WHAT IS bORACAY? WHere is BORACAY?What and Where is BORACAY?
The palm-studded island of Boracay - with its white, talcum-fine beach, balmy weather and warm, crystalline waters - is like a hypnotic magnet that lures many to a lotus existence. In this tiny, butterfly-shaped island at the northwestern tip of Panay in Western Visayas, days can be spent by simply lazing on the beach and nights are for indulging in the tropical party lifestyle. Boracay is an anchor tourist destination and one of the 7,000 times more islands that make up the Philippine archipelago.
Barefoot in the Beach
The code in Boracay is strictly informal.
There is an undeniable easy atmosphere in Boracay where walking barefoot than shod is the rule rather than the exception. White Beach is so, soooo fine, it feels like treading on miles of baby powder! No wonder, even swinging discos have the beach for a floor, giving dance a new twist. There are no hang-ups either in this island. At daytime, tourists having a soothing massage under the shade of a coconut tree beside the shoreline is a common sight. And from dusk to dawn, Boracay turns into one big party place where everyone is welcome to join in...But first, let's toast that sunset cocktail!
Diversions are certainly no problem in this tropical eden with leisure activities calendared throughout the year and amenities offered by some 350 tourist establishments.
A Little Bit of Daring
For the adventure-driven, "Mambo Number 5" is a little bit of boating and wind surfing, a little bit of scuba diving, a little bit of trekking, a little bit of mountain biking, and a little bit of golf. There's plenty to do in Boracay other than beachbumming and partyhopping. On the eastern side of the island is Bulabog Beach, a boardsailor's mecca that draws enthusiasts from all over the world, especially during the peak season of November to March. In January, it is the site of an International Funboard Cup.
Sailboating and kayaking are popular sporting activities, with Boracay playing host to the annual Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat race that makes use of the native outrigger. Dive sites surround the island and are learning venues to both novice and professional divers, guided by competent instructors of the many dive shops that operate in the area.
Trekking or mountain biking can also bring the intrepid to the island's quaint interior villages and to the edges' scenic rocky cliffs, discovering along the way many hidden coves with isolated beaches far from the tourist crowd.
And for golf bugs, Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Countryclub has an 18-hole championship course.
Hala Bira! Let Go!
January is the time to hang loose in the "Land of the Atis." Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan, is the gateway to Boracay. Every second weekend of January, it celebrates the Ati-Atihan Festival where frenzied streetdancing is performed by costumed and black-sooted "tribes" as they wend through the main streets from dawn till the witching hours.
The Ati-Atihan is celebrated for three days and commemorates the 13th-century land deal between 10 migrating Bornean chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Santo Niño.
To the accompaniment of hundreds of lyres and drums, merrymakers throw all inhibitions to the wind as they join the tribes in a mad jig punctuated by rhythmic shouts of: "Hala bira! Puera pasma! Hala bira! Viva Santo Niño!" (Loosely translated, means: "Let go! Don't get sick! Let go! Hail the Holy Child!")
Kalibo is also famous for its handloom weaving industry where fine silken fabrics are produced from the fibers of the piña (pineapple) and abaca plants.
Island Flavors
The taste of the region is simple with charbroiled chicken as common fare. Another favorite dish is raw fish marinated in spicy vinegar.
Dining, however, is no problem in Boracay with most resorts having their own restaurants that serve both Filipino and international cuisines. Small snack bars and fastfood outlets line the island.
Warm Hospitality
Filipinos do not simply provide the guest with a place to rest or park their luggage, they also share the best of what they have. This warm, effusive brand of hospitality is what distinguishes Philippine hotels from the others. Resorts in Boracay range from the posh "AAA" to the more tailored "SIR" (special interest resort).
"AAA"
CLUB PANOLY RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883134/2883011 LORENZO VILLAS Telephone (6336) 2883513
"AA"
BORACAY REGENCY Telephone (6336) 2886111/2886777 BORACAY SANDCASTLES BEACH RETREAT Telephone (6336) 2883207 CRYSTAL SAND BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883149 FRIDAY'S BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2886200 LAGUNA DE BORACAY RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883603 LORENZO MAIN BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883808/2883204 LORENZO SOUTH BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883810/2883402 PARADISE GARDEN RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883411 PINK PATIO BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883999 SEA WIND BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883425 WALING-WALING RESORT Telephone (6336) 2885555/2883773 WILLY'S BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883151 ALYSSA BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883102
"A"
ANGOL POINT Telephone (6336) 2883107 B & B BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883225 BORACAY IMPERIAL Telephone (6336) 2883506 BORACAY WHITE BEACH TERRACES RESORT Telephone (6336)2884000 CASA PILAR BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883202 COCOMANGAS BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883409 ISLAND GARDEN COTTAGES Telephone (6336) 2883161 JONY'S PLACE Telephone (6336) 2883119 LA ISLA BONITA Telephone (6336) 2883501 MILFLORES DE BORACAY Telephone (6336) 2883363 MONA LISA BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883205 NIGI NIGI NU NOOS Telephone (6336) 2883101 NIKKO'S PLACE Telephone (6336) 2883324/2883411 PEARL OF THE PACIFIC Telephone (6336) 2883220/2883962 QUEENS BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883045 RAIN FOREST RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883412 SEA BIRD INTERNATIONAL RESORT Telephone (6336) 28883045 3-5-7 BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883478/2283473 TITAY'S SOUTH BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883407/2883623 T&T Telephone (6336) 2883165
"SIR"
BAYVIEW HILLS & SNACK BAR Telephone (6336) 2883379 FLOREMAR RESTAURANT AND COTTAGES Telephone (6336) 2883601 G.P.'s COTTAGES Telephone (6336) 2883139 MARZON BEACH RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883131 THE MOUNTAIN RESORT SANDERSWHITE DUPLEXES Telephone (6336) 2883123 SURF SIDE RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883324 TONGLEN HOMES RESORT Telephone (6336) 2883457
7,000 Times More Surprises
Discover the 7,000 times more surprises that await you beyond Boracay.
CAPIZ. The island-province of Capiz, on the northeastern part of Panay Island, is the birthplace of the fifth president of the Philippine Republic, Manuel Roxas. It is known as a Seafood Basket with its bountiful harvest of milkfish, lobster and other shellfish.
Among its attractions are the centuries-old coral churches of Panay and Dumalag. The islands of Napti and Olutaya are ideal for both snorkeling and diving. Spelunking is also favored as an activity for the adventure-driven, with a choice of caves to explore in the different towns: Quipot in Mambusao, Igang in Maayon, Suhot in Dumalag and Badiang in Dumarao.
The capital city of Roxas hosts the Halaran Festival every first weekend of October. The festival re-enacts the purchase of Panay by the 10 Bornean chieftains from the aboriginal Atis. It is highlighted by streetdancing to the beat of drums and a gift-giving ritual to the spirit gods as performed by the babaylanes, or "witch doctors."
ILOILO. Iloilo province on the southeastern part of Panay Island is known for its gentry living as showcased by its many colonial churches and mansions scattered throughout its landscape.
Iloilo City alone is a living testimonial to the province's rich cultural heritage. At the city proper, the landmarks include: Museo Iloilo, Muelle Loney at the city port, Fort San Pedro, a popular evening promenade at the waterfront, and Plaza Libertad. Arevalo has fine 19th century mansions, looms that weave jusi and piña, and flower nurseries. Jaro is the residential center of the elite who, to this day, maintain their grand ancestral homes in tip-top condition.
Each town along the coast west of the city has its own centuries-old church. Tigbauan has a Baroque facade, Guimbal's is made of yellow sandstone, and San Joaquin's, of white coral. But the most impressive is the grand Miag-ao Church which is inscribed in the World Heritage List. The towns east of the city lead to Estancia, the gateway to the cluster of islands off northeast Panay.
Iloilo hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, the most popular of which are: Dinagyang, Iloilo's version of Aklan's Ati-Atihan, celebrated on the third weekend of January; the Feast of Our Lady of Candles every February 2 in Jaro; the Paraw Regatta held every third Sunday of February in the strait between Iloilo City and Guimaras Island; Pasungay, or the Festival of Bulls, in San Joaquin every second Saturday off January; and the Carabao Race in Pavia every May 3.
ROMBLON. The island-province of Romblon is a cluster of 20 islands lying practically at the center of the Philippine archipelago. Its three main islands are: Romblon, Tablas and Sibuyan.
In the capital town of Romblon is found the 16th century St. Joseph's Cathedral which was built by the Recollect Fathers and features a Byzantine altar, stained-glass windows, and an extensive collection of religious antiquities. Perched on top of a hill is the old Spanish Fort San Andres which is now used as a weather station.
In Tablas is found the main pier and airport. It boasts many fine beaches and magnificent waterfalls spread out in several towns. In the town of Calatrava is the massive Oregon Rock, two black boulders that stand guard at the entrance of Romblon Pass.
Sibuyan Island is dominated by Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak in the province at 2,057 meters. Its rugged terrain is a challenge to trekkers. At the southernmost part of the province is Carabao Island, also known as the town of San Jose, said to have the most beautiful beaches in all of Romblon.
Planning Your Trip
Boracay is accessible by plane and boat from Manila and Cebu City via Panay Island. Alternative routes are from the island-provinces of Mindoro and Romblon in Luzon.
There are several daily flights from Manila to Kalibo, the capital of Aklan, which are fielded by Philippines Airlines, Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirit. From Kalibo, airconditioned coaster, coaches and vans are available for the 1 ½ -hour ride to Caticlan, the jump-off point to Boracay. There are frequent ferry service from the three docks at the north, middle and south ends of the island to White Beach in Boracay.
During the high season, flights to Kalibo are often fully booked. Alternative flight destinations are Tablas Island in Romblon, Roxas City in east Panay and Iloilo City in southwest Panay.
The cheaper route is by ship departing from North Harbor in Manila for Dumaguit/ New Washington at the north coast of Panay then by public bus or jeepney to Caticlan or by airconditioned shuttle bus from Kalibo Airport. These trips are offered by WG & A Superferry, Moreta Shipping Lines and Negros Navigation.
By plane:
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES Telephone (632) 8558888/8559999 AIR PHILIPPINES Telephone (632) 8437770 CEBU PACIFIC Telephone (632) 6364938 to 45 ASIAN SPIRIT Telephone (632) 8403811 to 16
By ship:
WG & A SUPERFERRY Telephone (632) 8943211/8932211 NEGROS NAVIGATION Telephone (632) 2435359/2450601 MORETA SHIPPING LINE Telephone (632)7216480/7214066
The Philippines is accessible from the travel capitals of the world. Traveling time to Manila from Hong Kong is an hour and 50 minutes; from Singapore, 3 hours and 10 minutes; from Bangkok, 3 hours and 50 minutes; Tokyo, 4 hours and 15 minutes; Sydney, 10 hours and 20 minutes; London, 20 hours and 45 minutes; Paris, 21 hours and 15 minutes; Frankfurt, 19 hours and 40 minutes; San Francisco, 16 hours and 15 minutes; Los Angeles, 15 hours and 20 minutes; and New York, 25 hours and 20 minutes.
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