Boracay: World's Finest

Panoramic View of the Groto at Station 1.

Photo Courtesy: N Tayongtong

BORACAY, who doesn't know the place? The place had become synonymous with Island paradise, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Yes! The Island got you covered. It can literally let you forget the past of time and just fall in love with it. The breathtaking view will leave you breathless and trust me, you might not what to leave the place!! The Island is located in Aklan, Western Visayas, Philippines. It's infamous powder white sand shorelines invites local and foreign tourist alike. Need a place to stay? Don't worry, they have the high end hotels and resorts from The Regency, Astoria, The Ambassador, The District to budget friendly Inns, apartments, houses to bed space. The Island has Three Stations: Station 1 luxury district where the big names of hotels and huge rest houses are, Station 2 the in between where the D' Mall (restaurants, bars, stores, money changers and ATM's) and Talipapa (the market place where you could choose from a variety of produce and definitely freshly caught seafoods) are located and lastly, Station 3 the most budget friendly places are. Station 3 might be far but there are tricycles (primary transportation) that are on standby 24/7. Check in time is usually 12 noon or after lunch hours. Too early? No problem. Just go and explore. There are tons of activities to choose from. You could do the Island hopping, ATV rides, Zorbs, banana rides, underwater helmet diving, diving, para sailing, flying fish, skim boarding, wake boarding, snorkeling, paddle boarding and my all time fave, sitting in one of the chairs at a resto drinking shakes. Ah! Relaxation is my main objective. I'd usually stroll along the shorelines, find a place to sit and enjoy my shakes while taking in the view. My definition of heaven!

Since the Philippines is a tropical country, it has two seasons: wet (july-december) and dry (january-june). Summer is pretty hot so protect yourselves from the heat by bringing water, sunblock, wide brimmed hat, and shades. Also, Boracay expenses are higher during peak season (summer, semestral breaks and holidays).

Spider House Entrance in Diniwid Beach.

Photo Courtesy: Novi Tayongtong

Arriving at Puka Shell Beach Boracay.

Photo Courtesy: Myk Odicta

Island hopping and stopping by to do some snorkeling.

Photo Courtesy: Myk Odicta

Taking a plunge from the heat.

Photo Courtesy: N. Tayongtong

Drinking beer with friends.

Photo Courtesy: Jaycob Paguntalan

How to get here? If you have a direct flight to Caticlan airport, that's the best option for you and rent a tricycle going to Caticlan Port. It will save you a lot of time and effort. If you're from Iloilo, go to Tagbak terminal and ride a bus or a van (minimum jeepney fare is php 7, Iloilo-Caticlan via Capiz bus is php 375). First bus trip starts at 2am and departure is every 30 minutes. Take the air conditioned bus for comfort and it is faster by an hour compared to a non-aircon (fare is php 50-70 price difference from an air conditioned bus) bus. It usually takes 5-6 hours with 2 pit stop (Passi and Kalibo terminal). There are also vans to Caticlan but filling up the capacity of 12-14 people is necessary before taking off. You could also rent a van, around php 3,000+ one way either you take the Capiz or Antique route which would take you around 4 hours. From the Caticlan port, pay for the environmental fee (php 100), terminal fee (php 75) and pump boat fare (php 25). Don't forget to register in their tourist logbook at the information desk.

Upon arrival, you ride a tricycle/multicab and tell the driver your destination or your place of accommodation might arrange a van for you for pick up. Sharing a ride in a tricycle with other passengers would cost less (Boracay port to Station 1, fare is around php 20-25). Minimum fare in the island is php 10-15. Get ready for summer!!