From Boracay with love!

Last January 2012, it was my first vacation alone. Yes, on my 30 years of existence here on earth, it was my first time spending vacation all by myself. It was actually a dream come true because in a way, it is liberating.

Anyway, the destination was Boracay! This was also a dream come true. Before, I always tell myself that if I already have the money, I will go to Boracay, and there I was standing on the white powdery beach of the island!

We all know that plane tickets to Boracay are pretty expensive. So, the best way to get there is to watch for promotions from different airline companies (Cebu Pacific promo fares for example). Take advantage of those promotions because that’s what I did. 

Now, here’s how you can get to Boracay (from Cebu that is). From Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), you’ll land at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport or Caticlan Airport. If you are a budget traveler (a politically correct term for a poor traveller…hehehe) like me, you have the option to walk going to the Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal. It is about 100 meters from the airport. I assure you that the distance will not kill you! If you choose to charter a trike or tricycle, be ready to shell out around 100 pesos from your pocket because I am pretty sure that you will be waiting for eternity for other passengers since most of the tourists have agents; when they arrived, they already have coasters waiting for them. So, choose between 100 pesos or a couple of minutes walk. It’s your call. 

Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal is where you take a boat ride going to the beautiful island of Boracay, and be ready for series of fees (TERMINAL FEE: 50, ENVIRONMENTAL AND ADMISSION FEE: 75, and BOAT FEE: 20) before you can get on board. However, going home, you will no longer pay the Environmental and Admission Fee.

From Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal, you will dock at the Cagban Jetty Port and Passenger Terminal. Once you are already there, you need to ride a tricycle to your main destination or hotel. It will cost you 20 pesos per person for the ride. You don’t have to charter a tricycle. You can ride with the other tourists and locals. You just have to tell the driver on where you want to go. This is just an advice; it helps if you don’t sound that you don’t have any idea on where you are going. You see, some of the drivers can sense that you are a first time tourist and will feed on that situation. You will have an unsolicited tour of the island, and they will ask you for a fare way beyond 100 pesos. Like what I did, I did an extensive research about Boracay. By the way, the motorcycle terminal is just outside the port. 

During my three days stay on the island, I stayed at an affordable, but decent place in Station 3. Station 3 is the place to be for budget travellers. Please be reminded that it is ideal if you already have a reservation before your vacation date because on holidays, it will be very difficult to find a place which is still available; or else, you will end up on those expensive places in Station 1 and Station 2. Basically, that was my experience during my vacation. I arrived there on January 23rd at around 7:00 A.M. I didn't realize that it was Chinese New Year week. I have to wait until 9:00 A.M. for a vacant place. 

My original plan was to stay at Ocean Breeze in Station 3, Manoc-Manoc, but it was fully booked. However, since I am a bit adventurous, I didn’t mind it and just asked around for a vacanat place (still in Station 3). Someone told me to try “The Orchids”; unfortunately, they too were fully booked. At this time, I was already starting to get anxious, but praise God! The owner of the “The Orchids” stepped out and told me that her sister has a place, and it might be available. She was so kind and accompanied me to her sister’s place. Her sister told me that a Korean couple will be checking out at 9:00 A.M. and asked me if I can wait. At the back of my mind, I told myself “Do I really have a choice?” (ehehe). I said yes of course! 

Unfortunately, I forgot the name of the place. It should start with the letter M or W or whatever. The owner was so hospitable and told me that I could leave my bag at her house. That’s what I did and decided to check the beachfront, and I was so amazed. A long stretch of white sand beach greeted my eyes. I can’t hide my excitement that I almost screamed! 

Since I was already hungry, I checked for a restaurant, and the first thing I saw was Andok’s! I didn’t realize that I can find an affordable fast food chain in Boracay. So there at Andok’s, I ate my first breakfast on the island (not social! hehehe). 

Aside from basking underneath the sun and swimming to your heart’s content, you can shop until you drop in Boracay. The place to be is the “D Mall”. At the “D Mall”, you find shops for “pasalubong”, branded clothes, and beach accessories. Aside from shopping, at the “D Mall”, you will also find restaurants serving international cuisines, fast food chains, small amusement area for the kids, wall climbing area, and resto bars. 

For the coffee lovers, don’t be sad because Starbucks is already serving Boracay! It is located at the beach front in Station 1. Aside from that, here are the other famous things that you should try in Boracay: hair braiding, henna tattoo, fruit shake (it seems that every 5 meters there is a fruit shake station…hehehe), and massage at the beach front. 

By the way, aside from Andok’s, there are other affordable food choices in Boracay, like Master Siomai, Leylam’s Shawarma, and Mang Inasal. 

At night, you can enjoy an eat-all-you-can dinner buffet that ranges from 200 pesos to a thousand pesos, poi dancing exhibition, and live bands. However, before dinner, do grab the chance to experience the famous Boracay sunset. It is romantic even if you are alone! =) 

The end.