My Boracay Escapade

I finally had my well- deserved vacation last week. The destination of choice? Boracay.

We booked our flights as early as August to catch a seat sale. You can't imagine the excruciatingly long wait for November to come.

Our route was Iloilo-Caticlan (Caticlan is the closest province to Boracay). Once we arrived at the Iloilo Airport, we rode a van (Php 100) to Tagbak Terminal. We waited a while for a bus bound to Caticlan to come. Bus fare costs Php 350 and took around 4-6 hours. (A shorter route would be to ride a plane to Kalibo- the province before Caticlan. But I think you still can't avoid the bus/ van ride).

The bus dropped us at the Caticlan Jetty Port. It would only take 10-15 minutes for us to reach the next island (I joked about how insane it was that we were on a 6-hour bus trip for a 10-minute boat ride). 

So then we paid our fees (Php 25 boat fee, Php 75 environment fee, Php 100 terminal fee). While making our way to the bangkas, a lady was handing out Boracay maps. I grabbed one and felt something hard inside (don't get the wrong idea!). Inside the map was a VIP card that can be used to get sweet discounts and deals in the different boutiques and restaurant (be sure to grab one when you see it!)

Ohh finally we have arrived! We rode a tricycle (Php 125) that took us to MNL Boracay Hostel. It's in Station 2 and just a few meters away from D' Mall and the beach front. MNL Boracay costs Php 1000/ person/ night. They also have capsule bunk beds perfect for barkadas (and they're cheaper too). MNL Boracay Hostel isn't exactly your family inn. It's geared more towards backpackers. There were a LOT of European guests (I think we were the only few Filipinos at that time). What's cool about this place is you get to actually meet and have conversations with the other guests, especially during their barbque nights where you can bring your own meat to grill and share it with the rest.

Since it was late in the afternoon when we arrived, we rested first and prepared for dinner. When in D' Mall, we couldn't decide where to eat because there were just SO.MANY.CHOICES! Food in Boracay is glorious! We're the spontaneous lot, so we decided to stop where we thought could only satisfy us. And the only thing that can satisfy us is an all- you- can- eat buffet! We stopped at Le Soleil Boutique Hotel, and the dinner buffet costs Php 498/ head. I loved their baked mussels! They also had a pasta station but I couldn't have a plate because I was too full. Good thing I had my VIP card from the Boracay map for an unexpected 10% discount off the total bill! Hurray!

After dinner- exploring time! It was an endless lane of restaurants and shops! Each of them had their own gimmik to attract people: firedancers, live performances etc. 

We started the next day early to see the waters in its azure glory. There weren't a lof of people wading along the seashore, thus the perfect time to soak up if you want to avoid the crowd.

Apparently, the day starts late in Boracay. It starts to get busy around 11:00 am. Maybe because of the late- night parties and hangovers.

We went to the other side of the beach front where the kite surfers are. The wind is stronger in this side of the island. The water is quite dirty too :(. Anyway, looking at the kite surfers doing their stunts was pretty cool.

For the rest of the of the afternoon, we just lounged on the beach beds and got some tan. I am naturally tan, but Boracay will give you a beautiful glow (tan lines anyone?).

We went for another round of eat- all- you- can buffet (2 nights in row, talk about gluttony!). We passed by the Crown Regency buffet after our dinner last night and saw the gorgeous oysters. I just couldn't pass it up! We resolved not eat anything from lunch to prepare our appetites (and save money :P ). This time, we paid Php 398/ head. The oysters were indeed to die for. If you could only eat one thing in Boracay, go for the oysters!

Alas, the day finally came when we had to go back to Iloilo. Honestly, at first I was a skeptic about Boracay- it's overrated and with all the talk about how wrecked it has become because of unsustainable tourism practices. I sometimes think how beautiful Boracay was back when it was still pristine. Sure, the effects are evident, but Boracay still silently endures. Its powdery- white sand, clear waters and long beach line rightfully deserves its reputation as a world- class vacation destination. 

Now my only regret is not coming to Boracay sooner.

Have you been to Boracay? How did your trip go? Would love to hear it in the comments section!