On its very first travel post, Lakwatsero will feature the world famous Boracay Beach.

Voted as among the best beach in the world, the island paradise of Boracay is located in central Philippines. It is a 7km long island with about 3.5km stretch of white beach, just 2km north off the island of Panay.

Most people say that no other beach in the world can surpass or even match its white and powdery sand, thus making it famous worldwide. Way back 1980’s, Boracay was still a deserted beach without commercial establishments and electricity. Two decades past, the island rapidly evolved to become one of prime tourist destinations of the Philippines with the presence of numerous business establishments and modern infrastructures.

How to Get There:

By Air

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly to Kalibo from Manila, travel time is an hour more or less. From Kalibo, it is a two-hour ride to Caticlan Jetty Port. Look for vans outside Kalibo Airport, price ranges from P200.00 to P250.00 (~$4 to $5.25). Meanwhile, PAL Express, Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit, InterIsland Air and SEA Air has direct flights to Caticlan.

From Caticlan, it is a short ferry ride to Boracay. Prepare P20.00 (~$0.5) for the fare and P50.00 (~$1.25) for environmental fee. Then ride a tricycle from Boracay port to the white beach, damage is P30.00 (~$0.75).

By Land and Water

(Though Lakwatsero haven’t try these means of transportation yet, one can possibly reach Boracay by bus and/or ferry rides. These alternatives are relatively cheaper than air travel though quite strenous.)

• Ride a bus to Batanggas Port, then a RORO ferry (Montenegro Shipping Lines, Inc., Contact No: +63 043 723 7975 / +63 043 723 7598) to Calapan, from there take another bus/jeep to the port of Roxas, Mindoro Orriental where you can catch another RORO ferry to Caticlan.
• Philtranco buses leave regularly from Pasay to Mindanao, passing Caticlan on the Strong Republic Nautical Highway. Travel time is approximately 12 hours.
• MBRS Lines (Contact No: +(632) 2418539, (632) 2435886, (632) 2435888 Fax No: (632) 2425483) operates a Manila-Caticlan ferry from Manila North Harbor. It is a 12 hours ferry ride.
• Negros Navigation has a service from Manila to Dumaguit, half an hour east of Kalibo, Aklan. From Dumaguit, ride another banca/ferry to Kalibo.

Where to Stay:

There are plenty of beaches in Boracay island, some of which are the Puka Beach, Baling Hai Beach and the most popular White Beach, where most tourists stay. If you are staying in White Beach on a tight budget, there are numerous cottages and rooms in Station 3, for as low as P500.00 (~$12.5) per room during lean season. However, Lakwatsero prefers staying in La Carmela de Boracay or its sister hotel Boracay Courtyard, both in Station 2. They offer cheap hotel accomodations.

Activities:

Boracay offers a wide range of activities sutiable for most type of personalities.

• Bar hopping - with a variety of bars to choose from, havingdifferent themes, you will definitely find one that suits your liking
• Beach hopping - from vigorous White Beach to more tranquil Puka and Balang Hai Beach
• Island tour - explore the whole islands and its surroundings riding a banca
• Snorkeling/Scuba Diving - with plenty of diving and snorkeling sites, enjoy the rich marine life off the waters of Boracay
• Aquatic Sports - experience Banana Boat Ride, Fly Fish, Parasailing, Jetski and other aquatic sports and you will definitely enjoy the ride
• White Water Rafting/Kayaking - three hours away from Boracay is the Tibiao River in Antique where you can ride a kayak or a raft traversing with the rapids of the river

Lakwatsero Experience:

Lakwatsero has been to Boracay in 2006 and 2008. Watch out for the narratives and itineraries of his adventures in “My Travels”.

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