Boracay

From World travel guide

Boracay is a fantastic tropical island about an hour's flight from Manila in the Philippines.

There are a few things to be expected by staying on an island that up till 6 years ago didn't have a concrete building on it, and that is the odd power cut, and the odd nighttime storm, but that is all part of the adventure, neither go on for very long.

Go soon... it's already a popular spot for Japanese honeymooners, and new places popping up all over the show. Another few years there'll be a McDonalds..

1 Get in
2 Get around
3 See
4 Do
5 Buy
6 Eat
7 Drink
8 Sleep
9 Get out
10 External links

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Get in

Fly to Caticlan, which is the nearest airport, and then it is only a short boat ride to the island. All tourists arrive on the island on small boats which come up to the beach and you wade ashore. Your luggage is hoisted onto the sand for you by porters down tiny gangplanks, so be sure not to bring suitcases which are too big or they might end up in the water! Plus you'll look really stupid taking the kitchen sink with you to a tiny island! Wouldn't wear your trendy trainers either, flip flops are probably best!

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Get around

Rent a scooter for maximum mobility and best value.

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See

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Do

It is worth hiring motorbikes or scooters out to explore the island, as there are other beautiful beaches on the other side of the island that are even better for snorkeling that will be completely deserted. Hire them for a couple of days and you should get a discount. The roads are a bit dodgy, and some were still being constructed, but it's a good laugh and better than plonking yourself on a patch of white sand and seeing nothing. If you happen to be lying on the beach though definitely have a massage and manicure. We had about one a day, they are so cheap and fantastic!
We also took a boat round the island, with lunch included which was only a couple of hundred pesos for the afternoon.. great value.
There are loads and loads of places to go scuba diving too, and that was excellent. There are just loads of fish, but we found you could see just as many by plain old snorkeling.

° A sailing tour with The Red Pirates is a must in Boracay. You will find their red paraw (native sailboat) in Angol along White Beach. The place is called: The Red Pirates Pub - Boracay. It is a beautiful spot with a very unique driftwood garden under high coconut trees. Enjoy your drink, meet other travelers from around the globe and watch one of the most spectacular sunsets in Asia. Cap. Joey will bring you to a secluded beach for a beach BBQ and he will show you the best spots around Boracay`s shores for snorkeling.

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Buy

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Eat

There are absolutely loads of places to eat, the food is brilliant if pretty touristy, and the bars/clubs are great. Expect to leave your handgun/other deadly weapon outside!

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Drink

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Sleep

Accommodation varies in standard.

The best place by miles in 2003/2004 is Friday's Resort. The only thing about it is the cost, and the fact that it's at one end of the beach and most of the bars etc is at the other end.
The best "traditional" cottages were at Nigi Nigi Noo Noos. They looked great. Food was good there too.
The White beach at Boracay is the best place to stay, and the beach itself is pretty fantastic. Look out for the mossies in the evenings though!
The best budget resort on the island is Dave's Straw Hat Inn, near boat station 3.
If you prefer peace and quiet, avoid accommodation at the centre of White Beach, as this is the most crowded area. Head further north or south instead.

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