Banga

Welcome to Banga, Aklan, a charming inland municipality where pottery, rivers, and rich traditions mold a community full of heart! Nestled just a short drive from Kalibo, Banga is a peaceful gem that blends rural simplicity with cultural pride. With its famous earthenware, scenic riverside spots, and warm-hearted locals, this town is more than just a name, it’s an experience waiting to be shaped!

• Aklan State University (ASU) – A major academic institution in the region and a proud symbol of Banganhon excellence.
• Tigayon Hill and Caves – Located nearby, this natural attraction boasts panoramic views, mysterious caves, and deep-rooted history.
• Banga River and Bamboo Rafting Spots – Chill by the riverbank or go for a scenic bamboo raft ride through tranquil waters surrounded by nature.
• Traditional Pottery Workshops – Watch master potters shape “banga” jars the old-fashioned way, with skilled hands and centuries of tradition.

Banga is synonymous with craftsmanship. The town’s name comes from the iconic “banga” (clay pot), which is still handcrafted by local artisans today. The culture is steeped in community life, ancestral traditions, and a deep love for the land. Farming, fishing, and pottery aren’t just livelihoods, they’re legacies.

Locals speak Aklanon, one of the Visayan languages, with a melody of Tagalog and English. A warm “Mayad nga adlaw!” (Good day!) is the best way to start a conversation with the ever-friendly Banganhons.

• Binakol – A chicken soup cooked in coconut water with native herbs
• Inubarang Manok – Chicken stewed with banana pith and coconut milk
• Baye-Baye – A sweet rice delicacy made with grated young coconut
• Seafood Dishes – Thanks to nearby coastal trade, expect fresh crabs, shrimp, and bangus on the table
  Don’t forget to try local vinegar aged in earthen jars, spicy, tangy, and distinctly Banganhon!

• Banga Festival (April) – The town’s pride-filled celebration of its pottery heritage, complete with street dancing, exhibits, and colorful parades
• Ati-Atihan (nearby Kalibo) – Though held in the capital, Banga locals join in this massive, music-filled tribal festival honoring Señor Santo Niño
• Town Fiesta (May 20) – A religious and social event where everyone gathers to eat, sing, dance, and give thanks

Banga’s musical scene echoes traditional drumbeats, folk tunes, and community singing during festivals. During the Ati-Atihan season, expect high-energy tribal percussion, chanting, and colorful costumes parading through town.

• Traditional clay pot (“banga”) making
• Academic excellence at Aklan State University
• Riverside tourism and bamboo rafting
• Rich Aklanon traditions and hospitality
• Proximity to Kalibo and Ati-Atihan energy