Thursday, July 07, 2016

Boracay is "still" LoVe

happened on June 16-20, 2016


missing this beach already

How do you enjoy Boracay after visiting it for so many times already?  I rather answer this question with another question.  How can you ever get tired of it anyway?  Because I honestly don't - even if it's way too much commercialized already (compared to 8 yrs ago) and invaded by foreigners, Koreans - occupying the major percentage, the Chinese next and a small percentage of other nationalities.  The locals lie in between.  Yes, it's crowded but I can't see this as a hassle in vacationing in this paradise.


So when I saw a promo by Air Asia, I didn't hesitate to book since it's already 8 years the last time hubby and I sat foot on its prestine white sand.  I was able to get a very low price of less than Php2K for a round trip ticket via Kalibo (per person).  Of course, it will be much convenient if we will embark in Caticlan but with that cheap price, I'm willing to travel another 2 hrs just to see this special place again.  It doesn't even matter if my booking is still a year away from the schedule.  I'm so willing to patiently wait to see it again.  Another 4 people joined us later with the same promo price.


Next on the list is the accommodation.  Our friend suggested the Crown Regency Convention because of the pool and surfing lesson. We availed of Metrodeal's promo of Php4K per night for 4 persons, without breakfast.  This hotel is situated in Station 2, at the interior part, around 10 mins. from the beach.


I always feel the lack of time and energy whenever I'm in this island.  It will literally suck all your zest if you wanted to do everything that it has to offer.  You don't need to have a concrete plan, you'll eventually have something to be busy about upon arrival.



After so many visits, I told my companions to take it easy this time.  I just wanted to enjoy it in  a relax phase.  But as expected that didn't happen.  We all agreed to do some things we haven't tried before. The thing I love about Boracay is that it caters every walks of life.  You always have the option to spend or be thrifty.  There is just no fix allowance and itinerary for Boracay. So better do whatever you feel like doing till you can.  Since it's my 6th time here, I have foregone the usual activities like island hopping and helmet diving.  But I cannot let go of the Paraw Sailing though.

yep, that's me with one of the abundant sand castles in the island
First thing first... how do you get to this island?  You have different options but our group chose to be on the practical and economical side and I wanted to share it with you.

1. Wait for promo tickets by being members of the most popular budget airlines - Air Asia and Cebu Pacific.  Lately, it has been Air Asia who regularly offers promos.  Highly recommended route is arriving in Caticlan airport but most promos are for Kalibo.  This is still OK since it will just take 2 hrs to travel to Caticlan by land.

soon, it will be my name on that plane hahahahaha

2. Since our plane tickets are MNL-KBO route, we rented an exclusive van going to Caticlan Jetty Port since we are six in a group.  Van rental = P1,500.00/way.  My contact is Ernie Isuga (CP# 09491625188).  We have a stop-over in Kalibo for lunch.

the view from our table
3. In Caticlan Jetty Port, you have to pay (1)environtal fee - Php100.00, (2) terminal fee - Php75.00 and (3)boat fee - Php25.00.  That's Php200.00 for one way.  Going back to Caticlan, you will no longer need to pay the environmental fee; only terminal and boat fees.

the ticketing section


4. You have to register as a tourist in the registration counter before riding the boat.  A boat will be assigned to you.  Note:  ignore the porters approaching you to carry your luggage.  The boat has a porter to assist you on your belongings.  This will save you a porter fee.

the usual public tranpo
5.  Upon arrival in Boracay port, just walk to the tricycle and muti cab terminal.  For an e-trike, rental is Php150.00 for a single trip.  Multicab's fare starts from Php150.00 also.  This will be your service going to your hotel.  Returning to this port, you will again need to rent a tricycle or multicab; same rate applies.




Now, you are in the beautiful island of Boracay.  So, what to do?  These are just some of my recommendations.

1. Sunset Watching - This is a must!  You'll regret seeing one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world if you miss this one.






2. Beach Bumming - too lazy to stretch your muscles?  Just find a place and bum around.  You can kill the time just enjoying the view and people watch.




3. Water Activities - Boracay has a lot to offer (helmet diving, para sailing, paraw sailing, paddling, island hopping, fly fish, banana boat; to name a few).  So be financially prepared when you visit this island.








4. Land Adventure - there is a new route for ATV/Buggy rides.  The route is not too thrilling but it offers a great stop-over location.  I love this restricted cove.  This can only be accessed by availing the ATV or Buggy ride.





5. Food Tripping - a wide variety of cuisines to choose from.  You can either scrimp or spend.  These are just some of the restos that we tried and will recommend.

 
para sa mga nagtitipid





don't miss this one, too



You can also try D' Talipapa, wherein, you will buy the fresh ingredients and have them cooked in any of the restaurants nearby.  Shrimps and crabs per kilo is around Php800.00.  Fishes are at around P350.00/kilo.  Cooking service charge is Php200/kilo.






6. Night Life - this why Boracay is different from the rest.  Beach bumming during the day and partying at night.  There is no dress code.  Come in any outfit you like and party till you and where you want.  Just don't forget to check our the fire dancers.  Some restaurants feature great performers.











7. Shopping - souvenirs shops abound the island.  Just know how to haggle. I find D' Talipapa with the cheapest prices.  There are some international brands in D' Mall for your apparel needs. The Crown Regency Recreation Center has a 24/7 store that is offering branded goods at a fraction of the original price.  Please don't buy from children.  These kids need to be in school not on the beach working.










8.  Soul Searching - no matter how crowded this island is, you will find your place and enjoy the serenity.  I highly recommend going to Puka Beach for a lesser crowd.





9. Spa Hopping - massages are always a part of any vacation and there are a lot of masseurs in the island; from affordable to high end spas.  You can even have one while on the beach.

10.  Taste the High End Life - have a lunch or dinner in the five stars hotels.  We chose to celebrate Father's Day in Shangri-la Boracay.  Food prices are not cheap but the experience and ambiance is priceless.








and a lot more to discover....  you even want to try this...


If you haven't visited Boracay, please do before it will no longer safe to visit.  I'm serious on this one,.  At the rate of garbage and other pollutants invading this paradise and no actions being done, it will not be long before it will just be enjoyed by looking in historical pictures.  I really pray that the money being collected for environmental fees and other taxes be properly used to protect this paradise.

See you again soon Boracay... I wish that the kids will love you the way I do.. yep, the telechubbies family is all set for summer of next year...  Crossing my fingers tight that the plane schedule won't be cancelled or rescheduled...  nakukuha sa dasal yan!

**all S7e shots


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