Summer time has just started, and Filipinos are all set for a fun-filled beach frolic. The rising temperatures and the scorching heat of the sun cranks the Philippine’s summer mood to high gear. Being a tropical paradise, the Philippines can offer the best beaches and shorelines to explore for a summer vacation. The summer heat heralds beach and sun worshippers as the temperature starts to rise.

One of the most notable summer vacation holiday spots here in the Philippines is Boracay Island. Boracay Island is a tropical island paradise 6 hours drive away from Iloilo City [my hometown].

The famous white sand beach of Boracay Island   

Boracay Island Facts and Figures

Indeed, Boracay Island is stunningly breathtaking …just to stand at the top of a hill on the south side, loving every minute of dawn towards the northern end, realizing the vast geographic formation of the island as the sun rises over Boracay.

Watch the purplish skies and the golden entourage of the fascinating clouds variably shaped within the four kilometer stretch of the white sands, and the clear blue waters that are surfaced by a multihued reflection of picturesque scenery and sky. There is so much more to this paradise island than meets the eye.

The famous white sand beach of Boracay Island right off the hotel. 

Take a tour around on an island sunset trip via sailboat, or schedule a regular 3 hour pump boat that will take you to more than enough spots to spend some moments at glorious caves and coves.  You could go fishing, or explore the underwater world when you go snorkeling…unless you don’t want to get wet!  Then take the Glass Bottom Boat trip, or merely savor the sun’s vigorous warmth from land.

There are a few lessons you might want to learn while in the island, like kite boarding or kite surfing, windsurfing, and even Diving. Don’t forget paddling your way to Lapuz-Lapuz, and Fairways & Blue water area in a kayak with your loved one. Other water sports activities you may indulge in are Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Knee Boarding, Water Skiing, Tube Riding, Fly Fishing, and heading out on a Banana Boat.

If Cold Springs and Waterfalls fascinate you, take a day tour to the mainland. Find out that alluring Boracay Island and its mystical skies may be discovered or rediscovered inexpensively.

Last week, we went to sunny Boracay Island to chill out and relax. I was ecstatic about the trip, since the last time I went to Boracay was 7 years ago. I was really amazed at all the transformations this beautiful island has gone through the years. I started packing, which included a great deal of my “stuff”. I remember that the last time I visited Boracay, I ended up strolling off the beach and exploring the town center of the island for a bottle of shampoo. It was really tiresome, so I decided to bring all my necessities so as to avoid this sort of hassle again.

Tagbak Bus Terminal - drop off point for all bus rids bound for northern Panay

The trip started off from the bus terminal situated right off Tagbak, Jaro. Tagbak Bus Terminal serves all buses and vans traveling to the northern area of Panay which include the towns of Leganes, Zarraga, Pototan, Dingle, Duenas, Dumangas, Barotac Nuevo, Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo, Ajuy Sara, Concepcion, New Lucena, San Dionisio, Estancia, Carles, Lemery, Capiz and Aklan. If you want to travel off a budget you may take a bus ride bound for Caticlan. I had a comfortable travel time, since we took an airconditioned bus on a very reasonable price. The trip took around 6.5 hours until we reached the port of entry to Boracay Island – Caticlan.

Vendors right off Tagbak Bus Terminal

While we rode the bus, my eyes devoured the visual feast of the countryside. I grew up in the city, so I seldom see the lovely and lush greens of rice fields and the beautiful serene calmness of rural areas. My favorite part of long driving hours is enjoying the scenic places we pass by and taking pictures I may treasure as I go back to my normal city life.

Boracay Jetty Port fees - You have to pay Terminal and Environmental fees before you enter the port area itself.

The trip was long and tiring but when I saw the lovely island of Boracay, I told myself it was all worth the wait. We came to Caticlan Jetty Port around 3:01pm. Before entering the Jetty Port, I paid 125pesos for the terminal fee, an environmental fee and 25 pesos fare for the ferry ride. The ferry ride was approximately 8 minutes and it was quite a lot of fun! The waves gave the ferry boat a rocking motion as we passed by the deep blue seawater.  To my surprise, the ferry boat docked itself in a common entry and exit port for all incoming boats and ferry rides right off the port of Caticlan. This was a lot different compared to the last time I came to Boracay in the year of 2002, when boats  arrived on the beach itself, which is quite an annoyance to those who are enjoying a swim or a deep into the white beach areas. 

Ferry boat ride bound for Boracay Island

Upon arriving on the Jetty port, you will be asked to take a motorcycle ride to take you to the 3 beach stations and to your respective hotels.

Jetty Port Terminal, Boracay Island

Jess, our hotel guide, brought us to Boracay Breeze Resort. The hotel was relatively small, which I prefer since it exudes a homier and cozy ambience. The rooms were stunning and a very affordable price of 1,500pesos a night. The rooms were equipped with all the amenities, and of course wireless internet access! The hotel was a 3 minute walk to the white beach area, so it is definitely one of the best places to stay in Boracay. The hotel staff were warm and friendly, as they carry around with them a warm smile when you meet them along the hallways and even along the lobby of the hotel itself. 

Approaching Boracay Island Jetty Port

We went into many great restaurants (look for foodie finds articles here on Wandering Educators!) during our stay at Boracay, and especially enjoyed the fresh seafood. Though I have never relished taking a swim, I love the feel of the water and sand on my bare feet. What I enjoyed much in this trip was the sensible conversations over long walks on the beach, lovely sunsets and the beautiful pictures I took to bring back home.

Sunset off Boracay beach

During the night time, the entire beach areas all fill up with beach goers partying. Fire dancers are all over the place, giving it a more exotic feeling.

Busy streets of Boracay Island

Two of the most famous night life venues in the island of Boracay are Club Paraw and Guilly’s Island which pump up the night with all sorts of music to make the rousing crowd go wild and party till they drop.

D*talipapa is a haven for those who would want to bring along with them several keepsakes and souvenir items from Boracay Island

However, there is much more to Boracay Island than partying. You can even enjoy the island with your family and friends.

Caticlan Jetty Port

Boracay - a Perfect Place for a Family Vacation

The last time I visited Boracay Island was through a family vacation in the 2002. We had so much fun back then. I have all my uncles, aunts, cousins and all nearest kin which made my last trip to this beautiful island paradise a memorable one. Families can enjoy a lot of activities over the island, such as snorkeling, island hopping and plenty of water activities.

The splendid natural beauty of Boracay makes this place a perfect family vacation spot.  

Hotels and resorts off Boracay beach have family rooms which can cater to kids and adults alike, with all the amenities needed for a relaxing summer vacation. You can take your kids into many beach activities other than swimming. I have a lot of fond memories of my Boracay trip in 2002, especially the stop overs and the pictures I took home with me.

Kalibo ,Aklan bus Terminal 

Boracay Island may seem to be too familiar to other people, but this is the place where I want to commune with Mother Nature and enjoy the serenity of the sand and sea. The island itself can be a perfect place for contemplative and reflective activities as it makes you think of your very own perspective about life in general.

Official Seal of the Philippine Tourism Authority

Getting to and from Boracay, Philippines

Boracay is located at Panay Island. You can visit Boracay by air, by boat or by road via Caticlan. You will need to take a ferry from Caticlan to Boracay.

By air:

Caticlan Airport is close to Boracay Island.

Airlines offering flights from Manila to Caticlan:  Asian Spirit and  FlySeair 

Kalibo Airport takes 1 1/2 hour bus ride to Caticlan.

By boat:

Ferries from Manila to Caticlan: Negros Navigation and Super Ferry

By road:

About 12 hours bus ride from Manila to Caticlan. You can catch the buses at the Philtranco terminal in Cubao and Pasay Manila.

Hotel Recommendation:
Boracay Breeze Resort
Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Philippines
MS. BETH SULLANO [Proprietress] 
Telephone Numbers: +63.36.288.5846 or +63.36.288.4417
Telefax: 0063362884417

Mobile Nos.: +639285053055/639228598356
Website: boracaybreeze.com

There are several ways to make your stay worthwhile within Boracay. Come and discover Boracay. Experience it yourself!

Yours Truly.

All photos courtesy and copyright of Aiza Mabayag.

Aiza Mabayag is the Philippines Editor for Wandering Educators.