Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
A glimpse of paradise – Boracay Island
Looking for a perfect destination to ease your hunger for pristine beaches, nature panorama matched with azure blue waters, picture perfect sunsets and a whole lot more? Well you’ve come to the right place where Philippines’ pride is flagged on- Boracay Islands Philippines’ finest beach.
In this age of beach craze, the Philippines have a list of beaches meant to lure tourists all around the world, but Boracay tops the list. Now tagged as an international tourist spot and probably one of the best beaches in the whole wide world, Boracay is surely a great vacation spot.
The illustrious image of Boracay had served as the grounds for a number of establishments and resorts which heighten its luxury. Boracay offers an array of establishments suit to fit your taste. These establishments won’t let you idle around just for a minute or so. The number of night bars doubles as each year passes. Since partying had always been on the to-do-list of the tourists, well Boracay won’t disappoint you in any way.
All in all these is what in store for you, a certified package deal of unforgettable beach getaway. For those in tight budgets if you don’t want to drop a single penny, this is what Boracay’s natural beauty can give you. By day, you can worship the sun, even its hurtful glares that paint a perfect tan on your skin plus the scenery perfect for nature lovers, and sunset you could die for. By night, the fun continues as different bars showcases bands and artists. As a vacation spot, they are readily aware of putting the entertainment a priority in promoting its market.
If you think that’s all, think again, in a modern lifestyle which you might be engaged to physical sports, bringing it with you on your vacation can be possible. Aside from swimming the azure blue waters, other activities you can engage to for a physical stretch, is a diverse choice of water sports, starting of with its new venture are a number of diving schools. These schools will help you enjoy your vacation more by trying a new sport at an easier pace.
Being a first-class tourist destination, it entails an image of being overly commercialized, but as anyone would say, it can still be a place for those who had tight budgets. Choosing between Station 1 and Station 2 & 3 really makes a difference. Station 1 houses most of the luxurious establishments and accommodation costs here are of course double in price compared to that of the other stations. Options are now up to you, but to enjoy the Islands itself is more than what you could actually spend.
Life is a beach here in Boracay, so don’t miss it out. Relax and escape from the city lights from the urban to a refreshing scene in the pride of the Philippines, Boracay Islands. With the hospitality you’ll ever need accommodation as grand as ever and fun that never stops within your reach.
Let’s Fly to Boracay!
You’ve heard of the powdery-white sand that’s always cool to the touch, even at high noon. You’ve been longing for the crystal-clear waters that surround the island, and most of all, you crave the warmness of the local folk. Admit it, you’ve always wanted to experience Boracay, and if you’ve already been there, you must want to go back.
Before you rush into any decisions, brush up on your basic Boracay flight information. Do you want to save money by flying to Kalibo? If you do that, you’ll be paying less but you’ll have to wait in a van or a bus for 90 minutes as it makes its way to the Caticlan jetty port.
However, if you don’t mind shelling out a few extra thousands of pesos, you’ll be paying for convenience because your charter plane will be landing directly at Caticlan, where you can almost go straight to Boracay in less time.
The major carriers that provide flights to Kalibo from Manila are Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. Their rates vary from peak season to normal season, so for the latest rates just visit their websites.
Philippine Airlines provides great service, and on this they have built their reputation for years. Cebu Pacific, for the more budgeting traveler, provides great discounts on airfares. (They even provide airfare for as low as one peso during some months; of course you still have to pay all the taxes.)
The companies that provide charter flights to Boracay are Asian Spirit and Seair. Seair boasts of having the fastest flights to Boracay, while Asian Spirit provides packages for its clients.
If you’re on a tight budget, it’s best that you gather all Boracay flight information and canvass months in advance. Figure out which flight plan suits you the most. Determine the best carrier that provides you with the value for your money.
How do you get additional Boracay flight information? Use your main resource: the Internet. The airline websites make the fares readily available for comparison, and you can use this to your advantage. Sometimes, booking months in advance can save you a lot on fares. Also, online ticketing has made booking a lot more convenient for everyone.
If you go to your local book store you will also find some travel guides that provide the basic Boracay flight information. These guides will also be helpful for when you actually arrive on the island. They can guide you to the best resorts, best restaurants, and best activities on the island.
Lastly, if you don’t want to be hassled at all, just call your local travel agent and they will give you all the Boracay flight information that you need.
What you need to know about Boracay flight information depends on how much you are willing to sacrifice and how fast you want to get there. If you don’t mind riding a van or a bus for a while, then get the cheaper flights to Kalibo. If you want to get there right away, take a chartered flight to Caticlan. In the end, what’s important is not how you get there, but the fact that you actually arrive.
Boracay – A Romantic Getaway
There is nothing as fun and romantic as a getaway vacation on the beautiful island of Boracay. Previously hidden away amidst the thousands of islands of the Philippines, Boracay is now considered one of the predominant travel destinations, both for lovers wishing to take a private vacation for a few weeks, or for couples wishing to rekindle their relationship. From lounging about along the white sands and frolicking in the waters, to taking a part in the thriving and energetic nightlife,
Most people choose to go to Boracay for its attractive beaches, and White Beach is easily the most popular. As its name implies, this beach is renowned for its white sandy beaches and beautiful coastlines, and most people often choose to spend their time relaxing under one of the many palm trees in the area, with a chain of restaurants, refreshment bars, shops, and even internet cafes not too faraway for accessibility. White Beach also sports several stalls along the area, where vendors can sell you anything from shirts to handmade jewelry made of shells, or even scuba equipment.
Another popular tourist destination is the Puka Beach, named so for the puka shells that are found along this area, and is used to fashion jewelry and other trinkets to sell to visitors. Puka beach is generally considered to be quieter than White Beach, with lesser people. Another beach is the Baling Hai Beach, which boasts of a restaurant atop a cliff that overlooks the whole area, and is perfect for romantic dinners and rendezvous.
Perhaps one of the more unique tourist attractions that Boracay offers is what natives call the Bat Cave. Far from being any mysterious superhero’s lair, the cave actually houses the next best thing: giant fruit bats that often roam the area at around sunset. Visitors are given the chance to enter the cave with tourist guides for a minimal fee, where they can be treated to a view of majestic stalactites several feet long. This area has no handrails and can be slippery at times, so before hiking into the cave, it is always best to bring a flashlight at the least- making this one of the more exhilarating and exciting adventures for the outgoing couple to enjoy together.
Spas are also a notable part of Boracay. The Mandala Spa and Villas is one of the renowned spa resorts found in the island, having been awarded as the most outstanding honeymoon destination, and the best spa destination in the region. For a standard three days and two nights, luxurious facilities and amenities are available for couples to enjoy time together, and the expert massage treatments by the professional masseuse only enhances the romantic atmosphere. Enjoy a dinner for two at the Mandala’s Prana restaurant with its luscious vegetarian meals, delicious desserts, and high quality wine. Daily yoga classes and Zen massages are even readily available.
For visitors who are also interested in environment, the Boracay Butterfly Gardens on Bulabog Beach is also a must-see. Visitors are treated to a tour of the large tropical garden, populated by rare butterflies of almost every shape and color, along with fascinating information and details regarding their life cycles. This is a perfect spot for most couples to get in touch with nature and to spend time with one another.
Now easily ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, Boracay is now an international tourist destination where people all over the world flock to when vacation season hits. With good quality beaches, the beautiful scenery and a thriving nightlife for those seeking it, Boracay is slowly becoming the place to be during the summer months.
Boracay Hotels and Resorts
Overview
Boracay is known in many different parts of the world as one of the best places to go to for that beach holiday. Here, basking in the sun the whole day and bar hopping at night are activities that are perfectly okay and many Boracay hotels allow you to do this every single day of your vacation.
Friday’s Resort
Enjoy the sun and the pristine white sand beaches of Boracay at Friday’s Resort where cottages are made out of all Filipino products and pampering is a part of everyday life. For those traveling in big groups, Friday’s Resort has 5 cottages that are interconnected so one can have a private party every night if one feels like it. All the 34 cottages at the Friday’s Resort are made from bamboo and wood, all immaculately maintained and have modern necessities. 18 of these 34 cottages at Friday’s Resort look out directly to the beach and the view is simply magnificent. These 18 premier rooms have its own coffee and tea maker, all have king sized beds, fully air conditioned and a bathtub. This Boracay hotel is also very proud of its restaurant that serves excellent International and Asian cuisine and their facilities are first class. Friday’s Resort has a very large swimming pool, a gym, game room and a conference center for those who are in Boracay on business.
The Panoly Resort
If upscale is what one is after, live it up at the The Panoly Resort which is nestled on its very own private land on the northern part of Boracay. This Boracay hotel is rather large, with 55 elegantly furnished rooms, some of which are connected, a spacious bathroom in each one, a mini-bar, IDD telephone, cable television and a fridge. Room service is available 24/7 at The Panoly Resort and because this Boracay hotel is committed to ensuring the privacy of their guests, one never has to worry about the place being too crowded especially during peak season.
The Panoly Resort has 6 different restaurants each one with a bar for the guest’s dining pleasure. Each restaurant has different specialties and one can choose to dine while looking out to the ocean or to a view of their massive swimming pool. Among the other facilities at the The Panoly Resort are a gym, a business center and the best part is, they have equipments for rent for any water sport that one can think of. This Boracay hotel also offers services such as massage, laundry and room service. The hospitality at The Panoly Resort is truly one of a kind in that one will not find a Boracay hotel with staff that is exceptionally accommodating.
Club Ten Beach Resort in Boracay
Boracay is a natural haven for nature lovers and for those who want to chill and relax. One will definitely enjoy the scenery – the golden sunrise and sunset, the cool clear waters, the whistling sea breeze, and the beautiful bodies that roam around. Truly, Boracay is indeed a beautiful place to take refuge. However, where could can one find a “perfect ten” place to stay for a while?
There are many resorts and hotels within the outskirts of the white-beached paradise of Boracay. However, there is only one hotel that stands out among the rest – a perfect ten so to so speak. Welcome to Club Ten Beach Resort!
Club Ten Resort is a fusion of Philippine and Latin American architecture, which started in October of 1997. With that blend of styles, it has become one of the most-sought out places in the Boracay Island.
Going to Club Ten is easy. Take a ride on Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific going to Kalibo, Aklan or get on Asian Spirit or Seair Airlines going to Caticlan. From there just take a short boat ride going to the Island. The beach resort is situated in Barangay Balabag, which is near the boat stations 1 and 2 respectively – a 3 kilometer stretch of white sand.
What can we expect from Club Ten Beach Resort?
Aside from the usual amenities we could find in a hotel, Club Ten is proud of its Club Ten Bistro, for those who want to put on their dancing shoes. There are videoke machines for families and friends, wherein you could display your singing prowess.
They also provide airline booking and reconfirmation, in case you could not find a travel agency to give assistance. There is also a massage parlor to help you flex your muscles and rejuvenate your strength. Furthermore, in case you are looking for a place to hold your team building activities or just want to experience water sports – Club Ten has in-house facilitators or instructors to guide you.
Any packages being offered?
Yes! Club Ten Beach Resort offers the best deal on the island. For only 5,400.00 Philippine Pesos, you could stay for 3 days and 2 nights, with breakfast served daily and also provide you roundtrip boat and land transfer, which you could not find at other resorts. However, if you wish to know more about their recent promos please free to visit them at http://www.clubtenboracay.com
If you are currently staying in Manila, you could visit their Manila Sales and Reservation Office located at 1904 San Marcelino St., Malate, Manila or call them at (+632) 524-3412.
Panoly Resort Hotel in Boracay
Do you know what will make your most anticipated Boracay vacation in the Philippines the most perfect getaway trip? Checking in at a most trusted hotel in Boracay would do the trick.
As dozens of Boracay hotels abound in this number one tourist destination spot in the Philippines, there still remains a couple of hotels which are considered to be tried and tested by thousands of Boracay tourists every year. One of those very few elite Boracay hotels is the Panoly Resort Hotel.
Panoly Resort Hotel is the first world-class hotel in Boracay, Philippines. It started operating in November 1989 and has since claimed the most trusted tourist hotel in Boracay. The hotel’s expertise in providing quality hotel services made gained them a triple A rating from the Philippine Government’s Department of Tourism. Panoly Resort Hotel still remains committed to improving their world-class hotel service as it continues to gain recognition from tourists and tourism-related agencies, alike.
As guests check in at Panoly Resort hotel, they are expected to marvel at the warm service that the hotel staff renders. Filipino hospitality and cheerfulness are the distinct signatures of Panoly Resort Hotel. Its hotel staff are specially trained to make all of their guests feel comfortable and at home with the hotel’s facilities and services. The stay at Panoly Resort Hotel is complemented with gorgeous Boracay sceneries including the white sand beach, breathtaking sunsets and distinctly Filipino dishes.
For those looking for more adventurous undertakings, Panoly Resort Hotel offers a wide range of recreational and relaxing activities for them. Guests can experience the windsurfing thrill as Boracay is considered to be one of the Philippines’ top windsurfing locations. They can also explore the marvelous underwater environment through diving and snorkeling. They can sail away with the hotel’s available yachts, banca, kayaks and paddle boats for a more relaxing adventure. Guests are also offered with the supreme relaxation by availing of Panoly Resort Hotel’s spa.
But, those aren’t the only things the hotel offers. Other state-of-the-art facilities are something that every guest should take advantage of. The resort has forty cottages and its four-story building has 47 deluxe rooms and eight VIP suites. These rooms have veranda to be able to provide guests with breathtaking Boracay sceneries by just taking a peek from their own rooms. All the rooms are fully air conditioned with hot and cold shower, cable TV and a mini bar. The rooms also reflect the distinct Filipino culture with the rooms’ artistic local furniture which does not fail to create a world-class Filipino ambiance.
Boracay Sightseeing Guide
The most visited island in the Philippines is probably the island of Boracay located in Aklan, Philippines. Boracay is a popular travel destination for both young and old because it is easily accessible and it is the party and spa destination of the Philippines. Let us take you around this island of fun and relaxation with the Boracay Sightseeing Guide.
In order for us to take a better look at the island of Boracay, we need to visit the first spot in the Boracay Sightseeing Guide which is the Mount Luho. You can either trek or use a mountain bike to get to the summit of this mountain and then you can start planning for your next Boracay Sightseeing Guide destinations. From the summit of Mount Luho, you will be able to see the next spot on the Boracay Sightseeing Guide which is called the Dead Forest. The Dead Forest is an unofficial attraction that consists of a lake with dead trees in it.
From the Dead Forest, we will move on to the Bat Caves which is the next spot on the Boracay Sightseeing Guide. The Bat Caves cannot only be entered through trekking, but also through diving. This site makes a great dive as well as hike and the bat caves are numerous caves filled with sleeping bats above. There are only a few bat caves such as those in the entire Philippines, so enjoy the sight. There is yet another unique site to the Philippines located at the Bolabog Beach in Boracay which is the Boracay Butterfly Garden. This spot in the Boracay Sightseeing Guide is home to more than 200 species of colorful butterflies. There are also over 150 varieties of flora and fauna in the butterfly garden.
The Boracay Sightseeing Guide doesn’t just stop there, it continues with another famous spot in the Philippines which is the Puka Beach. The Puka Beach is named after the puka shells that can be found here en masse which are used for jewelries and other souvenirs. Collect your own puka shells or buy products from the nearby stalls. The next and probably the last spot of the Boracay Sightseeing Guide is a world class dive spot of the Philippines where you can see manta rays, sharks and sea snakes. This dive spot is called Yapak and consist of four separate world class dives for every possible diver level.
Boracay has indeed much more to offer than just parties and relaxation as you can see in this Boracay Sightseeing Guide. Visit this paradise island of the Philippines soon and enjoy the adventures and sites in one of the most popular islands in the Philippines.
Boracay Shopping
Boracay is an alluring, enticing and inviting island in the province of Aklan, Philippines. Aside from swimming, jet skiing and diving, another enjoyable and fun activity to do at this place is shopping. To enhance tourism in the island, local entrepreneurs establish several souvenir shops that offer beautiful and cheap keepsakes as well as dry markets that sell high quality handicrafts. To provide a comfortable and relaxing shopping area, Boracay features a small but spacious mall, which plays home to cozy restaurants and enticing retail shops.
Talipapa Market
Tourists who want to cook their own food can purchase fresh vegetables, meat, fruits and seafood at Talipapa Market. Customers can also have a nice time at this Boracay shopping place because it has a dry section where they can find cheap but beautiful bracelets and necklaces. Most of the accessories available at this place are made from beads and seashells. One of the main attractions at this commercial market is a tattoo shop that offers cheap services to tourists and locals. This establishment is not hard to find since it stretches from the Main Road of the island to the White Beach. By allotting 200 pesos to 500 pesos, shoppers can purchase three to five keepsakes at Talipapa Market.
D’ Mall Shopping Center
Aside from Talipapa Market, tourists who like to do some shopping can visit D’ Mall at Station 2. This Boracay shopping complex plays home to stores that offer branded clothes and swimwear. Additionally, this business center features various souvenir shops that sell handicrafts like bags, lampshades, home decorations and rugs. D’ Mall is also popular for the fine dining places that it features. To have a fun time at this place, shoppers should allot 300 pesos to 600 pesos as a budget.
Lonely Planet
Local travelers and foreigners who collect different home products should take a look at the beautiful items offered at Lonely Planet. They have nothing to worry about the quality of the products available at this place because most of the merchandises were imported from other Asian countries like Thailand and India. The prices of items at Lonely Planet range from 400 pesos to 1,000 pesos.
Crystal Shack
When it comes to accessories and jewelries, one of the best Boracay shopping places to see is the Crystal Shack. This establishment offers silver jewelries like earrings, bracelets and necklaces. The costs of jewelries available at this place usually range from 300 pesos to 1,000 pesos.
Boracay Festivals and Events
Overview
Many of us know Boracay and fondly call it “Bora” because we have at least heard of it or been there once and admired its beautiful beaches. However, it is not accurate to think Boracay is just about pristine white sand and perfectly calm waters, it’s also an island that holds several festivities throughout the year. If one chances upon a Boracay festival, one will be in complete awe of how well planned these events are and how much fun it is to be able to witness and even participate in one.
Ati Atihan Festival
One might say that every part of the country celebrates the Ati Atihan Festival and although the island of Boracay is not an exception, its version is very fascinating. This Boracay festival is held the day after New Year’s Day and there’s no missing out on the hypnotizing sound of drums that signal the start of the event. The theme of the Ati Atihan Festival is the different religious beliefs held by Filipino ancestors and it also includes a tribute to Christianity, a religion introduced by the Spaniards. The participants of the Ati Atihan Festival paint themselves to look exactly like our ancestors from centuries back. What makes this Boracay festival such a colorful event is the fact that all these dancing in colorful costumes and body paint is done on shore with the beautiful beach of Boracay in the background. What can be said to be the trademark of this Boracay festival are the dancers that have painted their bodies in black with streaks of bright colors on their faces. During the Ati Atihan Festival a contest is held to determine which is the “best tribe” in terms of costume, body art and dances. The Ati Atihan Festival is very much like the Mardi Gras only with a touch of something very Filipino.
Boracay Food Festival
To those who have been to the Philippines before and are familiar with the customs and culture of the Filipinos, then one is bound to notice that the Filipinos love to eat. It is only in the Philippines that people eat “merienda” which is an afternoon snack before dinner. It should therefore come as no surprise that the Boracay Food Festival is a highly anticipated event. This Boracay festival exhibits the best Filipino dishes including delicacies unique to this country. The Boracay Food Festival is also known for its sumptuous array of desserts and since this Boracay festival is held right on the beach, one can say this is the perfect combination.
Lorenzo South: Your Hideaway in Boracay
Lorenzo South Resort in Barangay Manoc, Boracay Island, Aklan in the Philippines is one of the best hotels on the island. Aside from its superb facilities and over friendly crew, its location is so convenient. It’s on the southern end of the kilometer-long White Beach, the main disembarkation point.
From the Caticlan jetty in the mainland, it would take about 30 minutes for the motorized banca to reach Boracay’s resorts.
If you are the athletic type, then Lorenzo South Resort in Boracay is it. First, you have the luxury of hiking toward the hotel. While walking you may get acquainted with the beachcombers.
Second, the view from the beach of Lorenzo South Resort is relaxing because of the coconut trees dotting around the hotel.
Third, it is relatively far from the crowded White Beach. Therefore you have a complete privacy with your partner during your stay at Lorenzo South Resort.
Lorenzo South Resort, which is a 3-star hotel, has 24 air conditioned suites with balconies that face the powdery white beach. The relative distance from most of the hotels would guarantee you peace of mind and quite afternoons.
If you want to hold your company outings there, do so. It has a conference room, cable TVs, satellite phones and Internet hub. Getting there is not a problem. There is a daily flight to the mainland through the Caticlan airport or via Kalibo town, the capital of the province.
From Kalibo, you may hire vans or ride minibuses for about an hour leisurely trip over paved road to Caticlan. From Caticlan you take an outrigger that leaves the fishermen’s port almost every 30 minutes or more often depending on the number of tourists wanting to go to Boracay.
Compared to other 3-star hotels, room prices are reasonable because others charge you more than $100, particularly during peak periods.
Of course, Lorenzo South Resort is not a Shangri-La. There were recent guests who complain of the long walk. Others have complained of pests. Complaints, however, are expected since the hotel is not a 5-star hotel. But in general, you get your money’s worth with all the conveniences available at South Lorenzo Resort in Boracay.
Actually it is not really far. But for the elderly, the place may not be ideal because of the distance from the disembarkation point. But if you don’t like to walk, you may use a for-hire motorbike or motorcab for you trip to the hotel.
A plus factor is that you can swim or snorkel in front of the hotel with less distraction because most swimmers are at the White Beach area.
