"Travel Boracay: Tips From Different Travel Bloggers"

"Where-to's", "What to eat", "What to do", "What to bring", and "How-to's"

Today I am going to give you some tips when travelling in the Philippines. I will show you some helpful tips about "Where-to's", "What to eat", "What to do", "What to bring", and "How-to's" in your chosen destination in the beautiful The Pearl of the Orient Seas . To make this more reliable and exciting I gathered some tips from different travel bloggers (credits properly given to each one of them) around the world who have had an awesome time in my country. This is going to be a series of entries in this blog so don't miss the rest of it. I want to begin with Boracay and to be followed by Palawan. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started. 

Of course I wouldn't start without introducing my country first. Philippines is a Southeast Asian country in the Western Pacific, comprising more than 7,000 islands. Its capital Manila, is famous for its waterfront promenade and centuries-old Chinatown, Binondo. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of the Old Manila. It's home to the baroque 17th-century San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison. 

Capital: Manila

Founded: March 16, 1521

Dialing code: +63ĵ

Current President: Rodrigo Duterte

Population as of 2013: 98.39 million World Bank

Travel+Leisure Magazine chose to name Boracay as its Best Overall Island in 2012. This amazing island is located in Malay, Aklan, Western Visayas, a 45minute plane away from Manila.

"Where to's"

One of the most reliable travel site is itsmorefuninthephilippines.com for you to check more info about Boracay and other tourist attraction in the country. Here's a glimpse of Pricing Information accoring to the latter site:

ITEMS                               PRICE

• ·       Accommodations - Hostel room    Php 1,500
• ·       Accommodations - Hotel room     Php 3,000 & up
• ·       Accommodations - Family room   Php 7,000 & up
• ·       Accommodations - Resort cottage Php 8,000 & up
• ·       Dining - Seafood dishes      Php 400 & up
• ·       Dining - Kebab         Php 150 - 350
• ·       Dining - Fruitshake  Php 100
• ·       Transportation - 10 minute tricycle ride  Php 20.00 per person
• ·       Transportation - 10 minute jeepney/multicab ride        Php 20.00 per person
• ·       Transportation - boat ride  Ph 25.00 per person
• ·       Shopping - souvenir t-shirt            Php 150
• ·       Shopping - handmade accessory   Php 200 - 300
• ·       Acitivity - banana boat        Php 250 per person
• ·       Activity - helmet diving       Php 600
• ·       Activity - paraw sailing        Php 1,000
• ·       Activity - island hopping     Php 750 per person
• ·       Activity - intro scuba diving           Php 3,000
• ·       Activity - wind surfing         EUR 45
• ·       Activity - parasailing            Php 2,500
• ·       Activity - fly fishing  Php 600
• ·       Activity - Motorcycle rental            Php 1,100 & up

Not bad isn't it? If you are actually one like me-a travel budget person, don't be shy to haggle for the locals are definitely hospitable and kind. Perhaps not all because it's normal to experience bad services and meeting some not-so-cool people living there. Let me talk more of that later on. Now, let's jump to a list of places to stay in. But first, watch this awesome video of  Sabrina, one of the most featured travel blogger in the world, on this link: http://www.justonewayticket.com/ because I have no idea why the video doesn't play here (beginner's dilemma).

Boracay is devided into three areas-station , station 2, and station 3. Ask some local people of the best station, they would say Station 2 because it's the craziest area in the island. You can get to see a lot of restaurants, fun activities and affordable places to stay in. When I was in Boracay my boyfriend and I stayed in La Carmela de Boracay and they are saying, "Spend your dream vacation in the heart of one of the world’s finest beaches. La Carmela de Boracay, one of the newest resort hotels in the island, offers you beachfront convenience at affordable rates. It is centrally located at Station 2, near the Tourist Center–within a few minutes’ walk to the talipapa (wet market). Group packages for 2-100 persons (2-4 persons sharing in a room) are available." Their rate is ranging from Php 2,700 and up. I really think the room we rented for 3 nights was comfortable and convenient though it wasn't a front beach view which as I expected however, they were kind enough to explain what happened. Anyway, this hotel is perfect for people looking a place in the middle of these three stations and nearby almost everything that you need to see in this place. To see more affordable and yet give a one of a kind service then check this article,  The 10 Best Cheap Hotels in Boracay - Aug 2016. 

But if you have the budget and all then you might want to check on the most luxurious area of the island-Station 1. Myboracayguide.com rated Nezima Beach House having the most expensive rate and it is the newest architectural gem at the north end of white beach, Station 1. This luxury beach house is inspired by modern Balinese style and employs rich elements of wood, space, metal, stone, earth and water in harmony with the verdant surroundings and seaside landscape. Each of these homely structures are enclosed with sliding doors and thatched roofing to let the breathtaking sea breeze and sunlight flow through. They have a front pavilion with a spacious terrace where guests can have an unhindered view of the sea and amazing sunsets. This beach house truly unifies the intrinsic beauty of nature with luxury living. A villa for a night is from Php 48, 550 and up. While the striking and elegant beach house having the highest ratings. Their rate is from Php 6, 480 and up. To see more of Bora's Villa and Hotels, visit this site, 10 Best Boracay Villas, Beach Houses.

"What to eat"

Latte of Starbucks is my all-time favorite coffee so I made sure not to miss it plus the view!

There are so many affordable souvenir stalls, coffee shops and restaurants to choose from so don't worry about it. 'Boracay is expensive' is a total myth!

Try not to miss some of them too! Here are random Foodiefie I have taken from different resources because I didn't a get a high- quality camera back then.

How about breakfast at Lemoni Café, D’Mall, Station 2?

Yup! I know... try to wipe that saliva first, LOL. 

For more food photos, visit adventureinyou. They've got a lot. Just like any other beach resorts, Boracay offers a large array of fun water activities, as for instance snorkeling, free diving, jet ski, parachute gliding, island hopping and so many to mention. When you get off of the boat from the airport, a lot of tourist guides will hand you a piece of paper with a list of exciting activities with the highest amount they could offer, but I swear people, you can get half of the price with the help of power-haggling (ngork)! But if you think you can afford to shell out for all those then think that you just helped a one whole big family (I hope you know what I mean).

"What to do"

 

The coolest water activity according to a friend even if he fell off a thousand times.

The yacht operators are the best photographers in the sea :D 

An elephant statue in Crystal Cove during our island hopping.

A Paraw is a local sail boat with two outriggers and two sails found in the Philippines. Experience the traditional way of sailing and discover the best sites around the island. Better yet, view the incredible sunset while relaxing on this traditional sailing boat for half an hour.

Price:1,000 PHP for 1-2 Persons 1,500 PHP for 3-4 Persons join in with other guest, also available in private tour
Inclusions: Paraw sailboat rental with crews for 30 minutes. Life jackets. Our friendly coordinator will escort you to boat pick-up location
A one of a kind sailing experience! For more places, click me! Top Ten Places to Visit in Boracay.

"What to bring" and "How-to's"

Obviously, you have to bring your shortest,sexiest, daring swim suites (kiddin'). Anything that you think you're comfortable wearing under the sun will do. You can wear your winter jacket if you want in an over 36 degree Celsius, lol.  Well, I see some people don't care wearing sweaters or long sleeved polo to protect their porcelain skin from the UV rays. Or much better, you can just bring a pair of rush guard and beach shoes. Toiletries, shades, sun-screen lotion and extra clothes are a MUST-bring-stuff ! Did I miss anything except money? So, how are we going to get there? Boracay transportation.

If this post wasn't able to help you then at least visit the links I shared. Have a happy trip!