The paradise island of Boracay

Beaches of white sand, a vibrant nightlife scene, and a tremendous amount of outdoor activities are only a few reasons why visitors to Boracay refer to this island situated on the west coast of the Philippines as an island of paradise.

Here's some suggestions and information which will hopefully be useful to visitors wishing to make the most of their holiday in Boracay.

Where is Boracay?

Boracay is an island in the Philippines, and it takes under an hour to fly there from the national capital of Manila, located 315kms south of Boracay.

Getting to Boracay

The fastest way to get to Boracay is by plane, but most air passengers first stop in Caticlan, a tiny mainland town which is home to the nearest airport to Boracay. Many flights aboard turboprop airplanes leave from Manila's domestic airport, but several more flights where Boracay is listed as the destination, in fact, fly to the town of Kalibo, whose airport is bigger than Caticlan's. After their arrival to Kalibo, visitors must first travel to Caticlan by bus for 90 minutes, then walk to Caticlan port to catch one of the many outrigger boats known as 'bancas' which regularly sail to Boracay. The distance between Caticlan's airport and seaport is only 10 minutes on foot.

Since drivers are prohibited from bringing their vehicles to Boracay, the best way to reach the island by road is by arranging a journey on one of the many private van operators which make trips to the island from Manila. It usually takes about 12 hours to travel from Manila to Boracay on the road.

Motorised tricycles are the most frequently seen vehicles on the island of Boracay itself, and rates are reasonable for visitors wishing to use these tricycles as taxis. However, handkerchiefs are suggested for passengers because the seats of these tricycles are located above the exhaust pipes. Boracay's White Beach forbids all motorised vehicles, so mountain bikes are the most practical way to travel in that area. Sailboats, bancas, and scooters can also easily be rented.

Boracay attractions

White Beach is not only Boracay's main attraction for tourists and the most famous among its many beaches, but also the major commercial hub of the island. A grove of palm trees supplies shade to those relaxing on the sand and separates the actual beach from the large amount of boutiques, restaurants, and shops also found on White Beach. The most luxurious accommodations in all of Boracay are situated on White Beach's Boat Station 1.

Another place to find unique Boracay souvenirs is the D'Mall Shopping Center, not really a mall, but a scenic outdoor boardwalk. More than 25 scuba diving sites of all levels are also located just a brief boat ride away from White Beach, and equipment rental is included as a portion of the fee at most of White Beach's 20 dive centres. Lessons and rentals are also widely available for skimboarding, which has quickly become particularly popular among White Beach's youngest and oldest visitors.

After a long day partaking in these outdoor activities or a long night partaking in White Beach's vibrant nightlife, a massage is an ideal way to unwind. Massage choices at White Beach range from the affordable outdoor massage stations scattered throughout the beach to one of the most upscale spa resorts in the world, the Mandala Spa. Spa and massage treatments are also located in several White Beach hotels, and sunbathers are often approached by women offering massages on the beach.

Visitors seeking a more intimate beach experience away from busy White Beach will find exactly what they're looking for at the end of Boracay's main road, where Puka Beach sits on the end of the northern tip of the island. Only a handful of restaurants are located on Puka Beach, and picnickers are prohibited from leaving trash behind. Another tranquil Boracay getaway north of Diniwid Beach is Baling Hai Beach, where swimming, snorkeling, and admiring the breathtaking beachfront view from the local restaurant perched above a cliff rank are among the most recommended things to do. Asia's number one kitesurfing spot, Bulabog Beach, is also located on Boracay, and its two kiteboarding schools rank among the best places in the world for first time kitesurfers to learn the sport from IKO-certified instructors.

The Bat Cave on Boracay's west side is another famous attraction on the island, and locals will frequently offer to provide visitors with guided tours. Visitors would be wise to accept these offers from locals since the steep angle at the cave's entrance makes descending into the cave a risky venture, there are no handrails or paths in this cave filled with slippery stones, and breathing the cave's warm air isn't always easy. Visitors must not only pay a fee to their local guide after leaving the Bat Cave, another fee is also required to the family who are owners of the property on which the cave is located.

Visitors who wish to explore Boracay by their own leisure have plenty of transportation options such as renting motorbikes or scooters, riding on horseback, and sailing on outrigger boats.

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