In my blog post featuring Puerto Galera, I must admit that I went over the edge and deviated from the real game plan of this blog. From the beginning, I promised to give you “painless and trouble-free” source of information, and yet there was I wasting your time with my long essay.

So, here’s the good news: I’ve decided to make my succeeding posts regarding RP’s top destinations in a more simple approach. This, because I think that the true sentiments of readers is to obtain “real” information delivered in a not-so-puffed-up way.

Our featured beach of the day is one that I personally consider as a must-see for my kababayan and for course for tourists. Friends, welcome to Boracay!

The Island

Boracay comes from the local word “borac” which means cotton. It seems appropriate to describe its sand quality. “Bora,” as referred to by locals today, is a tropical island situated approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas Region of my country, the Philippines. It’s specifically nestled at the province of Aklan [famous for its Ati-Atihan Festival] that became an independent province in April 25, 1956. Its original settlers were believed to be members of the Ati tribe.

Boracay has two (2) primary beaches. The first is one is called “White Beach” which is famous for its fine, powdery. This is the part of the island where you can find a long strip of resorts, hotels, private houses, lodging houses, bars and other tourism establishments. This is actually where you can get down and dirty (Lol!). The other one is called “Bulabog” and this is the island’s main windsurfing and kiteboarding area.

Today, locals and foreigners alike consider it as one of the best beaches in the country.

The Discovery


Despite the breathtaking and hard-to-miss profile of Boracay, it was only discovered in the 70’s by no less than a foreign movie crew, others say. Meanwhile, others claimed that it was the German traveler, Jens Peter’s book that turned Boracay into one of the best island get-aways in Asia and perhaps in the entire world. In the 1980’s, the beach gained more popularity especially for backpackers – group of adventurers and budget travelers who go trekking during the day and retire anywhere at nighttime.

Accommodations

During the early stages of the Boracay sensation, accommodations were crude and rudimentary. Foreigners would only opt for bamboo huts and spend the night with their kerosene lamps and candles. There was no means of communication.

Today, Boracay has more than 350+ resorts and with more than 2,000 rooms over-all which range in quality from 5-star to budget accommodations. Rates should be between 45US$-300US$. Rates change depending on the season.

According to HotelTravel.Com, the top 10 Boracay resorts and hotels according to standard are: Asya Resort, Boracay Tropics, Discovery Shores, Paradise Bay, Boracay Gold Crowne, Boracay Red Coconut, Boracay Regency, Fridays Boracay, Jony’s, and Le Soleil de Boracay.

How to get there

Guests can reach Boracay through air, land and water. Here’s how:

Air

• Regardless whether you’re coming from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) or from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, you can take a flight to Boracay either via Kalibo (45 mins) or via Caticlan (30-40mins)


• From Kalibo airport, you can take air-conditioned vans or passenger buses to take you to Caticlan Jetty Port where there will be boats waiting to take you to the island.


• If you opted to land at Caticlan airport, you can ride motorized tricycles to take you to Jetty Port.


• From Jetty Port, it would take 15-20mins to get to the island

Land

• From Manila, there are available buses and cars that take the Manila-Southern provinces route by virtue of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway.


• They have segments that reaches Caticlan by ferry


• Ride either Bachelor Express and Philtranco

Water

• You can catch a ferry ride from Manila to Caticlan


• The journey should take between 12-16 minutes


• Choose between MBRS, Negros Navigation and Super Ferry

Top 10 things to do

If you really want to enjoy your vacation the Boracay way, you can do the following:

• Visit the Bat Caves – this is found on the village of Yapak


• Visit the Dead Forest – if you’re into some kind of “dark” adventure, here’s what you need to see.


• Go diving – don’t be shy, go find more wonders under the sea


• Go horse riding – feeling like the real Casanova? There are stables near White Beach


• Visit the Kar-Tir Museum – located at the village of Ilig-Iligan. Here you can find lot’s of Pinoy hand-crafted items


• Have a massage – what’s enjoyment without relaxation?


• Party around and experience the nightlife – dance under the moonlight and get crazy


• Try parasailing – scan the island from the top view


• Try windsurfing – Boracay is home to the Boracay Annual International Funboard Cup held every January


• Of course go swimming! – Do I need to say more?

Tips

• If you don’t want a very crowded beach and you’re on a tight budget, the best time to go is between July and November


• If you want to spend your Christmas in the island, book early


• Going to Boracay is a long journey, try to wear something comfortable


• Aside from dollars, bring some cash in our currency, the Philippine Peso


• Credit cards are also accepted


• Don’t forget to bring your beach must-haves, hat, beach towels, sunglasses, camera, etc.


• Banks are open from 9am-3pm


• Be prepared for power failures
  

That’s about it guys. I hope you enjoy this read. Remember, there are lots of travel agencies that could help you with your accommodations in Bora. Don’t hesitate to contact them for more information.

See you around!