Albeit, if there’s one place in the Philippines that I would love to stay when I grow old, that would be Boracay Island in Caticlan, Aklan, PH. I’ve been there for several times with different people – my families, my special someone and my friends – and I still am go there anytime soon. Well, my girlfriends and I are already planning for our summer getaway and to experience Labor Day in Boracay also known as LaBoracay this year. You may ask why? For me, every visit has a spectacular and unexplainable magical feelings left in my heart, in my soul, in my personality every time I see the cerulean paradise, every time I get to see how romantic the sun sets. Every visit creates a different stories and new discoveries. Each visit has its own kind and I would say that Boracay Island really captured my heart, it’s my own form of paradise, it’s my idea of heaven, it’s my outlet of contentment and fulfillment, and the list goes on.
Boracay Island
Meanwhile, if you are a first-timer you might ask what the other things to do here. Or perhaps, looking and finding an answers to these questions – where to stay, what are the activities you can do, where and what to eat, and whatnot? So, here I am writing down and summarizes all the things that I already done in the island that might could help you on your Boracay Island getaway anytime soon.
Please also note that most of the time I travel for leisure. In most cases, I am not a backpacker-type traveler so pardon if you found it not-so-affordable or the likes. But rest assured that I would also share some tips on how to score discounts so you can have the comfort of travelling and yet at affordable price. As I always mentioned before, you can indulge yourself in a luxurious getaway by planning ahead of time. So let’s get started, shall we?
Where to Stay?
To start with, Boracay Island’s White beach is divided into three boat stations where passengers can be dropped off. These are Station 1, 2 & 3. Station 1 located at the northwest side of Boracay’s White Beach where the most high-end hotels and resorts are located and quiet than Station 2. Station 1 has also the finest sand quality – as white as flour and as soft as down feathers. Station 2 is located at the middle of the White Beach, the most convenient and busiest part of the island simply because majority of the activities happen here whether if daylight or nighttime. In this station you can also find the D’Mall which hosts restaurants and several shopping stalls. So if you love the party and has an access in almost everything then this station is for you. For lodging, you can have an expensive or budget accommodation based on your preference. And lastly, Station 3, the quietest and less-developed part of the island where you can also find the lower-priced accommodations. Still, it keeps the mellow airs of Boracay’s past ambiance and where water activities, such as parasail, fly-fish, Jet Ski, paraw sailing are booked and done.
Boracay Mandarin Hotel
But one thing is for sure, whether you choose to stay in Station 1, 2 or 3, you will most likely find an accommodation that suits to your needs. By the way, room rates are usually cheaper during Off-peak season which is from June-October. Plan and book ahead of time as many hotels are offering an “early-bird” booking promo.
Villa de Oro reception area
As for my recommendation on where to stay, usually we stayed at Station 2, where you can find La Carmela, Villa de Oro, Hennan Garden (before it was Boracay Garden Resort), Boracay Mandarin Hotel, and many more. Yeah, I already stayed on these resorts but my favorite by far is the Hennan Garden Resort which I already posted a review here. From the hotels and resorts mentioned La Carmela is the cheapest and Boracay Mandarin Hotel is a bit higher than the others. But then, to score cheaper hotel rates, you can always go to Agoda’s website (click here) and compare hotel prices where you can also view hotels and resorts amenities plus reviews from its guests. I’ll be staying in Station 1at Alta Vista de Boracay this summer so I am hoping that it is a good choice. And as for Station 3, you can score as low as P400 per person for an overnight stay at a decent air-con room. Just ask the locals and let them know about your budget and they are more than willing to help.
Hennan Garden Resort
Hennan Garden Resort for an OOTD
Hennan Garden Resort's one of the many swimming pools
Where to eat?
Station 2 has a lot to offer. If you’re on a tight budget, you can have a decent meal for as low as P50 at D’Mall Market. You can also buy raw foods in the market and cooked where you are staying if it is allowed to do so. Fast food chains and restaurants in D’Mall also comes handy when you are in a hurry such as Andok’s for as low as P60 you can have 1-pc fried dokito and rice meal, Mang Inasal for as low as P99 for 1-pc chicken with unlimited rice, Shakey’s, McDonalds, Gerry’s Grill, and many more to choose from. If you’re up to comfort foods, Mesa Filipino Moderne restaurant is there to serve you their best sellers like baked tahong (mussel), adobong pusit, pinakbet and kare-kare. But here’s more, there are staffs of Astoria Hotel roaming around the white beach giving you FREE buffet dinner or lunch. But here’s the catch you have to lend your 90 minutes of your time to listen on their presentation, but hey it’s FREE food and mind you guys, foods served were sumptuous and flavorful. Don’t forget to try the calamansi muffin from Real Coffee and Tea Cafe and the chocolate banana from Jonah’s Shake.
ready for lunch at Mesa Moderne Filipino Restaurant
baked tahong (mussel)
McDonalds
shakes from Jonah's Shake
Real Coffee and Tea Cafe
What to do?
Oh well, aside from witnessing how romantic and majestic the sun sets while sitting on the fine white sand of Boracay Island and daydreaming while holding your loved ones’ hands there are still a lot of things to do. You can visit the grotto, do island hopping with snorkeling, you can see the 360 degrees of Boracay Island by parasailing, shout unlimited while conquering the waves thru fly-fish, Jet Skiing, paraw sailing, ATV adventure uphill to Mt. Luho, conquering the fear of height and jump off the cliff at Ariel’s Point and many more. In addition to that, each visit has a new adventure to choose from. So, better get ready to explore and have fun while in Boracay Island. Meanwhile, for an easy-peasy travel getaway you can always arrange a travel and adventure package here.
my clingy girlfriends
at Mount Luho
snorkeling
refreshments at Puka Beach
grotto
island hopping
another island - island hopping
ATV adventure with P
sunset
parasailing
What to buy as a souvenir?
Of course, after your rejuvenating and wonderful getaway in Boracay Island you’ll think of something that will remind you of the place. You can go to D’Mall Market for more cheaper prices but a lot of souvenir shop such as t-shirts, ref magnet, accessories made of shell, my fave floppy hat are also can be found along the white beach. You can also haggle if you are going to buy in bulk. If you are a Starbucks’ lover and collecting mug or tumbler with places name on it, it is also available in the island.
bracelet with i heart Boracay
ref magnets
Starbucks' mugs
Whew! I am now excited for my Laboracay 2015 slash summer getawayand happy to be reunited once again to the place I love since I was a kid where stations did not exist and boats can docked anywhere in the White Beach. Laboracay 2014 was horrible looking at the photos and reading from different blogs so I hope that this year, people is more disciplined and will act and behave accordingly to preserve the beauty of Boracay Island. So, let’s see and I will surely update you about it.
my beautiful and sexy girlfriends - Aix, me, Yani and Kae
Have a happy day! Work hard and travel harder!
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Hugs & Kisses,
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