Philippines Guide
For Travelers, Expats and Pinoys
Boracay Destination Guides
Overview
Boracay is more than just about gorgeous beaches, basking in the sun, water sports and partying all night although these are very alluring. There are Boracay destinations that one can visit when on vacation there and one can add this to the growing list of reasons to visit Boracay.
The Kingfisher’s Farm
The island of Boracay has a narrow point which from the main road is a mere 10 minutes away by foot. The narrowest point is where the Kingfisher’s Farm is located and it’s easily identifiable with the numerous mangrove coves that line the outskirts of this Boracay destination. The Kingfisher’s Farm has many interesting attractions including jumping milkfishes that are indeed amusing. One can even rent a cabana at the Kingfisher’s Farm, order a sumptuous meal from the in-house restaurant or bring uncooked food and grill it there. There are also billiards and card games that guests can do to entertain themselves at this Boracay destination in addition to a game of tennis at the Kingfisher’s Farm. For the nature lovers, this Boracay destination is a great stop over because of the trees and the birds that make Kingfisher’s Farm their home. It’s a chance to unwind after several days of action and adventure at the beach.
The Butterfly Garden
If Palawan has a Butterfly Garden then so does the island of Boracay and it is becoming a big attraction. The tropical garden that the butterflies have made their home is a re-creation of the species’ natural habitat and there are about 300 different kinds of butterflies that live here at the Butterfly Garden. There is even a museum here where the scientific names of the butterflies are given with a sample of the specie itself. A tourist guide at the Butterfly Garden will take the visitors on an enchanting tour of this Boracay destination and give a lecture on the breeding and life cycle of these species.
The Butterfly Garden’s nursery serves as the breeding ground for butterflies. Aside from the guided tour, visitors are allowed to move freely at this Boracay destination and learn interesting things on their own or just simply sit, relax and watch them flutter around. For those who have signed up for island hopping, one of the stops would be the Butterfly Garden. Although this Boracay destination has no restaurant or store within its premises, there are several dining establishments located nearby that are just a walking distance away.
Boracay Restaurant Guide
Boracay is a very popular tourist destination as it welcomes diving expert and beach lovers. Being a prime tourist attraction in the Philippines, Boracay has become home to many restaurants in the area. Therefore, this Boracay Restaurant Guide is geared to help a Bora first-timer to try out the hottest dining spots in the area.
Cyma
This restaurant has been applauded by many tourists, so this is a selection in this Boracay Restaurant Guide. Cyma offers fusion cuisine, but dishes are mainly of Greek and Mediterranean origins. It is famous for brining Greek and Mediterranean cuisine in the Philippines, as it has branches not only in Boracay but in key cosmopolitan areas. This casual and cozy restaurant is a haven for those who want exotic dishes from other parts of the world. Specialty dishes include the Greek Salad, a vegetarian dish that contains greens, sun-dried tomatoes and Greek dressings, and the Lamb Kebab, which is skewered lamb served with pepper, vegetables and pita bread. Since the restaurant is unique in Boracay, expect the prices to be on the expensive side, with a reasonable price range of 150 to 350 pesos. Cyma is located at D’Mall in Station 2, with a contact number of 63-36-288-4283.
Smoke Restaurant
Another selection in this Boracay Restaurant Guide is Smoke Restaurant. Smoke Restaurant is ideal for those who want a taste of the Philippines’ native cuisine in the area. Indeed, with its selection of classic Filipino dishes that will capture the hearts of their diners, Smoke Restaurant has truly become popular with both local and foreign tourists. What makes this restaurant unique is that, aside from their regular menu selection, guests can purchase raw food at the nearby Boracay Wet Market and have them cooked according to their liking. The prices of the regular menu selections are affordable, ranging from 120 to 100 pesos, while the customized set is priced according to the quantity of the raw ingredients plus the type of cooking. Smoke Restaurant is located at the back of D’Mall near the Boracay Wet Market.
Aria Italian Restaurant
With the love for Italian food all around the Philippines, Boracay did not meet this food craze and put up an Italian restaurant of its own. Aria Italian Restaurant is another choice in this Boracay Restaurant Guide. Located at the entrance of D’Mall, this restaurant serves a wide selection of pizza and pasta and other components of a typical Italian meal. Specialties include the Pollo Arrosto, an oven-roasted chicken with garlic and rosemary, and the Aria Pizza, which is pizza with tomatoes, mozzarella and parma ham. Prices are on the expensive side with dishes ranginf from 300 to 500 pesos; however, servings are huge. Aria Italian Restaurant is conveniently located at the entrance of D’Mall in Station 2, with a telephone number of 63-36-288-5573 for reservations.
Boracay Crab House
This crab house serves the best crab and prawn dishes in Boracay, so seafood lovers should not back out on this one. Another choice in this Boracay Restaurant Guide, the Boracay Crab House is ideal for a hearty meal of delicious and rich crabs and prawns. Ideal for casual dining, prepare to use your fingers while tinkering with the food. The Boracay Crab House is also one of the few restaurants in the Philippines that serve crabs and prawns in almost every imaginable type of cooking, be it breaded, skewered, grilled or stewed. Expect the prices to be on the expensive side, since seafood can get quite expensive. Boracay Crab House is located in Escondido Beach Resort, at the Station 1, with a telephone number of 63-36-376-4535.
Café del Sol
Café del Sol is selected be this Boracay Restaurant Guide as it is known for being one of the best breakfast places in the area. This place is truly an ideal way to start another day at the beach, with its pick-me-uppers of omelets, pancakes and waffles. Guests can also choose to dine their set meals during lunchtime and dinnertime, with some of the meny selections from the Philippines’ native cuisine. Aside from being a nice breakfast place, Café del Sol is also a good place to stop by for dessert. Its collections of cakes such are truly of comfort food status, and the best way to end a meal. Café del Sol is located at D’Mall in Station 2, with a telephone number of 63-36-288-5573.
Best Beach Resort in Boracay
Seclusion. Great food. Warm people. Luxury. Paradise. You though you can’t have all of them in one great vacation? Well think again because the Club Panoly Beach Resort in the Philippines’ beach paradise island of Boracay can give you the best vacation time of your whole lifetime.
Boracay is now very accessible from the nation’s capital. A lot of airlines are making it possible to get more and more people to get into this heavenly island by offering cheaper rates and faster flights. It would take you less than an hour to fly into Kalibo, Aklan and from there; a shuttle from The Club Panoly Beach Resort would be there to take you directly to the white beach, hassle-free!
Once you dock into the white powdery sands of Panoly, these red-clad men and women of the resort would give you a warm welcome coupled with a refreshing cold drink to wear you off your tiredness. One cannot help but be astonished at this beautiful sight, the white beach, which happily greets them on their arrival.
Club Panoly has got to be one of the bigger beach resorts in Boracay. It has its own beach front away from the crowd and madness in the downtown stations. Should you want to go mall’ing or eat in the main beach, a modest and comfortable shuttle is ready for you to bring you there and pick you up as well.
The kids would surely enjoy the big and beautiful pool and the adults can enjoy having their tan in Panoly’s comfortable sun beds. There is also a poolside bar to make it an even more enjoyable experience for everyone! Panoly would even let you get a taste of the wildlife because of the wild animals it houses in its mini-zoo. The Club Panoly Beach Resort has also not forgotten to provide something to the athletic: a spacious tennis-court is available for the tennis-goers.
After enjoying the beautiful sands and water of Boracay, you would surely want to take a long and luxurious rest. Panoly is a five-star hotel and you have the option to stay in the nipa huts for a more native feel or in the main hotel for luxury. Food is plentiful and you would surely never go hungry in your stay here! Café Havana is also there to get you into the dancing mood.
You have made the right choice by exploring the Philippines’s most treasured island of Boracay. You would certainly make a smarter choice by letting Panoly complete this experience for you. A great place and great accommodation, the Club Panoly Beach Resort would surely be perfect this vacation that you truly deserve.
Sand Castle Beach Resort in Boracay
Blue waters, green coconuts and palms, white sand and beautiful bodies; these could be some of the phrases one might utter and be amazed at while staying at the Philippines’ well visited beach – Boracay.
Furthermore, to fully make your Boracay experience we would like you to take refuge at the Sand Castle. Yes, you got it right we will like you to spend your vacation here at Sand Castle. If you are thinking of something built along the seashore that is not what we meant.
Sand Castle is one of the best resorts or hotels on the island. You will get to experience living in a native villa or a “spacious hut” as other guests have described it. However, it is very well furnished with the comforts of modern living.
Sand Castle is the only resort on the island that has ceiling fans and at the same time air conditioning units in their rooms. It also provides you a refrigerator, Cable TV and Internet connection. The resort is also a WIFI area!
Sand Castle also showcases its Balinese bathrooms, Japanese beds and sophisticatedly designed kitchen and dining area. The interiors in each room promotes Philippine native architecture; terraces made of bamboo, sliding doors made of Capiz shells, ceilings made of Sawali fibers, earthenware and wall decorations from Mindanao.
What makes Sand Castle distinct among the rest?
First, the resort staff is trained to give you first class hotel accommodations. It also has its own in-house masseuse, regular housekeeping service, lockers in the reception area and laundry service.
Second, staying in Sand Castle would be not complete without dining at its in-house Café Troppo Bar and Restaurant. This serves almost every delicious meal you can think of. Why not try their seafood specialty?
Third, the rates are very affordable. Although it might sound too expensive for $ 78 dollar per night, you are ensured of your safety as well of your privacy. Moreover, if you have complaints about your room, people there will immediately heed to your concern.
Fourth, there are no hidden charges in Sand Castle. Prices are charged per room not per individual unlike some hotels and resorts in Boracay. So if you have a companion or two and you wish to save, why not rent a room with a single bed. You and your friends could sleep across the bed. However, that would not be necessary because the rate for two beds is also $78. Therefore, you can arrange the two beds so that all three of you could sleep soundly. 
What else? Probably you already have a bird’s eye view of Sand Castle. Come and book now so you can experience a great time.
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 Sightseeing and Activities
Boracay is famous for its white sand beaches and waterfront bars and restaurants. That is why swimming, dining and barhopping are some of the activities that tourist participate. However, Boracay has other attractions beside white sand beaches and dining establishments. There are many other events, activities and destinations that will make a stay in the island more enjoyable.
The famous White Beach is where most vacationers congregate. This four-kilometer street of white sand is an ideal place for just lounging and wading since the waters off this beach are shallow. Shops near this beach offer tourists the chance to shop for souvenirs and shell accessories. While restaurants offer a variety of dishes, charbroiled chicken and raw fish marinated in vinegar are popular in these restaurants. At night, the place is turned into a festive place as tourists hop among bars and enjoy the nightlife.
Since Boracay is surrounded by water, it is no wonder that visitors can participate in activities other than swimming. Resorts and establishments offer a wide variety of aquatic sports and activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing. Yapak is a popular dive site for scuba diving enthusiasts.
For the adventure seekers trekking, mountain-biking, caving, horseback riding are some of the activities that can be participated in. These activities gives a chance to discover the inner part of the island as they discover dirt tracks, hills and mountains as well as isolated coves hidden from the tourist crowd.
Near Boracay is Tibiao River. One can enjoy white water rafting in this river as it portions of the river are graded three to four. Aside from the attraction of white water rafting, Tibiao River is very attractive destination for tourists since it has clear waters, lush vegetation along its banks, spectacular views of rice terraces and majestic falls.
Another popular destination in Boracay is in Bulabog Beach. Boardsailing enthusiasts visit the islands from November to March to engage in their favorite activity. Every January, the International Funboard Cup is held in this beach. For the more experienced boardsailers, Tabon Strait offers great sailing waters.
Another attraction of the island is Paraw Regatta. This is a sailboat race. The uniqueness of this regatta is that Paraw, an outrigger native to the region, is used in this race.
Some establishments have facilities for traditional sports such as golf, tennis, bowling and beach volleyball.
Another reason to visit Boracay is the festival of Pana-ad sa Loboc held every Maundy Thursday and Good Friday of the Holy Week (it is either March or April). This festivity is held in honor of the Our Lady Of Guadalupe. This is a music and dance festivity as people dance after the rhythm of drums and gongs known as Bolibong Kingking.
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.
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 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 Government Sites
The Place Known as Boracay
If there would be a survey of top 10 best tourist islands in the Philippines, the Boracay Island would definitely fall within the top three spots. All over the world, the island of Boracay is simply one of the best tropical islands in the world. Its trademark white sand beaches and the vacation ambiance had proven to be the enticing forces that attracted tourists around the world from the past years up to the present. The island had not been discovered until the 1970′s accidentally. From a simple getaway for backpackers in the 1980′s, the island was developed to a complete vacation spot being flocked by tourists during summer period.
Boracay and Tourism
Partly because of its weather and wind patterns, Amihan season is considered to be the peak time for tourism. During the said season, the current wind gusts from the east of the main tourism area in Boracay and White Beach-which is on the western side of the island and is sheltered from the wind. Throughout the Amihan season, the White Beach (the water) is characterized as often glassy-smooth. On the island’s eastern side, hills on the southern and northern ends of the island direct the Amihan season wind from the east aground, onto Bulabog Beach in the middle part of the eastern side of the island. Thus, the aquatic related activities (such as kite surfing, kite boarding and wind surfing) are suitable in the reef-protected waters of that beach.
Accommodation in Boracay
A number of lodging types are distributed all over the island, ranging from lavish hotel varieties to basic practical spaces. There are actually three (3) noted stations in the island where accommodations or lodgings are positioned. Station one (1) lodgings are relatively isolated and could give a sense of seclusion suitable for those who preferred a peaceful and quiet place to stay. If tourists prefer a place proximate the bars, then the right place would be the Station two (2). Station three is the main place for accommodation especially for those who would go for a cheaper rent in lodging.
Going to Boracay Island in Just Few Clicks?
Planning for a vacation may be a bit task laden and time-consuming. To address this common problem, tourists may try to visit or access through the internet the first resort directory in Boracay Island (http://www.boracayisland.org/). This website has comprehensive directories of places of accommodations, possible tour guides and some travel agencies. This is definitely a-must for visitors to check this website for reference and traveling tips.