Overview
Kalibo is the gateway to one of the Philippines' most famous destinations: Boracay Island, with its powder-white sand and turquoise water. Flying into Kalibo International Airport (KLO) puts you within easy reach of Boracay's beaches, as well as the quieter, authentic charm of Aklan province itself, from mangrove forests to a lively colonial-era town centre. For UK travellers seeking sun, sea and a proper island escape, Kalibo is usually the most practical and cost-effective way in.
Best time to fly to Kalibo
The dry season, from November to May, is the best time to fly to Kalibo, with the driest, sunniest weeks typically falling between January and April. This period offers the calmest seas for island-hopping around Boracay and the most reliable weather for beach days. June to October brings the rainy season and a higher chance of typhoons in the Visayas region, so if you're travelling then, build some flexibility into your plans. January is also when Kalibo hosts its famous Ati-Atihan Festival, a fantastic time to visit if you don't mind busier flights and accommodation.
Airlines and routes
There are no scheduled non-stop flights from the UK to Kalibo, so the journey typically involves flying from a UK airport to Manila, then connecting onward. Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Qatar Airways (via Doha) and Emirates (via Dubai) all offer well-connected routings from London and other UK cities to Manila. From Manila, domestic carriers including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines operate frequent flights to Kalibo, a hop of just over an hour. All told, door-to-door travel time from the UK is usually in the region of 17 to 22 hours depending on your routing and layover. Use the price charts on this page to compare fares across these airlines and find the best-value combination for your travel dates.
Things to do in Kalibo
While most travellers use Kalibo as a springboard to Boracay, Aklan province has plenty to offer in its own right.
- Boracay Island: World-renowned White Beach is around a two-hour transfer from Kalibo airport via road and boat, and remains one of Asia's finest stretches of sand.
- Ati-Atihan Festival: Held every January, this vibrant street festival of music, dance and colourful costumes is one of the Philippines' most celebrated cultural events.
- Bakhawan Eco-Park: A community-run mangrove reserve with a long boardwalk and treetop views, great for a peaceful morning away from the beach crowds.
- Kalibo Cathedral: The Archdiocesan Shrine of St John the Baptist is a striking colonial-era church at the heart of Kalibo town.
- Jawili Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall near Nabas, popular for swimming and a scenic day trip from the town centre.
At Kalibo International Airport (KLO)
Kalibo International Airport sits around 2km from Kalibo town centre, so reaching your hotel there is quick and inexpensive by tricycle or taxi. If Boracay is your final destination, pre-booked shuttle vans and private transfers run the roughly 70km road journey to Caticlan jetty port, followed by a short boat crossing to the island, a journey of about two hours in total. Many hotels and tour operators offer combined van-and-boat transfer packages that are worth arranging in advance, particularly in peak season.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kalibo
- Book ahead: For the best fares on flights to Kalibo, aim to book several months before travel, especially if you're flying during the January to April peak season.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekend flights, both on the long-haul leg and the domestic connection to Kalibo.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting your trip by even a few days can make a noticeable difference to the total fare, so check the When to book chart above for the cheapest windows.
- Compare airlines and routings: Since there's no direct UK-Kalibo flight, comparing different Manila connections, and even flying into Kalibo but out via nearby Caticlan (or vice versa), can uncover worthwhile savings.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders can enter the Philippines visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for tourism purposes, provided your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and you hold a return or onward ticket. The local currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP), though it's worth carrying some pounds or US dollars to exchange on arrival. No specific vaccinations are mandatory for UK travellers, but it's sensible to check current NHS travel health advice before you go, and to pack insect repellent given the tropical climate.