WORLD ▫ ASIA ▫ PHILIPPINES
▫ BORACAY
Boracay is a fantastic tropical island about an hour's flight from Manila in the Philippines. Its long white sand beaches rival the best beaches of more popular destinations such as the Caribbean, the South Pacific as well as neighboring Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Facilities are available to suit different levels of activity. For those wanting to just lounge around and take in some rays, beach-front hotels usually have lounge chairs set up just a few steps away from the hotel entrances. Facilities for the usual water sports activities such as wind surfing, snorkeling, diving and jet skiing are also widely available for those in search of more active pursuits. The fun in Boracay also doesn't end when the sun sets. Boracay nightlife is pulsating with many bars and restaurants serving food, drink and fun until the very late evening. Get in
The port of entry for Boracay Island is the small town of Caticlan on the mainland. Outrigger boats or "bancas" leave every few minutes from Caticlan's jetty port. The short boat trip to Boracay's jetty port at Cagban cost 20 Pesos. Tourists have to pay a terminal fee of 20 Pesos and an environmental fee of 50 pesos. By airThe local airport, a short boat ride from Boracay, is Caticlan, which is served by several airlines, most flying from Manila. The airstrip is very short and only propeller planes can land there. The following airlines serve Caticlan: South East Asian Airlines (SEAir)Asian SpiritInterisland AirlinesCebu Pacific AirCorporate AirWith the exception of Inter-island Airlines, all flights between Manila and Caticlan use propeller planes. Flight times range from 35 minutes to 1 hour. Asian Spirit and South East Asian Airlines (SEAir) also fly between Caticlan and Cebu City, and between Caticlan and Angeles/Clark International Airport. South East Asian Airlines (SEAir) flies a seasonal route between Caticlan and Coron on Busuanga Island in Palwan Province. Many airlines advertising flights to Boracay will actually fly you to Kalibo (which has a larger airport) which is a minimum 90-minute bus ride away, depending on traffic. It is often recommended among experienced travelers to fly to Caticlan so as to avoid the bus ride, coming and going. Many travel agents won't inform you of this option, however, for whatever reason. Airlines which fly to Kalibo: Philippine AirlinesCebu PacificFlights to and from Manila to Kalibo are on jet planes. Flight time is 1 hour. Airline fares vary, generally in the $50 to $100 range for each leg. Keep a lookout for special rates posted at the respective travel office adjoining the domestic terminal in Manila. Luggage over 10kg will probably cost you extra. By boatBoats operated by MBRS, and leave Manila's port for Caticlan either once or twice a week, depending on the season. Also, Negros Navigation operates seasonal trips and anchors a few miles off-shore from Boracay's White Beach. By busPhiltranco coaches leave regularly throughout the day from Cubao, Manila for Mindanao, passing Caticlan on the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. The journey takes 12 hours. Get around
Most visitors opt for motorized tricycles, which act as the island's taxis and make up most of its traffic. Rides are inexpensive, usually no more than P200 to any point on the island from White Beach and much less for shorter rides, and can be found almost anywhere along the main road.Short rides, say from D'Mall to Station 3 or from Station 1 to Station 3, are a standard rate of 7 pesos but expect the tricycle driver to ask for 20 pesos or more if you look like a foreigner.Scooters provide the best flexibility at a reasonable price. The downside is having to deal with island traffic which can be unnerving for visitors unused to the aggressive tricycle drivers.Mountain bikes are also available for rent at several locations along White Beach, which is off limits to motorized vehicles.To explore around the island, rent a native sailboat (paraw) or motorized outrigger (banca) and visit the many beaches of Boracay.See
White Beach - This is what most people are here for. Not only is it a lovely stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, it's also the commercial center of the island. A stretched grove of shady palm trees separates the beach from the line of restaurants, cafes, bars, internet cafes, shops, bakeries, etc. There is lots of room to stretch out on the beach with your sarong or you can rent a reclining chair from one of the vendors where they will be happy to keep you filled with food and drinks. Most people opt for the shade and tend to hang out under the palm trees.Puka Beach - A quiet stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island, Puka Beach is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. This is where locals gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island so expect the sand to be more coarse than on White Beach. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter. Similarly, there are fewer services -- at last count there was one restaurant but you likely won't have a problem getting a cold drink or an ice cream as there are a few vendors that patrol the beach. The main road in Boracay terminates at Puka Beach therefore you'll be able to hire a tricycle to get there in less than 10-15 minutes from central White Beach. Make sure you arrange a pickup if it is a quiet day and no tricycles are hanging around the beach. Most people experience Puka as one of their sailboat or banca stops during a day trip. This is a good spot for a picnic, but be sure to bring your trash home with you.Baling Hai Beach - This is a quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views from the clifftop restaurant. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour.The Bat Cave. One will see in several tour guides and maps of Boracay something called the Bat Cave, which houses many giant fruit bats, and locals will be more than happy to accompany you there for a fee, or "tip". The cave is on the western-end or the island and down several dirt roads. The guide will then take you on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave that drops down at a very steep angle. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders, and it is extremely difficult to enter and walk down. There is no visible path, no handrail, and the stones are extremely slipperey with slime and bat guano and is extremely dangerous, especially since the cave is at such an extreme angle. Also, the air inside the cave is very warm and humid, and in addition to the amount of guano, is very difficult to breathe. Caution should be taken by those visiting and entering the cave. There are bats in the cave, but down at the bottom of it in the dark, and unless you have a flashlight or are there at dusk, you won't see them. The ceiling of the cave is interesting, however, with multiple, small stalactites. Upon leaving, you will be asked for 200 Peso entry-fee on behalf of the family that owns the land, in addition to paying your guide.Do
It is worth hiring motorbikes or scooters out to explore the island, as there are other beautiful beaches on the other side of the island that are even better for snorkeling that will be completely deserted. Hire them for a couple of days and you should get a discount. The roads are a bit dodgy, and some are still being constructed, but it's a good laugh and better than plunking yourself on a patch of white sand and seeing nothing. If you happen to be lying on the beach though definitely have a massage and manicure. Take a boat around the island, with lunch included which is only a couple of hundred pesos for the afternoon.Horse riding is a fun activity in Boracay - get off the beaten path and experience native villages and scenery most other visitors don't get to see. All levels of experience are catered to. Ask a tricycle to take you to the Boracay Horse Riding Stables.Try rock climbing at D'Wall Climbing Gym, an outdoor rock climbing gym located at D'Mall near Boat Station 2.Scuba divingFor those interested in Scuba Diving, there are approximately 20 Dive Centres along White Sands beach; it is a good place to learn or to improve your skills. Cost is typically $33 per dive which includes hire of all equipment. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10-15 minutes speed boat ride from the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. Dives range from 'Angol Point' (10m), through 'Crocodile Island' (22-25m), a straightforward wall dive, up to 'Yapak'- a deep wall dive suitable for only the most experienced divers due to strong currents, although there is the possibility of seeing sharks and stingrays. Adventure Philippines if you want to experience the beautiful underwater world around Boracay, we will organize all trips for you in cooperation with Boracay Scuba Boat toursThe best way to see the beauty of Boracay and it`s various beaches is by Paraw - that's what the local sailboats are called in the Philippines. A sailing tour with The Red Pirates is a must in Boracay. You will find their red paraw (native sailboat) in Angol at the southern end of White Beach. The place is called The Red Pirates Pub. It is a beautiful spot with a very unique driftwood garden under high coconut trees. Enjoy your drink, meet other travelers from around the globe and watch one of the most spectacular sunsets in Asia. Cap. Joey will bring you to a secluded beach for a beach BBQ and he will show you the best spots around Boracay`s shores for snorkeling. Edit 02/07: After the strong taifun from December 06 the famous red paraw is currently being rebuilt. But sailing tours with the Pirates crew are still available on an alternative boat.KiteboardingBoracay's Bulabog beach is known as the best kitesurf destination in Asia. The season runs from November through to March with onshore winds varying between 18-30 knots. Boracay Island, one of the most beautiful places in the world has been a prime kite-and windsurfing destination for 20 years. the last two of its 18 years have seen the inclusion of freestyle, speed trial and "hang time" events for kiting, with plans to expand in future. peak season, when the "amihan" wind blows, usually December to March, can see the lagoon alive with the vibrant hues of windsurf sails and kites belonging to the enthusiasts from around the globe. during the "habagat" season, the white beach side is home of the kite-boarders from June to November. Philippine Adventures — provides tailor-made packages to Boracay for toursits wishing to experience the kiteboarding on Bulabug Beach. Freestyle Academy — offers a various of courses starts with a taste( 1,5-2 hours) for US$ 60.00. Adventure Philippines — if you want to experience outdoor adventures, all extreme sports like kiteboarding, climbing or white-water rafting on Panay Island we will organize it for you. SkimboardingSkimboarding in Boracay has been a new fun sport for kids and entertainment for older for people for several years. It is a welcome new attraction and a pleasure to watch. Skimboards are available for rent at several places along White Beach. Massage/Spa
BudgetAlong White Beach you will be approached frequently by women offering to give you a massage, which they will do on the spot or on a towel laid out on the beach - your choice.A bit more organized, White Beach also has several "Massage Stations": collections of masseurs that have their mats set up. The stations are typically open as long as there are customers around but general start to shut down just after sunset.For Swedish, Accupressure, Shiatsu etc, visit Abe (pronounced Abby) the blind masseur who operates outside Cocoloco restaurant in Angol (south of boat station 3). Only P300 per hour.There is a great outdoor massage station in the beach area of Nigi Nigi Beach Resort, where they have two tables set up. The booth is draped with curtains which they will close if you wish, or leave open if you want to watch the people on the beach. They offer every massage in the book, and charge 500 Peso for one hour.Mid-rangeThere are several smaller/mid-range spas in Boracay that offer a menu including massages, scrubs and facials but don't quite have the facilities to be considered a full spa. Most hotels in Boracay offer a limited spa menu that falls into this category.SplurgeCeasar's, found along the main road near boat station 3, specializes in Thai massage and uses two masseurs simultaneously to deliver the service. A 90 minute massage is priced at $50 USD.Mandala Spa — is typically found near the top of the list of world spas. Situated at the top of a hill, Mandala offers everything from one hour massages (single and couple) to body scrubs, wraps, facials, baths and four hour packages that combine it all. Expect to pay $175 USD for the full four-hour prince/princess treatment. Mandala Spa also rents out rooms to visitors to Boracay, which are built and furnished in traditional tropical style and overlook the island and White Beach. Advance reservations required.Tirta SPA — found in Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc, area. Indian treatments in a stunning environment for an affordable price. Friendly and helpful staff.Buy
Along White Beach, there is a wide variety of gift shops and boutiques along the beach path and in D*Mall. In addition to the crowded stalls that you expect in Asia, Boracay also has several high-end stores including clothing, art and household items. Some places will permit you to haggle, others have a fixed pricing system with price tags. Shop around as prices vary. Outside of White Beach, the shopping becomes sparse or non-existent. While walking or laying on the sand, anywhere on Boracay, you'll be approached to buy a variety of items including jewelery made of shells, fresh fruit, ice cream, sunglasses or a massage. Boracay Books — Located in Plazoleta near Station 2 on White Beach. Boracay Books sells books, magazines and maps. As no beach holiday is complete without a good book, you might be making several trips to this delightful little shop.Shell jewelry — similar to what you can find elsewhere in the world, the jewelry made of shells is popular as for the most part it is made locally from shells found on Puka Beach.ATMsThere are only 4 ATMs on the entire island for the 16,000 inhabitants plus tourists, and when they run out of cash, they are not refilled until the next business day. On weekends and holidays it is even worse, as the ATM's might go several days without being refilled. On paydays one will also see very long lines at the ATM's, and be aware that not every ATM accepts every card. One might only accept cards with the Visa logo, and not the MasterCard logo, so before standing in line for two hours, be sure it accepts your card. Also, be prepared for a very long wait in line, as many Boracay natives seem to do all their banking at the ATM, spending what seems like an unusual amount of time at it. The best solution is to bring travelers checks or plenty of cash. Also, many establishments, including the tricycles, cannot break a bill over 500 peso (around $10), so it pays to always have small bills. VendorsDuring peak tourist season, there are literally hundreds of Muslim vendors from Mindanao (Muslim Vendors Association) who walk White Beach and try to get tourists to go on boat rides, scuba diving or snorkeling excursions, jet ski rides, etc., for which they are paid a commission. Some carry racks of sunglasses with them, which they try to sell. These vendors are everywhere, and it doesn't matter if you are walking down the beach, lying on it, sunbathing, eating at a sidewalk restaurant, or lounging in a hammock outside your hotel, they will come up and start bothering you, asking "Jet Ski? Parasail? Scuba? Sailboat? Sunglasses?" and waving a laminated card in your face. Normally, one has to tell them several times to go away, and it isn't long before another approaches. Many hotels and restaurants have "No Vendors" signs posted, but to little avail. The activity is illegal, but local police do nothing to stop it unless a complaint is made. After several days, one may find the vendors extremely irritating, as instead of enjoying a nice meal relaxing on your vacation, you will find yourself constantly waving away and avoiding vendors. They will even come up and start tugging on a tourist's shirt sleeve, while he or she is trying to take a picture. One may see a fed-up tourist walking in a T-shirt that said "No Scuba! No Jet Ski! No Sunglasses!. Vendors are not allowed in the D*Mall. Boracay and its tourist guests would benefit greatly if they removed the vendors from White Beach. There are also children walking the beach selling mango slices, bananas, etc., but they are not affiliated with the vendors, and are instead children of the poor, native "jungle people", as the local inhabitants call them. There are not many of them and they don't bother the tourists. Eat
Because of its wide draw of international travellers, Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat, including a surprising number of bakeries. Aloja Delicatessen was for many years the only Deli on the island. A Loja Deli, working hand in hand with Heidiland Deli, caters today more to the wholesale market, but offers also a nice quiet place to eat sausages, sandwiches and drink wine in a quiet garden, away from the crowded front beach area. Wholesale prices also apply to visitors who buy in bulk.Aria in "D' Mall". Delicious Italian food. If they don't give you the spicy olive oil bottle on the side for your custom made pizza make sure you ask for it.Arwana Coffee Shop (near station 3) is one of the nicest spots in the area for a tasty breakfast at a beachside table Barracuda Snack Bar is near boat station 2Blue Mango, near station 3, comes highly recommended. There are some interesting mango-inspired creations on the menu too.Cocoloco bar/restaurant near boat station 3 serves great Filipino and International cuisine in an attractive native-style setting.Crafts Rooftop Bar are rumored to serve the most authentic English breakfast on the island.Crafty's Rooftop Bar and Coffee Shop is located on the top level of the new Crafts Superstore at D' Mall's main road entrance. The deli sandwiches and salads are delicious, and there is a wide selection of imported beers and ales. This is a great place to watch the sunset.Cyma, in the new part of the mall. Excellent food and service at this Greek restaurant. Try the Mezedes Combination, the Spinach and Artichoke Fondue and the Chicken Souvlaki.Dos Mestizos This restaurant is the brainchild of respected Boracay chef & restauranteur Binggoy Remedios and his close childhood friend, Jose Ramon Valdes Nieto. Both owners have Spanish ancestors, hence the name "Dos Mestizos". This restaurant serves a selection of excellent Tapas dishes and is located between boat stations 2 and 3, behind the Tourist Center.Heidiland Deli - Next to the main plaza at the D'Mall Phase IV is a fully air-conditioned European style Deli selling all kinds of Deli food as cheeses, cold cuts, salami, yoghurt, wines and much more. Famous are the reasonably priced sandwiches.Hey Jude, in front of D'Mall, serves good pizza and bistro style food. The beef kebabs are a must-try.Jonas Fruitshake in Station 1. Their fruit shakes are to die for!Kurt's restaurant and bar near station 3 has a wide selection of good German and Filipino dishes and a friendly atmosphere.Lemon Cafe, in D' Mall. A new addition to the island, this place serves a variety of breakfasts, lunches and light meals. The service and presentation is excellent.Manana, near boat station 1, serves large portions of tasty Mexican food. Guacamole is only available when avocados are in-season despite what the menu says.Real Coffee, near boat station 1, serves a variety of pancakes, sandwiches, omelettes and salads, as well as freshly brewed coffee.The English Bakery, near boat station 3, has several outlets for fresh baked goods and European breakfasts including a variety of sausages and rye bread.Fridays Boracay tel: +63 36 288-6200 fax: +63 36 288-6222 - all day dining, themed dinner, Friday night buffet, seafood grill, plus 3 cultural dance shows every week with fire dance.Ole (located in the mall plaza) is the place to go for Spanish tapas and other specialties. Beware - the main courses are enormous!Rumbas, in D' Mall serves good steaks, pies and other English style dishes. You can even order curries, fish and chips and sausage sandwiches!True Food, in Station 2, offers fiery Indian cuisine that will awaken the tastebuds. The place is cozy with straw mats and over-sized cushions. The staff is polite and very accommodating. For those who enjoy the spicier side of life, try the tandoori chicken.Valhalla Steakhouse in the mall has just a few dishes on offer, but the steaks are hearty & delicious.Zuzuni, near boat station 1, is the island's newest Greek restaurant, serving excellent cuisine in a romantic, beachfront setting. The service is friendly and extremely efficient.Drink
If you like to party, there are plenty of places to choose from. The livelier bars are situated near boat stations 1 and 2. There are plenty of places to party all night! Boat station 3 has a more laid back and relaxed atmosphere, with small native bars and restaurants - popular with backpackers. Expect to check your handgun with the security guard! Hey Jude bar usually has a live DJ, and the music makes a nice change from the ubiquitous Hip Hop and "R'n'B" played all over the island these days. Try their pizza and pasta dishes as well as tasty bar snacks to munch along with your cocktails.JUICE located right between Boracay Regency and Boat Station 2 offers top notch cocktails and a variety of "sneaky smoothies". with a wide open courtyard opening up to the beach it tends to fill up by around 11pm but still very comfortable. The crowd is a nice mix of locals and foreigners. Great staff and charming bartenders.Cocomangas, near station 1, is famous for it's "Still standing after 15" challenge. Drink 15 ferocious shots and win a t-shirt and a plaque on the wall. This bar is popular with the student crowd.Bom Bom Bar (near D 'Mall) is a native style beach bar which often has live music. It's a popular hang out for artists and musicians.Nigi Nigi's beach bar, between boat stations 2 and 3, three minutes walk north of the tourist center, is a popular centrally-located spot to have a cool drink and enjoy a little people watching.Cocoloco, near boat station 3, is an attractive beach bar/restaurant which also serves tasty food. You can enjoy your drink by the beach, under the coconut trees, and there's a pool table in the bar too.Red Pirates Pub, is a native style beach bar (near boat station 3) with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It's a good place to meet other travelers and chat, and sometimes there is a live tribal jam with bongo drums and native instruments.Kurts Bar, near station 3, is run by friendly Bavarian Kurt and his wife Mags. It's a very popular spot to meet and chat, and one of the few places on the island serving draft beer. Rumbas, in "D' Mall Plaza", is an English style bar that attracts a friendly crowd. The menu is pretty good too, especially the sirloin steaks.Crafty's rooftop bar has probably the most extensive selection of imported beers and ales on the island. Head to the top floor of Crafts Superstore.Sleep
Accommodation standards vary, with top of the line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. As such, whatever your budget, you could easily find a suitable place to stay. During peak periods such as Holy Week, Christmas and New Year, rooms may be a bit more difficult to find and more expensive so it would be advisable to reserve in advance. Staying along White Beach gets you closer to the bars, lounging and food, while staying closer to Balabag beach gives you better access to the popular wind and kite-boarding areas. White BeachIf you prefer peace and quiet, avoid accommodation at the centre of White Beach, as this is the most crowded area. Head further north or south instead. The area south of boat station 3 has a more relaxed and peaceful vibe - no pounding disco till 4am. Accommodation is more reasonably priced, and there are some friendly little bars and restaurants where you can meet people and chat. North of station 1 you'll find many of the more luxurious (and expensive) establishments. The beach is at it's widest here, and the area is usually relatively peaceful. Among the many quality resorts in Boracay at which you may stay are (in alphabetical order): Lovely native style cottages in an attractive beachfront garden setting.Is situated since 1986, almost in the middle of Boracay's 3km long white beach. The establishment is set in a spacious tropical garden, and is a oasis reaching up to the beachfront, covering an area of about 4000m2. Numerous Bungalows, Rooms and Apartments with all the conveniences like AC, hot- water shower, TV and the likes. They have also some native- style bungalow’s, fan- cooled, with private shower and CR.In Angol, at the southern end of White Beach. A friendly, family run establishment. The location is peaceful - less crowded than at station 2.Cozy, air-conditioned cottages decorate the landscape of the beach resort named the Boracay Beach Chalets. This Boracay resort is nestled in paradise surrounded by crystal waters and fine white sand. Go for a stroll or a swim or a sizzling night partying.The Boracay Regency Hotel Resort and Convention Center is the first to receive a triple-A rating for hotels along the White Beach from the Department of Tourism of the Philippines. The hotel has 195 fully air-conditioned rooms, furnished with high quality fixtures and earthy bamboo and rattan pieces with lanais (except for standard rooms) overlooking the spectacular white sand beach. The hotel also features two swimming pools, gym, business center and a host of restaurants that serve international dishes (Korean, Japanese, European, American).This back-to-basics Boracay beach resort on White Beach hearkens back to the days of an simpler time, when basking in Mother Nature's glory was joy in itself. Each exquisitely hand-crafted villa is lovingly crafted from natural materials, tastefully and simply decorated, and comfortably adorned in rich ethnic fabric, bamboo and rattan furnishings, village terracotta tiles, light shades, pottery, jars, and crockery.Hey! Jude has always been known for its innovativeness and service and they have translated this from the bar to their resort. The party never has to end at this new Boracay hotel, giving you unbeatable comfort and luxury at a very pleasing price, with the bar just a stone's throw away!Enjoy the crystal clear turquoise water and the white powdery beach, as well as the beauty of the natural Filipino warmth and charm at Jony's Beach Resort, one of the oldest family-run establishments on the island. This resort was recently accredited by the Department of Tourism as Class "AA". Nice, basic, aircon room with cable TV and private bathroom runs 2000PHP/night (high season).Right in the center of White Beach, near Boat Station 2. The resort as a whole has a nice ambiance, rooms are also brightly decorated. Lounging area available right on the beach front as you step out of the hotel. Breakfast is served a la carte and portions aren't that impressive so if your package doesn't come with breakfast, you might as well have it outside of the hotel.In Angol, at the southern end of White Beach (Station 3 southern end - left and right from the famous red pirates bar). Better known as "Da Marios" as its run by an Italian. They offer budget common rooms (4 people/room) for 180PHP/night (during high season) with fan and common shower/toilet. Also bungalows (2-4 people) with prices starting from 1800PHP for 2 + 300PHP/person including own shower. If you don't sleep there, at least the lasagna is worth a try.Microtel Inn and Suites Boracay is a 51-room beach-front hotel in Boracay Island, Aklan. It is the perfect place where you could experience the pristine white sand beach, calm turquoise waters and magnificent honey-colored sunsets that the island is famous for.Paradise is par for the course at the Mulligan Golf Hotel. This hotel spans the entire width of this world-famous island, creating two stretches of splendid white beaches for your enjoyment. Watch the day begin from the East beach of the hotel; Boracay’s magnificent sunset awaits you on the West beach. You can also access the best golf course on the island, just a stone’s throw away from this hotelGood "traditional" cottages that look great. Food is good there too.The Panoly Resort Hotel is one of the island's most famous, popular hotels. Sprawled throughout this luxury resort are 100 rooms – 45 bungalows in 9 octagonal clusters, and 55 hotel-type rooms with verandas at the Garden Wing. The Panoly mixes native and contemporary-style accommodations to suit each guest’s preference Boracay’s premier resort, Paradise Garden Resort Hotel is set on a 15,000 square meter landscaped garden with luxuriant tropical plants and trees. The hotel is equipped with the amenities of a first-class hotel including three swimming pools, two restaurants, and a bar restaurant.Formerly known as Pink Patio Resort. Facilities include a gym, pool and climbing wall. Rooms are adequate if a bit bland in decor. From White Beach, you would need to pass through a small access road to get to the resort. Breakfast is served buffet style though choices may be limited at times.
Serendipity has simple but tastefully-fitted rooms that are air-conditioned and equipped with hot shower and cable television. Fan-cooled cottages, inspired by huts in the Philippine highlands, are also available. Additional features include a commercial arcade, a guest’s lounge and landscaped gardens.
One of the smaller but charming hotels in the Station 1 area, Sur offers peaceful ambiance and personalized service. Perfect for those seeking to getaway from it all but still feel at home.
Villa Camilla is a reasonably priced beach-front hotel in a nice quiet location.
Villa Sunset Boracay offers a tranquil and intimate atmosphere. Villa Sunset's eight apartments come fully furnished with their own terrace or balcony, cable TV, telephone, kitchenette, shower, air conditioning and a fully stocked fridge.
Willy’s Beach Club Hotel Boracay is brimming with charm and character. As one of the premier serviced accommodations in Boracay, Willy’s Beach Club Hotel is the permanent home of some seventy individuals. This unique set up makes it a truly friendly and hospitable place to stay, offering the best of Boracay living without the hotel formalities. Each of the Mediterranean-style villa’s 40 air-conditioned rooms features fun designs and comfortable furnishings.
Bulabog Beach
Bulabog Beach runs parallel with White Beach and is located on the east side of the island. It is approximately 1.5kms long and has similar white sand to that found on White Beach. It is protected from strong seas by a coral reef located 500 meters offshore, and from late Oct. to April the Amihan wind(NE wind) make this beach very popular with windsurfers and kiteboarders.For these reasons it is often referred to as the "No.1 kite boarding beach in Asia." Bulabog Beach has the "old" Boracay atmosphere, being less developed than the White Beach area, quieter, more laid back, with onshore breezes most of the year, and a number of foreign residents have made it their home. In addition, resorts are starting to appear and the various types of water-sports (para-sailing, banana boats, jetskis, water-sking, etc.)are using this area during the White Beach off-season (May-Oct, when the Habagat wind blows). Access to the D'Mall Shopping Center is only a 5 minute walk and a couple of minutes later you are on White Beach with all the crowds, restaurants, bars, discos, etc.
Boracay Butterfly Garden Cottages, Tel +6336 2886701 , . Enjoy a relaxing tropical holiday in your own fully furnished, beachside cottage on Bulabog Beach, Boracay, often referred to as the No.1 Kite Boarding beach in Asia. All cottages have fully equipped kitchens, separate air conditioned bedrooms, hot showers, cable TVs, and sea view patios. Swim and sunbathe on the beach by your cottage, or take a 4 minute walk to the D'Mall Shopping Centre, or a 7 minute walk to the main White Beach.
Near White Beach
Some hotels and resorts are located along roads and footpaths off of White Beach, generally within just a few minutes walk from the beach. Room rates in these may be a bit lower than prices for comparable rooms located in resorts which have beach-front entrances, and the rooms may be a bit quieter than rooms located right on the beach.
Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Tel +6336 2885465 Fax +6336 2885855, . Near boat station 3. Widely considered to be one of the best budget resorts on the island.
Orchids Resort, Tel +6336 2883313, Fax +6336 2883764, . One of Boracay's finest native-built resorts for the budget-minded vacationer. Less then a minute walk to White Beach.
Turtle Inn, Tel +63 (0) 36288 4206, . This is one of the island's newer establishments. Located just a couple of minutes walk from the beach near boat station 3, this hotel has a high standard of accommodation at surprisingly reasonable rates.
Balabag and other areas
Boracay Hills Resort, Tel +6336 2883315 Fax +6336 2883768, . One of the most exclusive places to stay on Boracay Island. Located in the lush and hilly hammock of Bantud just 10 minutes walk from the beach; free shuttle service available.
Lorenzo's Villa, tel +632 928-0719, . One of two Lorenzo's properties, Lorenzo's Villa is located on the southern tip of Boracay. Despite being a fine full service resort facility, it remains less popular with travelers because of its distance from White Beach (10-15 minutes by tricycle or on complimentary hotel shuttle). All rooms feature ocean view balconies. There is a pool and spa services on site and beach access to a small stretch of sand is limited due to the resort being perched on a cliff.
Paradise Bay is popular with German travellers. It offers a middle range accommodation rate with a small pool, a free van-ride to anywhere on the island and a billiard table.
Get out
All visitors, save those that are shuttled directly to/from their hotel, depart from Boracay through Cagban. Cagban is located on the southern tip of the Boracay, the nearest point across the water to Caticlan. From your accommodation on Boracay, arrange land transportation to the Cagban pier. From there, it is a short and inexpensive ferry ride to Caticlan.
A tricycle to Cagban should not cost you more than 20 pesos per person but if you look like a foreigner expect quotes of 100 pesos or more. Because Cagban is so out of the way many tricycle drivers will turn you down unless you are with a group of people. If you are traveling alone a motorcycle will be happy to take you for 15 to 20 pesos.
(Municipality of Malay; Barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak)
|population as of = 2000
|density =
|ethnic groups = Ati, Visayan (Aklanon)
}}
Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.
History
The island was originally home to the Ati tribe. Boracay is part of Aklan Province, which became an independent province on April 25, 1956. Tourism began to develop in Boracay in the 1970s, and the island became popular with backpackers in the 1980s.
Amihan and Habagat seasons are generally associated respectively with the El Niño and La Niña global weather patterns. The Amihan season is characterized by moderate temperatures, little or no rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the east. The Habagat season is characterized by hot and humid weather, frequent heavy rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the west.
On Boracay, the main indicator of the switch between the Amihan and Habagat seasonal patterns is the switch in wind direction. In most years this transition is abrupt and occurs overnight. In some years there is a period of perhaps a week or two where the wind will switch between Amihan and Habagat patterns several times before settling into the pattern for the new season. As a general rule of thumb, Boracay will be in the Amihan weather pattern from sometime in September or October to sometime in May or June and in the Habagat weather pattern for the remainder of the year. These dates can vary in individual years, though.
Daytime temperatures on Boracay generally range from 77-90º F (25-32º C) from the beginning of the Amihan season into February or March, increase to the 82-100º F(28-38º C) range until the onset of the Habagat season, and moderate back to the 77-90º F (25-32º C) range with the start of the Habagat season. During Tropical Storm periods, temperatures can fall below 68º F (20º C). Tropical Storms can impact Boracay at any time of year, but are most likely to be seen during the Habagat season.
Impact on Tourism Operations
Partly because of its wind and weather patterns, Boracay tourism is heaviest during the Amihan season. During Amihan, the prevailing wind blows from the east. Boracay's main tourism area, White Beach, is on the western side of the island and is sheltered from the wind. During the Amihan season, the water off White Beach is often glassy-smooth. On the eastern side of the island, hills on the northern and southern ends of the island channel the Amihan season wind from the east onshore onto Bulabog Beach in the central part of the island's eastern side, making the reef-protected waters off that beach ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding / kitesurfing.
Most Boracay hotels and resorts have Low and High Season price levels with High Season prices generally coinciding with Amihan Season dates. Some have additional "Super" Peak Period pricing during periods of heavy tourism (usually including Christmas / New Year, Easter / Holy Week, and Chinese New Year periods).
Tourism
Facilities
Boracay is the site of Fairways and Bluewater -- a world-class 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by Graham Marsh.
Events
Boracay is one competitive venue for the Asian Windsurfing Tour, with the week-long Boracay International Funboard Cup competition usually being held on Bulabog Beach each January..
The well-known Ati-Atihan Festival takes place each January in Kalibo on nearby Panay island. A much smaller Ati-Atihan festival is celebrated on Boracay, usually in the second or third week of January.
Dragon boat races are held annually on Boracay under the auspices of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, with teams coming from around the Philippines and from other asian nations to compete. The races usually take place sometime in April or May.
Since 2003, the Philippine Ultimate Association has been organizing the Boracay Open Asian Beach Ultimate Tournament which is usually held during the summer.
The Olympic Council of Asia has announced that Boracay will host the 2014 Asian Beach Games.
Languages
Other than Filipino, English is widely spoken in Boracay. Aklanon is also spoken, as Boracay is part of Aklan Province. The Ati language was spoken by the original inhabitants of the island.
Transportation
Air travel
From Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila or from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, take flights to Boracay either via Kalibo (45 minutes away) or via Caticlan (30-40 minutes away). From Kalibo airport, air-conditioned vans and buses take passengers to the Caticlan Jetty Port, where boats provide transport to the island. Motorized tricyles will take passengers from Caticlan airport to the jetty port, 3 minutes away. From Caticlan jetty port, boat ride takes 15-20 minutes to get to Boracay.
Airlines serving Kalibo and Caticlan include the following:
:Manila to Caticlan:
:*Asian Spirit
:*Corporate Air
:*Interisland Airlines
:*South East Asian Airlines (SEAir)
:Manila to Kalibo:
:*Air Philippines
:*Asian Spirit
:*Cebu Pacific
:*Philippine Airlines
:Cebu to Caticlan:
:*Asian Spirit
:*South East Asian Airlines (SEAir)
:Cebu to Kalibo:
:*Cebu Pacific
(Some of these air carriers may provide only seasonal service on the listed routes)
Air Philippines announced the purchase of three Bombardier Q300 turboprop aircraft in April 2007, which it would use to provide service between Manila and Caticlan. In May 2007, Cebu Pacific acquired new ATR72-500 aircraft, which would allow the airline to expand service to smaller airports including Caticlan.
By boat
Several ferries sail between Manila and Caticlan. The journey takes between 12 and 16 hours.
Ferries from Manila to Caticlan:MBRS LinesNegros NavigationSuperFerry
(Some of these sea carriers may provide only seasonal service on the listed routes)
By road
Buses and cars run from Manila to the Southern provinces by means of the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. A nautical system conceptualized under the term of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Buses leave from the Philtranco terminal in Cubao and Pasay City throughout the day. The journey by bus takes approximately 12 hours. Caticlan is the fourth seaport encountered along the SRNH while traveling south from Manila.
Around the island
On the island, the two main modes of transport are via motor-tricycles along the main road or by walking along the beaches. Pedicabs are also available for transport along the Beachfront Path. Other means of transportation include mountain bikes, quadbikes and motorbikes, all of which can be rented.
To explore around the island's coast, motorized bancas and sailing paraws are available for rent. These are outrigger canoes and are common sight in waters around the island. The sailing paraw is a narrow hulled boat with outriggers either side and with passengers sometimes seated on a trampoline platform between the outrigger supports. These are extremely fast off the wind, but can be unwieldy for inexperienced sailors.
Gallery
Image:Boracay_Blue_Calm.jpg | A view of the Grotto at Dusk
Image:Boracaybeach.jpg | A shot of Boracay taken from Station 2
Image:sur_sunset.jpg | sunset from Station 1
External links
Boracay in Satellite View
|
|
|
