Boracay Attractions
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..
Boracay Island combines crystal clear waters, sugary beaches and lush landscapes into an idyllic tourist haven that is guaranteed to fascinate and lull visitors into tranquil harmony with its simplistic beauty.
Travellers commonly refer to Boracay as a heart stomping, unbelievably magical Island in the middle of the Philippines. A paradise set in the South China Sea.
Boracay Island, only seven kilometers long and one kilometer wide at its narrowest point, is located just off the northern tip of Panay Island. The northern and southern parts of Boracay rise with elevations of 100 meters above sea level. The Island has numerous scattered villages interconnected by a maze of intriguing jungle pathways.
Boracay boasts the world's finest beaches - a broad 3.5 kilometer stretch of drenched sand, washed by perpetually turquoise-ish water, a nature worshipper's heaven on earth.
White Beach runs almost the entire length of the western side of the island. During the peak season (December till July) White Beach is ideal for day frolics in its warm water, to cool off from those sweaty summer's tropical heat.
During this period the opposite, eastern side, forms the windward shore, with almost continuous onshore winds and protective reef that are ideal for both the Scuba divers and Surfers. The eastern shore also contains numerous shelter homes, rewarding the ardent student-backpackers with many great scenic spots.
The main beaches are dotted with water sports outlets, offering the latest equipment for rental and expert instruction at reasonable prices for scuba diving, wind surfing. Boracay is becoming Asia's most popular to-go area with good shallow coral dives and nightlife within easy reach.
For more leisurely pursuits, many local hotels and holiday resorts offer all-day around the island trips by motorized bangkas , with stop-offs at the northern caves, near Yapak, home of Boracay's giant fruit bats, locally called "Flying Foxes" and the 'Kar-tir' Sea Shell Museum with Filipino shells on displays in Ilig-Iligan.
Boracay Island's center extends a natural invitation to hike or mountain bike its many trails, criss-crossing its gently hilly slopes, while offering occasional glimpses of far-off sandy coves, fringed by palm trees... Your hike could extend to Puka Shell Beach, located on the Island's northern tip, facing Carabao Island. Puka Beach is the home of Boracay's famous and at one time plentiful Puka shells.
At sunset, a walk along the length of Boracay's White Beach attracts many early evening walkers, before the serenity of the ocean views are over-taken by the awakening of Boracay's night life, offering numerous economically priced restaurants, discos, and bars that add an international affair to the evening.
At the end of the day, watch the spectacular sunsets from the beachfront bars which offer expertly mixed tropical cocktails to titillate your early evening loins.
Boracay offers an ideal escape from civilised civilization, but if one needs to remain in contact with the rest of the world, international phone, fax and e-mail services are always available.
The island is on the brink of a worldwide epidemic, which within the next five years will probably convert its current tranquillity into the hub-bub of a major commercialized venues. So go soon...
The other attractions Boracay are no competition whatsoever for the beaches. There are no historical attractions of any kind, beach culture prevails over local traditions and the attractions on offer are merely pleasant diversions from days of relaxation. Those unable to peel themselves from the beaches have missed nothing of note.
The Caves around the island are accessible by road or boat. Boat access occurs only during high season, November to May. The Bat Caves contain fruit bats and are worth seeing, but hold your nose. The other caves aren't really worth the time.
The Shell Museum is in dire need of maintenance and upkeep and barely worth the visit.
The Mount Luho View Deck is Boracay's highest point at only 60m! From the observation deck the views are fine but hardly spectacular - only recommended to those who fancy a change of scenery.
Within walking distance of Boat Station 3 is the Preserved Dead Forest. This features twisted dead branches and tree trunks jutting from inland waters which may please those with an artistic eye.
Tours
Half-day boat tours skip around Boracay, typically stopping at the nearby islands and caves, with a little snorkeling followed by lunch at Puka Beach. Tours are widely available and the itinerary is flexible - picnicking, diving and snorkeling can all be slotted in.
Island hopping can also be arranged to suit individual needs. Unspoilt Carabao Island featuring deserted beautiful white sand beaches is close by.
Events
Boracay has only one church and a small local population. Religious festivals are celebrated quietly on the island and any events are usually tourist driven beach parties or sports competitions.
The International Funboard Cup is now a well-established sporting event on Boracay attracting media attention and occurring every January. The popular windsurfing competition is open to both local and foreign windsurfers.
January is the time to hang loose in the "Land of the Atis." The Ati-atihan festival is celebrated in the 3rd week of January, but not on Boracay itself. Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan, is the gateway to Boracay.
Kalibo, two hours away in Panay features the spectacular local Mardi Gras. Every second weekend of January, it celebrates the Ati-Atihan Festival where frenzied streetdancing is performed by costumed and black-sooted "tribes" as they wend through the main streets from dawn till the witching hours. Participants dressed in colourful warrior costumes darken their skins with charcoal in a pageant honouring the Sto Nino.
The Ati-Atihan is celebrated for three days and commemorates the 13th-century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Santo Niño.
To the accompaniment of hundreds of lyres and drums, merrymakers throw all inhibitions to the wind as they join the tribes in a mad jig punctuated by rhythmic shouts of: "Hala bira! Puera pasma! Hala bira! Viva Santo Niño!" (Loosely translated, means: "Let go! Don't get sick! Let go! Hail the Holy Child!")
Kalibo is also famous for its handloom weaving industry where fine silken fabrics are produced from the fibers of the piña (pineapple) and abaca plants.
Several other sporting events take place with flexible dates throughout the year. One regular feature is the International Beach Volleyball Competition, which occurs in the summer, drawing volleyball fans to White Beach.
Getting There
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 eit her, flip flops are probably best!
Sources:
Philippine Dept. of Tourism
Boracay Foundation
Wikipedia and Wikitravel
HotelClub.com
World66
A1 Permalink : Philippine Travel | top of page