Boracay... The Paradise Island

Located at the northwestern tip of Panay, this small island has meanwhile becomes the No. 1 tourist destination of the Philippines.

The island, roughly shaped like a dumbbell, is 7km. long and the narrowest spot is nearly 1 km. wide. With approximately 6,000 inhabitants, Boracay belongs to the municipality of Malay in Aklan province and consists of three communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the center, and Manoc-Manoc in the south. The north and the south are hilly with elevations up to 100m above sea level, and are suited for extensive hiking trips. Numerous intertwining paths and trails may sometimes lead through tropical jungle and link the small villages of the island with each other.

The best part of the island is its 4km. White Beach, also called long beach by the locals. It is situated at the west coast between the villages of Angol and Balabag, and some experienced travelers claim it to be the finest beach in the world. The water is shallow here, and its sand brighter and finer than most beaches in the archipelago. There are about 220 beach resorts with 2,564 rooms to suit virtually everyone’s taste. There is accommodation of all types and price categories. Restaurants range from the native fast-food stalls to establishments that would satisfy even a gourmet. You can find beer joints as well as bars offering good company.

Further in the north a trail connects the dreamy little village of Diniwid over a hill with its 200m beach. Near the beach there are simple cottages as well as bamboo houses in individualistic design (some of them with fully equipped kitchens) leaning against the rocky hillside.

Continuing on a steep path over the next hill, there is tiny Balinghai Beach, which is enclosed by steep rocky walls—offering a remote hideaway for those who want to be alone. Here, too, are several simple cottages for rent, most of them scattered over the hills.

In the south of the inland there are other beautiful quiet beaches with tourist facilities. On the north coast, facing Carabao Island, you will find Puka shell Beach, a white sand stretch about 800m long. The beach was made famous by the shiny white Puka shells which were up to some years ago dug from the sand and made to fashion jewelry. An experienced hiker can reach this solitary spot near the Yapak village in about 2 hours from Balabag.

Turning eastward at the junction before Yapak, you will reach after 20 minute hike—the village if Ilig-Iligan, from where one can begin to explore the caves and coves of the island.

Apart from that the east coast offers few tourist infrastructure in spite of existing sand beaches. Obviously because of the shallow water that does not lend itself fro swimming, especially during low tide. Stones and seaweed often obstruct the access to deeper spot. Yet this part of Boracay offers a variety of steep rocky coastline, sand beaches and quiet bays with partly thick undergrowth inland. Professional windsurfers practice here at Bulabog and even carry their international fun board cup championship for several years now.

It has its own hospital (Don Quintin Seraspe Memorial Hospital), banks (a rural bank, BPI and Allied Bank), numerous internet cafes, restaurants and gimmick places (Bazura, Cocomanggas, Summer Place Bar and Resto, BeachComber to name a few), and diving schools.

Other activities in the island are bar hopping, jet skiing, Banana ride, water ski, kneeboarding, tube rides, snorkeling and scuba diving. Don’t forget your camera!

Sources

Department of Tourism - Region VI
Boracay Foundation, Inc.
Boracay Island Trip