Summer Getaway

I was in Boracay just two weekends ago for rest & recreation. It's my 3rd time on the island, the last time of which was in 2006. Travelling to Boracay has become faster and easier. There are daily flights now (Cebu Pacific and Seair) straight to Caticlan (the initial port of entry for the 10 to 15-minute boat ride to Boracay). Flights going to this route are more convenient as compared to via Kalibo route (c/o Philippine Airlines). Going to Boracay via Kalibo, Aklan route requires at least 1 hour land travel time from the airport in Kalibo going to Caticlan then another 15-minute for the outrigger boat ride.


There are noticeabe changes on the island since the last time I was there. Unlike before, there is now one port of entry for all tourists or passengers coming to the island. All boats which carry all island visitors make their final stop to this port, which is strategically located somewhere in the corner-end of the Boat Station 3. I consider this nicer as compared to all boats getting all the passengers off right across the beach front of every hotel & resort on the way (thus polluting the beach front with every fume coming from the motorized outrigger boats is prevented). From the port, tourists or visitors can reach their respective hotels/resorts either via private transfer (courtesy of SUVs or vans on-standy) which can be costly considering that the ride is just short (Note that some hotels and resorts have pick-up & drop-off add-on services). For the explorers like me who would consider travelling the way the locals do, just take a trike (a six-sitter tricycle ride) which only costs P100 one-way. The friendly trike drivers would even gladly extend their helping hands in carrying your heavy luggages.

The island has become more commercialized over the years. Can you imagine seeing known establishments which you are so used to see in Manila like Starbucks Coffee, Mang Inasal, or Cyma on a white-sand beach? Unfortunately they established their spots on the island's D-Mall commercial complex. Seeing these big names has somehow ruined the image that Boracay is supposed to have, a paradise or a sanctuary for everyone who would prefer to escape the noisy and busy city life to rest or relax. Good thing that there is still a part of the island which remains untouched by commercialization. For the people who prefer a more private or serene location, choose to stay in the resorts or hotels located in the outer end of the Boat Station 1, where the sand remains at its purest (powdery white). Most of the hotels & resorts in that area are considered, if not luxurious, on top-of-the-list of the people whose standards are more or less impeccable....To be continued