The rainy season is already upon us, but I guess summer never really ends.. well for some people at least. I've been to a lot of places and I didn't really think Boracay would be anything special. My mindset was that I would go to Boracay just for the sake of going. But life is full of surprises :). I don't know what took me so long to get here but I'm glad I finally have.
First things first, we booked our flight via Air Asia Manila-Kalibo route for about an hour of travel time. Our 9:45AM trip was rescheduled to 1:00PM, but if you try to check-in it says 12:15PM. At the airport they informed us the trip will be delayed for another hour so it will be at 2:00PM then it got delayed for another hour so 3:00PM from the original 9:45AM. Our flight back was delayed for an hour as well. Way to go Air Asia! -_-
Van Rentals outside the airport
Then we took a van to Tabon Port. There are van rentals once you exit the airport. Travel time is 2 hours, fare is PHP200 per way. The road reminded me of the man made forest in Bohol and the way to chocolate hills.
Tabon Port
Waiting Area
Counter
Then we took a 15minute boat ride which costs PHP130! IKR!
We stayed at Shore Time Resort. Check out the details here.
Our first day was basically wasted at the airport thanks to Air Asia. So when we arrived, we had dinner and took a stroll at the shops on the shore.
Anyway while we strolled on the first day, we hunted for the cheapest and best activity package we could find.
Ate Levi explaining the activities included in the package by drawing on sand XD
We got a package for a bunch of activities for PHP2600 per head which includes the following: Parasailing, Fly Fish, Helmet Dive, Paraw, ATV, 3D Art museum, Sky Cycling, Island Hoping and Snorkeling.
After securing our package, we pretty much just beach bummed.
DAY 2
We started our day at around 10am with Parasailing. I've been dying to try this. I thought it was scary like the feeling of falling but not at all. It's just like riding a swing. The wind in your face and the awesome view of the island from above.
Next we tried Fly Fish, the experience is pretty similar with banana boat. You have to hold on real tight to prevent from falling.
Our last activity before lunch was Helmet Diving. The helmet weighs around 35kg outside water and 2kg in water but it's still pretty heavy you can feel it's weight on your shoulders. The water pressure when you go down really hurts like during plane landing or take off when the air pressure changes in the cabin. So you'll have to equalize to get rid of the pain. You'll get to see fishes and feed them. The package includes a soft copy in a cd with pictures and videos of your helmet diving experience. <don't expect too much though>
We finished around 2PM ate lunch and just before sunset rode the Paraw (a sailboat with nets on either side so you can sit or lay back while watching the sunset).
We ate dinner and ended our second day pub crawling. We really enjoyed this activity so much so I'll be writing a separate blog for it. Check the details here.
DAY 3
We were supposed to do ATV in the morning but Ate Levi was late so we did it after lunch. You'll have to pay an extra PHP100 to go up the Ocean View Tower.
View on top of the Tower
You'll get to see a beautiful view of the island and you can also put love locks on the railings.
We also went to Dream Land, a mini park with a 3D Art Museum and took pictures.
Some of us went Sky Cycling too. I was feeling lazy and it was too hot up so I passed.
Our last activity was snorkeling. You'll have to pay PHP20 pesos each for the environmental fee. The waves were too strong so we didn't get to enjoy it as much. You have an option to go to another island but it's private so you'll have to pay an extra PHP200 for the entrance fee. You can also go cliff diving for a separate fee as well PHP150 if I remember it correctly.
We ate dinner after at Dampa where you can buy raw seafood and have restaurants cook it for you. I'll be writing a separate blog for this as well. <hopefully soon>
After dinner we had some drinks with our new found Harry Potter group of friends from the Pub Crawl XD. It rained that night and I have my camera with me so we had to wear bin bags to keep from getting wet on our way back to our respective hotels. Someone we ran into actually said "nice outfit" XD.
DAY 4
We went to Puka Shell Beach to swim and chill some more. It feels like we own the island because there were just a handful of people.
Then we packed our bags and got ready to go back home. :(
Overall, I enjoyed this trip much more than I expected. The sand was as pure as they say and the water was clear. I got to experience a lot of activities for the first time thus making Boracay really memorable.
I was just disappointed to see these wind breakers they put up during rainy season. It separates the shops in front from the shore hindering the view.
I was really thankful for the nice weather, we were even able to go star gazing. The sunset was hidden from the clouds but I was still able to get some good shots so I'm really happy. ^_^
If you're looking for a quick getaway near Manila, you should consider going to Puerto Galera. It's located at Mindoro, just a 2 hour bus and an hour boat ride away. It's been a lot more crowded than what I remembered but still a nice place to visit.
How to get there?
1. Ride a bus to Batangas Pier (PHP167). Travel time is around 2hours from Buendia. It's quite easy to catch a bus to Batangas so no reservations needed.
2. Ride a boat to White Beach (PHP500 2-way ticket). Travel time is around an hour or so. Boat schedule is often late so plan accordingly.
One Way - PHP275
Two Way - PHP500
Boat Schedule is on first come first serve basis. They accommodate around 50 persons per boat.
We arrived at around 10am and the earliest boat schedule we got was 12:00pm.
We boarded the boat at 1pm. (An hour late from schedule)
You'll also have to pay a terminal fee of PHP30 at the terminal after you buy boat tickets and PHP50 environmental fee when you arrive at Puerto Galera.
Terminal Fee
The boat ride can get suffocating especially when the weather is too hot because they cover the sides of the boat to keep passengers from getting wet so you might want to sit at the front or at the back.
If you have a round trip ticket, be sure to secure a schedule for your trip back immediately after you arrive at white beach.
Accommodation? Getting a place to stay is no problem either. There are a lot of resorts offering rooms for rent at the pier and in Puerto Galera.
We got a room good for 6persons for PHP3000 a night from Agbing resort. Last time we stayed at White Beach resort. Both are just near the shore.
Activities? There are a lot of water activities you can try here. Banana boat, flying fish, snorkeling, jetpack, parasailing, atv, go kart, diving and what not. The jetpack thing is pretty cool but expensive as well.
Parasailing
Flying Fish
Jet Ski
Banana Boat
Jet Pack
1 hour whole body massage PHP300
Food? There are a lot of affordable restaurants along the beach that will suit your budget. But most of the time you'll have to wait really long for the food to arrive.
(that scene on "how to get away with murder" XD)
Nightlife? Definitely yes, the last time I was here, I don't remember much commotion at night. But now.. there are performances side by side as in literally.
I enjoyed watching fire dancing and just chilling out drinking with friends.
You should try their famous Mindoro Sling (PHP350 per pitcher) while you're at it.
Or you can stay on the other side of the beach, lay on the sand and star gaze or get a massage.
The shore has white sand but the sea bed is mostly rocks, but not the kind that hurts your feet. The water is also clear but there were these pesky insect bites every now and then.
And of course the gorgeous sunset. I love taking pictures of sunset.
I would love to try all those activities when I get back. Before I forget, there is an ATM on the island but either you have to go to the town proper or you have to pay an extra 200 charge per transaction. Very few restaurants accept cash and with additioanl 3.5% charge so I suggest to bring cash. There is a Security bank ATM at the pier but don't take chances and just withdraw before going there.
