How to get to Kalibo

When planning a journey to Panay Island, many tourists look for information on how to get to Kalibo — the lively capital of Aklan province and a popular gateway to the beaches of Boracay. This city in the Philippines is renowned for its hospitality and the famous Ati-Atihan Festival, attracting travellers from all over the world. You can reach here in various ways: by utilizing a direct flight, sea transport, or land transport from neighbouring towns.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the city is by air. The city is served by its own Kalibo International Airport (KLO), which is a vital transport hub for Aklan province. Direct flights arrive daily from Manila and Cebu, and flights are also operated from certain cities in East Asia, making the route accessible for both domestic and international tourists.

The airport is located just a few kilometres from the centre, so the journey to your hotel will take minimal time. Travellers have access to taxis, tricycles, and minivans awaiting passengers right at the terminal exit. Thanks to well-developed air connections, Kalibo is often chosen not only as a destination in itself but also as a convenient transit point for a trip to the neighbouring island of Boracay.

Reaching Kalibo by train is currently impossible, as railway services are completely absent on Panay Island. There are no operating train stations in the city or its vicinity, so this mode of transport is not available for planning a route in this part of the country.

Even from the nearest major settlements, such as Roxas City, Antique, or Caticlan, travel by rail is not an option. For travel between cities, tourists usually choose comfortable buses or minivans that ply the scenic roads of Aklan province.

Travelling by bus around Panay Island is an excellent way to experience the local atmosphere and reach your destination comfortably using regular services from major carriers. The most popular route to Kalibo runs from Caticlan: buses and minivans cover the distance of 70 kilometres in an average of one and a half to two hours.

The journey from Roxas City, located in the neighbouring province, takes about two and a half hours, covering approximately 85 kilometres on a quality highway. For those travelling from the Antique province side, the trip will be longer due to the terrain, but scenic views of mountains and rice fields will make this transfer an exciting part of the adventure.

A car journey across Panay Island allows you to enjoy scenic landscapes and complete freedom of movement. The most popular route connects Kalibo with the port town of Caticlan: the 70-kilometre distance along a paved road can be covered in approximately one and a half to two hours. If you are heading from Roxas City, the journey will take about two and a half hours to drive 85 kilometres.

Travelling from the Antique province side will require more time — from three to four hours depending on the starting point — but the views of the mountain ranges are worth it. For a comfortable transfer, you can book an official taxi or a private minivan; the cost of such a trip from neighbouring cities varies within reasonable limits, which is particularly advantageous when travelling in a small group or with bulky luggage.

Proper preparation for a trip to Kalibo will allow you to avoid minor difficulties and focus on vivid impressions. Knowing local nuances will make your stay in the capital of Aklan province comfortable, and your journey to the Philippines safe and memorable. Here are some recommendations that every tourist will find useful.

1. Clothing and Climate: Due to high humidity and heat, it is best to choose loose-fitting clothing made from natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton. Be sure to bring headwear and reliable sun protection. If your holiday falls during the rainy season (June–November), bring a light raincoat.
2. Getting Around the City: The most popular transport here is tricycles (motorcycles with a sidecar). This is a convenient way to get anywhere, but the price should be strictly agreed upon with the driver before boarding, as they usually do not have meters.
3. Currency and Payment: Although supermarkets and large establishments accept cards, only cash pesos are used in small shops, markets, and transport. It is best to withdraw money from ATMs located in the city centre or at banks.
4. Health: You should not consume tap water — buy bottled water in shops. It is also recommended to use repellents to protect against mosquitoes, especially in the evening.
5. Language: Despite the locals speaking the Aklanon language, English is widely spoken as the second official language. You will encounter no communication problems in hotels, restaurants, and shops.
6. Etiquette: Local residents are distinguished by their hospitality and smiles. It is not customary here to raise one's voice or express dissatisfaction loudly in public — politeness and calmness will help resolve any issue much faster and more effectively.
7. Safety: Observe standard precautions: do not carry large sums of cash and expensive jewellery in plain sight. After dark, it is better to stick to well-lit and busy streets.
8. Festival Season: January is the time for the famous Ati-Atihan Festival, attracting thousands of guests. If you are travelling at this time, book your hotel several months in advance, otherwise, you risk being left without accommodation due to the huge influx of tourists.

Following these simple tips will help you feel confident in any situation. Kalibo is a city open to guests, and with proper planning, it will provide you with exclusively positive emotions.