Mention Boracay, Philippines and you’ll imagine long stretches of powdery white-sands, crystal clear waters and romantic sunsets. Boracay island is probably the best resort island in the Philippines. According to Traveller’s Choice 2011 by Tripadvisor, it is number two best beach in the world.
A Local Secret Turned World-Famous Destination
Located in the Visayas group of islands in central Philippines, Boracay is your one-stop beach island destination. Everything that a beach bum would ask for, Boracay has it. One of its main features and one reason why people continuously worship this famous island is its more than 2 kilometers of pure white-sand shoreline. Soft as powder, a therapeutic treat to anyone who wants to stroll and walk on its continuous shoreline. Top it all with its golden sunset like no other.
First “discovered” in the 70s when only indigenous torches gives light to its ebony nights and native huts for lodging, Boracay has evolved and transformed into a modern-day resort island challenging other famous beach destinations like Mexico’s Cancun and Spain’s Ibiza. It has now revamped into an island that never sleeps with its plethora of things to do literally day in and day out.
All types of accommodations from luxurious 5-star resort hotels such as the Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, to budget-friendly inns such as the Villa Romero Boracay, are built on this island.
It receives millions of tourists each year from both local travelers to international tourists from neighboring countries of Japan, Korea and China.
During the day, bask under the sun, engage in various water sports, go island-hopping or have a island tour- that is up in the air with a parachute or aboard a chopper. When the moon shines, dance the night away with musical performances from its countless bars and clubs featuring all types of music like reggae and jazz.
Some say that Boracay has lost its essence as a place to rewind and admire the real beauty of the Philippines. Others think this island is a victim of mass commercialisation with Boracay more appealing to young tourists who just want to paint the town red.
Still, Boracay continues to bewitch the hearts of millions with its effortless beauty of an island destination you can’t find elsewhere.
How to Get There
There is no airport or harbour on the Boracay island. You will need to take a 30-minute boat ride from Caticlan jetty port and the nearest airport is the Caticlan Airport. There are regular flights from Manila and Cebu.
The other gateway to Boracay island is the Kalibo Airport. You can fly from Manila or direct from Seoul-Incheon, Shanghai-Pudong, Taipei-Taoyuan and Singapore. Recently, Tiger Airways, the only budget carrier, offer direct flights (3.5 hours) from Singapore to Kalibo, Boracay. From Kalibo Airport, it’s 90 minutes by car or bus to the Caticlan jetty port and another 30 minutes by boat to Boracay island.
