My First Vacation Experience in Boracay, Philippines

By: Garry S. Pagaspas

I have this conception in mind that Boracay Island, Philippines is a status symbol and only for selection few with the means. It turned out to be wrong with our present Boracay getaway adventure from August 26-29, 2012. It seems that Boracay Island vacation is friendly for backpackers and cost conscious like us. Ooops!!! Do not get me wrong! I am not a great travel blog writer to describe heavens in our Boracay adventure, but would simply just share how we enjoyed that you may get some clues and tips for your dream Boracay experience.

Trip to Boracay Philippines from Manila

Going to Boracay Island Philippines from Manila is either by sea (via Batangas – Mindoro – Caticlan) or by plane from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan then by land to Caticlan. From Caticlan to Boracay Island Philippines is by boat. There is an alternative route from Manila to Caticlan but it seems costly so we had ours by plane from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan (the home of the famed Ati-atihan festival every 2nd week of January). It was a promotional plane ticket via AirPhil Express we booked months ago so it costed us less, P2k plus for a round trip.

From Kalibo, Aklan airport are a number of vans to Caticlan with average fare of P250 per head. A cheaper alternative is to ride a tricycle from the airport to the terminal of Vans to Caticlan. Tricycle fare is P100 only for at most six (6) passengers and Van fare is only P100 per head. See, its more cheaper to go by tricycle plus you experience the local ride.

Accomodations in Kalibo, Aklan and Boracay Island Philippines

Our 6:25pm flight from Manila landed Kalibo, Aklan at around 7:10pm. We decided to accomodate at Kalibo, Aklan and will just leave at early morning for Caticlan, then, finally to Boracay Island Philippines. Our accomodation at Ati-atihan Festival Hostel only costed PhP700.00 (Hostel Room) for an overnight.

In Boracay Island Philippines, we got the opportunity to claim the free coupon of Astoria Plaza Boracay Island. Hotel rooms, amenities, and services are superb for a most relaxing and fun stay at the Boracay Island. We got the coupon few amounts ahead in a marketing drive of Astoria Plaza’s time sharing rights. I read some articles some negative comments about Astoria Plaza time sharing but for me our stay is a positive impression and a deadma of the negative comments. Without the coupon, stay in Astoria Plaza would be costly at our income bracket so its the least option for our accommodation in Astoria Plaza Boracay Island. At any rate, some accommodations in Boracay Island only costs P1,000 to P1,500 for a basic minimum amenities – aircon, nice bedroom, and free breakfast.

Adventure activities in Boracay Island, Philippines

As they say it – Enjoy the Sand and the Sun in Boracay Island Philippines. Boracay is a long stretch of white sand beach lying few kilometers, so walking along the beach, and lots of swimming are most fun all throughout. Adding more fun are the tricks and activities you could enjoy watching and choose to engage into. Hereunder are some and it was really really fun:

• Fire dancing in Boracay Island, Philippines

You have not been to Boracay if you have not seen young performers doing a fire dancing. Its so nice watching them playing with ropes with fires at the end of it swinging them up and down, right and left, rolling and more. No charges for watching them.

• ParaSailing in Boracay Island, Philippines

For me “para” is for parachute and sailing is because the parachute will be lifted up to 300 feet above sea level. In parachute, you jump from the plane to reach the land while in parasail, your parachute will be elevated using a speed boat. On top you will have an overview of Boracay Island shores and feel the cold sea breeze on top. If you are afraid of heights, then, avoid looking down behind you. Instead, look a bit far to enjoy the beautiful views and move your body a bit to draw away your fear, or you may keep talking or even shout out your fear.

• ATV ride to Mt. Guho, Boracay Island, Philippines

ATV ride is not new to us because we already had one in Enchanted Kingdom before, but Boracay Island ATV is one of a kind. Aside from the fun ATV ride, the end of the line is the prize. The finish line is Mt. Luho that is approximately 375 feet above sea level so you will see the entire Boracay Island and the nearby islets on the top view. Natural beauty of the plains, the mountains, structures, and more awaits you there in Boracay Islands Philippines.

• Helmet Dive at Boracay Island, Philippines

Seeing helmet dive pictures in Boracay Island from friends made me wonder how technology works to avoid saltwater from getting into the helmet. Now I found the answer – its the air pressure supplier from the compressor or air supplier on top that prevents the water. Worry not about drowning within the 3-5 feet underwater in case water gets in because a diver is closely watching and monitoring. Just enjoy looking at the school of fish around you, feeding them, pausing with your smiling face and wacky moves during the video and picture taking under ground.

• Jet Ski in Boracay Island, Philippines

Admittedly, this is my first ever Jet Ski ride and I did it in Boracay Island. I saw in movies and first think over how the motorcycle like floats and speeds up. Cost conscious on an hourly ride is so discouraging but when the tour guide gave us the most reasonable offer, I jumped off to the adventure. Wow, its a fun ride and will give it more ride in the next adventures. But yet, I need more ride to make a sudden U-turn like what we saw in movies, or do a standing drive.

Foods and drinks in Boracay island, Philippines

Along the beach from Boat Station 1 to 3 are a long line of hotels, bars, restaurants and several other establishments. Depending on your taste for food and the feel of your pockets, you can choose from a saliva dropping foods to a carenderia type delicious foods. I saw common food chains like Shakeys, Yellow Cab, Army Navy, Pancake House, Andoks, Mang Inasal and more. Also experience the Paluto in Talipapa comparable to Seaside – Manila where you buy at the wet market and have it cooked with the reasonably prized coking service. Hhhhhhmmm, delicious!!! Smoked food outlet located in a subway going to D’mall from beach front is a must try also. No worry about food and drink budget because you can dictate your budget from the choices available.

Compliments

With the above fun and excitement, I pay the kindness of Halabira Boracay Tour Services (view their website at www.halabiraboracay.com) for their effort in making them possible. Halabira Boracay is a group of young and energetic professionals who advocate in making your dream Boracay Island Philippines experience within your reach. They are in themselves travelers so they could relate your worries as to cost, convenience, and preferences.

There could be a lot more fun, excitement and activities in Boracay Island Philippines but with the time and other constraints, we deemed it wise to undertake only the few believed to thrill us much. Will try the rest on our next Boracay Island getaway – island hopping up to Crystal Cove Boracay Island, kayaking, scuba diving, boat riding, fly fish, buggy car ride, and more.

(Garry S. Pagaspas is a Resource Speaker with Tax and Accounting Center, Inc. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a degree holder in Bachelor of Laws engaged in active tax practice for more than seven (7) years now and a professor of taxation for more than four (4) years now. He had assisted various taxpayers in ensuring tax compliance and tax management resulting to tax savings rendering tax studies, opinions, consultancies and other related services. For comments, you may please send mail at ga************@ta************.org .) He also loves traveling despite busy work schedules and appointments to give way for his adventurous character and for love of nature.

Disclaimer: This article is for general conceptual guidance only and is not a substitute for an expert opinion. Please consult your preferred tax and/or legal consultant for the specific details applicable to your circumstances. For comments, you may also please send mail at info(@)taxacctgcenter.ph, or you may post a question at Tax and Accounting Center Forum and participate therein.

See our quality seminars, workshops, and trainings…

See how we can help you with our other professional services : company registrations; Ph Working Visa; and HR Services

Get to know more about us…

Read More Articles…