Boracay – The Ultimate Holiday Island

If seas that pulse with vibrant colour, miles of white sand beaches and gently swaying coconut trees sound like the material dreams are made of, consider booking a flight to the Philippines.

This epic archipelago consists of over 7,000 tropical islands so rest assured you’ll find one that suits your tastes. The unusual thing about the Philippines is that it simply isn’t as bursting with tourists as many other destinations in South East Asia. Partly this is down to location – there’s a whole lot of sea separating it from the Banana Pancake Trail and as a result, there are plenty of, as yet, unspoiled areas begging to be explored.

However, this isn’t to say the Philippines doesn’t cater to travellers – just pay a visit to the paradise shores of Boracay, one of the country’s most famous islands to see the extent of its growing popularity and unfortunately, the rising prices that come hand-in-hand with this growth in interest. But even a bustling island like Boracay can offer a wonderful experience for the budget traveller…

What to do in Boracay
The number one thing to do on this stunning island is experience its glorious beaches. The mighty White Beach stretches along the entire west coast of the island and is divided into three Stations – 1, 2 and 3. It’s a wide expanse of thick, soft, white sand, dotted with boats and fringed with palm trees. You can walk the entire length if you are feeling up to some exercise or stroll up to the main road and hop in a tricycle to move from Station to Station with ease.

The best swimming and sunbathing spots can be found at Station 3 where the water gets deep fast and there are less people on the beach. There is a more rustic, backpacker-friendly vibe here and it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the other Stations. At the other end of the island, Pukka Beach, also boasts a laidback vibe and is worth a visit to see its shell-strewn sands – remember to take nothing but pictures at this beautiful beach.

If you fancy approaching beach-life in a more active way, venture over to Bulabog Beach where kite-surfing rules. You can book lessons and take advantage of the blustering sea winds that buffet this shore.

Snorkelling trips can be easily arranged pretty much anywhere on White Beach as well as a variety of adrenaline fuelled water-sports such as parasailing or jet-skiing. However, the iconic Boracay experience has to be a sunset paraw sail. The sunsets on Boracay are absolutely mind-blowing with clear, glowing skies providing the ultimate backdrop for a fat, red sun to sink slowly into the sea. Paraw sailboats are the boat of choice in the Philippines and depending on your haggling skills, you can generally get drinks included as you set sail into the sun, silhouetted against the skyline.

Where to eat and drink
Most of the action in Boracay is clustered around Station 2 where the evenings see every restaurant lay tables out in the sand, the bars are buzzing and live music abounds. Station 2 is also home to D’Mall, an outdoor shopping complex packed with places to eat and pick up a souvenir or too.

Prices for food are a little steeper than in other parts of South East Asia and there are a few too many fast food outlets. However, you can still pick up some tasty, budget options if you know where to look. Smoke Resto has a delicious selection of Filipino options and even on the beachfront, if you peruse the local food section of the menu, you can generally find the cheapest meals. At Station 3, Coco Loco is a charming dinner spot with tables right on the beach and offers bargain prices for Filipino favourites pancit canton and pancit bihon – the mouth-watering, staple noodle dishes of the Philippines.

Drinks are a different kettle of fish – budget travellers will be delighted at the look of Boracay’s beverage prices. Happy Hour prices offer discounted cocktails and beers and those trying to retain some semblance of healthy living out here will be happy to see San Miguel Light and Coke Light options all over the drink menus. Happy Hour may be something of a misnomer – in Boracay, you can bar hop and quite feasibly stretch out your Happy Hour all day.

At Station 2 Bom Bom is a quirky bar where the drinks are cheap from 12-7pm and they frequently have live music whilst Nigi Nigi is an old-school, Boracay favourite with a charming, Tikki style interior. Over at Station 3, try the incredible fruit shakes at Bei Kurt Und Magz or pitch up at Shantal’s Resto to relax and enjoy a phenomenal sunset.

Where to rest your head
In terms of budget accommodation, Station 3 is the place to explore. There are numerous guesthouse options scattered in the lanes between the beach and the main road. Orchid’s Resort offers simple rooms as well as thatched roof cottages in a fragrant, orchid-filled garden plus unlimited coffee and a tasty breakfast. In peak season it is advisable to book ahead but we stayed in Holy Week and still saw signs up offering vacant rooms.

No visitor would declare Boracay an undiscovered, traveller haven but with its winning holiday recipe of sea, sun, sand and buckets of cheap rum, you will certainly see why it’s more fun in the Philippines.

Images and words by Alex Saint

@PalmTree_Cities

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