Pinay in Wanderland

One of the best part of Philippines that I will definitely be proud of is an island called "BORACAY". It is of international quality which can compete with all the top beaches around the world. It is located approximately 315 KM south of Manila, In Visayas Region.

There are two ways to reach Boracay from Manila (The capital of Philippines).

1. By Plane:

*Manila (MNL) to Caticlan ( It is more expensive for the plane tickets but it is more convenient for the travel time.

Airline Company: Philippine Airlines (PAL) or Cebu Pacific Airlines (5J) is about 45 minutes.Transfer from Airport to Caticlan Jetty port to the main white beach is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

*Manila (MNL) to Kalibo (KLO) (It is more cheaper for the plane tickets but time consuming)

Airline Company: Zest Airways (Z2)

* It is the cheapest airline company which we always take but always expect the unexpected primarily the time of departures and arrivals.

Kalibo Airport to Caticlan jetty port to the main white beach is approximately 2 hours.

FYI: For a smooth transfer from the airport to the main white beach, It will be more easier and faster if you will get a transfer company because it cost us more when we commute on our own than booking on a transfer company. For my personal Experience of trying different companies, I would suggest Island star Express inc. www.islandstarexpress.com/ They are always on time and they will remind you of your schedule the night before your flight.

* They can also include in your booking the terminal and environmtal fee that you needed to pay when you arrived at the caticlan jetty port

Arrival: Terminal Fee 100PHP/Person

Environmental Fee 75PHP/Person

Departure: Terminal fee 100PHP/Person

2. By Land/Boat: (For those tourist who have more holidays and would like to have an adventure ride)

Manila to Batangas Pier via Bus (JAM bus terminal in Pasay City) http://www.jam.com.ph/

The travel time is about 2 and a half hours depending on the traffic.

Batangas Pier to Caticlan Jetty Port via travel 2GO Company (For the Schedule of Departures and Arrivals please check their link)

travel.2go.com.ph/Sailaway/packages/boracay.pdf

The travel time is approximately 9 hours (Night time Departure only)

*FYI: It is way more cheaper, their prices includes transfers to hotel.

*FYI: It is more convenient to have your Foreign Currencies changed in Manila, Because the Rate in Boracay is lower.
*FYI: Please be familiarized with the usual scene in Boracay and Don't let it ruin your day. Everywhere you go someone will ask you to buy things, massage and foot spa and to do water sports activities. Sometimes its irritating but on the other hand it is the source of income of some locals.

What I Love about Boracay:

1. The white powdery sand beach (Station 1, 2, and 3)

*FYI: There is really no formal categorization between station 1, 2 and 3 but Obviously;

Station 1: High end Accomodation (High range). Not crowded.

Station 2: Middle range accomodation. The main point of majority of tourist. The D'mall is located here as well as the massage and water sports acitivity station. Usually Crowded.

Station3: low range accomodation. Cheap shopping area.

2. The clear fresh water ( I love playing with the small fishes, Boracay is an ideal place for Snorkeling)

3. The white sand castles ( one of the sources of extra income of the children in Boracay is doing white sand castles, they can also make the design and name your name request. If you would like to take a picture on the castles they will ask a small donations to help them for their schooling) FYI: Using of sands are not allowed in Boracay because the government wants to protect extraction of sands but it is still happening as of now, sometimes you will see the task force passing by the beach with their little cars breaking the castles.

4. The Sunset (Romantic and amazing)

5. Island Hopping (Boat ride starting normal price is around 1200PHP but it depends on your bargaining power because usually it is more higher if you are a foreigner.)

6. Diving (One of the highlight of Beach Escapade is to explore the Underwater world) There are a lot of Diving Station along Station 1,2 and 3 and they do offer same prices for each courses you will take. They are all PADI Accredited. For my personal experience, I took the discover scuba diving and it cost me 3,500PHP.

7. Sunbathing and Getting that Perfect Tan! ( Hawaiian tropic dark tanning lotion plus the sun )

The best part of the year to visit Boracay is Summer and Christmas season.

8. Mayas Filipino and Mexican Cuisine ( For a taste of an authentic Southern Philippine Cuisine this restaurant is a thumbs up even for western people) . It is located between station one and station two. For more booking and other information about the restaurant please contact Chef Jun Salme (Owner-chef of the restaurant) +63 917 326 9884 / jun.salme@facebook.com

9. Sea Breeze Cafe at Boracay Regency Buffet station 2. The price range per person is around 800PHP ( If you would like to have a mix of western and Filipino Cuisine then definitely this is the suggested place for they do have a good quality of products.) They do also have great singers and around 2000H they have a dancing chef performing at the buffet area. It is so cool that they are dancing with a "Gangnam Sytle" song. The most worth it for this buffet is their Steak.

10. Gerry's Grill at Station 2 ( A Filipino restaurant which offers variety of grilled meat and other authentic cuisine) One of their best pick is the Chili Cheese rolled with Crepe, It is not spicy at all.

11. Andoks along D'mall (If you are craving for a grilled chicken then this small restaurant is a must)

12. Jony's Fruit Shake (For a summer heat ,A Fruit shake is one of the alternative refreshment. For one month of staying in Boracay, I've tried a lot of shakes everywhere and the one they make is definitely the best in town. Fresh and Right Taste.)

13. For sending of your Post cards It is better to go at Boracay Tourist information center along station 3

14. D'mall ( A variety of shops for the things you need such as clothes, accessories, restaurants, sports gear , supermarket, wet market, etc.) Since you are at the most famous tourist spot of Philippines expect that the price is more higher than the usual.

15. D'Talipapa (There is a three wet market in Boracay Island but If you would like to dine in as well it is located in station 2) You will buy your own seafood then around the market there is a restaurants you could choose, you can tell them what kind of cooking you want and the charge of cooking is per kilo. For Us, we bought a 2.5 Kilos of Fresh lobster that cost us 4800PHP then we ask the restaurant to grill it for Us. The prices of the seafood depends on the season and your bargaining power.

16. Fire Dance

18. Bananacue ( I like it so much! For all the sweeth tooth out there)

17. If you are looking for a cheap nice little resthouse for a daily or monthly rent in Boracay. Boracay Casa Sophia Resthouse is the only one. It is located near station one, five minutes walk to the beach. for more information please contact Ms. Elen We stayed here for a month and we only pay 30PHP plus the utility bills which only cost Us 1000PHP. It is a safe place for there is one caretaker living beside the house. https://www.facebook.com/BoracayCasaSophiaFamilyResthouse

19. Puka Beach (It is located on the other island of Boracay, you can rent a boat) I love this island because of its virginity and the shell sands are amazing.

20. Buggy Car (One of the ways to reach Mt. Luho is through a buggy ride) It is not that exciting but it is worth trying to serve as an experience. For Us, We rented a 2-seat buggy car which cost us 1200PHP for one hour then here you will have a guide.

21. Mt. Luho (The highest peak of Boracay, a breath taking view when you reach the top) you can go at Mt. Luho by a buggy car or I will suggest to rent a trycycle which will only cost you around 200PHP. The entrance fee in Mt. Luho is 100PHP per person.

22.. Boracay Ati Community (Let us share our Blessings) The "ATI" are the tribal group of Boracay Island and they are in need of help for more information this is their link https://www.facebook.com/pages/Boracay-Ati-Community/123233407858006