West of Panay Island, in the Visayas of the Philippines, Boracay (http://www.boracay.travel/destination_guide) is the holiday hotspot many people still haven't yet found, although not for lack of services, reputation and attention. Just 350 kilometres south of Manila, Boracay's more than 300 resorts, world-famous beaches and friendly people make the amazing palm-fringed coastline the perfect place to relax, party or enjoy the myriad water sports and other activities on offer. However, there is so much more to Boracay that most visitors do not even scrape the surface. In particular, there are great day trips and experiences that avoid the crowds and impart a sense of life as lived by a local!
Nature and wildlife are abundant on and near Boracay, but there's no better spot at which to take this all in than Caticlan, a pristine world of natural beauty on the mainland near the airport, just a short trip from Boracay in a banca (local ferry boat). It's a favourite local place for hiking, biking and just soaking up the serenity.
A view to distant Boracay Island from the Malay mountains From Caticlan, for a bit of physical challenge, Nasog Point is ideal. To get there, make your way to the town of Malay and then head to the beachfront. Follow the path off to the left and walk along the beach (towards Pahle) until the path takes you to a hill. Starting halfway up, there are stunning views of Boracay! Take drinking water with you.
After the hike, nearby Pahle (just mentioned) is an incredible resort with hardwood furniture and native artwork. Order in advance for the fabulous vegetarian cuisine and then relax by the sea.
Alternatively, from Malay head up to Agnaga Falls. Most tricycle (http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=DlVNxB9kG00) drivers know it and will drop you off at a bridge, from which it's an invigorating 40-minute walk via native villages, small rice terraces, mountain pathways and coconut plantations. Reward yourself with a dip in the freshwater swimming hole at the end.
If you instead want to meet some locals, head down to the jetty port and ask a tricycle to go to Nabaoy (Nab-ah-oy) River. Here you can join in on some karaoke in the native huts or cross the bridge and then follow the river around to the right to the picnic area, a deck on stilts built around two huge trees. Order food on site or bring your own. Drink a fresh buko (young coconut) juice. Immerse yourself in the fresh river waters.
A riverside stretch on the Nabaoy near the picnic area Back on Boracay, to experience local life, take a tricycle to Manoc Manoc Plaza and then walk to Manoc Manoc Beach. The entire island's cargo arrives here and you will be amazed both by what you see and the innovative ways the local banca boys unload it!
At the back of the beach, there is an old Aeta cemetery surrounded by the well-beaten pathways used by locals to get from village to village.
One favourite spot is Laurel Island, better known as Crystal Cove. There's an entrance fee of 100 Philippino pesos per person, but you can bring your own food and use proper facilities, including good cooking and eating areas. The best location is across the cleared area by the entrance and then up the steps. Grab a table on the hill with amazing sea views and breezes.
Finally, try exploring Boracay from the back of a horse (http://www.boracay.travel/Horse_Riding)! Morning sunrise trips reveal the island in all its beauty.
For lots more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at http://www.boracay.travel.
About the Author
Shaun is part of the whl.travel team, a global network of locally based travel operators - with great local tips and hints for travellers!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, November 10, 2008
Enjoy Your Visit to Boracay, Philippines
Famous for its white sand beaches, Boracay is one of the few first rate and premier tourist spots in the Philippines. Many Filipino travelers as well as foreigners spend their vacation in this beautiful tropical island in the southern region of the country. Because of the improving amenities that hotels and restaurants offer, most tourists do not have second thoughts to stay in Boracay for several months.
Geography of the Alluring Island
Located 315 kilometers of Manila, capital of Philippines, and two kilometers north of Panay Island, Boracay is very accessible to the different forms of transportation. The estimated length of this tropical island is seven kilometers and its land area is 10.32 square kilometers. Boracay has three big barangays namely Manoc-Manoc, Yapak and Balabag. To maintain the beauty and charm of this island, the government of Aklan makes sure that they coordinate every project that they wish to introduce to the island with Philippine Tourism Authority.
Famous Beaches
Many tourists travel to Boracay during summer to have a dip at its five famous beaches. White Beach, the most popular of all beaches, has clear blue water that is inviting to people who want water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. Meanwhile, Manoc-Manoc Beach is famous to those who want to admire the scenic views in the island. Puka Shell Beach or Yapak Beach, the next largest beach to White Beach, is amusing because it houses collection of attractive puka shells.
Balinghai Beach is the smallest beach in the island but it is suitable for those who want to have relaxing and private moments with their loved ones. Diniwid Beach is near to White Beach. It is the one of the best and most appropriate places in Boracay to have picnics and do some recreational activities like snorkeling.
Appealing Hotels and Resorts
Boracay houses several outstanding, first class and elegant hotels and resorts. Situated in the center of White Beach, Boracay Regency Beach Resort features 285 rooms that have complete amenities including mini-bar and refrigerator. Other recreational facilities in this resort are swimming pool and videoke lounge.
Another beautiful resort in the island is Escondido Beach Resort. It features deluxe and suite rooms that have mini kitchen and Jacuzzi. This resort offers other special services like airport transfer and laundry services. Meanwhile, Boracay Holiday Resort offers relaxing and comfortable rooms to families who want to enjoy and have fun. Rooms in the resort are fully air-conditioned and have colored television sets with cable connection.
Inviting Restaurants
For tourists who crave for Italian dishes, they should dine at Aria because it serves sumptuous and tasty pizzas and pastas. Aside from pizzas and pastas, chefs in this dining place also offer amazing international meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Travelers who prefer Greek dishes should visit Cyma. Some of the dishes that this restaurant serves are soulvaki and tzatiziki.
Another famous restaurant in the island is Lemon i Café. This restaurant is best for individuals who want to try French cuisine such as steak sandwich and baguettes. Lastly, travelers can have a taste of Swiss dishes like Raclette at Mango Ray's.
With all these commercial and recreational establishments, Boracay is definitely one of the best tourist spots in then Philippines. To have a memorable travel experience to the island, it is best that travelers look for hotels and resorts that offer affordable and remarkable travel packages. By making advance reservations, travelers can save time and they can have a wonderful stay in the island.
Peter Garant is writing Boracay island articles for his site about the Philippines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Garant
Geography of the Alluring Island
Located 315 kilometers of Manila, capital of Philippines, and two kilometers north of Panay Island, Boracay is very accessible to the different forms of transportation. The estimated length of this tropical island is seven kilometers and its land area is 10.32 square kilometers. Boracay has three big barangays namely Manoc-Manoc, Yapak and Balabag. To maintain the beauty and charm of this island, the government of Aklan makes sure that they coordinate every project that they wish to introduce to the island with Philippine Tourism Authority.
Famous Beaches
Many tourists travel to Boracay during summer to have a dip at its five famous beaches. White Beach, the most popular of all beaches, has clear blue water that is inviting to people who want water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling. Meanwhile, Manoc-Manoc Beach is famous to those who want to admire the scenic views in the island. Puka Shell Beach or Yapak Beach, the next largest beach to White Beach, is amusing because it houses collection of attractive puka shells.
Balinghai Beach is the smallest beach in the island but it is suitable for those who want to have relaxing and private moments with their loved ones. Diniwid Beach is near to White Beach. It is the one of the best and most appropriate places in Boracay to have picnics and do some recreational activities like snorkeling.
Appealing Hotels and Resorts
Boracay houses several outstanding, first class and elegant hotels and resorts. Situated in the center of White Beach, Boracay Regency Beach Resort features 285 rooms that have complete amenities including mini-bar and refrigerator. Other recreational facilities in this resort are swimming pool and videoke lounge.
Another beautiful resort in the island is Escondido Beach Resort. It features deluxe and suite rooms that have mini kitchen and Jacuzzi. This resort offers other special services like airport transfer and laundry services. Meanwhile, Boracay Holiday Resort offers relaxing and comfortable rooms to families who want to enjoy and have fun. Rooms in the resort are fully air-conditioned and have colored television sets with cable connection.
Inviting Restaurants
For tourists who crave for Italian dishes, they should dine at Aria because it serves sumptuous and tasty pizzas and pastas. Aside from pizzas and pastas, chefs in this dining place also offer amazing international meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Travelers who prefer Greek dishes should visit Cyma. Some of the dishes that this restaurant serves are soulvaki and tzatiziki.
Another famous restaurant in the island is Lemon i Café. This restaurant is best for individuals who want to try French cuisine such as steak sandwich and baguettes. Lastly, travelers can have a taste of Swiss dishes like Raclette at Mango Ray's.
With all these commercial and recreational establishments, Boracay is definitely one of the best tourist spots in then Philippines. To have a memorable travel experience to the island, it is best that travelers look for hotels and resorts that offer affordable and remarkable travel packages. By making advance reservations, travelers can save time and they can have a wonderful stay in the island.
Peter Garant is writing Boracay island articles for his site about the Philippines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Garant
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