Boracay

Quick Facts

Type: Beach Holiday
Best Date to Visit: March – May
Expense: All Budgets
Things to Do: Scuba Diving, Pub Crawl, Water Sports, Zip Lining, 4×4, ATV, Island Hopping, Snorkelling, Golf, Parasailing ect
Points of Interest: Station 1-3, Puka Beach, Bulabog Beach, Ariel’s Point, Marian Pilgrimage, Mount Luho ect
The Good: An paradise island with plenty to do for a variety of budgets
The Bad: Can get very crowded at peak times

Brief

Boracay is one of Philippines most well known tourist destination. Awards received were:

Best Island in the world (2012) : Travel + Leisure Magazine  
Best island in the world (2014) : Condé Nast Traveller
Best island in the world (2016) : Condé Nast Traveller

Boracay is known for its white powder sand and its thriving night scene, off course its clear water and the activities within are also a big hit for tourism. Whether its relaxation, an activity or a party on the beach, Boracay fully delivers. The island is a boomerang shaped island next to Caticlan a Aklan province. In Boracay there are various beaches, with the main one being at the front of the island where the sun sets, this beach strip is divided into 3 stations, station 1,2 and 3, this is the more populated beach where mass activities, restaurants and hotels are located. The more quieter beaches can be found north of the island or behind where the sun rises. Puka beach is popular but the majority is owned and privatised by resorts for their customers. Other beaches are like Diniwid, Punta, Illig iligan and Bulabog beach all has its own characteristics.

The Place

Every Country has its must go to place, whether the Eiffel tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, Wall of China, London’s Parliament square or Africa’s safaris in my opinion Boracay island makes it as Philippines must go to place, whether others may agree or disagree travelling to Philippines and missing out Boracay is a big mistake. Boracay is for everybody, whether a backpacker with a tight budget or a holiday maker with more funds, whether a party goer, adventurer, activist, foodie or a person who just wants to relax, Boracay will cater to any.

Another main aspect of Boracay is the activities, there is loads to do and you will have plenty of choices. Whether you are a thrill seeker, want to do water sports, in a big group, want to tour, cook, party or chill, Boracay is likely to have it. Thrill seekers have loads to do and you wont need to look far to do it, the more typical beach activities such as Jet skiing, Banana boating, Parasailing, ATVs, 4×4 driving, orbs and various zip linings are ever present and there are various stalls and attendants at beach front to enquire about it. Sporting activities such as surfing, paragliding, wakeboarding, biking and fishing are also advertised highly in Boracay through the beach front stalls and hotels. If relaxation is what you are looking for then SPAs are usually situated at your own hotel if it has that facility, if not then there are massage areas in the beach strip. Party people will also be spoilt in Boracay as there is uncountable amount of bars and clubs to choose from, most popular being ‘Epic’ which is situated beach front at the centre of the strip. Finally for the tourists who love to walk and explore there are also great places to visit such as the Marian Pilgrimage, Mount Luho  and more alike.

Exploring other islands is also valued, places such as the Ariel’s Point, Crystal Cove island, Crocodile island many more. Advertised in many stalls and even in resorts are arrangements to go to these other islands.  However as ive stated before, if  you would just want to walk around and stay in Boracay island then there is a number of places you can go to. Firstly Station 1 to 3 beach strip is around a 30-45 minute walk from one side to the other side depending on how fast you walk. Walking this strip will allow you to pass other attractions such as the Marian Pilgrimage, D’mall and the various bars, restaurants and shops.  The Puka beach is another beach in Boracay, here it is more quieter and less busy perfect to relax. Mount Luho on the other hand has the highest view in Boracay more for the trekkers. There is just so many places to explore in Boracay so if a walkathon is what you want, you wont be disappointed.

Finally another reason why people visit the island is its many events, most famously the Laboracay festival, which is more for the party people, but can be enjoyed by many, celebrities and people from all over the world join this festival usually on labour day weekend . More cultural festivals include the Yapak festival, Sand Lantern Festival and most famously Ati-atihan, all celebrating regional causes.  Sporting events also happen here with the Nestea International Beach Volleyball Tournament and the International Dragon Boat Festival also take place here with masses joining. Most importantly my favourite the Boracay Skyathon which is a 5k or 10k fun run which celebrities usually join as well. This was the most difficult 5k ive run as it was on sand, however I came a acknowledgeable 34th with a time also being 34 minutes just behind Filipino celebrity couple Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles.

My Conclusion

Overall Boracay is a beautiful island, where all is possible. However one negative is with Boracay’s popularity increasing, it is getting more and more crowded, for a small island it may have already reached its capacity.

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