Boracay for the First Time

Boracay Survival Guide

Date of travel: March 2009

Boracay, located at the northern tip of Panay Island, is the country's premiere summer destination. Recently, we went there and everything was a blast. I hope this would be helpful to those who are planning to go there, especially to first time travelers in Boracay like us and I’ll also give a rundown on the expenses (which is everyone's concern) in Boracay. Surprisingly, staying in Boracay can be affordable to everyone.

                                                     Boracay's famous white sand beach

Luckily, me and my three Sutherland friends Mae, Gammie and Mina ( from my previous company ) and Melvin ( a friend from Manila ) were given the chance to explore Boracay for the first time. Before the trip, we had some extensive planning. TAKE NOTE: EXTENSIVE! Haha. First time eh. Good thing everything ended up well.

                                          Team Boracay: Me, Mina, Gammie, Mae and Melvin
 

How to get there?

                                                            Caticlan: Gateway to Boracay

 
Boracay is accessible in many ways. There are direct flights from Manila and Cebu to Caticlan, which is Boracay's gateway. If from Davao, the best way is through Iloilo. Once in Iloilo, go directly to Tagbak terminal wherein buses ( Ceres Liner that is ), will take you direct to Caticlan via Kalibo, Aklan. Be ready for a dreadful 6 hour bus ride to Caticlan. But if in a hurry, take the van or hire a taxi which is much expensive. Good thing is that CebuPac now flies direct to Kalibo from Davao which will cut off the long travel time. If in Caticlan, make your way to the jetty port. Take a 20 minute jetty ride from Caticlan on your way to the island of Boracay. By the way, be ready with a lot of fees that you have to pay in the port. But does it matter? It does not. You won’t think of the expenses since everything is all worth it. And if already in Boracay jetty port, you have two options. You can hire a trike or a pedicab that will take you to your hotel or if in a large group, multicabs are also there to assist you. 

We took the Iloilo- Caticlan route. Imagine mo na lang ang inendure ng puwet for more than 6 hours. Haha.

                                                                  Boracay! AT LAST!!!!!

 
Where to stay in Boracay?

Everyone thought, including me, that accommodation in Boracay is way up high in. That’s true for beach front hotels and resorts. A single room can cost you P5000.00 a night which is too much. Good thing there are cheap resorts and inns that offers affordable rates yet excellent services. For us we stayed in Boracay Tourist Inn, a newly established tourist inn in Station 1 of Boracay beach. At P2500/ night good for 4 pax is a good steal already. It’s not a beach front hotel but a minute walk to the beach from the room is not bad. Rooms in station 1 and 2 are way higher since its in central Boracay compared to rooms in station 3.

 

                                                  Boracay Tourist Inn: Our home in Boracay

Bored in Boracay? How dare you!

Boracay has a lot of things to offer. From the endless nights of party to the extreme water activities or simply a stroll in the beach makes you feel relaxed. You can jog or take a walk along the 4 kilometer stretch of White Beach. If brave enough (and rich enough), try water activities like para-sailing, scuba diving, Jet Ski and the like. Rates of these activities are on a per minute basis. If on budget, better hop on to that banana boat for that (boring) ride or rent a banca that can take you on a tour on the whole island and at the same time, you can do snorkeling to see the rich corals and the colorful fishes that swim with you. If you can’t afford any of these, just take a plunge on the beach. It’s more than enough, trust me.

                                                  Island hopping and snorkeling in Boracay

                                                                                  Spell B-A-N-A-N-A

 
Dining in Boracay

What I love about Boracay are the wide choices of food. From grilled, to Asian, to Greek,Mexican, to deserts, to fast food, everything is so good. There are also buffets along the beach shores for as low as P250.00 which is ok enough. On my part, most of my money was shelled out just to eat. Must try in Boracay are:

Jonah's - the best fruit shake in the world. Choco Banana Peanut is a winner.

Andoks - how can we forget the dokito frito. hahaha. Cheap but delicious

Crazy crepes - mouth watering crepes with ice cream, fruits, cream and corn flakes. Yum!

Yellowcab pizza - nothing beats eating an 18 inch pizza on the shore under the night sky.

Cindy's - their batchoy and bacon cheese burger with fries left me speechless.

Halowich - tempting halo halo though expensive.

Big Mama's Grill - thumbs up to their grilled liempo and chicken.

Lemon Cafe - oh those heavenly muffins

                                                            Pizza night: Bawal ang kanin.

Boracay's Club Scene

Party never stops in Boracay. This what makes Boracay alive at night. If you love to dance the whole night long, the clubs and bars in station 1 are for you. Club Paraw and Guilly's Island were winners for us. Hey Jude Bar is Station 2 is a winner too though you a little pricey.Then there is the new EPIC bar which is epic in its own ways. Beers and alcoholic drinks prices starts at P70.00 but on happy hour, usually between 4pm to 9pm, the prices of these drinks can go so low like you've never expected. If not into dancing, listening to reggae music in Bom Bom Bar is the best for you. With acoustic performances every night, performers will serenade you while drinking your favorite beer and having the best time with your pals. 

                                                             Beers and friends at Guilly's.

Shop till You Drop

A visit to Boracay won’t be complete without visiting D' Mall and D' Talipapa. Buying souvenirs for your trip is a must. From swimwears, to shawls, chimes, and accessories. They all got it. If you want to save, better buy at D' Talipapa. And try to haggle. Trust me, prices can go way down low.

                                           Shopping galore at D' Market. Happy soul, sad wallet. Haha

So here's the rundown of my expenses for our 3 days and 2 night stay

Roundtrip airfare: P1980.00 ( Dvo - Ilo - Ceb - Dvo )
Airport fee: P600.00
Taxi fare: P135.00 per person for a group of 4
Roundtrip Bus ride: P616.00 ( Iloilo to Caticlan to Iloilo )
Roundtrip Jetty Ride: P50.00
Port Terminal fee: P100.00
Environmental fee: P50.00
Roundtrip pedicab ride: P50.00 per person for a group of 4
Accommodations: P1250.00 per person for a group of 4
Food and Drinks: P1450.00
Banana boat ride: P250.00
Island hopping: P300.00 per person for a group of 4
Snorkeling equipment: P50.00
Snorkeling fee: P20.00
Shopping at D' Talipapa: P420.00

This gives us a total of P7231.00. Now you have an idea how much to shell out. At least, if you eat less, shop less, and drink less, you’ll save more.

Whatever happens in Boracay stays in Boracay. A friend told me that Boracay is a place you should visit before you die. I find it exaggerating at first but after being there, I realized it was true. Boracay indeed is a paradise. You’ll get addicted to it and you’ll crave for more. Indeed, I’ll be back. As what I always say. Let’s live life to the fullest. And the best way to do that, go to Boracay. At least once in your life maybe.

                                                               Till next time Boracay.

                                                   The sunset in Boracay. Enough said.

LASTLY, ITS BORACAY, NOT BORA FOR CHRIST SAKE!!!!!