Summer time!
Boracay Island is one of the top destinations in the Philippines during this season. Famous for its white fine sand and crystal clear beaches, Boracay was hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches by Yahoo Travel.
At least an hour plane ride from Manila, you may get off either at Caticlan Airport or in Kalibo Airport. Caticlan flights are more expensive and they use smaller planes, plus according to some, it is more prone to cancellation. However, this route is just a tricycle ride away to Caticlan Jetty Port.
Kalibo Airport on the other hand, can accommodate larger aircraft and has more available flights. It will take about 2 more hours of travel time via coasters or private rented vehicles between the airport and Caticlan Jetty Port. A ferry boat ride from the port to Boracay takes only about 30 minutes. From the port in Boracay, you may hire a tricycle to get to your destination or you can ask your accommodation if they offer a pick-up service.
The four kilometer long White Beach is the most popular beach in Boracay, which was divided into 5 areas:
Area 1 — Boracay Terraces (north) to Willy’s Rock
Area 2 — From Willy’s Rock to Red Coconut Resort
Area 3 — From Red Coconut to Boat Station 2
Area 4 — From Boat Station 2 to Station 3
Area 5 — From Boat Station 3 to Angol Point
(source from: http://wikitravel.org/en/Boracay)
There is a wide selection of tourist accommodation available; beach-front hotels, budget hotels, hostels, inns, transient houses and B&B’s—it all depends on your budget and preferences. Most of these accommodations also offer services and activity packages that you can avail during your stay.
Aside from sunbathing, getting henna tattoos and taking pictures of yourself, there are actually real activities that you and your friends can try. Water activities such as Fly Fish ride, cliff diving, helmet diving, scuba diving, island diving, kite boarding, jet skiing, paraw sailing, banana boat ride and parasailing can be done during the day.
Don’t dare miss the sunset and if you still have enough energy to waste, night parties are everywhere in the island, which leaves a dirty shore in the morning.
According to http://www.tourism.gov.ph/ , as of 2014, April to May has the highest number of tourist arrival while September to October has the least. The local authorities are targeting 1.5million tourist per year, and with 80,000 to 160,000 tourists per month, expect a crowded beach in any day.
With its breath taking sceneries and refreshing environment, you would definitely want to get stuck on this little island. However, we can’t deny the fact that it is already turning into an environmental disaster due to water, noise, and tourist pollution. Boracay is a wonderful nature’s creation, let us not all take advantage of that. Be a responsible tourist.
And by the way, Aklanons are trying really hard to remind everyone how to address the island properly.
“BORACAY PLEASE, NOT BORA!”
Photos taken: 2012
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