It's More Fun In The Philippines: Boracay Island
Turquoise seas and crystal clear waters. Pristine white sand so fine, its texture is comparably close to flour (yes, flour you cook and bake with!)
Boracay Island is an escape to paradise to both foreigners and the people of the Philippines. Its enchanting white beaches and crystalline waters is what entices tourists to getaway on the island.
Over the past 15 years, Boracay went from an almost virgin island, with very few buildings and stores, to a number one tourist attraction - and of course more and more establishments have been built in order to accommodate the leisure and tourism. One of the many great things about Boracay is the variety of accommodations it offers. A number of private resorts are available for those who prefer a peaceful and more luxurious stay, as well as a countless amount of backpackers' lodges, apartments, affordable hotels and so much more.
Boracay Island also known as 'Bora' to the Filipino people, has become especially famous for its nightlife. The white beach strip in the evening is full of a variety of entertainment: raves, dancing, karaoke, live bands - you name it. The strip of entertainment is over a mile long, so there is no doubt you won't be able to find something and somewhere that best suits you. For those who enjoy a more relaxed evening, there are many spots that offer a more chilled out vibe. Fairy lights, bean bags and Shisha on the beach? Ice cream, Halo-Halo, cheese powdered French fries, rice, pizza - you name it: everything and anything is available any time of the day/ night.
It is almost so difficult to describe the pure infatuation this island gives off to its people and its tourists (No wonder why I keep coming back). Last year, when I visited Boracay, I stayed in a backpacker's lodge and did the most adventurous and spontaneous things. Island hopping is a must if its your first time in Boracay, as there are a number of islands close to the white beach. This includes Puka beach, Crocodile Island, Magic Island, Crystal Cove and so much more. And here, you're able to do crazy things that probably didn't exist on your bucket list, until you were face to face with activities such as diving off an island cliff, into the deep blue. Or scuba diving with killer whales. Or perhaps zip lining over paradise? Who would of ever knew that you would do be able to do such things, all in one place?
My recent visit to Boracay Island, I must say was the most relaxing and luxurious. Staying at Fairways and Bluewater Newcoast Boracay Resort became my haven, and in all honesty, I didn't even know luxury until my stay at this upscale resort.
This 4 star resort has 9 stunningly designed pools: most of which had a theme of an infinity drop. There were a countless amount of accommodations that they were separated in its own villa-like-hotels, and because there were so many villas - there was a 24 hour access for a driver or caddy to transport you wherever you wanted within the resort. I cannot describe in words how luxurious this stay was, and the resort even had its own private beach which in my opinion is far more enjoyable than the Boracay white beach, which seems pretty busy with people.
How to get to Boracay Island:
From Manila Airport, there are many domestic airlines that fly to Caticlan (the nearest airport to the Island) or Kalibo Airport. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific travel frequently to both airports.
From Caticlan Airport:
There are car services as soon as you arrive. For 800 pesos per person, this transport package includes a car service to the port. The 800 pesos also covers the fees and tax for the boat you will have to catch to take you to Boracay white beach. When you arrive to the island, there is also another car service to drop you to your accommodation. For 800 pesos, this seems a very decent price to some, especially tourists. However, there are cheaper and in honestly, much easier transportations.
For less than 400 pesos per person, you can get a tricycle from the airport to the port (which is less than 5 minutes away). You can pay the boat fee and terminal tax for under 100 pesos per person. The boat ride from the port to Boracay Island is a 15 to 20 minute journey, depending on how strong the waves are. And once you arrive on the Island, you can ride a tricycle to Station 1, 2 and 3, where there are plenty of accommodations. You get to experience the true Filipino style of Island commuting, whilst saving more than half of what you would have spent on private transport packages.