Boracay
INTRO
Boracay: an exotic name for an exotic place. This small secluded island provides all the pleasures of a typical tropical vacation from sky blue waters and white sand beaches to exquisite cuisine, refreshing water sports and leisure activities. Here, among palm trees and serene nature, one can certainly escape from the hasty atmosphere of the big city and indulge in the vanity of beauty and relaxation.
City Profile
City: Boracay
Country: Philippines
Area: 9, 67 square km
Population: 12, 003
Language: Filipino
Rating: #1 / 126 at Asian-Cities
LOCATION
As a part of the west Visayas archipelago in the Sibuyan Sea, Boracay is located on 2km of the northwestern corner of the Panay Island and on approximately 300km south of Manila. Surrounded by coral reefs, sheltered from the regional typhoons and adorned with tropical palm trees and white sand beaches, Bocaray is, thanks to its geographic position, the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines.
TIME TO VISIT
Boracay has a typical tropical climate with two seasonal patterns. The first is called Amihan and is characterized with lower temperatures, varying between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius. This period begins in November and lasts till March and is the ideal time to visit the island even though there are occasional rains that refresh the otherwise dry land. The months between March and June are hotter with temperatures reaching 38 degrees Celsius and a few thunderstorms. The other season is called Habagat Seasons and lasts from July till October. This period is marked by heavy rains and strong west wind, which makes it unpleasant for tourism.
POPULATION
The number of the people living on the island is just a little over 12,000, including foreign settlers who, enchanted by the natural serene of the place, moved from Europe and Australia. The native population consists of three different communities: Yap in the north, Bolabag in the centre and Monac-monac in the south. The official language here is Filipino but as tourism is the main means of earning a living, English is also widely used.
BEACHES
Boracay Island is conveniently divided into several beach areas, each having its own name and specific characteristics that make it attractive to the tourists. Most of the beaches are included in the popular paraw cruises that are offered on the Island. The most important ones are as follows:
- White Beach is both a marvellous sand beach, because of which most tourists come to Boracay, and the commercial centre of the island. Here, among palm trees and flour white sand, one can either relax under the sun with a cold drink by the side or indulge in a variety of sensual pleasures, provided by the many restaurants, cafes, shops and bars.
- Puka Beach is located on the northern side of the island, only 10-15 minutes ride from the centre, and is the ideal place for those who could sacrifice the powdery sand at the White Beach for the quiet and not-crowded, covered with puka shells, beach here. Only served by a few vendors, the place is perfect for picnic or a barbeque.
- Baling Hai Beach is often included in the boat trips around the island for it is a peaceful cove just north of Diniwid Beach that enjoys solitude and romance. Swimming and snorkeling are available for tourists as well as pleasurable dining at an on-top-of-a-cliff restaurant.
- Bulabog Beach is famous for the wide variety of entertainments it provides to the Island's visitors, including parasailing, kiting, windsurfing, scuba diving, kite boarding and many others. The region also hosts the island's Butterfly garden that is one of the top attractions here.
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
The amount of entertainments that Boracay has in stock for its visitors is truly fascinating. Apart from various water sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving and parasailing, the island has several places of interest, some of which stunningly atypical for a tropical resort.
- The Bat Cave is the natural habitat of an endangered species, called fruit bats. One can either try to enter the cave with the polite guide of the natives, or take a boat trip to the northern part of the island and observe them at sunset when they come out and fly over the mainland to eat. Entry fee for the cave: P200.
- Butterfly Garden is a tropical garden that contains hundreds of live butterflies that can be observed throughout their development in the nursery section. The garden is supplied with a souvenir shop that specializes in Philippine Handicraft and a restaurant that served snacks and drinks. The Garden is situated on Bulabog Beach, in a walking distance from the main White Beach district. Price: P100.
- Plazoleta is an authentic local place where tourists can watch the native artist while they work, get a special tattoo or personally painted T-shirt. It is also the best place to shop for creative gifts such as unique jewelry, handicrafts, paintings and many other unusual souvenirs.
- Horse Riding is an ideal way to explore the native villages of the island for both experienced and inexperienced riders. The Boracay Horse Riding Stables provide experts to guide you around for the price of 10 dollars per hour. There are discounts for children as well as for group bookings.
- Mount Luho offers the best view of the whole island from its 100-metres height. Many tourists take the challenge to climb its steep slope only to witness the picturesque landscape that is revealed before their eyes. There is a small cafeteria that served the visitors as well as a hummock where one can relax and enjoy the weather.
- Dead Forest was formed when the dam that separated it from the ocean collapsed and the water plundered the mangroves. The area has not been transformed into a tourist site yet but is for sure an attractive place for pictures. The natives believe that at certain times the forest comes alive and supernatural creatures take control of it. The Forest is within a walking distance from Bulabog Beach.
AIRPORT and BOATS
Boracay Island can be reached only by boat. The nearest airplanes arrive at either of two small airports that operate mainly with small airplanes coming from Manila or Cebu.
- Caticlan Airport is the local airport that is situated at a short boat ride from Boracay. The airport is served by several airlines that usually flight from Manila. There are frequent outrigger boats, called bancas, which leave from the jetty port to the shores of the island. The port is just 10 minutes walk from the airport area or if you have a lot of luggage, you can take a tricycle. Prices for the boats: P20 and additional P20 as a terminal fee plus P50 environmental fee.
- Kalibo Airport is located at 45 minutes drive from Boracay. The most convenient way to reach Caticlan from Kalibo is by taking an air-conditioned van or a bus, which will drop you at the Caticlan Jetty Port.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Transportation options on the island are limited though efficient:
- Motorised Tricycles serve as taxis and are a cheap way of going around the island. Fares: P 200.
- Mountain bicycles are possible to hire at several places and are recommended along the White Beach since the motorised tricycles are forbidden there.
- Paraws are the native sailing boats, made of bamboo, and are available and highly recommended for sightseeing around the island at reasonable prices.
- Pedicabs are little bicycles with passenger seat attached, suitable for two people. Fares can be negotiated and usually vary around P20-30 per person.
HISTORY
The island was originally the home to Ati tribe and it would have maintained its fishing village status if it wasn't for the accidental discovery of several foreign travellers in 1970. After this event, the secluded island became a final destination for many tourists, especially backpackers who didn't mind the primitive conditions on the island, which back then was deprived of electricity and was lit mainly by candles and kerosene. Thanks to the Tirols family, who own most of the along-shore lands, Boracay was transformed into a modern resort with all the amenities for its visitors and has enjoyed tremendous success since its initiation as such.
CITY LINKS
- Malaya, The National Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.malaya.com.ph/jun14/index.htm
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Boracay
- Philippine Tourist Authority: http://www.philtourism.gov.ph/
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Paradise English Language Institute: http://www.complimentaryenglish.com/
- Brent International School Manila: http://www.brent.edu.ph/boracay/