Boracay - Paradise Island

The Philippines was really blessed with beautiful Islands and Islets. One of them is Boracay. Located in Panay Island, Western Visayas, Boracay is part of the province of Aklan.

It has now evolved as one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines. An Ideal place for island hopping, sea surfing and diving. My first Boracay experience was in 2008. I, together with our Operations Manager and some colleague toured our clients and visited the island. Since we are toured as a group, I spent only 6500 in Philippine peso for the round trip airfare, 3 days and 2 nights accommodation at Red Coconut Resort. 

 

In December of 2010, my friends and I went back to Boracay and enjoyed the island and make the most out of it with our 4 days and 3 nights stay. This time we stayed at La Carmela de Boracay. The standard room which is good for 4 persons and cost only 2100 Philippine peso per room per night. Just like the first step, we booked for the cheapest flight going to Kalibo, Aklan.

Getting there: Flights going from Manila to Kalibo could take 1 hour or less depending on the air traffic. Outside Kalibo International airport are passenger vans for rent which will take you to Caticlan Port. Fares cost 250 Ph (as of January 2013) inclusive of the boat ride going to the island. Upon arrival at Caticlan Port, a tourist should pay the terminal fee of 50.00 Ph and environmental fee for 75.00 Ph. Individual boat rides from Caticlan to Boracay port and vice versa cost only 25.00 to 30.00 Ph per passenger.

 

Photo was taken in December of 2010 at La Carmela de Boracay

 

 

I have visited the island four times since 2008 and still would like to come back. Boracay, to me is not just a paradise, but a special place for me. I was able to bring my family there in 2011 and experienced what Boracay has to offer to them. It was memorable since its my mom and dad's first time to ride an air plane, my siblings first out of town trip outside Luzon island, and the first time we travelled complete.
 

 

It was actually a grand comeback last January when I experienced most of the activities including ATB, island hopping and the relaxing massage. We also tried the seafood buffet and paluto at D'Talipapa. we bought our own food and have it cooked at a resto nearby.

 

Considering Boracay's popularity, going there and enjoying its white sand and crystal blue waters was now made affordable. I can say that an average Pinoy can go to Boracay if he or she knows how to budget his or her tour.

Airlines: Cebu Pacific Air and other local Airlines will fly you to paradise daily. See their website at www.cebupacificair.com for daily flight schedules and fair price. Things to consider when travelling by air is the ticket cost. I usually start booking the ticket then followed by searching for accommodations.

Accommodations: Boracay is divided into 5 stations. Station 1 and 2 caters for the rich and the famous while station 3 to 5 are those for the budget travellers.

Food: Dining and eating is not a problem in the island. There is a lot of restaurants in Boracay. From fine dining to fast food chains like Mang Inasal, Andoks and recently McDonald's.

Getting around: Multicabs and tricycle are available to tour you around. Ride cost 8.00 Ph only. You may rent it but have to haggle with the driver or owner.

Travelling is not just about finding the perfect place but also learning if your budget can accommodate it. :)

I was born to see the world

Everyday is an adventure, a travelling experience - a milestone to someones' life.

I did not think that school field trips and almost monthly trip to my Lola's house in Dasmarinas, Cavite will start my career as a traveller. I started my travelling experience when I was in Grade 4. Our school organised a field trip in Calamba, Laguna, the very first time I saw UPLB, IRRI and the ancestral house of Jose P. Rizal, our national hero.

I consider myself lucky, knowing at an early age and compared to other kids then, that I'd be able to see Oriental Mindoro. It was November of 1993 when I visited the province and first experienced the hospitality of Mindorenos. I did not expect that when I grow up, I will go there most of the time for island hopping, attending beach parties and a lot more - thanks to Puerto Galera!

The experiences and the places I have visited here in the Philippines and other countries in Asia, particularly in South East Asia, as well as the time spent planning, researching before travelling made me realize to come up with a blog where I can share most of it.

I envy Anthony Bourdain, Samantha Brown and other travel host for they get to experience work and pleasure at the same time, but its not too late. I know that everything is possible, I am positive that soon, I am going to see those places I have not visited yet and explore new things that I have not experienced.

Wandering is not the only way, it takes bunch of planning, organizing and most of all time - to research everything. You just don't go to the place simply because you like it. You have to study the place and learn their culture, history and tourist hot spots.

Thanks that we now have budget airlines to cater starters like me. The invention of Internet has helped virtual tourist like me to research and check on places and accommodations.

I know that I have just getting started.I don't want to write a bucket list but instead, I want a concrete plans on how I'd be able to visit key cities and tour the world without spending that much.

Ardie ^_^