10 ways to explore Boracay, an island in the Philippines
Find out why this speck of an island in the Philippines is one of Asia's hottest tourist spots.
Boracay, one of the 7,107 islands of the Philippines, is among Asia's hottest tourist destinations. The tropical island, just seven kilometres long and about one hour away by air from Manila, is home to some of the world's best white sand beaches fringing the clear, warm waters of the Sulu Sea. The island is divided into boat stations used as reference points: Station I known for its high end resorts, Station II the liveliest part with bars and restaurants and Station III where budget accommodation is found. Be a sybarite and chill out with our pick of 10 ways to enjoy the island.
BE A WATER BABY
There are dozens of beautiful sites to explore Boracay's clear turquoise waters and biodiversity that have exceptional visibility at up to 40 metres. From viewing shipwrecks, vertical walls swathed in sponges and soft coralsto catching a glimpse of turtles, rays, sea snakes and snappers. Sign up for diving lessons where the price starts at PHP (Pilipino pesos) 1,600 (around Rs.2,100) with lessons and gear. Vroom your way on a jet ski where you can have 15 minutes of fun for PHP 2,000 (around Rs.2,700)per jet ski. My favourite was a ride on the Yellow Submarine where 20 metres deep, surrounded by different hues of aqua, divers come outside your window and point out the undersea wonders! (Rs.2,700 per head)
WALK ON SEA BED
If you prefer an easier, alternative to scuba diving, try reef-walking, also called helmet-diving which allows you to walk on the ocean floor without an air tank on your back or a regulator in your mouth. I was thrilled to walk on the seabed and pose for photographs, wearing a 30kg helmet to keep me down on the floor. This package - customarily priced at Rs.800 - comes with free compilations of your underwater photos plus videos as well as few pieces of bread that you can feed the fishes while underwater.
UP IN THE SKY
One of the best ways to get a bird's eye view of the island is to parasail. There are several operators who set you afloat from a boat in the ocean. As you ascend you get a panoramic view of the entire island while several metres up in the air. Price starts at Rs.1,350 per person for 15 minutes. If you are more adventurous, sign up for kite boarding and windsurfing lessons at Bulabog Beach.
ISLAND HOP
Boating is one of the easiest, enjoyable and affordable ways to discover Boracay. You can rent a glass-bottom dinghy, or try the paraw - a local boat with bamboo outriggers. Visit secluded beaches like Diniwid, Puka Shell, Bulabog and Crystal Cove with its subterranean cave. Have a picnic lunch of fresh fish on the grill then go snorkelling at Crocodile Island. (Usually costs around Rs.2,700 per boat of 10 pax)
CATCH THE SUNSET
The most surreal scene on the island is at around 5 pm, when people slowly come out of their hotel rooms and congregate on the White Beach to catch the sunset, when the skies are painted in pink and purple hues and scream Instagrammable. You can float lazily on your paraw, sipping wine or dig your feet in the sand and enjoy the moment.
SAVOUR FLAVOURS
All the flavours and cuisines of the world are represented in Boracay's many restaurants - from Spanish and Mexican to Thai and Indian. Come evening, the island transforms into a giant outdoor club - vibrant and intoxicating. Most of the cafes, bars and resorts that line White Beach, offer buffet dinners with eat-all-you-can seafood: crabs, lobsters, giant prawns and all kinds of fish. Vegetarians don't despair: head to the True Food Indian restaurant or the Ole Spanish and Mexican restaurant for good vegetarian fare or catch a pizza at Yellow Cab. Don't forget to load up on tropical fruits - try the avocado and mango milk shakes.
BE A BEACH COMBER
Other than walking on the iconic talcum powder sand White Beach, lined with thick groves of swaying palms, and hawkers selling hats and shades, the Puka Beach named after 'Puka' shells (shells of snails) is the less crowded favourite in Boracay. Aside from a golden bronze tan, you can get braids on your hair or a henna tattoo on your skin. Don't miss the elaborate sand castles that are built on the beachfront almost daily and lit at night; just the right background for a selfie to show off to friends.
BUST YOUR STRESS
One of the best and cheapest ways to unwind is to get a beach-side massage. Laze on powder-fine sand, listen to gently lapping waves and enjoy the balmy breeze as manangs (lady masseuses) give you a long and soothing rubdown. Choose between Thai, Swedish, Shiatsu or reflexology. If you want to splurge, head to the Spa at the Lind and have a traditional hilot massage.
LOCAL TREASURES
The island is a retail paradise. A great place to shop is D' Mall in Station II lanes flanked by shops in a compact area. Just one gentle reminder: Shopaholics remember that one Phillipino peso equals Rs.1.35 Indian rupee!
DELVE DEEPER
If you like immersive travel and want more than just the sun lounger and cocktails, visit the Bihasin Ati Living Heritage village, home to the marginalised indigenous people of the island called the Ati. They are a small community of dark skinned people with curly hair, restricted to this land managed by Christian missionaries. They showcase their culture in a small sand bottomed museum with drums, baskets and tribal artifacts.
FACT CHECK:
GETTING THERE
Fly to Manila by Singapore Airlines and connect to Caticlan Airport on local carriers like Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific. After landing, you just need to reach the Caticlan Jetty Port that is a three-minute tricycle ride away. From this port, you just need to board another boat that will take you to Boracay in just 15 minutes.
STAYING THERE
Splurge out at Boracay's newest resort The Lind, located in Station I which has beautiful Mykonos-style rooms with minimalistic decor, an infinity pool and cabanasshaped traditional shrimp traps. Doubles start at around $300 (Rs.21,000) per night. http://www.thelindhotels. com
GOING AROUND
The local tricycle taxis are the best to get around, charging around Rs.30 per person from one station to the next.