Boracay Island

Last March, we were able to travel to the island of Boracay in the Province of Aklan. It was just timely since its the start of summer here in the Philippines and we needed a place to relax and savor the essence of the sun, sand and at the same time have fun.

Boracay Island is located in the Western Visayas (Region IV) of the Philippines. Most tourists who go there would often take airplanes from major cities within the country (Manila, Cebu, Davao and Cagayan de Oro City, though in the latter city, there is not direct flight yet to Aklan). You could just arranged your tickets online vie Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines/Philippine Airlines and/or Zest Air Philippines.

White Beach Front, Boracay Island

at the airport

There are two airports in the Province of Aklan. The bigger one is in Kalibo (about 90 minutes ride towards the Caticlan Jetty Port) and the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, usually referred to as the Caticlan Domestic Airport, which is about 10 minutes towards the port.

You can either take a trike or walk. From the jetty port, you will have to ride a ferry onwards the island itself.

 Fees range from about P50 pesos boat ticket, P75 environmental fee, plus terminal/port fee of about P25-P30 each person.





If you're a group travelling, you would just need about P1000 (including the environmental fees) for the overall fare from the airport-boat-trike to your hotel or lodging and back to the airport. 

ferry boats at Caticlan Jetty Port

the main street in the island

On the island, general transportation is using trike/tricycle which you can negotiate to be about P50 to P75 per trip (not per head) to wherever you want to go. If you're lodging is on the beach front, you will have to ride the tricycle only from the port to your lodging area. And walk the rest of the way. For those who are accommodated on high end hotels, such as those located on Station 1, they often have their own vans to ferry their customers to and from the port area.

inside the trike

fish, prawn and lobster

The island offers a variety of delicacies on sea-foods. If you fancy prawns or lobster, its there. You may even have your photo taken beside one if you like. :D Most of the restaurants offer an eat-all-you-can variety ranging from P190-P300 per person each meal. There are also several "tiangge"-like stores in the vicinity of D-Mall, the entry point to the White Beach front. You can buy swim wears, hats, shorts, slippers, dresses, or even enjoy a spa or a salon. There are also ATMs within the area if ever you need to cash in on some things. :D The cellular/mobile reception is good for Smart, Sun and Globe connections. There are also internet cafe's for those who would want to check on their emails or social networking sites. :P

we have to negotiate for outfit the next day

D-Mall Walkway

at the walk way of D-Mall

Along Station 2

 The locations within the White Beach Front are divided into 3: Station 1, where high end accommodations are mostly located along with several bars as well; Station 2, where the middle priced range accommodations are located and are near most of the restaurants and bars, thus a bit noisy especially at night, where the fun starts (for those who love the night life :D); and Station 3, where the cheapest (among the 3 stations)

Guilly's Island Bar at Station 1

accommodations are located(or so they say) but for me, its somewhat the same though there can be a few differences on the figures every now and then. If you are the type who would rather want to find the restaurant once you get out of your room or hotel or if you are after the night life, then you stay on Station 2. If you prefer a quieter stay, choose either Stations 1 or 3.

one of the other ATM machines

The island also offers a variety of water sports such as para-sailing, diving, kite and wind surfing. There are also nature adventure packages if you prefer. They also have the banana boat ride, the island hopping, snorkeling and the helmet diving, which can be enjoyed by beginners or those who may not know how to swim that much. :D The prices range from P400 to P1500 depending on your negotiation skills especially if you are in a group and would want to enjoy the same activity together. It can be cheaper. :D

As for me and my group, we went there to rather enjoy the island as it is. To see and experience what this beach paradise has to offer. When you stroll at noon time, when the sun is high up in the sky, the beach water is cold. I preferred walking on the sand barefoot with the waves brushing my feet in every step i make. We strolled the whole strip of the white beach front, covering the 3 stations. Then we settled on Station 2, to  dip into the water.

behind me is Station 1

dipping in the water

I mostly enjoyed seeing the different sails going about on the sea. Especially during the afternoon, when most of our white-skinned brothers and sisters would stay on the sand, basking on the sun's glory, i much enjoyed the lull of the sea and the sail boats. I enjoyed taking several photos of the beach and the sea in general.

night time stroll

At night, we ate at Oriental House Restaurant at Station 2. It's near Pizza Hut...so we were actually arguing if we eat at Pizza Hut or on the Korean Restaurant. :D But there are also other alternatives of you don't want to eat on restaurants. Along the D-Mall, there is a section where they call the "Market" because it is where sea foods (and fruits) are sold: squid, lobsters, prawns, fishes, etc. We ate one time at a somewhat "cooking" house (that's what i call it) because they will provide you with rice and the utensils and drinks (soda, beer, water, juices) but you will be the one to go and buy in the market what you want to eat. They will cook it in the style that you prefer. It was an experience and it's a bit cheaper since we are a big group than eating on a restaurant.

fresh squid made adobo style

fire dancers at Regency Hotel Bar

Pizza Hut

afternoon leisure

So basically, the island gives you that feeling of a more relaxed atmosphere where you won't even be conscious of the time. It's like you just want to stay by the beach, lay there and enjoy the serenity of the water brushing against your feet and the wet sand on your back, as you gaze up towards the sky, checking out the cloud formations or sitting up to enjoy the sunset view...time seems to slow down. :D