Boracay isn’t just a place. It is not just an island; not just about the sea or about the people. Boracay is an experience.

I’ve heard a lot about Boracay on TV; the celebrities – international or local – who have been there and they always come back. I also had friends who were so lucky enough to spend some three or four months in the island for an OJT (on-the-job training) required at school, and they always tell me the same things over and over again – Boracay is a beautiful place.

Whatever Happens In Boracay …

It’s so much fun (along with a phrase they always say, “Whatever happened in Boracay, stays in Boracay.”) So I’m left wondering and craving to experience the island myself. I have also been desperate to see the most beautiful sunset I’ll probably see in my entire life.

Boracay Island is a 7-km long and nearly 1-km wide island. There are two primary beaches in Boracay including Bulabog Beach which faces eastward, and the best and most populated part that serves as the center of attractions on the island, White Beach.

It has a 4-km stretch of perfect beauty of the white beach, blue sky, and well, varieties of people and lots of stores, bars, and restos.

White Beach, or what the locals called the Long Beach, is divided into 3 Stations. Each Stations has lots of stores, restaurants, bars, and different kind of people – all kinds of nationality, actually. It takes about more than an hour walk from Station 1 (north side) to Station 3 (south side). Station 2 is basically the center of everything where people flock most of the time.

White Beach is like a famous mall conveniently located by the beach, that if your feet tire from walking, you can always stay and lounge beside the sea anytime.

I’d always want to sit, stare, watch the people by the beach with a cold beer on my hand – I’m so satisfied with that alone because I’ve never seen sand so white, so soft it caresses the very steps I take. It’s white powder.  It’s contentment if you are a beach bum. But there are so many things to do in Boracay that you can’t leave without doing it. It makes the experience more fun and memorable.

Traveling From Cebu To Boracay

On the first day, the 25^th of November, my family and I arrived to Caticlan airport from Mactan International Airport in Cebu sometime around noon. From Caticlan airport, since we were a group of 12, we had to rent a van to Caticlan Jetty Port so we can ride a boat to Cagban Jetty Port. It’s more or less than 15-minute boat ride from Caticlan to Cagban. With so much anticipation of what we were up against, we were extremely excited.

Once we got in the Boracay Island, we were then picked up with another van by a group we hired back in the airport. The road going to the White Beach from the port is actually poor. The two-way lane is small enough for two vans to pass by together. But once we got to the White Beach, everything was so beautiful.

I wont get tired of defining how beautiful the beach is together with its clear blue sky. It’s like I’m watching a huge painting. It’s unbelievable but hey, I made it there.

I can feel the sand and the wind. I can smell and taste the sea. I can see different kinds of people from super fat to extremely sexy. There were no white people, but pink ones from the sun. It’s funny, thinking about it. But what matters most is how people don’t care about what you wear or what you look like because when you are at the beach, you are actually one with it – beautiful, rich, and content.

We hunted down a few places to stay and we chose Villa De Oro in Station 2. It’s a good one, for a group like us.

Hungry, we then went out for a grab. Initially, people who came there before us told us to eat in Andok’s where the food is affordable. So we did, and later on we found out that there were actually a lot of newly opened restaurants in the area where the food is also affordable. McDonald’s for example.

Then my cousins, after a few hours of getting on their swimming outfits, and I spent the whole afternoon swimming, enjoying the beach, tasting it even.

In the evening the cousins decided to try Subway for dinner, since here in the Philippines it can only be found at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) in Manila. We then head out to Cinnabon for dessert. We watched and enjoyed the bands, fire dancers, and the people around. At night, amidst a lot of people around, the crowd was comforting. To me, it was. I could just stay there all night, but sadly, I had to go back to the room with my cousins at midnight.

Island Hopping In Boracay

The following day was superb. We went out early in the morning for an island hopping. We got to experience the extreme fun under the sun whilst on a boat. With lifejackets on, we went snorkeling too.

The best part of island hopping was seeing Puka Beach. It’s a beach so serene it’s almost deserted. On top of what I saw in Puka Beach, I was able to witness a lot of bats flying on top of us. They said that bats come out if some monkeys in the forest disturb them. It’s kinda cute, thinking about it.

We stayed for a while in Puka Beach and then went on another island directly opposite of Puka Beach where I was able to see the both the Crocodile and the Crystal Island.

Among the many water activities in Boracay I’ve tried a few that has definitely kept me wanting more.

In Boracay, walking underwater is possible. I’ve worn a head tube which looks a lot like that of astronaut’s in order to breathe underwater. A little hesitant at first, but once you get to the bottom and feel the sand on your feet, it feels like you’re one with the sea. I got to feed the fishes, walk around, and even sit on the sand under water.

Finding Nemo

All these things you didn’t think you could do underwater, now you can. And thanks to the awesome people in this water adventure, you can get a copy disc of photos and videos; your underwater adventure all documented. I tried finding Nemo, and I found too many of them. Truly, the sight underwater is as beautiful as Boracay in dry sands.

The fly-fish experience is one that is truly worth a repeat. All that gliding, sliding, and flying – yes flying, gives you that different kind of rush. It was a lot of fun. There are moments when you loose your grip and fall to the waters, just like I did, and it is all part of the fun.

The speed boat that is controlling the speed and direction of the fly-fish can be a little too adventurous and speed-up to the point of flying, literally the fly-fish flying over the water while constantly smashing to the waves. What a thrill.

I suggest not putting too much sunscreen on otherwise it’ll be a crazy and slippery ride. And you might want to remove your sunglasses, as you are off for the ride of your life. Mine was just awesome. I can’t imagine going to Boracay and depriving myself of the fly-fish experience.

The following day, the 27^th of November, was a good bye. Hopefully not the last.

I’ve imagined Boracay as a paradise. It is indeed a paradise because it is an experience I can never forget.

 

Ever wondered how it feels to rise above the water like fishes flying over the sea?

One of Boracay’s many water activities – the Flyfish, will give you the kind of adrenaline rush you will always remember from your Boracay escapade.

Flyfish is basically a huge inflatable raft dragged by a speeding boat. The faster the speedboat, the higher the raft drifts, throwing you in every direction. All you have to do is focus, exert more strength, and hold on. More importantly, hold on. Once you lose grip, you’ll never want to let go of the raft.

The flyfish is a tiring yet exhilarating 15-minute ride especially to someone who does not perform any physical activities in his everyday life. 15 minutes will feel like an eternity of water slamming and gliding. What adds to the thrill is the uncontrolled laughter and screaming whilst being shaken, thrown, and flown away.

Never mind the fact that the speedboat drastically changes direction all the time you will just find yourself floating in the air, or worst, thrown in the water, and left behind. You don’t want to be that someone who is left behind while others are having the time of their life.

Wild, Reckless And Exhilarating …

Exhaustion after riding the flyfish is a guarantee. But it’s truly worth a repeat. If you have not been in it, it’s worth a try. There’s an assurance that it’s going to be your favorite ride in Boracay. It is definitely a different kind of fun and adventure, more like wild, reckless and exhilarating. Two things to remember before getting on the ride of your life, though:

1. Leave your sunnies behind and …

2. Do not put too much sunscreen unless you like being thrown in the water because of your butter fingers.

Guides usually offer Flyfish for 800PHP ($18USD) per person, minimum of 3 persons in a raft. The raft can hold up to maximum of 6 people. Well, the many-er, as they always say, the better. Rumor has it that Flyfish came in Boracay first before being enjoyed in other tourist destinations of the country.

Have you ever walked and breathed underwater?

Strolling underwater has never been this easier. All you need to do is put a huge helmet on your head and you’re good to go! It doesn’t even require you to swim.

Marine Walk lets you experience the depths of the blue waters in Boracay without piggy backing oxygen tanks on your back. Also known as Reef Walk, or Helmet Dive, Marine Walk gives you the feels of staying underwater for 30 minutes.

Discover The Boracay Island Marine Walk

This activity maybe a no-brainer compared to other water activities in Boracay, but once you are already on the seabed, a whole new aquatic world bestows a relaxing feeling. The colorful fishes, the beautiful corals, and the powdery white sand are contributing factors. It’s definitely a pause from all the exhausting activities in the island.

First timers don’t need to fret, too, because there’s a short orientation on a few things that you will or not do once submerged. You will also be taught about the basic underwater signal to communicate with each other such as:

Go down – make a thumbs-down

Go up – make a thumbs-up

Okay – Okay sign (form hand to letter “d”)

Any problem – Wave hand while pointing all fingers forward

Just a few tips while underwater, though: If pressure clogs your ear, just hold your nose and blow. Temperature underwater is also pretty cold, too.

Offered within the price range of 200PHP (off-peak season) to 900PHP (peak season) per person, Marine Walk lets you wear a 30kg helmet which only weighs around 2-3kg underwater. It also comes with a free DVD compilation of videos and photos during your stay underwater, and a few pieces of bread to feed Nemo, and friends.