Boracay Island

Everyday is beach time at the sun-kissed, pristine Boracay stretch, so breathe in and let the fresh sea breeze calm your senses!

It's easy to create your very own holiday and enjoy every moment of it! Busy by day and romantically illuminated by night, the White Beach, Boracay's longest beach stretching to around four kilometers, offers its fine natural white sand making it so pleasing to walk barefoot. This beach is where everything is happening, either relaxation/peace/quiet or the party scene! Another popular one is Puka Beach, Boracay's second longest beach located on the left-hand side of the island, which is worth checking out if you opt to be a little further away from the main stretch. Lastly, there is Diniwid Beach, secluded if you opt for more privacy.

On this beautiful tropical island, there are a few places of interest to make your visit all-inclusive. For just P300 an hour on a tricycle, you may take advantage of some sightseeing, as well. Climb up to the Mt. Luho View Point (Boracay's highest point) for a breathtaking view of the island and be amazed that standing at 100 feet above sea level, you will see crystal clear blue waters all around! Another popular sight is Willy's Rock (visible from the White Beach and directly across Willy's Beach Club). This rock, also a religious grotto, is probably one of the most photographed sights on the island, accessible on foot during low tide or by swimming at high tide. On the other side of the island lies the Boracay Rock, a natural rock formation along Bulabog Beach facing the Sibuyan Sea. The island's newest attraction, that has been open for only a few months, is the Everland Aviary Park, a themed-bird sanctuary and zoo. Do look out for the dancing parrot and other interesting animals! You may also take a stroll at the centrally located open-aired D'Mall, a place bursting with shops, numerous cuisines and even a small ferris wheel!

Below is a list of a few of my favorite restaurants (bear in mind that there are still hundreds more to choose from). On every visit to Boracay, it's my custom to enjoy a meal at True Food, an excellent Indian restaurant high in charisma located in station 2 along the beachfront where you sit on the floor pillows for the authentic feel. I always like how I could lie down before and after eating! Ensure to sit on the second level of the restaurant for a breeze and better view of the ocean. Ambassador in Paradise, a luxury resort in station 3 that serves quality food is another excellent place to enjoy a meal by the waterfront, do try their wood fire oven pizza. At D'Mall, I'd recommend Bistro Valhalla for fresh seafood and steaks and Chopstick Noodle House for the Mi Neng Myun, a Korean ice-cold noodle soup dish, which may seem rather strange but fits perfectly well under the heat of the sun. For those with a sweet tooth, T-Braz is one place that serves absolutely amazing French crepes, The Lemoni Café for a range of fresh tasty desserts or Fling for quality yoghurt and ice cream. If you're feeling hungry in the early hours of the morning, you may want to try Jammers, a 24-hour fast-food that serves fantastic Southern Sloppy Joes! Many hotels offer room service as well; it's all worth a try!

What suits your taste in accommodation? It all depends where on the island you would choose to be and what price range you're after. My preferred hotel choices that might be of help to you are The Tides Hotel, Astoria Boracay, Discovery Shores, Best Western Boracay Tropics, Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel, Sands Hotel and Zuzuni Boracay. I have come to appreciate that no two resorts are alike.

Other things to do in Boracay apart from lazing around and sight-seeing is to play a game of golf at the Fairways and Blue-water (also a resort with its own private beach), Ride the Zorb (the island's newest activity located in Yapak Village) where you are placed inside a giant sphere and ride downhill, which is just too cool! Then there's the ATV Bug Cars/Off Road Buggies (you will find availability almost anywhere on the island) making a wonderful way to explore Boracay. How about a refreshing drink/snack at the Shangri-la Boracay? Or a massage at the newest gateway to paradise, the Poseidon Spa or a choice of the endless water sports available, such as kite boarding. You've got many options to choose from so your holiday is truly what you make of it!

How to get there (the quicker option): Take a plane to Caticlan Airport (flying time from Cebu or Manila is approximately an hour). You have the option of Cebu Pacific (my preferred choice), SEAIR or Air Phil Express. From there, you may take a tricycle (P50) for a one-minute ride to get to Caticlan Port (or you may walk for about five minutes). There are boats to Boracay every 5-10 minutes (terminal Fee is P50.00 plus P75.00 for the environmental and admission fee). It is a 10-15 minute boat ride that goes directly to Boracay's Cagban Port. A queue of tricycles will be waiting to take passengers directly to their resorts (P100). Others may also choose to arrange transfers and a private pick-up directly with their resort.

My Boracay travel tip: It would come in handy if you carry smaller bills with you. Stay on the island for at least a few days, a week at most and get spoiled! Don't forget to inspire yourself as well by watching the gorgeous sunset!