Photos

Monday, April 9, 2012

Summer destination #2: Boracay

by Wandering Attercop

Boracay Island


Boracay is an island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (196 mi) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay Island and its beaches have received awards numerous times.





I have been to Boracay 3 times already (2008, 2009 and 2011). I keep coming back because of the fine white sands and clear waters. Compared to other beaches, Boracay is highly commercialized with a lot of hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.

Accommodation

Me and my friends stayed in Boracay Courtyard in Station 2. It is not in the beachfront but it is near the D'Talipapa. We got the Deluxe Room for 5 persons: P1,450/night with set breakfast for 2 at La Carmella de Boracay. We just upgraded it to buffet by adding P75 each and added P220 each for the rest of us.


buffet breakfast at La Carmella


Island Hopping and snorkeling

I often go to Boracay on off-peak seasons so the prices are lower than in summer season. Boat rental is at P1,500. They will take you to some of the islands, includes: Pukka Island, Crocodile Island and other islands. They will also offer you to spend your lunch in an island.


ready to snorkel



Puka Island


Water Sports and other activities

In my first trip here I tried the banana boat and cave tour. It was fun because we were a barkada of 13. Other water sports are also available.

Banana Boat: P200/each
ATV:  P500/hour
Helmet Diving: P500/each
Cave tour: P200/each
Parasailing, Flyfish, Zorb, etc...(have not tried it)


Cave tour at Crystal Cove


helmet diving


Food and night life

The famous Jonah's Shake is located in Station 1. There are a lot of restaurant all over Boracay. Mang Inasal, Shakey's and Starbucks and other restaurants are strategically located in the island. At night, there are eat-all-you can dinner by the beachfront, mostly with seafoods as their menu. Prices start from P250 above. Fire dancers are there to entertain the guests. Bars are active at night.


buffet dinner


giant halo-halo


at Dejavu Bar


Shop for pasalubong

Shops are all over the island. D'Mall is located in Station 1 and D'Talipapa is in Station 2 (cheaper prices). Atm's are located at D'Mall in Station 1 and there is a BPI atm in Station 2.

keychain - 5 or 6 for P100
t-shirt (white) - 2 for P150
(colored) - P150 - P250
bayong bag (small) - P100
(medium) - P150
(large) - P200
native pouch (small) - 3 for P100

Relax and stroll along the beach

If you do not want those island hopping and water sports, you can just walk along the shores of the island. Experience the fine white sands and the clear waters at your feet. Go to the Grotto of Virgin Mary in Station 1. This is most photographed tourist spot in Boracay.



by the shore


view of  the Grotto




Tip: If you want to experience Boracay Island, you may wait for airfare promos. Go with your family and barkada for lesser expenses. Look for cheaper hotels for booking.

Breakdown of Costs: (off-peak)

Cebu Pacific Airfare: approximately P2,400 - P3,000 back and forth (with promo)
Accommodation: Deluxe Room for 5 - P1,450 per night (with set breakfast for 2) @ Boracay Courtyard
add: P70 for buffet
Buffet breakfast: P220
Website: http://boracaycourtyard.com/rates.htm

Estimate cost per person (off-peak): P5,000++

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