Wednesday, July 6, 2011

My BORACAY Getaway 2011 What to do in Boracay





When you visit Boracay, you might want to try not limiting yourself to lounging on the beach the whole day. In Boracay it is not hard to find something to do. Some of the most popular water sports are parasailing, fishflying, paraw sailing, banana boat riding and jet skiing. It is easy to arrange for such activities as there are many island activity organizers on white beach who can help you.

Here are my favorite activities when I am in Boracay....

ISLAND HOPPING..


A tour around the island is 1500 pesos... The itinerary includes snorkeling at Crocodile island where you can explore marine life through clear blue waters, buffet lunch ( which you have to pay ), visit the crystal cave, bat cave and puka beach. We went from one end of the island to the other end.. The boat's captain showed us different resorts on the beach. There is an entrance fee of 200 pesos for the Environmental fee. If you do not have snorkels and a mask --- the boat man can provide you one at a minimum price. The island hopping tour lasts 4 to 5 hours... It is best to take this activity in the morning when the sun is not too hot. The island hopping tours starts at 9:00am.




He pointed out the private beach resort of champion boxer Manny Paquiao, West Cove which looked like it was carved out of the island.  The resort looked like a Gaudi - inspired architecture... I wanted to go and see the resort and possibly try and take some photos.... so the next day-- Iggy, Cris, Una and I tried to go Manny Pacquaio's West Cove--- we took a tricycle to Diniwid Beach and since the tide was high that day we had to walk pass over slippery rocks up to Nami Beach Resort... Since we had a small kid in tow--- we could not proceed to climb more rocks, enter a cave which has a stairway up to the resort. We turned back.


I was able to get a map showing where the West Cove is located... I could not understand why West Cove is not accessible by road. There are no roads leading to the resort....... ( please look at the map above )...  From where you get off your tricycle it is at least a 300 meter walk to the resort... I found West Cove not walk-in friendly especially if you have a 2 year old kid with you........You will have to go by boat to the resort if you want to go there. A few days ago, the " REAL OWNER " of West Cove, Cris Aquino, came out on television claiming that he OWNS the WEST COVE and not Manny Pacquiao. According to Aquino on national television, Manny Pacquiao and his brood stays there every time they go to Boracay for a R & R...


We stopped at a spot to go snorkeling. The boatman knew exactly where to stop. The spot was marked by buoys ( made of empty plastic water bottles ). I found out from the boatman --- that they are not allowed to drop their anchor for fear of their ruining the corals.


The water was so clear that you can literally see the fishes come up to feed on pieces of bread tossed by sightseers. .




While Iggy went snorkeling ... I saw a coconut vendor on his little banca selling coconuts--- this is another attraction to see . We hailed him to come over and bought his ware... 3 coconuts costs 100 pesos.
I watched him split the coconut husks. It was a very hot day and we were all thirsty.... drinking fresh coconut juice was indeed a welcome treat.

Catching the sunset on a PARAW


Paraw sailing is one of the most popular sports in Boracay. Paraws sail out in the afternoon taking people out in the ocean to view the majestic sunset. The best time to get on a paraw is between 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Paraw sailing while the sun is setting in Boracay is one of the things you should put in your bucket list.


The paraw owners usually rig the outriggers with netting, on which the passengers can lounge on. While riding the paraw-- it is best to bring a cooler and enjoy a glass of wine while cruising.



As you breeze through the waves and the wind... you will experience serenity to the fullest. It is the best way to end the day and enjoy the setting sun in Boracay. The price of the paraw ride is 800 pesos for an hour.



Boracay will always be in my mind. It is true that it has beautiful beaches and amazing weather... but what made this experience truly special was the people I spent my vacation with.

Thank you to my son,  Iggy, Cris and Una for making this vacation the best vacation ever....

1 comment:

  1. Great bonding with your faminly. Maybe I should bring my Family too in Boracay. I was hoping to find cheap Boracay packages so the whole family can join. Thanks for sharing these amazing moments. Cheers!

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