I was on Facebook and saw one of the sponsored ads of Skyjet Airlines. That time, they are offering a roundtrip promo to Boracay that has a low cost. As an opportunist of low cost flight fares, I didn't hesitate to book a flight for 3 days and 2 nights and planned the trip after paying the booking. Going to Boracay has 2 options from Manila, visitors can book a flight to Kalibo Airport (Which is 2 hours away from Boracay port) and they can also book a flight to Caticlan Airport (10 minutes away to Boracay port). Caticlan Airport is the most convenient way to fly to Boracay but people consider flying to Kalibo Airport instead because it is cheaper. In this blog, I will share my experience on my trip to Boracay to prove that this island is still one of the best beaches not only in the Philippines, but in the world.
My flight via Skyjet air was really fast and takes only 35 minutes, this airline is the only plane who can travel that fast to Boracay (The usual flight time is 1 hour and 15 minutes in some airlines). Skyjet is luxury flight as they claim but their plane interior is not properly maintained.
Skyjet airlines window seat to Boracay from Manila
Outside our plane.
During the flight, the attendants will be distributing complimentary Goldilocks bread and a mineral water. Compare to Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines that offers no complimentary snacks, the free food impressed me a lot! After few minutes, the pilot announces that we will be landing shortly.
Upon arriving the Caticlan Airport, the tourism department representatives welcomed us with a smile and they asked us to register for their record.
The Boracay Airport
Waiting for my checked in baggage.
After getting my baggage, we proceed to a tricycle terminal beside the airport and we paid P50.00 for every tricycle rent, good for 3 to 4 passengers. This sidecars take us to the port that will be our gateway to Boracay Island.
Tricycle terminal beside Caticlan airport.
At the port terminal, there are fees that visitors has to pay, P25.00 for the boat fee, P75.00 for environmental fee, and P100 for terminal fee. I have no idea why it is so expensive but we have no choice but to pay. After waiting for a long queue, we rode a passenger boat that will bring us to the next island.
The port terminal.
Passenger boat to Boracay Beach.
Boat from Caticlan port to Boracay Island will be shaky, the waves are huge sometimes, but everyone are required to wear a life vest for safety. Upon arriving to the next Island, visitors will see this abandoned place on the beach waters.
Abandoned Place. This is part of the port terminal.
In this island, if the tourists booked a hotel online and don't have a port terminal to hotel transfers arrangement like us, they can rent a tricycle for P100.00 each to bring them to their hotel, but if visitors don't have a place to stay yet, there's a lot of booth around the port that offers accommodation. When choosing a hotel in Boracay, tourists has to be careful because not all hotels here are beach front and very far from the shore. My suggestion is to book before arrival and do research first if the hotel is on beachfront, Agoda is the best website to look for a beachfront accommodations that includes some reviews from their former guests.
Boracay has Three stations, Station 1 is where the expensive and luxury hotels are located and the sand here is better than the Two. On the other hand, station 2 is the usual over crowded place and where the night life usually happens. The Station 3 is where the boats are parked that affects the view of the beach, cheap hotels can also be found at that station. For the person who wants to relax, better stay on Station 1 and 3 but for the night life and bar parties, stay at station 2 and expect an overcrowded place there. However, tourists can explore the 3 stations by walking.
Map of Boracay. Stations 1 to 3. (Map grabbed from boracay.com)
We choose to stay at Station 3 and It was relaxing and not too over crowded. I decided to roam around and discover the place at sunset time after we checked in. This is the usual happenings at the beach of Boracay in the afternoon:
Tourists enjoying the beach.
Foreigners are chilling at shore.
Animals can chill too! Cute dog!
This little boy is creating sand castle for living.
The La Carmella De Boracay
Yellow Cab pizza by the beach.
Hair braiding and tattoo services also available in Boracay!
The Boracay beach and the sun.
Boats parked at Station 3.
Fine weather. Great skies. Awesome Beach.
Beach uniform? Cool fashion bros!
Pine trees and Umbrella at the shore. Perfect!
Keychain souvenirs for sale. 7 pcs. for P100.00
Sun preparing to say good bye.
The signature sunset view of Boracay Island.
The sun finally laid to rest. That's kuya, a vendor from Boracay.
After walking for hours, I decided to go back to the hotel and take a nap to prepare for dinner. After resting, it's time to check the facilities of our nice hotel located at station 3. This hotel is the 2nd Astoria in this beautiful paradise, it's new and just opened last 2015 I guess. We only stayed in this hotel for 1 night, good enough just to experience Astoria in Boracay.
Colourful pool, the lights change every 5 seconds.
Relaxing area.
Those are lighting chairs. It looks like a flower.
Close up view of the lighting chairs. I want to take it home!
This one turns green!
With kuya the photobomber.
The hotel is cool right? hands down to the designer. :) It was already dinner time so I decided to look for dinner outside our hotel (Because their dinner buffet is expensive). The straight of Boracay has too much to offer for dining from different varieties: Seafoods, pork or any, you can also eat in a buffet restaurant that offers international cuisines. While looking for something to eat, I take the opportunity to shot this amazing night life photos at Boracay:
Huge Lobsters! That's cheap in Boracay compare to Manila.
Getting ready for drinkers to come.
I bought an appetizer from this stall. It was great!
Entertainment schedule displaying their drinks to call you.
Great singer, he sings love songs!
Rocker band.
This man singing "We built this city" is so lively!
Talented Filipino bands at Boracay.
Hand painting on a sando shirt.
Foreigners having fun drinking with Boracay girls.
Oil painting.
Fire dancing performer.
Shopping some souvenirs!
Toys for kids? Her eyes posted on my cam.
Awesome artworks, the same time, scary.
Nightlife continues at the beachfront.
After a long tiring day of experiencing and exploring Boracay beach and its waters, I can say that spending a day in this paradise is definitely One of the best experience I had. I've been here twice but I will keep on coming back to still experience this beautiful place has to offer.
Tourist can do a lot of things in here and many vendors will offer you their tour services that visitors can try, examples of those activities are here:
Photo grabbed from (http://www.boracaygo.com/)
If you will decide to visit Boracay, prepare to be astonished and enjoy this paradise in the Philippines. If you want to relax, the best season to go to Boracay is during June - November or January to February because summer season in Boracay will be very crowded (March to May). But if you just want to experience this place and not into relaxation, you can do it on summer. During the hot season, the beach has green algae on the shore and it is normal according to experts due to the temperature. If you have enough budget, stay at Station One, 4 to 5 star hotels are usually in that place. If you are into party and night life, stay at Station Two and you will experience Y.O.L.O. in that area. If you are on a limited budget, stay at Station Three, there will be a lot of hostels and budget hotel in that station.
I hope that tourists and the government officials will do their part to protect this paradise to maintain its beauty. Boracay has a prestigious beach and clear waters that make it famous. Hopefully, its on demand status and prestige will not destroy the wonders of this place. Many tourist are trying to get some sands, corals and rocks on the beach that is being confiscated at the airport going back to Manila. please don't do this and take nothing but pictures. Boracay will maintain its beauty If you will help and do your part to protect the beach on your visit.
I will go back again soon and I hope to see you there! ~
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