Boom Rizal
Vacation in Boracay Island
With its turquoise waters and long stretches of white sand, Boracay is truly postcard-perfect. This paradise island is without a doubt one of the best places to go for a laid-back vacation. Now don’t allow the lack of preparation to stop you from packing your bags and jumping into a plane. Once you’ve made a list of all the things you would like to do on the island, you won’t have to sweat it out with a tedious Boracay itinerary. Just make sure you get to the island, and everything else can be spontaneous. Also, do not hesitate to treat yourself with the indulgences that matter to you, like convenient transportation options and comfortable accommodations.
Your flight
The first thing you need to get out of your way is your transpo. If you are traveling from Manila, there are two ways to reach Boracay by air: via Caticlan and via Kalibo. The faster and more convenient route is by going through Caticlan. The flight would only take about 50 minutes, after which you can have a 15-minute boat/ferry ride to Boracay. The route via Kalibo also requires a 50-minute plane ride, but you would have to take a 1 ½- hour bus or van ride before you can take the 15-minute boat/ferry ride. The caveat is that the former is a more expensive option, costing as much as Php7,000 to Php10,000 while going the Kalibo route will only set you back by Php1,300 to Php2,500. There is also another cheaper alternative, which is the RoRo ferry ride from Batangas to Caticlan. A budget of Php1,000 will already include the bus ride from Cubao to Batangas, as well as some meals. Still, if you feel your time is way more valuable than any savings you could make, and if you put prime importance to convenience, then the route via Caticlan is the way to go.
Your accommodation
A popular destination, Boracay offers a myriad of accommodation options. You are bound to find just what you are looking for. If your primary concern is your budget, hostels and guesthouses may be your best option, especially if you go for the shared rooms that are not air-conditioned. You will even find places that offer tents for rent. While these options will save you a lot of money, they will cost you in terms of space and privacy. And you will have to do away with the usual conveniences you are used to, like a good toilet and first-rate beddings.
If you prefer more comfort and luxury, you will also have tons of options to choose from in Boracay. Hotels offer first-rate comfort and key amenities like Wi-Fi, pools, and restaurants that will make your stay a lot easier. You may also opt for villas for more privacy and exclusivity, albeit this option can truly burn a hole in your pocket. If you prefer more luxury, convenience, and privacy without breaking the bank, you can go for a condotel. It offers the usual comforts of a hotel and the exclusivity of a villa, but at reasonable prices. You will have a first-rate condominium unit and its facilities to yourself, allowing you to have the usual amenities available in villas.
One of the pieces of advice you would often hear when it comes to choosing an accommodation in Boracay is to search for options far away from the beaches, as you are bound to find better deals this way. Think twice before following this advice. Remember that one of the main reasons you traversed the miles to get to Boracay is because of the beaches. Being too far away from one can ruin the fun. Besides, the popular destination that Boracay is, you should never run out of options.
Your Boracay island activities
You don’t have to spend too much time making rigorous plans for your trip to Boracay. As long as you have your transportation and accommodation all figured out, you should be good to go. Boracay is a good place to be spontaneous because there are countless activities that you can do without having to make prior arrangements. Here are some of the laid back activities you should check off your list:
Sunset watching
Boracay is known for its breathtaking sunsets. It is something you definitely must experience. You only have to head over to key spots like the White Beach by 5 PM to 6 PM. More than just the sunset, you will love the silhouette of the sailing paraws against the stunning colors of the horizon. You can even enjoy the sunset aboard a paraw and just sit back and relax while basking in the beauty of nature. You should also watch out for sunrise. It offers a wonderful way to start your day in paradise.
Watching the kite surfers
Take a trek to Mount Luho and enjoy watching the kite surfers’ awesome stunts. You will have a great vantage point from the summit. The colorful paraws and kites make for a remarkable view. You can also lounge at one of the rustic cafes and restaurants located in the area.
Food trip
Your Boracay experience is just not complete without indulging your taste buds. The island is a true gastronomic haven, and you need to take full advantage of this. You must try one of the Filipino restaurants, and treat yourself with delicious local dishes.
Cornrows and henna tattoos
Have some fun and get yourself a cool set of cornrows. This is simply a hairdo you need to have at least once in your lifetime. You should also get inked at least temporarily. Henna tattoos let you have skin art to go with your bikini, but without the scary commitment, permanent ink requires.
Water activities
Whether you are the adventurous type or not, you are bound to find just the right water activity for you. Boracay is known for its beaches, and there is no shortage of things to do in the waters. For starters, you must arrange an island hopping escapade so you can access all the many water activities you can do. If you would rather just chill on the boat, you can do that as well and just sit back while enjoying all the stunning views on the paradise island.
Relaxing massage
Do not leave the island without getting a nice relaxing massage. You will find countless of massage spas dotting the island. The friendly therapists will ease the knots and aches of your body. They will also relieve you of tension, ensuring a restful sleep at night.
Get this simple Boracay travel checklist in order, and you are ready to jump right in and make your dream Boracay trip a reality.
Also Read:
- The Ultimate Travel Guide to Boracay Island
- Boracay Hotels with the Highest Traveler Ratings
- 25 Pictures That Prove Boracay Island has One Of The Best Beaches in the World
