Boracay: A tropical southeast asian paradise
From a bird's-eye view, Boracay looks like a green butterfly that has spread out its wings across the blue shimmering sea. This small island in the centre of the Philippine archipelago is situated in the northwest of Panay Island. Seven kilometres long and up to four kilometres wide, Boracay is not an especially large island.
However, it is one of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines and is considered one of the most enchanting on our planet. Boracay is a tropical picture postcard paradise, an idyllic island offering everything to make your holiday an unforgettable experience.
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Its widespread pearl-coloured sandy beaches lined with coconut palm trees are perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. White Beach stretches over four kilometres and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Secluded bays, picturesque waterfalls, gentle river landscapes, a species-rich rainforest and secret caves offer unique excursion destinations.
Divers and snorkelers get their money's worth in Boracay. The offshore coral gardens are in parts just a few metres deep. The water temperature of 28℃ and the calm waters are ideal for family bathing - jellyfish and sea urchins are non-existent. There are many other sporting activities too such as golf, mountain biking, windsurfing and sailing.
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There is a wide range of activities to suit families with children, as well as those seeking sport or relaxation. The stylish wellness oases, charming restaurants, trendy cafes and clubs also offer exotic indulgence and entertainment. Whether you are seeking romantic and tranquil or exciting and diverse, Boracay combines all the requirements for a sensational holiday. Experience the hospitality of the Filipinos in this unique environment!
The beaches on Boracay are unrivalled. The sandy beaches are truly out of this world with their snow-white sands as fine as icing sugar. And as if this wasn't enough, the sea here is at its most beautiful. The water is crystal clear, extremely clean and shimmers in wonderful shades of blue. 30 beaches and bays, each of which has its own particular appeal, edge the island.
Beaches on the West and North Coasts
The jewel in the crown of Boracay's beaches is undoubtedly White Beach, which truly lives up to its name. It stretches over four kilometres along the West Coast. Its brilliant white sands are just one of the reasons why White Beach is listed as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. It slopes away evenly enabling children to play relatively safely in the sea.
North of White Beach is Diniwid Beach stretching over 200 metres. It lies in a romantic bay and is much more tranquil than its larger neighbour. There are also a great number of pleasant small bars and restaurants. the beach is ideal for snorkeling.
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Baling Hai Beach is also perfect for snorkeling excursions, thanks to the coral garden that stretches along its shore. It sits directly alongside Diniwid Beach and is edged by rugged rock formations.
Calm blue and turquoise shimmering waters and green hills border Punta-Bunga Beach. The enchanting bay lies north of Baling Hai Beach and has a few private houses that can also be rented. There is a small cafe on a mount in the middle of the beach, giving fantastic views over the sea.
The snow-white beach of Banyugan is ideal for picnics and is easily reached along a short path over a hill that forms the northern border of Punta Bunga Beach.
If you like searching for shells, you will love Puka Shell Beach. The beach stretches along the northern tip of Boracay and is covered in tiny Puka shells that can also be worn as necklaces.
The beaches on the East and South Coasts
The sea on the East Coast of Boracay is wilder than that on the West Coast. The windy conditions from October to May are ideal for wind and kite surfing. The best beach for action-loving water sport enthusiasts is Bulabog Beach, which also provides idyllic views of the whole of Bulabog bay. This one-kilometre long-beach is a paradise for windsurfers! It has been the venue of the International Funboard Cup every year since 1988, and part of the Asia Funboard Cup since 1989.
North of Bulabog Beach are llig-lligan and Lapuz-Lapuz, two beautiful beaches not far from the impressive bat caverns, species-rich jungle and a delightful golf course.
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Tulubhan and Tambisaan Beach are on the Southeast Coast. Their many small bays set in beautiful natural environments can be reached easily by boat or along walking trails. Old trees, rock spurs and caves provide shady spots on sunny days.
Manoc-Manoc Beach is situated on the southern tip of Boracay. You can see Panay Island from here and watch windsurfers show off their talent as they ride the waves along the blustery channel with its strong currents that flow between the two islands.
Most of Boracay's visitors come to Cagban Beach in the south. Cagban means "cave" or "chest" and is a reference to the many mysterious stories surrounding this beach. It is said that treasure chests are still buried in the sand and hidden in the caves around the beach. Seek and you shall find!
Excursion destinations on Boracay
The villages on Boracay - Yapak in the north, Balabag in the centre and Manoc Manoc in the south - are not only the best places to get acquainted with the authentic lifestyle of the inhabitants of Boracay, but are also great departure points for excursions to the surrounding area.
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Experience nature
West of the village of Yapak is the island's only remaining forested area. This jungle is difficult to access and is home to many creatures including monkeys, different replies, amphibians and one of the most amazing mammals on earth - the golden - crowned flying fox. Weighing over a kilo and with a wing span of 1.5 to 1.7 metres, this is one of the largest bats in the world. There is a surprising variety of natural species outside the jungle too. Exotic trees such as guava, mango and papaya flourish across the whole island along with orchids and different types of palm.
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Tours of the caves
The north is also well known for its unusual caves. Most of these are found along the rocky East Coast. Most of these are found along the rocky East Coast. Kalikugan Cave on the West Coast is also worth paying a visit and sits between Baling Hai and Punta Bunga Beach.
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Dead Forest
Dead Forest provides an unusual photo opportunity at the southern end of Bulabog Beach in the form of a deserted fishing pond from which the roots and branches of dead mangrove trees protrude.
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Sport and other activities
Boracay is a great destination for sport enthusiasts. The opportunities are endless both in the water and on land. Diving is of course one of the most popular sports here. There are many dive spots around Boracay for beginners and experienced divers. Just 30 minutes away by boat are 20 diving grounds filled with a variety of species. Excursions lasting several days to more remote underwater gardens can also be booked.
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Even golfers can enjoy their passion on Boracay. Fairways & Bluewater Resort in northern Boracay opened in 1977 and sits in an attractive landscaped setting offering an 18-hole par 72 golf course. Other sporting excursions on the island include walking, mountain biking or horse riding.
Fragrant petal baths, massages with warm oils and facials using carefully selected plant essences are just some of the treatments on offer at the wellness resorts and spas on Boracay, which are among the best in the world, and have been recognized by the coveted Spa Asia Crystal Award. Experienced masseuses and therapists offer soothing treatments, reiki and many other therapies in luxurious rooms with views overlooking the tropical gardens or azure blue sea.
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Shopping
Boracay has an abundance of colorful markets selling souvenirs, local specialties, handicrafts and exotic curios. You can spend hours strolling, looking and marveling at the many stalls, large and small shopping centres and promenades. D'mall is the largest shopping mile on the island and stretches between White Beach and the main street. There are fashion boutiques, sport shops, art and antique dealers, jewelers, grocery stores and bakers as well as delicatessens selling Swiss chocolate and frence cheeses.
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Restaurants
The restaurants and cafes (over two hundred of them!) offer an impressive range of local and international dishes to suit all budgets. You can sample traditional Philippine cuisine as well as Mexican, Italian, German and French specialties. Give the selection of freshly caught fish and seafood a try! Enjoy dining beneath palm trees on the beach or regale in the friendly atmosphere at one of the tastefully furnished restaurants with carefully prepared delicacies.
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Nightlife/beneath the starry skies
Are you active both during the day and at night? Then you should really get to know Boracay's nightlife! When the millions of stars begin to sparkle in the clear tropical skies, the beach bars, shows and clubs light up too. Once the sun has set, restaurants turn into nightclubs where popular DJ's from Manila spin hip-hop and techno tues. Beach parties are organized and live bands start to play. Karaoke and folklore shows are organized too. Many clubs and bars are busy until the early hours, especially at weekends during the peak season.
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For romantics
Boracay and the surrounding islands have plenty of space for romantics and those seeking peace and quiet. Discover secluded bays and beaches by boat or on foot.
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Filipino hospitality
The Filipinos are incredibly friendly and accommodating people. You will experience this at your hotel, restaurant, and on the beach. You will always be greeted with a smile. The Filipino "mabuhay" or "welcome" really does come from the heart.
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Excursions to Panay
The neighboring island of Panay is only a stone's throw from the southern tip of Boracay and is worth paying a visit to see the beautiful natural parks with their tropical forests full of different species and their cultural treasures.
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Waterfalls and springs
South of Caticlan are three beautiful waterfalls. Agnanga, Tigis and Jawili Falls provide visitors with a welcome cooling down in the tropical summer heat. Jawili Falls are especially appealing. The cascading waterfalls of Jawili link together seven natural water basins that are all ideal for swimming. Basang and Hurom Hurom springs are also pleasant spots for escaping the tropical sun and enjoying the cool waters of natural swimming pools.
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Walks through tropical rainforests
Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park covers a vast area across the northwest of the island and has the largest remaining primary lowland rainforest in Western Visayas. Discover rare endemic animals such as the Visayan wrinkled hornbill when walking through the park. Campo Verde is another walkers' paradise, situated north of Kalibo at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. Green pines, gigantic mahogany trees and acacias are common plant species within this region.
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Historical churches
There are churches worth visiting on Panay such as Panay Church, seven kilometres east of Panay Town on the northeast part of the island. Miagao, the most beautiful church on the island, is close to Iloilo. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1973 and is testament of the history of Christianity in the Philippines.
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Iloilo harbour town
The small lively harbour town of Iloilo City is the largest town on Panay and was one of the first Spanish settlements in the Philippines. It is here where the seeds of Philippines Catholicism were sown, and the churches in Iloilo testify to the country's religious origins. Even the "Museo Iloilo" and the traditionally celebrated festivals relate this history.
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Ati-Atihan Festival
Visitors who come to Panay on the third weekend of January should not miss the wildest and most spectacular festival in the Philippines. This is when the legendary Ati-Atihan festival takes place in Kalibo on the Northern Coast of Panay - a lavish party with colorful costumes, wild dancing and the non-stop rhythm of drums.
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Source: https://www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/
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