Boracay
Touted as one of the Philippines’ premier tourist destination, Boracay is a tropical paradise located 1 km. northwest of Panay Island in the Visayas Region. It is about 7 km. long and 1 km. wide at its narrowest point. The island’s largest barangays are Manoc-manoc, Balabag, and Yapak. It is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.
It wasn’t until the 1970’s that tourism invaded the island. Word of its pristine beauty was spread by European Backpackers until mainstream tourists started to take notice. In just a span of 10 years, the whole world, it seemed, discovered Boracay. The once, nearly deserted stretch of beach became a swarming vacation and leisure spot for upscale tourists from all over the world. Five-star hotels and resorts soon sprouted along Boracay’s famous “White Beach”– A 4 km. stretch of beach, so called for the fine, sugary white sand along its coast, framed by clear blue waters around the island.
Yet despite its rapid growth and commercialism, Boracay has managed to preserve some of its beaches. A good example of this is Yapak Beach located at the back of the crowded White Beach. There, it is still possible to walk on a deserted beach and enjoy peace and solitude. It is more popularly known as Puka Beach from the shell that was once endemic to this part of the island. Jewelry fashioned from these Puka shells enjoyed tremendous popularity in the 70’s when Hollywood personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor would mix and match them with her trademark diamonds. Sadly, the unrestricted sale of these gleaming white shells that once littered the shores of Puka Beach has made it a rare and endangered species.
On the Philippine map, Boracay is located just at the northwestern tip of a large island named Panay. It is one of the clusters of islands of Panay in the Western Visayas Region (Region VI) of the Philippines. The island of Boracay is approximately 7 km. long and 1 km. wide at its narrowest spot. It is a dumb-bell shaped island with a total land area of 10.32 square kilometers. Boracay is approximately 200 kms. South of Manila.
Boracay is part of the municipality of Malay in Aklan province. The three largest barangays are Manoc-Manoc, Balabag and Yapak. Yapak lies in the north, Manoc- Manoc in the south and Balabag in the center.
The middle part of the island is less than a kilometer wide, with beaches on both East and West sides. The main beach on the West side is the White Beach, which is about 4 km long. This is the main tourism beach and is lined with resorts, restaurants, lodging houses and other tourism-related business.
The main beach on the East side is Bulabog Beach and is about 1.6 km long. Bulabog Beach is the secondary tourism beach in the island.
There are also about ten smaller beaches scattered around the island. Boracay’s main road runs more or less North to South along the island, making a loop on the South end. There are a number of side roads and paths that connect the main road with Boracay’s various beaches.
Accommodation in Boracay
One of the most important things to consider when planning a vacation is the accomodations. Where you choose to spend it can make or break your much deserved holiday. There are two things that matter when deciding on a place to stay: Lifestyle and Budget. Fortunately, if you are headed to the island of Boracay, there is always something for everyone. While it is geopolitically identified by its three biggest barangays (Manoc-manoc, Balabag, & Yapak), the local islanders define its social milieu into Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. One of the reasons why Boracay appeals to a lot of people is its propensity to become a great equalizer. The beach is free! People from all walks of life can enjoy the same powdery white sand and swim in the same clear blue waters, right? Well, not quite…
Station 3 contains the most affordable inns, pension houses and resorts in Boracay. This is popular among students, backpackers, budget tourists, and those who would gladly trade in a few luxuries for a little peace and quiet but still with a little Bohemian charm.
If what you had in mind is to be near hip, cool, parties then Station 2 is the place for you. This is the busiest place in the whole island where all the big, loud parties are held. It is home to the Talipapa where souvenirs, beach clothes etc. can be had for a cheaper price. On the opposite end of the Spectrum, near Station 1, is D’Mall– an outdoor and indoor shopping arcade where you can enjoy the comforts of Fine dining restaurants and upscale stores. It’s like Manila on a Beach.
Finally, you have Station 1, where the only reason to be in Boracay is to splurge, to be splurged on, and to be seen splurging on something, anything really. The most upscale resorts and hotels are situated here. Thus, security and discretion are highly prized. The sand is also finer here compared to the other parts of the island.
So whatever dwelling you fancy, for whatever budget you can afford, rest assured that you will always find something just right for you. However, Boracay has a way of charming its visitors into coming back again and again. All the more reason for you to explore everything the island has to offer.
Now should you be smitten enough to stay for good, that is another story…
Boracay Peak Seasons
All year round, the Island of Boracay is alive with various festivities and events for all types of tourists and partygoers. During peak seasons, Boracay is host to a most Metro Manila crowd, locals and foreign travelers.
January is one of the best times to party in Boracay. Every second or third week of January, Boracay celebrates the Ati-Atihan Festival. This is a feast held in honor of the Santo Niño. It is the wildest among Philippine fiestas and considered as the Mother of All Philippine festivals. Celebrants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry during the last three days of this two week-long festival. Catholics and non-Catholics alike observe this special day with processions, parades, dancing, and merrymaking.
From January to February, the Boracay International Funboard Cup (BIFC) takes center stage in Boracay. This Windsurfing competition is open to local and foreign Windsurfers. It has become a very popular event, attracting a great deal of media attention both locally and abroad.
Aside from the BIFC, the Fil-American Friendship Golf Cup also takes place in the month of January. Fil-American Expats and Pinoy Balikbayan Golf aficionados gather together to witness this event.
During the month of February, The Goma Golf Cup and the Corporate Golf Cup, and the International Paraw Cup Challenge are held.
The summer months in Boracay are the months of March, April and May. The “Amihan” or the Northeast Monsoon produces strong winds. This is the peak season of Boracay and most festival and events center around the warm beach during this time – The Boracay Dive Olympics, Sand Lantern Contest, Boracay Invitational Golf Tournament , Beach soccer Cup, Triathlon , Boracay Food Festival and the Beach Reggae festival to name a few. The Nestea Beach Volleyball—one of the country’s biggest summer event, also takes place here during the last week of April.
On the other hand, off-season months in Boracay are the months of June, July and September. The rates are at their cheapest during this time. During the second week of September, the Caddie Shack Tournament takes place.
The month of October is the beginning of the Peak season, which continues until summer. October also marks the launching of the many Boracay festival and events. Some of them are The Boracay International Beach Festival, Village Fiesta in Balabag and the Chairman’s Golf Cup.
During the Dry Season (December to July), the waters on White Beach is warm and calm. The opposite, Eastern side, forms the windward shore, with almost continuous onshore winds and protective reefs which provide an ideal environment for both amateur and professional Windsurfers.
Why Boracay Island is the preferred island getaway for tourists
Boracay Island’s breathtaking natural beauty has made it at the top of the vacation list for many tourists all over the world. Boracay Island is a perfect paradise and island getaway, with its warm, azure waters; powder white sand and palm-fringed 4 Km. beach touted as the “finest beach in the world”. This world-famous island is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways: Caticlan Airport or Kalibo Airport.
Boracay Island has an undeniably easy atmosphere. During the day, it’s common to see tourists having a soothing massage under the shade of a Coconut tree along the shoreline. At Dusk, Boracay metamorphoses into one big party venue where everyone is a welcomed guest, a long lost friend. This continues with much merrymaking, Fire dancing, and drinking till the wee hours of the morning.
Another interesting treat in the island of Boracay is the wide array of restaurants which offer sumptuous local and international cuisines. A sizeable variety of foreigners have chosen to call Boracay home, bringing with them the richness of their cuisine to the island. This has given Boracay a distinct cosmopolitan flavor despite its laidback lifestyle. Despite its remoteness, it is here where you can buy hard-to-find cheeses, the best sausages, different varieties of beer, and other unusual finds a Gourmand would love.
There are numerous leisure activities in the Island of Boracay that are calendared throughout the year. Aside from beachcombing and party hopping, activities range from the adrenaline-pumped Windsurfing, Kayaking, Scuba diving, Trekking and Mountain biking to the more leisurely pursuits of Golf, Paraw sailing, Sunset cruises around the island, and of course, Celebrity spotting.
For many certified sun-worshippers throughout the world, paradise is synonymous to Boracay. Indeed, many tourists have been making a pilgrimage to the island year after year. Some have even made Boracay their own personal paradise.
Station 1, Station 2, Station3 – Where Should I stay in Boracay?
Station 1 is where you’ll find the famous White Beach, a 4 km stretch of white powdery sand. This is where you’ll also find the high end resorts. The rates here are generally pricier but if you’re lucky, you can stumble on a few gems with really reasonable prices. There is also an abundance of food choices available. This area is usually not that crowded, especially at the northern area of the station. There are more beaches to hang out in especially during high tide.
Station 2 has mid-range accommodation. Most of the island’s best food and bars are in this area- where most of the activities, events and happenings are. This is also where D’ Mall is located. This is where most of the restaurants and boutiques are located. This is great comfort for the dyed-in-the-wool city dweller that is assuaged by the familiar signage of Andok’s in the island.
Station 3 is great for backpackers who want budget accommodation. It is near the market and the greatest shopping areas!
To get from one station to another, you can just take a scenic walk along the beach pathway littered with interesting people and the equally interesting goods they sell. You can also opt to ride a Tricycle or Padjak (Bicycle w/ sidecar) if you’re too tired to walk or simply just to get a kick out seeing people parting like the Red Sea for you. (A Cecile B. De Mille moment).
NigiNigiToo Hotel
I would suggest staying in Station 1 where it is less crowded, and where the best beach sand is at. Nigi Nigi ‘Too’ Beach Resort is a newly established budget-friendly resort in Boracay. Best of all, it is located in the quiet northern area of station 1. Aside from having a reasonable price for the rooms, the resort provides excellent hotel amenities visitors would look for. So if you are looking for a resort that offers the most value for your money in Boracay, with comfortable and convenient hotel accommodations, then Nigi Nigi Too Beach Resort is the place to be.
At last you’ve decided on the Island of Boracay as the perfect vacation getaway, but missed on one of the most important aspects- where to stay. In Boracay, you have a variety of choices when it comes to hotels and accommodations. You could also choose if you would prefer a beachfront or non- beachfront accommodation. The whole stretch of White Beach is lined with local and international restaurants, cozy beach bars and well-equipped water sports facilities this is where most of the action happens. Staying at a beachfront hotel would mean being closer to all the fun and excitement Boracay has to offer.
Of all the hotels I have stayed in Boracay, the best and my most preferred hotel would be the Nigi Nigi Too. It has an excellent beachfront location and all rooms are within 20 meters from the White Beach. It’s the best spot because it has easy access to the beach for bathing, strolling, beachcombing or just lazing around. The rooms are also fully equipped with air-conditioning, hot showers, a mini fridge, cable TV and even wi-fi broadband internet access.
There are also spacious private verandas where I could have some private time off to read or connect to the internet. Upon waking up, the first thing I see is the great view of the ocean since all rooms have great panoramic ocean views. The Nigi Nigi Too Beachfront Bar is also a great place to hang out at the end of the day and watch spectacular sunsets while having a drink from a choice of 50 expertly mixed tropical cocktails. When I’m in the mood for shopping, or when I just want to hang out, just a 5-10 minute walk from the beachfront would bring me to the long stretch of shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes.
The Nigi Nigi Too’s beachfront is also recognized as the best bathing area in the entire island. Not only does the Nigi Nigi have all the amenities I seek for but also, the rooms are offered at very reasonable rates.
Boracay is one of most beautiful beaches in the world. Not only is it blessed with all the necessary elements that make up a tropical paradise—crystal clear blue waters, fine powder-white sand, coconut palm trees dotting the island, and a trove of marine life underneath its seas; but it is also a well-developed tourist destination equipped with facilities and infrastructures geared towards the promotion of tourism development in the Philippines.
This island located off the northwest corner of Panay is approximately seven (7) kilometers long, with a total land area of only 10.32 sq. kms. Yet in this small piece of land lies 300 of the world’s best resorts and hotels, restaurants serving various international cuisines, golf courses, spas, dive shops, bars, and a lot more, making Real Estate Property a highly valued commodity in Boracay.
Many tourists fall in love with the island and come back year after year, with each visit becoming longer than the previous one. Eventually, some of them like living the island so much that they decide to look for property and settle in Boracay. It is recommended that before making those important life-changing decisions, it is best to stay a little longer in Boracay to get a feel of the place as a permanent dwelling.
There are a lot of resorts and hotels that offer discounted rates for long-staying guests. Nigi Nigi Too offers a free accommodation on the seventh day of your stay at their resort. If you are looking for a more homey atmosphere, there are also a number of houses, cottages, and villas for rent in the island. When searching to rent or buy property in Boracay, deal only with reputable Real Estate Brokers accredited with the Philippine Association of Real Estate Brokers (PAREB) or the Chamber of Real Estate and Builder’s Association (CREBA).
Now if you think you are ready to buy Real Estate property in Boracay, it is important to note that the island of Boracay was declared as a Tourist Zoning and Marine Reserve in 1978 and is under the control of the Philippine Tourism Authority. Only 2-3% of the land is titled and registered at the Registry of Deeds. The remaining land is therefore not titled, and the possession of land is legally recognized only thru the evidence of declared and paid land taxes for what is occupied. This can be a complication if you are thinking of having a bank finance the purchase of the property you are buying in Boracay. Banks generally do not accept tax declarations for applying mortgage. However, there are still non-bank institutions that permits mortgage by accepting tax declaration only.
Despite the challenges, owning a property in Boracay is touted as a sound investment as Boracay is nearly fully developed. This is why land appraisal appreciates every year and investors have a guaranteed return of investment.
Party in Boracay
Boracay is a place where the fun never stops. After the sun sets, the Island of Boracay begins to transform into one big party place. And from dusk till dawn, the island is filled with color as it starts to come alive with tourists and locals filling the entire stretch of the beach, restaurants, bars and pubs. Nightlife in Boracay is one of islands’ major attractions. It is filled with music, entertainment, drinking and dancing. One could even find karaoke bars and dance raves along the Beach! A variety of international music could be heard as Boracay’s nightlife begins- House, Hip-hop, Latin, Salsa, Rock, and Reggae to name a few. Almost every bar is open air and just a few meters from the beach. Some of these bars have local and international DJs while others have exceptional local singers and bands performing live.
Compared to partying in Cosmopolitan Manila, a dinner followed by bar-hopping in Boracay is relatively cheaper. Not to mention the more laid-back island vibe it resonates among the most jaded urbanite. The idea is to dress down, chillax, and embrace the Boracay Party Lifestyle!
Boracay- to put it simply- is a place for people who want to have some fun. Many companies and organizations have discovered Boracay as a perfect spot for important team building events. And since Boracay undeniably has the best Philippine beaches and the most varied choice of Philippine beach hotels, many Philippine travel agencies and tours have focused their activities around a Boracay itinerary.
Boracay too, has become a popular spot for Beach weddings. The Boracay Rock is Boracay’s most famous wedding icon and just directly opposite to it is The Wedding Center at Nigi Nigi Too Beach Resort. The bridal room has an exquisite view of the ocean and the Boracay Rock.
Water Sports in Boracay
Aside from its famed white sand beaches, Boracay is also blessed with very good climate conditions and a rich marine life that makes it ideal for diving and other water sports and activities. During the dry season (December to July) White Beach is leeward shore which results in a calm, turquoise seas, ideal for frolics in the warm water to cool off from the tropical heat. During this period, the opposite, eastern side, forms the windward shore, with almost continuous onshore winds and protective reefs that create an ideal environment for both the novice and the experienced wind surfer or kite boarder. The “Fun Board” International Windsurfing Cup is held in this area during January - February each year when the winds are at their best.
The Boracay scuba diving schools and water sports outlets along the beaches offer the best equipment for rental and expert instructions at reasonable prices, including scuba gear, sailing, kite boarding and wind surfing equipment. Boracay dive schools are some of the most popular dive school locations in Asia with good shallow nearby coral dives and drop-offs to depths of thirty (30) meters.
Boracay is a magnificent national marine preserve and one of the most popular Philippine dive areas in Southeast Asia with currently thirty state-of-the-art Boracay dive schools offering the entire range of Philippine scuba diving activities from basic demonstrations through to advanced level certifications. Boracay is a great Philippine scuba diving holiday location, simply because it combines a wide range of Philippine dive tour activities with one of the best beaches in the world plus the numerous good quality resorts, restaurants, bars and night time events.
On surveying the various languages offered by the dive schools centered around Nigi Nigi’s Boracay Beach Resort on White Beach you can find dive services and instruction in English, French, Hebrew, German, Korean, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Swedish. For safety reasons it is preferable for beginners to receive instruction in their mother tongue.
If you had a more luxurious vacation in mind, you might want to try Yachting in Boracay. The Tamarind is a 40-foot yacht stationed off Boracay Island throughout the Philippine tourism high season (November-July).
It is fully equipped to ensure ocean going safety and comfort for either day excursions or extended Philippine tours.
The boat is equipped to sleep six guests on extended cruises and up to fourteen on day-long excursions. It also has Day trips to local points of interest ($45.00/person) departing at Nigi Nigi Nu Noos Resort at 11:00 a.m. and returning at sunset inclusive of unlimited drinks, an al fresco lunch, snorkeling equipment and the opportunity to learn the basics of sailing.
If Windsurfing is more you’re thing, then you’re in luck as Boracay is one of the best windsurfing locations in the Philippines. The winds blow fairly consistently all year but, of course, stronger during the rainy season. The Boracay Challenge Cup is held in the 3rd week of January each year. It is also ideal for beginners because the first 600 meters out from the beach is only 1.5 meters deep and protected by a coral reef resulting in flat waters. There are a number of establishments renting top quality equipment with a good selection of board and sail sizes.
For adrenaline junkies who prefer a more adventurous sport, Boracay has something for you too. Kiteboarding was introduced to the island by Green Yard who established the island’s first Kitesurfing school and pro shop called Hangin Kiteboarding Center. Kiteboarding uses wind power to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. In 2005, Hangin Kiteboarding Center became an International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) Center, offering training and IKO license to kite instructors. Rental equipment is readily available at about US $ 20.00 per hour and a 3 hour introductory course costs US $ 50.00.
There are many more water-based sports and activities to experience in Boracay. For those who aren’t really sportsminded but would still love some excitement in their Boracay vacation,you can try Jetskiing, Paraw sailing, Parasailing, riding the Banana boat or the Flying Fish. This guaranteed to cement your bonding moments with friends, family and loved ones with shrieks and laughter. Just remember, before going into the sea, safety first!
