By: Kyle Macolbacol
Towering trees, pondering waves of water, breezes from the paddy fields, and breathtaking views of prairie grass at dusk— a painting? Nah. This is what brings you to Numancia.
Numancia is a 4th class municipality in the province of Aklan, Philippines, bounded on the east by Kalibo. It is dubbed as the home of the best-tasting lechon in the province; hence, taking pride in being known as the “Lechon Capital of Aklan.” But as you can see, Numancia is more than that, for it also boasts a number of scenic attractions that will guarantee you to have fun.
Thus, in this article, you will know more about the 7 worth-visiting places in Numancia that you need to put in your itinerary once you plan to visit Aklan.
7. Numancia Town Plaza
If you’re looking for fun without breaking the bank, we have a solution for that.
Located in the heart of the town, Poblacion has a small plaza which is meant to have many cost-effective activities to keep visitors of all ages active and engaged for an entire day. With stalls of cheap street food everywhere, and a wide space convenient for sports enthusiasts, you will not bore yourself while staying in this public space. But you know what? There’s still more to this plaza that you would definitely enjoy!
 |
| Photo: Kyle Macolbacol |
With all the things that the town plaza has to offer, this is the right place for you to go.
6. Parish of St. Joseph the Worker
 |
| Photo: Kyle Macolbacol |
If the town plaza has a busy, bustling vibe, this one has a more serene atmosphere. Compared to a public space, this, however, is a sacred place where Christians can pray and worship. Just adjacent to Numancia town plaza lies a church that was built all to honor the town’s patron saint, Saint Joseph The Worker.
In a Roman Catholic’s Lenten tradition (Visita Iglesia), pilgrimage locations in Aklan are expected to draw the tourists’ attention. As a result, the Parish of St. Joseph the Worker in Numancia is often visited by devout Catholics. Why so?
This church is a place of solemn worship. It has a modern looking façade with a touch of Spanish architecture. Upon entering, you can see both the statues of Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary standing proudly on both sides of the church’s pathway. It also has a parish office located on the left side, and just next to it is the grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On the other hand, you will immediately see at the center aisle of the church the Risen Christ on crucifix, and behind it is a wall made of gray bricks. The church’s other features are the high ceilings, choir loft, and simply its modern interior.
5. Aeta Village
Aetas are Filipino indigenous people who are thought to be among the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines. This indigenous group is found scattered in the archipelago, whereas one of the remaining Aeta settlements in Panay can be seen in the province of Aklan.
 |
| Photo: Numancia Mpsmu |
In the secluded area of barangay Bulwang in Numancia, there is a small community inhabited by a group of Aetas. This community is composed of more than 10 neighboring native houses of nipa hut or “payag” as they call it. Turns out, this place is the oldest Aeta village in the province of Aklan. Although there is no accurate date on when the village was created, one thing is for sure, you would not regret visiting this community and know more about their contemporary lifestyle.
4. Clustered Century-Old Acacia Trees in Albasan
 |
| Photo: Kristine Sumugat |
Looking for an outdoor place that will definitely impress a date? Although this may seem like a strange recommendation, Albasan Elementary School may be able to solve your problem.
Albasan Elementary School boasts their rare cluster of Acacia trees that have been well preserved for over a century already. These trees were planted during the American regime with the aim of improving the appearance of the school. Seventeen Acacia trees were initially planted, but only fourteen of them withstood a number of storms including Super Typhoon Frank and Yolanda.
According to the locals, these Acacia trees are of a big help especially during the summer season since they can be used as a shelter against the harsh sun and its fresh air can dissipate the heat. It is also a common sight for nature lovers who would like to stroll around the trees, and an ideal spot for a peaceful picnic date.
 |
| Photo: Luke Calizo Gonzales |
To go there, it would only take 6 minutes by any type of transportation from Poblacion. You just have to go near the police station where Albasan tricycle drivers await you to ride and take you to Albasan Elementary School, then voila! You can finally experience the lush landscape of trees with enormous height and sturdy wood in the vast land of the school compound.
So what do you think? This might be the sign for you to visit the shades of Albasan.
3. Navitas Beach Resort
 |
| Photo: Rachel Joy Dalupang |
Pebbly and sandy beaches are still a must-visit to many, with fruity cocktails additionally making an appearance on a lot of people’s bucket list.
Just a 10-minute tricycle ride from Poblacion, Numancia, a beach can be seen, but here’s one fun fact about it: the beach features its black sand!
Situated along the coastline of barangay Navitas, with its clear shoreline and gentle hum of waves, Navitas Beach Resort is the perfect spot for you to let your worries wash away with the tides.
 |
| Photo: Runel Aguirre |
You can swim, lie on the black sand, paddle in the water and squish the sand between your toes for free! It’s a paradise to ignite feelings, rekindle friendship and enjoy quality time together without stressing over the fee.
However, if you opt to occupy one of the picnic huts and cottages around the beach, you need to pay for the rental fee, and might as well bring your own food, then voila! Everything is set.
So what are you waiting for? Come and appreciate the spectacular views of beach scenery with your cherished ones in Navitas Beach Resort. Having a beach escapade here is quite satisfying already, though, make sure you plan your trip well and in proper weather conditions.
2. Katunggan Beach Sports Bar and Restaurant
 |
| Photo: Katunggan Beach Sports Bar & Restaurant FB page |
Katunggan became popular for its bridge with colorful flags facing the front beach, and its iconic center cottage designed to have a glimpse of the seashore’s scenic view. Since many netizens living nearby update their Facebook feeds with attached pictures of this fine-dining restaurant, many have also been curious of where it can be found.
With that being said, Katunggan is nestled on the pristine coast of Navitas and is located just a few meters away from the Navitas Beach Resort. It features an aesthetic and environmentally friendly bamboo interior, with an extensive color palette of decorative columns, bars, and other surfaces.
But aside from the stunning, picturesque view of this restaurant, you can also enjoy their mouthwatering Filipino cuisines such as: Chop Suey, Pork Sisig, Calamares, Pinakbet, Bulalo, Tinolang Isda, Baked Talaba, and grilled seafood. Fruity cocktails and alcoholic beverages are also available at an affordable price.
If you’re up for some relaxing time with your loved ones, Katunggan is the place to be. You can stroll around the restaurant’s wide space of picnic huts, and spend some time with the nearby beach as the backdrop.
Photo: Katunggan Beach Sports Bar & Restaurant FB Page
It opens daily from 7AM to 8PM, so don’t miss the chance. Everyone else is updating their social media feeds — but nothing beats the first hand feeling as you try different food while watching the sunset by the beach.
1. Doña Crispina Beach Resort and Hotel
A simple yet worthwhile stay at a secluded hotel while being able to see the panoramic view of a peaceful beach at its backyard — only Doña Crispina situated nearby to Albasan River can serve you such.
Photo: Doña Crispina Beach Resort and Hotel FB page
Doña Crispina offers a comfortable stay for a weary traveler at an affordable price. Their rooms are small but they are well-maintained and air-conditioned. If you want to experience the novelty of being able to dine in your own room, rest assured that you can also rely upon the hotel’s room service with your choice of meals.
Moreover, you can make use of the resort’s amenities such as: free Wi-Fi hotspots, smoking and non-smoking rooms, bar, lounge, business center, and parking space. There is also a nearby beach which is just right for vacation, weekend getaway, or merely for relaxation.
Photo: Doña Crispina Beach Resort and Hotel FB page
To get there, you will need to call ahead for reservations and they will gladly accompany you.
Amidst the busy crowds of people walking across the bustling streets of Numancia, lies the cultivated fields, green leafy trees, and beaches that are equally captivating. It’s more than just a town in Aklan, as you can also immerse in its famous attractions for a quick escape. That’s why, put Numancia in your travel bucket list once you plan to unwind, for it is the perfect spot where relaxation is yours alone.