Boracay Travel Tips
Voted the world's best
beach by the Sun Herald, Australia and Harper's, Boracay is the
perfect island getaway, with its warm blue waters, powder-fine
white sand, and a palm fringed 4-kilometer beach.
The islands facilities and amenities make her a recreational
haven. Watch February's Fun-board Cup, windsurfing's annual international
event, or the World Beach Volleyball Tournament in September.
Or take a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters.
The world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province
345 kms. South of Manila. The island is accessible by air from
Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways: Caticlan airport
or Kalibo airport.
After a swim in the sea, you can engage in relaxing activities.
Comb the beaches on horseback. Play an exciting game of volleyball.
Get on an outrigger and sail to the other side of the island.
Swim over to the floating bar and cool off with a cocktail. Or
hop around one beach to another and enjoy the easy-going atmosphere.
After sunset, the island transforms into one exciting night of
dancing and partying. But don't take our word for it, Boracay
is an island you have to experience yourself.
For many certified sun-worshippers the world over, paradise goes
by the name Boracay. For indeed, many visitors have come back
to Boracay year after tear. Some have even chosen to live in this
paradise island.
Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found
at the northwestern tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region,
off the Sibuyan Sea. Boracay has managed to pack its thousand-hectare
area with all the elements of a tropical paradise--crystal blue
waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and
flowering plants, and a healthy marine life underneath the seas.
Boracay is made up of three little communities: Yap in the north,
Balabag in the middle, and Manoc- manoc in the south. Hilly elevations
up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manoc-manoc.
Intertwining trails link the small villages together but may sometimes
lead to lush tropical jungles. Electricity and public transportation
remain relatively scare.
Boracay would have remained a national secret if not far a few
foreign travelers whom accidentally stumbled upon the place. Some
say it was a movie crew, which spread word about Boracay to other
sun worshippers. Other swear it was German traveler Jens Peters'
book, which included rare reviews about Boracay, that sent tourists
on their way. Whichever tale is true, Boracay has become a melting
pot for beach loceers. At any point in the islands, visitors can
hear English, German and French spoken fluently. More importantly,
visitors respect the serene quality of the place, and pay tribute
to native Boracaynons by behaving according to local behavioral
codes-which means no nudity, no fighting, and no loud commotion's.
Not surprisingly, the culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse
as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Australian, Belgian,
German, Spanish and Thai-they're all here side by side the native
cuisine. Lending ample support to this virtual rainbow of fruit
shakes: from sweet yellow mango, greens tart.
How To Get There? Take a flight to Manila. You
may have to spend a night in Manila on your outward journey because
onward flights to Boracay are limited. Fly Philippine Airlines
from Manila (Domestic Airport) to Kalibo Airport. (The flight
takes 30 minutes and costs about 3,000 Philippine peso return).
From Kalibo Airport takes the air-conditioned bus to Caticlan
and the boat from Caticlan harbor to Boracay (the bus trip takes
90 minutes and the boat 30 minutes; combined ticket Pp140). Various
charter companies fly direct from Manila to Caticlan Airport (Pp4,
000 return; 60-90 minutes). As there is no jetty on Boracay, you
have to wade ashore from the boat, so wear something
suitable.
When To Go? The high season is from December
to April. Christmas is popular - but you may have trouble finding
accommodation. May to June is ideal but rather hot. July to November
is the low season and therefore the cheapest time to go. October
and November have the best sunsets.
Choosing the Best Time to Go. As a rule, it's
great to visit Boracay anytime. But then again, so many activities
have been lined up that it is usually difficult to make up your
mind regarding just WHEN to go. We have outlined here some of
the major events in Boracay to help you make the most of your
stay in the island.
January in Boracay has one big plus: the world-famous Kalibo
Ati-Atihan Festival, the Philippine mardi gras which is celebrated
every third week of January.
International sports events such as the Boracay International
Funboard Cup and the Annual International Paraw Cup Challenge
is held during January to February.
It is during this time of the year when the "amihan"
(northeast monsoon) season produces winds that are most reliable
and at their strongest. March, April, and May are the summer months.
At this time, the island thrives with beach activity as many tourists
arrive to enjoy basking in the sun and staying in the cool waters,
either
swimming, diving or snorkeling. Except a lot of local visitors,
too, for these months are vacation time for the students.
June, July and September are considered off-season months in
Boracay. Budget conscious tourist swear that this is the best
time to go since Boracay rates are cheapest and there are few
"rivals" for that precious patch of white sand beach.
After the hectic beehive activity of the summer months, there
is - - aaah, the relative peace and quite!
October marks the beginning of the peak season. This already
lasts until the summer months. During the months of October, November
and December, the cool, tropical climate is at its best in the
island. Major sports events are held at this time of the year.
Holiday offerings are also popular among most establishments during
the Christmas season.
What To Do There? Boat trips around the island, windsurfing,
diving, sailing, horseback riding, snorkeling, golf, mountain
biking.
Where To Eat? There are four miles of beachfront
restaurants with every kind of food you can imagine: Thai, Japanese,
Chinese, Indian, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Korean, as
well as Filipino.
What To Bring? You need very few clothes. Beach clothes/towels
can be bought on the island. Sweet pants and tops are useful if
you go at Christmas, when it can get cool at night.
Money Take a mixture of American dollars in traveler's cheques
and cash. Change some money at Manila International Airport where
the rate is better than on Boracay. Credit cards are accepted
in some locations on Boracay. Safety deposit boxes for valuables
are available at the Tourist Centre on Boracay.
Extras Sunglasses, a hat, a flashlight and a good pair of beach
sandals.
Wind Surfing Boracay has recently become famous as one of the
country's prime windsurfing venues. It is now considered one of
Asia's Best Boardsailing Destinations. An annual international
event, the (San Miguel Super Dry) Boracay International Funboard
Cup, is held every January or February of the year to promote
this sports in the island. Inquiries may be made at Green Yard
Beach Resort.
Diving The underwater world of Boracay is particularly interesting
because of its rich marine life which is highly visible against
the pure, white sand. Coral reefs still continue to thrive around
the island. Diving and snorkeling gear (including diving trips
for the seasoned diver and lessons for the neophytes) are available
at many diving centers or establishments in the island. Among
the notable ones are Calypso Diving and the Red Coral Diving School.
Sailing A trip to Boracay is made more exhilarating and relaxing
by drifting around the island aboard a banca (outrigger) kayaking,
paddleboating, yachting or speed boating. The proper equipment
are available for rent at a number of resorts at reasonable rates.
Mountain Biking This sport has also gain popularity in the island.
Guided mountain biking trips which cover Boracay's environs or
nearby islands are available to the neophyte as well as the seasoned
biker. Mountain bikes are available for rent at most sports centers
in Boracay.
Beach Volleyball and Other Beach Sports Boracay is a haven not
just for aquasports enthusiasts but for inland sports buffs as
well. Among the sports, which Boracay has become famous for internationally,
are beach volleyball and soccer. Annual tournaments are held to
promote these sports in the island.
Sunbathing Some guests prefer to bask in the sun, lie under the
cool shade of coconut trees, and watch the colorful beach activities
or read their favorite book. Whether you stay out in the sun or
keep your cool in the shade, don't ever forget to slather on sunscreen
to avoid any skin damage. Remember, sand and water can also reflect
those scorching rays.
INSO DISCO, Lorenzo Main Shed your excess energy and calories
in the island's disco. The ull-air-conditioned INSO DISCO offers
the state of the art lighting equipment and sound technology.
Conveniently located from all points of the island, opens nightly
from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 am. It has also a bar that accepts reservations
for private parties. Boracay Sunset Watching the sunset right
on White Beach is one of the highlights of a Boracay trip. The
breathtaking display of colors in the sky is spectacular and unique
as it blends with Boracay's horizon.
Restaurant Hopping The gourmet may be suprised at the treat that
awaits in Boracay. Numerous restaurants, mostly located right
at the beachfront, serves sumptuous international cuisine - American,
Singaporean, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, French, Spanish, Thai
and Filipino. Seafood dripping fresh straight from the sea; fresh
fruits and juices-heavenly to taste! wine and liquor choice is
wide as well.
Bar Hopping Bars also abound in the island, and are one of the
favorite tourist nights.
