Boracay is a small island in the Visayas area. It used to be unknown until some wise investors started developing the place. Classy resorts mushroomed and ample press releases were published in magazines and newspapers telling the whole world of a new paradise lying just a 30-minute plane ride away from Manila.
The exotic marine creatures in the blue waters filled one’s imagination. The white sand beaches seemed beckoning and creating a wanderlust in one’s feet. The fresh seafoods cooked in open fire stirred one’s palatial desires. The still and quiet nights in the unlit island with the moon up above urged one’s romanticism. Waking up to the bright sunlight caressing the huts and coconut trees imbibed one’s love for nature. And Boracay was born into the minds of Filipinos and foreigners alike. Thanks to the cooperation of the local media.
A plane ride from Manila brings you to Panay island and from thereon you need a short boat ride to get to the Boracay island. Haggling is very common in taking the small boats so the tourist should be wary of false bargains. On some isolated cases, there were snatching incidents, of tourists losing their belongings. The boat ride is pleasurable especially so when the boat master happens to be a story teller where you may hear countless of legends about the place. The legend of the mermaid is an old tale that never fails to mesmerise the tourists. Reaching the shores of Boracay can make one so excited that not a few tourists immediately take a swim.
Lodging is a choice between the classy and not-so-classy, with the cost as the main consideration. Fair Blue Waters is one resort that has a nice golf course and modern hotels offering complete amenities and conveniences to the traveller. Farther to the north one can find the cheaper lodging places with some offering huts made of nipa leaves. Moderate housing can be found for moderate rates, of course. As they say, your budget is not a problem because they have an array of lodging to choose from.
Food is abundantly cheap. All you have to do is select, order and have them cooked the way you like it. Mostly seafoods, the native cooking style is recommended like the sinigang – fish in a sour broth with plenty of vegetables. Broiled fish and shellfood is also recommended. Fresh meat is also available and if you care for the exotic, there’s a store selling wild boar meat and also venison (deer meat). I’ve heard that you can also find crocodile meat and turtle meat although the latter had been banned by the government because sea turtles now belong to the endangered species.
Sea life can compete with Darwin’s collection. Colorful tropical fishes inhabit the shallow waters to the delight of the scuba divers. Snorkeling is so common such that you mistake them for treasure hunters. The sea water is very clear that you can see down 10 feet below. Riding a banca (a native wooden canoe) can provide you with the wonderful underwater sights especially when near a coral reef. Baby sharks are also a common sight although a little deeper in the water gives you the view of the adult sharks.
The morning breeze is very refreshing but a little chilling although you will find a lot of swimmers in the early morning. It would be nice to just stroll in the sand and enjoy the rising sun. When it gets a little warmer, you can shed your clothing and join the swimmers in the beach. Eating a sumptuous lunch under a tree makes the food more delicious particularly the broiled seafood. And after a short nap, another dip would do you good before finally retreating to your lodging place.
Some portions of Boracay have no electricity so nights are dark when there is no moon which makes it very appropriate for story-telling. The local inhabitants won’t hesitate to tell the legends surrounding the Boracay island, from the sea monsters to the mountain nymphs. Bonfires are also common during dark nights and singing can be heard, some using guitars and some others have the video machines especially in portions where there is electricity. Sleeping in the cool nipa huts can sometimes give you nightmares when you happen to miss your cushioned-bed. But definitely you would wake up refreshed just the same.
So if you really dig natural resources, healthy food and clean fun, visit Boracay in the summer.