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Boracay Island

Cebu City

Philippines

Boracay Island

Off the northern tip of the main island of Panay in the Visayas region is Boracay Island. This almost seven kilometer long island has become one of Asia's top vacation spots. On the western side of the island is it's main beach, the world-famous White Beach, which is a three kilometer long stretch of powdery fine white sand and crystal clear azure water. On the opposite side of the island is another impressive two kilometer beach which is not as populated but just as beautiful. Considered by many the world over as one of the truly best beaches in the world, Boracay's White Beach draws a steadily increasing number of visitors each season.

Boracay is a haven for many water sports enthusiasts because of its excellent conditions for wind surfing, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, jet skiing, etc.. On land, many people also choose to go hiking in the nearby hills, play volleyball on the beach itself, rent a mountain bike and go exploring, or just walk around the market and shop. There are also tours around the island which take visitors to the different sights around the island. For the not too active, you can laze around on the sugar fine beach and get a massage while having an ice cold cocktail. When the sun goes down, the island retains its vitality because of the many bars and discos which cater to all sorts of tastes and preferences. The dancing and partying seldom ends until the wee hours in the morning as a testament to the island's free and fun loving spirit.

Accomodations on the island are available for most any purse or pleasure. From all-out resorts with excellent amenities to quaint cottages for those who would rather a more native feel, finding a place to stay on the island is not a problem. Dining on the island is an experience in itself. The cuisine is quite literally as varied as the people from all over the world who visit the place. The restaurants are a virtual United Nations with representatives from different regions of the world guaranteed to appeal to the most discerning of pallettes. Naturally most of the restaurants have at least one specialty seafood dish which compete for vistors' taste buds. The only problem with the food is that visitors seldom have enough time to sample all the interesting choices.

Getting to this island paradise is very easy from Manila. By plane, you can take a flight from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan and then take an hour long air-conditioned bus ride to Jetty Port (in the town of Caticlan), after which you will have to take a boat that will ferry you to Boracay Island in 20 minutes. Another way from Manila is by flying to Caticlan airport and then after the hour-long airtrip and a 10 minute tricycle ride to Jetty Port, the same boats can ferry you to the Boracay Island. There are also flights from Cebu and Davao to Kalibo airport. Another way, although not for those in a hurry, is to take a cruise ship among one of the many shipping superlines that make Boracay a stop for one of their cruises.