Philippines 2014: BORACAY

ABOUT

A tropical island about an hour's flight from Manila. Its long white sand beaches rival the best beaches of more popular destinations. Facilities are available to suit different levels of activity. For those wanting to just lounge around and take in some rays, beach-front hotels usually have lounge chairs set up just a few steps away from the hotel entrances. Facilities for the usual water sports activities such as sailing, wind surfing, snorkeling, diving and jet skiing are also widely available for those in search of more active pursuits. Boracay nightlife is pulsating with many bars and restaurants serving food, drink and fun until the very late evening.

The port of entry for Boracay Island is the small town of Caticlan on the mainland. Outrigger boats or "bancas" leave every few minutes from Caticlan's jetty port. The short boat trip to Boracay's jetty port at Cagban costs $0.45. Tourists have to pay a terminal fee and an environmental fee of $4. Tricycles are available at Cagban to bring passengers to their hotels. Tricycle fare is from $0.45-$3 per trip depending where your resort is.

BEACHES

WHITE BEACH

Not only a stretch of powdery white sand against azure water, it's also the commercial center of the island. The long beach is divided into three sections: Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. Station 1 has the widerst beachfront, where prime hotels are resort are located. Accommodations are pricier, but quality is generally the best as well. Station 2 is the center for shopping, eating, partying, and etc. The beach here is also the most crowded, and the area is the noisiest. Station 3 is quieter than Station 2 and is the least developed, and also the lowest priced. All of White Beach is open to public, so one can relax and/or swim wherever they like, regardless of hotel location.

Willy's Rock

PUKA BEACH

A quiet stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island, it is an image of what most people expect on a tropical island: white sand, azure water, and relatively empty. The sand is more coarse and the water tends to be a little rougher than on White Beach. Similarly, there are fewer services--there are only a couple of restaurants, but you likely won't have a problem getting a cold drink or an ice cream as there are a few vendors that patrol the beach. You'll be able to hire a tricycle to get there in less than 10-15min from central White Beach. Make sure you arrange a pickup if it is a quiet day and no tricycles are hanging around the beach. Most people experience Puka as one of their sail boat or banca stops during a day trip. This is a good spot for a picnic, but be sure to bring your trash home with you.

BALING HAI BEACH

A quiet little cove just north of Diniwid Beach, where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling and dining in a relaxed, peaceful environment. There are some fantastic views form the cliff-top restaurant. Baling Hai is often included as a stop-off on an island boat tour.

BULABOG BEACH

Come there on a windy days to see kite boarders doing high jumps and crazy tricks.

THE BAT CAVE

Houses many small insectivorous bats, and locals will be more than happy to accompany you there for a fee, or "tip". The guide will then take you on a short hike through the forest to the mouth of a cave, which drops down at a very steep angle. The mouth of the cave is littered with large boulders, and is extremely difficult to enter and walk down. You will have to pay $1 entry fee to visit both caves on behalf of the family that owns the land, in addition to paying your guide. Visiting both caves can cost up to $56 for the guide, but this is the "rich tourist price" so try to bargain.

CLIFF DIVING at Ariel's Point

Located 30min from Station 1 by outrigger boat. Visitors can reach Ariel's Point by purchasing tickets at Ariel's House before 11am on the day of departure. At $27 for round-trip boat transfer, a barbecue buffet, unlimited drinks (bottle water, beer, soda, rum), and access to Ariel's Point services and amenities. This is a daytime activity not to be missed.

SCUBA DIVING

There are dozens of Dive Centers along the White Beach; it is a good place to learn or to improve your skills. Cost is typically $33 per dive which includes hire of all equipment. There are 25-30 dive sites within 10-15 minutes speed boat ride form the beach, suitable for beginners up to advanced level. Dives range from 'Angol Point' (10m), through 'Crocodile Island' (22-25m), a straightforward wall dive, up to 'Yapak' - a deep wall dive suitable for only the most experienced divers due to strong currents, although here is the possibility of seeing sharks and stingrays.

Angol Point

Crocodile Island

Yapak

BOAT TOURS

The best way to see the beauty of Boracay and its various beaches is by Paraw (native outrigger sailboat). There are dozens of companies offering this service. It is better to go with a reputable and established group such as Allen Fun Tours (motorized banca boat tours) or Red Pirates (paraw sailing) to ensure your safety and avoid being overcharged.