BORACAY ISLAND, PHILIPPINES
Boracay Island, Philippines

Boracay Island, Philippines

Every day is holiday in Boracay.

It is a typical pacific island paradise with superb long white sand beaches and an hour’s flight away from Manila – the capital city of the Philippines. The island is a great place for just lazing around.

Boracay was awarded as the 2012 Best Island in the World from the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure. In 2014, the resort island was at the Top of the Best Islands in the World list published by the international magazine Conde Nast Traveler. And in 2016, Boracay headed the magazine’s list of Top 10 destinations to watch.

The name Boracay is attributed to different origins. One story says that it’s derived from the local word “borac” which means, “white cotton” as its characteristics compared to the color and texture of the island’s white sugary and powdery sands. In other story, “Bora” means “bubbles” or “bocay” meaning “white”.

Boracay’s beaches are being acclaimed as the best in the world.

POPULAR PLACE TO VISIT IN BORACAY

  • Bulabog Beach – acclaimed as the top kite surfing beach in the Philippines. Some enthusiasts even suggest that it is one of the top beaches in Asia for kite surfing. The beach is quite narrow, the sand harder packed and not as white. Shallow water extends some 600 meters out from the beach, to the offshore reef. But above all, it’s a much laid back beach.
  • White Beach – this is what most tourists are here for. This is the commercial center of the island, with its lovely stretch of powdery white sand against the azure water. The beach is divided into 3 sections – Station 1, 2 and 3. Besides scuba diving and snorkeling, one can indulge himself in sunbathing. Undoubtedly, one of Asia’s most beautiful natural locations, all year round.
  • Puka Beach – a good spot for a picnic with a quite stretch of white sand along the northern tip of the island. Locals here gather the small puka shells for some of the jewelry that is sold on the island. The water tends to be a little rougher on this side of the island but it is much quieter.
  • Baling Hai Beach - A romantic, secluded cove on the northern tip of the island. You can enjoy more swimming, snorkeling and dining in a very relaxed and peaceful environment.
  • The Bat Cave – a rather challenging dive site in the island that you can visit, you need to be at least a Padi Open Water Advanced to dive on this area. You will be amazed with the beautiful corals as well as an interesting marine life, including Banded Sea Snakes, lobsters and lionfishes.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BORACAY

During the dry season (Oct-May), known as Amihan, the White beach is calm and very suitable for swimming and other activities. The other side of the island has large winds and waves making it suitable for wind surfing, wave running and etc. During the rainy season (Jun-Sept), also known as Habagat, this is reversed, with a risk of typhoons.

Daytime temperatures on Boracay generally range from 77–90 °F (25–32 °C) from the beginning of the Amihan season into February or March, and increase to the 82–100 °F (28–38 °C) range with the onset of the Habagat season. During Tropical Storm periods, temperatures can fall below 68 °F (20 °C). Tropical Storms can impact Boracay at any time of year, but are most likely to be seen during the Habagat season.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE BORACAY

  • Be extra Romantic on Sunrise/Sunset with your loved ones – there is something magical in watching the sun sets and rises again over the clouds. And that feeling could be more enticed if doing it with the love of your life, making it more romantic while being awed with the never ending beach line. Feel free to pick your best spot!
  • Enjoy a Boat Trip – This is the best and great way to enjoy the waves and view of the island. An unhurried trip around the island by outrigger boat can be arranged at a minimal fee. The sailors are skillful on the craft which makes you feel safe and comfortable, all day long.
  • Indulge in Local Food – enjoy the most of your stay in the island by savoring local and traditional Filipino dishes. To start, you have to try “street foods” on BBQ sticks, eat Balut (famous fertilized egg) and the chorizo burgers. Seafoods are abundant, so don’t worry, you’ll get enough of it. And end your food trip with the island’s fresh local fruits to replenish your thirst!
  • Snorkeling, anyone? – The island has almost perfect snorkeling spots especially at the north-east past. But beware of the strong currents that can often be encountered on the east coast of Boracay. The Laurel bay offers a unique attraction for snorkelers. Enjoy swimming at the same time.
  • Relax and do Wellness Staycation – The art of “hilot” (ancient Filipino art of healing) are being offered by spas and hotels in the island. Or you call it “massage” which are relatively cheap and it’s a perfect activity to end your day after all of those adventures on the islands. Or try the “Kawa” relaxation treatment, where you will be literally soaked on pot bathing with firewood’s crackling under it. The water are mixed with indigenous herbs to calm your body.