Boracay

A big thanks to online promotional airfares, traveling inside and outside of the country has become more accessible and more affordable. Everyone loves traveling for a number of reasons. To some, it’s their way of recharging for work; to some it serves as an inspiration or even a motivation to even work harder while to some it’s just their way of releasing stress. Whatever reasons there are, I am of those who always look forward to my next trip. Just recently, I had the pleasure of going to Boracay with my family. A friend of mine, Allan, and I have booked the tickets 10 months prior to the actual trip. It’s our first time to travel out of town with the kiddos.

We stayed in Boracay from October 06, 2012 to 09ctober 09, 2012 and it’s their off-peak or low season. Yes, you heard it right. Boracay has 3 seasons: Low season (June 1 to December 15), High Season (December 16 to May 31) and the Super Peak season (December 26 to January 02). We’ve decided to go there during the off-peak season to avoid the hassles of booking hotel reservations online, the long lines and the sudden rise of population in Boracay. A lot of people don’t normally go during the low season as it’s also the peak of the rainy season but with the bipolar weather these days, it could rain during the sunny season and shine during the rainy season.

We left Manila and took AirPhil Express. It took us around more than an hour to reach the Kalibo airport. The moment we reached Kalibo, a lot of locals were offering us with package deals of both the travel from Kalibo to Caticlan which is via van and from Caticlan to Boracay which via boat. I can say that we had a good deal. After 2 hours from the airport we’ve finally reached the white sands of Boracay.

Boracay is a small island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (196 mi) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay Island and its beaches have received awards from numerous travel publications and agencies. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak municipality of Malay, province of Aklan. Administered by Philippine Tourism Authority and the provincial government of Aklan.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boracay

So tempting. So enticing.

We stayed in the lovely Alice in Wonderland because for parents like us we really liked the security the place provided. And it has its own pool! ♥

Without going outside, you can enjoy by simply dipping in the pool!

Right after we’ve settled in the hotel we took a quick nap had shower and we excitedly went to look for yummy restaurants we could dine in. our hotel is located in Station 2. It’s a 5-min walk from the beachfront which isn’t too bad and right at every corner there’s a place for pigging-out. They say that for singles or those who go to Boracay with friends, Station 1 is more suggested as it offers a lot of gimmick spots. Station 2 has more of the “family vibe’ while Station 3 has to be the most subtle out of the 3 stations. There weren’t a lot of Filipinos at the time we went there but there were a lot of Koreans, Americans and Europeans. Here are some of the pictures we’ve taken from Station 2. 

Late lunch, early dinner.

Nature at its best. This is Boracay staying true to what it’s famously known for- pure white sand.

The day went by and it was time to rest and recharge for the following day. That’s everything we did during our 3-day stay in Boracay; eat, sleep, swim and stroll. We were not able to try any activity as we had kids with us although for those interested, here are some of the thrills you can try once in Boracay.  (Photos courtesy of Google)

Banana Boat- Banana boats, as the name implies, is a long orange colored inflatable raft that is shaped just like a regular banana. The banana boat can carry a maximum of around eight to ten adults and there are safety grips to keep the riders on the boat while it is pulled from a motorboat at high speeds. There are several sizes for the banana boat but most beaches in Boracay have the long version. Hardly can one find the junior size or "kiddie" banana boat. The long banana boat can easily fit the entire family so that no one is left out.

Helmet Diving- All you have to do is to climb down a ladder until the water is at shoulder height, once in this position a helmet that has clear glass plates is placed over your head. Just climb down the ladder even further down until you are standing on the ocean floor (around 10 ft. below the surface). Walk along Boracay's sea bed accompanied by a guide. This is a wonderful excursion and a close-up view of underwater life.

Paraw Sailboat Sunset Sailing- Sail on around the island or just for front seat view in this traditional Philippine double outrigger boat (images below).

Island Hopping. 

Henna Tattoos/ Hair Braiding

If you’re up to all these activities and more then it’ll sure be a lot of fun!!! And when you get tired, fret not, as mouth-watering smoothies and sumptuous meals are also being offered for everyone’s delight. We spent most of our money in FOOD! We’ve tried dining in the fanciest of restaurants, we’ve tried the street foods, and we’ve also eaten from the fast food stalls that we also have in Manila but my most favorite would be the dinner we’ve had by the beach.

Help yourselves with some grilled oysters and a variety of Filipino dishes.

Our stay in Boracay is beyond words. The beauty of this heavenly paradise can be hardy expressed in just words. Allow the pictures to speak for itself... 

Some lovely souvenirs to bring back home.

 with my lovely friend Iya and her cute lil kid, Auzy

the love of my life, my baby boy 

err... uhhmm.. 

with my boys, can u see daddy's abs? :D

I can say that my over-all experience gave me confidence and a positive belief that there is really such a thing as an incredible beauty. The incomparable beauty of nature, its peace, its calmness... these are just probably few of those things that make us drawn to traveling even more. My trip strengthened our bonding as a family. When I got back in Manila, it gave me motivation to even work harder and to save for my next trip. Who knows? Maybe my next trip could still be in Manila or it could be elsewhere. One thing’s for sure, it’ll be inside the country because it’s more fun in the Philippines! :)