travellers get to see the Altavas Sto. Niño Festival is an energetic festival of religion and community.
- December through to February give the cool weather which makes it easy to walk, bird and visit the secret mangrove lagoons.
- During mid-summer (June-August), accessibility to a few caves can be diminished because of the rain but the greenery is also more lush and the river flows are stronger, which produces a different and more green experience.
- Late-autumn (September - October) is less busy and thoughtful, and there is less tourism and an opportunity to take a rest by the Hidden Sea.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
General Ananias Diokno Shrine
- This shrine is on the crest of a small hill giving an excellent outlook of the surrounding woods and valleys.
- A statue of the revolutionary general made of bronze is proudly displayed, reminding about the storeys about heroism and liberation.
- The tourists are able to walk through the well-maintained walkways that run through the greenery, which provides a feeling of tranquilly.
- The marker in the shrine elucidates the history of the Philippine-American war in easily understandable terms.
- Kids can play little games that the open area allows, and adults can take time to reflect on the beautiful nature of the open scenery.
- Nighttime tours show a light-up event which commemorates all heroes of the past and makes the sunset an unforgettable event.
Tinagong Dagat (Hidden Sea)
- This mangrove-bordered lagoon lies beyond a narrow entry, and is therefore an unknown treasure to those who explore.
- The water is also smooth and can be used to go on a light swim or ride on a small boat.
- Mangrove trees are also the home of numerous wildlife such as colourful birds and inquisitive crabs and are a natural wildlife safari.
- The cool air and the sound of the soft waves provide a relaxing environment to meditate or go on a quiet picnic.
- There are guided tours which have a brief stroll through the mangrove forest where the unique ecosystem is revealed.
- Reflections off the evening light on the water are also beautiful photographs especially to both amateur and professional photographers.
Agtutoe-an, Quinasay-an Waterfalls (Barangay Talon)
- These two falls are rushing down bare rocky faces forming crystal-clear pools where one can splash a cool one.
- The forest on which it is situated is rich and presents shaded walks which are nice even during sunny days.
- Water also offers some natural music that soothes the mind and revitalises the spirit.
- There are also various plant life that can be identified with guides who are familiar in the area and this will increase the experience.
- There are small picnic areas around the area which the traveller can have a rest and have local snacks.
- They are convenient enough with their light pack, and the falls are easily accessible to the family, including children.
Macawiwil Fall (Barangay Cabugao / Pulupungan)
- This is a spectacular waterfall with a steep drop which creates a dramatic fall of water on the rough cliffs.
- The spray forms a fine mist that cools the atmosphere around hence making it an ideal place during hot afternoons.
- There is a small path that leads to a pool of water which is natural and a traveller can safely take a cool swim.
- It is a thick forest, which gives the feeling of isolation and natural coverage of the crowds.
- Photographers enjoy dramatic lighting and an opportunity of taking strong water shots.
- The falls have local myths and legends that give the visit the cultural aspect of interest to keep the experience interesting.
Reason 05
Discover More
Kipot Cave (Barangay Talon)
- A tight hole will give adventurous explorers an opportunity to get into a real spelunking expedition.
- The cave walls are also covered with the smooth limestone that reflects the light of lanterns that are so small and they make the atmosphere mysterious.
- It is snugly winding and has a low ceiling that allows cautious navigation, and, therefore, it is best suited to adventurous groups.
- A brief stroll will get one into a small and intimate room that appears as a secret.
- The coolness of the cave provides a cooling system as compared to the outside tropical weather.
- Once out one is able to view the neighbouring hills, and this is a panoramic view of the valley.
Suhot Cave (Barangay Talon)
- This cave involves tourists going through a small tunnel, which is not only a test of courage but also of flexibility.
- The walls of the tunnel are imbedded with small stalactites to create the effect of a small cathedral.
- Walking through the passage presents a remarkable feeling of adventure that most of the tourists never forget.
- Beyond the tunnel there is a broader chamber, with bigger stalagmites, which are in the form of natural columns.
- The cave has natural acoustics which reverberate the sound making a dramatic effect to sound-starved passers-by.
- There is a little wooden sign in front of the entrance, which describes the geological importance of the cave in a very simple manner.
Albasan Cave
- This cave has exceptional geological features, and the tunnels in the cave resemble a natural maze.
- Spelunking enthusiasts like the different kinds of rocks that the cave contains.
- There is a natural glow of light inside which makes the cave quite out of this world.
- A guide will be able to tell about the history of the cave, how the cave was formed during thousands of years.
- The temperature of the cave is always the same and this provides a cool relief on the hot days outside.
- The exit is an open space that lets the travellers relax and have a view of the forest around them.
Altavas Town Plaza and Veterans Memorial Park
- An open space where the people of the neighbourhood meet to hold community gatherings, festivals and to chat on daily basis.
- The main monument in the park is dedicated to veterans and this serves as an ideal source of reflection and memory.
- There are colourful benches and trees in shade where people can have picnics, as well as rest on hot afternoons.
- Adults are delighted with the historic architecture, whereas children love the playground and the open field to play games.
- Local craftsmen usually establish stalls in the surrounding and offer local specialties and the crafts of locals.
- The plaza becomes lit up with soft glow at sunset which makes it appealing to evening strolls.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Holidays to Altavas, Aklan unveil a town that is heavily packed with the history of the Philippines and where everywhere the tales of revolution and perseverance are found.
- The town's annual Altavas Sto. Niño Festival, which is done on January 22, is an expression of sincere gratitude in the form of colourful processions and jubilant music.
- Traditional piña weaving which is a craft consisting of pineapple leaves indicates that the community is in touch with nature and is skilled at craft work.
- Local festivals are usually accompanied by dance and music that reverberates the beats of the Aklan region making it an exciting cultural tapestry.
- The craftspeople display their woven baskets and mats and welcome the visitors to feel the beauty of the local textiles.
- The feeling of community is strengthened every time a festival and a gathering are held and travellers feel that they are a part of a living tradition.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Puto Tostado, the toasted rice cake, which becomes crisp and slightly sweet, is a breakfast favourite of many of these families.
- Inubaran is a savoury dish that is made of chicken, cooked in banana pith and coconut milk, which gives it a unique combination of flavours that will bring out the flavour of Aklan.
- Binakol is a soothing chicken soup prepared using coconut water, fresh herbs and ground coconut, which is commonly used at community events.
- Fresh oysters picked in the surrounding mangrove are also gaining popularity which offers briny buttery delight to the seafood enthusiast.
- Fresh fish and tropical fruits, homemade sweets are available in local markets and travellers get a chance to taste the fruit of the region.
- A quick bite in a street side shop could also consist of grilled fish, fresh vegetable and rice which is being cooked in steam thus a real glimpse of life in the country.
Fun
- Hiking lovers will be able to visit the picturesque paths that will bring them to waterfalls, caves, and the General Diokno Shrine, which presents a different view.
- Bird-watching is another pleasant activity in the mangrove forests of Tinagong Dagat as several colourful species are found there.
- Picture enthusiasts are able to take pictures of the dramatic waterfalls, foggy caves and golden rays of sunset on the hills of the town.
- Booking through world pinoy flights will provide you with a hassle free mode of transportation to nearby airports and go about your adventure on time.
- Local food tours enable tourists to taste puto tostado, fresh oysters and savoury foods as well as meet smiling hosts.
- The families spend easy and safe time together, picnicking at the "Hidden Sea" or playing at the town plaza.
Fashion
- Although there is no significant fashion scene in holidays to Altavas, the area is famous in terms of the weaving of the piña fibre, which is a traditional craft transformed into a textile.
- The local markets are filled with products that were made of piña cloth, starting with bright wedding gowns and ending with shirts and hats people wear in their daily lives.
- It is possible to visit the weaving workshops and learn about the tedious procedure of transforming pineapple leaves to exquisite fabric.
- Villagers also don vibrant barong made of piña when in festivals as a way of bringing out the cultural pride of the region.
- The ease of textiles in piña is in line with the natural environment, and the textile and the surrounding interact in a symbiotic relationship to produce a seamless combination between the fashion and the environment.
- Fashion lovers are able to take home unique and handmade products that bear the heritage of Aklan.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Tinagong Dagat with its mangrove-covered Tinagong Dagat is a silent spot where nature lovers can watch wildlife, including crabs and birds.
- In Barangay Talon, there are remote waterfalls that are hidden in thick vegetation and thus visitors are invited to explore their secret pools.
- Spelunking destinations such as Caves include Kipot, Suhot and Albasan caves which are fun to individuals who prefer adventure in the underground world.
- Hilly forests near the shrine have panoramic views which are ideal to hike all day long.
- The coastal mangroves act as natural shields, and they prevent storms in the town and also provide support to various ecosystems.
- Each path, brook or swamp provides an opportunity to get in touch with the slowness of country life.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Holidays to Altavas Sto. On January 22, Niño Festival attracts music, dance and a feeling of community and belief.
- This is demonstrated by the fact that the town is part of province- wide festivals like the Aklan day festival.
- These events also make local markets very busy places where the craftsmen sell their wares and food stands perfume the air with aroma.
- For dinner and common prayers, families come together, and the relationships that have been hundreds of years old are reinforced.
- The celebratory ambience welcomes tourists to participate, and they get to experience the Filipino hospitability at its best.
- Once the festivities die down, the town goes back to its usual quiet beat giving the travellers long-term memories of happiness and solidarity.