psp level 1 lesson 6
TRANSCRIPT
Its more fun in the
PhilippinesModule 6
B o r a c a y
T h e I s l a n d P a r a d i s e
BoracayThe world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province
It is 345 km south of Manila
The island is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways: Caticlan airport or Kalibo Airport.
Boracay is packed with all the elements of a tropical paradise-crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy marine life underneath the seas
Despite being one of the best beaches in the world, staying on this island is way less expensive than other beaches in the world
About Boracay
‣Only 7 km long, Boracay is small enough to navigate by rented bicycle or motorbike
‣As long as you visit during dry season, you'll agree this is one of the best beach destinations in the world
‣Boracay is famous for its beautiful beaches, powdery white sand, and crystal clear waters
Boracay
‣ The high season is from December to April. May to June is ideal but can sometimes be hot.
‣ July to November is the low season and therefore the cheapest time to go.
‣October and November have the best sunsets.
Boracay
Reaching Boracay
To reach Boracay, you have to take a short 10-minute trip in a banca (outrigger boat) from the jetty port of Caticlan, a small town on mainland of Panay island
You can reach Caticlan directly by air, but its airport takes only small planes
You can also reach Kalibo International Airport by air and then reach Caticlan by car
However, this drive to Caticlan's jetty port takes about 80 - 90 minutes
White BeachWhite Beach, its longest beach, is divided into three sections named after the former boat stations:
Station 1, furthest north, is home to luxury resorts.
Station 2, in the middle, is a huge commercial hub and home to dozens of shops, restaurants, and hotels.
Station 3, furthest south, is much quieter and more relaxed.
Most visitors to Boracay stay on the White Beach
It's a 1½ hour walk from one end of the beach to the other
Motor vehicles are not allowed on the footpath and beach
White Beach
As we discussed in Module 1, Philippines is a delight for tourists. We will now focus our attention on the same elements. So let’s look at the main attractions that would appeal to the Indian tourists. Beaches and Nightlife in Boracay are intertwined
Exploring Boracay
ShoppingPubs, Restaurants and Eating Out
Amazing Hotels
Beaches & Natural Beauty
Shopping
D'Mall
The largest area for shopping is called D'Mall, offering a central market with fashion and specialty shops, supermarkets and a fruit, fish and meat department
There are several shops in the Plazoleta selling native instruments and crafts.
Boracay is also famous for its pearls and various mementoes made from pearls
You can also buy bongo drums, flutes, pan pipes and rain-sticks, and sometimes, the musicians are around to give you a demo
Aside from the beautifully crafted instruments, you can buy leather bags, bamboo lampshades, wind chimes, and many other trinkets
Pearls
There is a wide variety of little gift shops in the mall selling almost anything you can imagine, from the tacky to the unusual
Some shops have a fixed price system, whereas others will allow you to bargain
Souvenirs
This small market place is by no means small as suggested by its local name
There are many restaurants in this marketplace, which will cook for your palate’s needs
D'Talipapa
Pubs, Restaurants and Eating Out
Location: Station 1, beside Blue Waves
Kasbah restaurant is about enchantment, escape, and romance
Kasbah has established itself as one of the best restaurants on Boracay Island
It combines an exotic North African souk vibe with a relaxed Boracay beach front setting
Kasbah
Location: D'mall
Cyma serves Greek cuisine in Boracay that you must try before leaving the island!
Try the famous Spinach and Artichoke Fondue or Flaming Saganaki appetizers, or one of the mouth-watering lamb dishes - but really anything you try will lead your taste buds to flavor heaven
Its family style portions also makes it great for group meals
Cyma
Location: Station 2
A complete indoor/outdoor setting near the ocean, coupled with expertly prepared and presented Italian food
It was awarded as 2011 Philippines Best Restaurant by Asia Tatler Dining
Don Vito Ristorante
Red Pirates PubThis is a pub where you can enjoy the view of the lovely sunset while sipping on your drinks
This place allows you to discover the real and local atmosphere of the Boracay Island
Red Pirates is known for excellent music
Every Friday there is a BBQ on the beach which is occasionally accompanied by live music
Sand Bar Beach ClubLocation: Station 1 Beach Side
Sand Bar Beach Club offers some of the best the island could offer - fine dining, yoga, beach lounge and fire dance entertainment
This full-service beach club is committed to creating an unforgettable Boracay experience
Location: Station 1 Beach Side
Club Paraw is a happening place from sunset to very early in the morning
There are beach seating areas, a full bar and table seating inside, and a sand dance floor that gets packed late night, fueled by a live DJ and reasonably priced drinks
Club Paraw
Location: Station 2
Formerly known as MO2 Bar, it is located at the beachfront of Boracay Regency
It has a spacious two floor design with an open air lounge and air conditioned club on the second floor
During the day, they also serve the tastiest Tapas for a great dining experience
Wave Bar and Lounge
JuiceLocation: Station 2, next to Mandarin Hotel
Juice is located in the Plazoleta, a small arts and crafts and boutique shop area with sand floor
It has a live DJ and plays RnB and dance music
It has plenty of seating in the bar area at the front, sand seating area with bean bag chairs in the center, and tables with seats at the rear
Location: D’Mall beachfront, Station 2
Exit Bar is a well frequented Boracay bar that charges normal rates for drinks, good lively atmosphere and friendly staff
One of the only last places in the island that you can dance barefoot enjoying the famous white sandy floor and affordable drinks.
Exit Bar
Cocomangas Shooter BarCocomangas Shooter Bar is the oldest running bar on the island.
It has a special theme for which it is famous, Still Standing After 15
This is a drinking challenge where customers drink 15 different shots of assorted drinks, and if they’re still standing, they receive a number for their country and win a free t-shirt, and their name is also engraved on the bar's wall of fame
Do it for your country! is the motto here
Area 51You’ve never really partied in Boracay until you’ve been to Area 51, known for its distinctive island vibe and incredible music by resident DJs
During full lunar phase, Area 51’s monthly Full Moon parties are a time of renewal and liberation
Area 51 plays host to some of the biggest parties in Boracay, particularly on special holidays like Halloween and New Year’s Eve
Sunset Party Cruise BootyAside from its amazing parties, Boracay is famous for its breath-taking sunset
Hop on the island's 40 passenger party vessel, Booty, and jam with other travelers as you listen to great music!
Not only that, the cruise includes unlimited drinks of local beer and rum.
Pub Crawling
Boracay is also famous for its night long bar hopping events
The Boracay Pub Crawl is a great way to meet new people
Everybody starts as strangers, with a common shirt, walking along the shoreline of Boracay from one bar to the next
This presents a great opportunity to meet amazing people from around the world, drink welcome shooters, get discounts on drinks, get free entrance in bars and lots more
Beaches and Natural Beauty
Ariel’s Point
You can experience five different levels of cliff diving at Ariel's Point
Ariel's Point is located in the fishing town of Buruanga, a ½ hour boat ride from White Beach
The excursion includes a feast of barbecue buffet and bottomless drinks of local beer and rum
A friendly tour guide will escort you to the boat pick-up location
Ariel’s Point This day trip package includes activities like cliff diving, swimming, canoeing, snorkeling and kayaking
This scenic trip to Ariel’s Point is a great daytime activity for the whole family
The package trip usually includes a Barbecue Buffet, afternoon snacks (known as Filipino merienda), and unlimited beverages
Glass Bottom Boat
The Glass Bottom Boat is perfect for those who want to take a peek at Boracay's underwater life but would like to feel safe in the confines of a boat
The adventurous kinds can go swimming and snorkeling
Drinks and snacks are included in the packages, usually, and children are given discounts
Island Hopping Trip
Your Boracay adventure experience will not be complete without the Island Hopping Trip
The island is home to more than a dozen undeveloped beaches, turquoise waters and colorful coral reefs!
Island Hopping Trip
A boat trip is for 3 hours with a stopover at some amazing places in Boracay where you can go snorkeling and swimming too
To get the most out of this trip, take the 4-hour tour which includes a lunch of seafood and barbecue, served with a local beer!
White Beach The White Beach is the chief attraction
It is about 4 km long and is on the western side of the island
The beach adds a charm to the bay and makes it well recognized among the trippers from all over the world
Massage on the Beach
A very unique experience to Boracay is a massage on the beach
It is very popular among tourists and is a highly recommended way to relax
Though you can also get one at any of the hotels and resorts nearby, but the massage on a beach is truly unique
The cost very low too, as low as
PHP 300 or about 425
White Beach
The crystal blue water of the beach is the most striking feature of this bay.
This is the reason for which this bay is also called as the World’s Most Beautiful Tropical Island
Crystal Cove Island
Enjoy a world class adventure experience on the beautiful neighboring island of Crystal Cove.
It is definitely one of the best places to explore and take plenty of photos. Experience breath taking views while trekking to the coves and caves, and get a chance to explore the natural beauty of rock formations and crystalline sea waters.
A must do adventure when visiting Boracay!
Willy's Rock
Situated 100 meters off shore, in the shallow water near Boat Station 1, Willy's Rock is a castle-like volcanic formation that dominates the seascape along White Beach
Facing the beach are stairs leading to a chapel at the top, which contains a statue of the Virgin Mary
Willy's Rock is the most photographed landmark on Boracay and offers an excellent view of the island
Boracay Bike Tour
You can discover the hidden paths and sights on the island with Boracay Bike Tours!
Tours begin on Bulabog Beach at the Funboard Center, where you can see colorful kites adorning the blue sky
Next stops are Diniwid Beach, Puka Shell Beach and Ilig-Iligan Beach
In Diniwid, you can go swimming, snorkeling and play on its white sand before proceeding to Puka Shell beach where you can do a bit of souvenir shopping
From there, you make a stop at Grand Vista Resort, overlooking Punta Bunga Beach and watch the sunset while having snacks and drinks
The tour ends by cycling back to Bulabog Beach
Boracay Bike Tour
Mount LuhoThis is the most impressive and the highest elevation (100 meters above the sea) on Boracay Island.
It's not an easy climb but the view above Mount Luho is worth it
The best way to get to Mt Luho is to hike or take your mountain bike up the steep road going north from Barangay Bulabog, on the Eastern side of Boracay Island
Crocodile IslandIt looks like a crocodile and once you reach the Crocodile Island, you can opt to feed the fishes and swim along with them or stay in the boat and feed them
The island is the favorite place for snorkeling and diving activities because the water here is very clear
Boracay Butterfly GardensBoracay Butterfly Gardens is a beautiful, netted, tropical garden that contains hundreds of live butterflies of different species, and more than 150 plant species
In the nursery section, the caterpillars and pupae can be closely observed
Amazing Hotels
Dave's Straw Hat Inn
A charming place, which offers a serene and intimate tropical nirvana, it is located less than a few minutes walk from the White Beach
The helpful staff caters to your needs while you enjoy the beauty of Boracay
Its has been referred to as the best budget hotel in Boracay, but without skimping on the comforts.
Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Spa is perfectly situated on the White Beach
With the longest 125-meter beachfront in White Beach, guests enjoy its location
This international class resort is located minutes from the Caticlan Domestic Airport
The resort is 1 km from the city center and offers pristine shores, coral reefs, and tropical jungles
Boracay Regency Beach Resort & Spa
Hennan Regency Beach Resort & SpaThe resort boasts 285 luxurious and modern rooms with Asian design
It also offers a variety of facilities such as a gym and fitness center, business center, Kai Regency Spa, three swimming pools, and a convention center
Boracay Convention Center
The Boracay Convention Center is also known as Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center
It is a private ecotourism venue intended for trade events, industry conventions, corporate functions, concerts, and international exhibitions
The Center can accommodate about 3,000 participants on the first floor and another 1,500 participants with tables on the ground floor
You are received at the welcome lounge of the resort in Caticlan, where a host takes you to Shangri-La's private speedboat. In about 30 minutes of cruising along the White Beach, you will reach the resort
The resort boasts of world class facilities, ranging from 24-hour business center to even babysitters
Shangri La Resort & Spa
One of the premier beach resorts, Shangri La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, consists of 219 rooms, suites and villas
Chi, its large and spacious spa is a place of peace, relaxation and rejuvenation
Located on a rocky peninsula looking out over a private bay, the detached spa village complex is designed to be a sanctuary within the resort
Shangri La Resort & Spa
Cohiba VillasCohiba Villas are private luxury condo units that sit on a cliff top with stunning oceanfront views and overlook the Bulabog Beach
The villas feature a master bedroom with a master bath and Jacuzzi, modern kitchen, extra bedrooms, beautiful private terrace and patio, all in a sleek modern design
Cohiba Villas has a large infinity swimming pool, bar clubhouse, and 24/7 van shuttle service to white beach, which is just 7 minutes away
Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel
Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel is a beachfront resort situated in the heart of Boracay’s vibrant culturual hub
The resort features luxurious rooms and suites, an in-house restaurant by the sea, hotel spa, swimming pool, kiddie pool and convention center
Discovery Shores
Discovery Shores has been consistently voted by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the Top Resorts in Asia
It is listed among T+L's World's Best Hotels for three years running and also the first and one of three Philippine resorts to be included in the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection
Discovery Shores
Terra Wellness Spa is an award-winning spa that attracts both in-house guests and visitors from neighboring resorts
It’s often seen as an excellent place to unwind
The Sandbox keeps the kids busy when parents are busy with stuffed toys, an X-box, and various board and computer games
Habagat Kite Village - Aissatou Resort Habagat Kite Village - Aissatou Resort, located at the center of Bulabog Beach, is a prime kiteboarding location
The Kite Village is a great oceanfront specialty resort ideal for watersports enthusiasts
It has a European quality and style with a tropical beach atmosphere. All the rooms have a sea view, and there is also a kiteshop, a restaurant, as well as a palm tree shaded beach front garden
Henann Garden Resort
A well appointed resort to unwind in the luxurious swimming pools, dine at their food outlet, enjoy the cocktails at the poolside bar, and indulge in both land and water based activities
Located in Station 2, it is a perfect place for a vacation for both leisure and adventure lovers
It boasts of 200 rooms that are complete with all modern amenities
Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort is a tropical beach resort located towards the end of Bulabog Beach around 15 minutes from D’mall in Station 2
It has eight luxurious bedrooms, each uniquely designed with handwoven indigenous materials as well as touches of other native materials in its exterior, a swimming pool, a beach bar and café
Rieseling Boracay Beach Resort gives you a truly tropical experience.
Lingganay Boracay Hotel Resort This resort is just 5-minute drive from D’mall
Guests will have an easy access to Yapak Beach, Boracay Butterfly Garden, Bat Caves, Mount Luho, Diniwid Beach and Royal Park Hotel Golf Range
Rooms are tastefully furnished and equipped with modern amenities
Let’s Recap
‣ The world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province
‣ You can either reach Caticlan directly by air or by road driving from Kalibo International Airport by air and then reach Boracay by a banca
‣ White Beach is the longest beach in Boracay and most visitors here
‣ Motor vehicles are not allowed on the footpath and beach
‣ Willy's Rock is a castle-like volcanic formation that dominates the seascape along White Beach
Let’s Recap
‣ The Crystal Cove on a neighboring island is one of the best places to explore and take plenty of photos
‣ You can discover the hidden paths and sights on the island with Boracay Bike Tours
‣ Aside from its amazing parties, Boracay is world famous for its breath-taking sunset
‣ The Glass Bottom Boat is perfect for those who want to take a peek at Boracay's underwater life
‣ Pubcrawling in Boaracy is a popular activity and is great way to meet people from around the world