- A guide to Boracay -
Tropical Paradise
The Philippines is my favorite country of all times. With so many islands to choose from it is hard to pick a favorite. But one thing is for sure, Boracay is always a winner! I get a lot of questions about where to go in the Philippines, how long to stay and if is it safe? First of all, the filipino people are one of the most welcoming people I've come across. With that being said, there are certain areas in the south you should avoid. Boracay is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Philippines, and the only thing you have to worry about is if you brought enough sunscreen! With what probably is the world most beautiful white beach, this place is truly paradise.
Visiting Boracay
Getting to Boracay is as easy as it gets. With direct flights going almost around the clock you will have no problem getting to Boracay. After the closure last year, you will now need a booking to be able to step onto the island of Boracay. There has been some major changes to the atmosphere on the island. Boracay went from being the number one party Island in the Philippines. This has changed at is now a more quiet place with not to many parties as it is not allow to party on the beach anymore. As Boracay is a very small island, the airport is actually not located on Boracay, you will have to get on a boat to get there. Once you arrive at the airport you will have multiple choices options on how to do this. The easies and most convenient is to buy a package deal where they will take you all the way to your hotel. The cheapest way to get to Boracay is to walk from the airport to the ferry point, buy your boat ticket there and then grab a tricycle to your hotel. The best time to visit Boracay is in dry season between november and april, but wet season is also a good time. I visited Boracay three times during wet season and the weather has always been good. In rainy season it usually rains at night and you might get a rain shower during the day, but then the sky clears up and you will enjoy the sun again. Nothing to worry about.
Where to stay
Boracay is normally divided into areas along the White Beach called Station 1, 2 and 3. The order of the stations has always been a little confusing to me. You are arriving on the south part of the island which is close to Station 3. Then going north you will pass Station 2 and then finally Station 1 up north. Boracay is full of hotels with all kinds of standar. Station 1 is located north on white beach and is a more quiet area with luxurious hotels along the beach. Station 2 is located in the middle and is more busy with lots of shops, restaurants and nightlife. Station 3 is located south on white and is the most quiet part of Boracay with a more native bamboo style to it. Restaurants and shopping is very limited. The best part of white beach in my opinion is between Station 1 & 2. Here you will find lots of restaurants and shops, not to mention the beautiful iconic Boracay-rock located on the beach. On my last visit to Boracay I stayed at Ferra hotel Boracay. Perfectly located on Station 2, this hotel has all you need. With a short walking distance from both the beach and the D'mall shopping center this hotel is good. A swimming pool on the roof, perfect food on their rooftop restaurant and also the option of booking all you activities right from the main desk. It has everything you need for a good and fun stay in Boracay.
Top Things to do in Boracay
Boracay is the perfect place to really relax and have fun! With a spectacular beach, plenty of good restaurants and lots of fun activities. It does not get much better than that. Get ready to enjoy Paradise. Down bellow I've listed my 5 top thing to do in Boracay: # Enjoy the White beach. # Visit Puka Shell Beach# Visit Ariels Point. (Cliff diving spot) # Try some of the many water-sports. # Enjoy some great food!
Enjoy the White Beach
The best thing to do while visiting, and the main reason why people visit this island, is the beautiful White Beach. Arguably the most beautiful beach in the entire world is the 4 km long stretch of perfect white sand. Backed with palm trees and good restaurants it is the perfect place to enjoy paradise with a drink in your hand. The beach is 4 km long and has its differences.Station 1 is located north on white beach and is a more quiet area with luxurious hotels. Station 2 is located in the middle and is more busy with lots of shops, restaurants and nightlife. Station 3 is located south on white and is the most quiet part of Boracay with a more native bamboo style to it. Restaurants and shopping is very limited. My favorite spot on the beach is between Station 1 & 2. This is where you find Willy Rock. A huge pice of volcanic rock located few meters out on the beach. It is impossible to miss as this is the only rock you will find on the White Beach. Pretty strange and cool! The Willy Rock is a favorite amongst tourist and you will see people climbing all over it. A cool place for a photo.
Visit Puka Shell Beach
Puke Shell beach is a very nice beach located north on the island. One of the reason this beach ended up on my top list is because it feels more private than the other beaches. Here you can be all alone without being bothered by anyone. The reason this beach is so quiet is probably because it is not a white sand beach, nor do they sell any drink or food here. With that on the table, this beach is also backed by a perfect line of palm trees giving you that paradise vibe. And even though the sand isn`t that white, it still looks pretty bright on all of my photos. I also loved the sand. The Island is pretty small and it wont take you more than 10 minutes to get there. At the entrance you will be able to buy pretty bracelets made out of the shells found on this beach.
Visit Ariels Point
Ariels Point is the famous cliff-diving spot located just outside of Boracay. Only accessible by boat, you will have to sign up for one of the boat trips which most likely will stop at a couple other locations on the way there. Once there you will have to buy a day pass which gives you access to the cliff-diving spots. The day pass also includes a lunch buffet. The cliff-diving spot are made out of the wooden planks at various heights ranging from 3 to 15 meters.Conquer you fear of heights by starting at the lower level before you make your way to the highest jump. If you dont want to jump there is also a possibly to climb down using a wooden ladder where you then can enjoy the water snorkeling, kayaking or try out paddle boarding. There is also a bar located here with unlimited drink for you to enjoy.
- Watersports -
The most fun you will have in Boracay is definitely going to be spent on Bulabog beach. Located on the east side of the island you will find a beach full of water sports all over the place. There is rigged different floating stations out on the water. Each one of the stations has a different activity. From jet skies to parasailing. They got it all. # Try parasailing. Conquer you fear of heights hanging hundres of meters above the water giving you a unique birds eye view of the island. Traveling at relatively high speed you will definitely have a thrilling time. # Try Aquanaut. Diving with helmet also known as Aquanaut is the most fun you will have in Boracay. After climbing down a ladder which leads you to the bottom of the sea floor, you will be able to walk along the sea floor in slow motion. Oxygen gets pumped down into the helmet so you dont need to worry about running out of ear. It is a weird and super fun experience which I highly recommend if you never tried it before.
- Enjoy eating out -
Boracay is full of great restaurants. If you made it to Boracay I am sure you are ready to enjoy, and what better way is there than with some great food served right on the beach. Located along the white beach you will find plenty of good restaurant serving all kinds of food. Everyone has a favorite restaurant I am no different. Eat at Aplaya.Aplaya is a beach bar & Italian restaurant which serves some great food. After visiting Boracay three times Ive had nothing but good experiences at this restaurant. There is always a good vibe either with a Dj playing music or with live music played by local people.
