Home
Boracay Island
June 3, 2009
Boracay is a tropical island of the Philippines located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. The island comprises the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.
The island was originally home to the Ati tribe. Boracay is part of Aklan Province, which became an independent province on April 25, 1956. Formerly undiscovered, it wasn’t till the 1970s that tourism began to develop in Boracay, and the island became popular with backpackers in the 1980s.
Years ago, Boracay Island was a well-guarded secret, almost possessively so that only a few knew of its existence.
It was only in the 70s when, it is said, a foreign movie crew accidentally “discovered” this island paradise. Others maintain that it was the German traveler, ‘Jens Peters’ book, which included rave reviews of Boracay that changed the island’s pace from that of being a quiet secret to eventually being voted as having the best beach in the world.
Whichever story is true, it was around this time that Boracay Island slowly ceased to be a private travelers hangout and eventually became a favorite tourist destination in the Philippines. In a span of a mere 10 years, the whole world, it seemed, discovered Boracay and the once, nearly deserted stretch of beach became a teeming vacation and leisure spot for upscale tourists from all parts of the world.
Tourism
Partly because of its wind and weather patterns, tourism in Boracay is at its peak during the Amihan season. During Amihan, the prevailing wind blows from the east. Boracay’s main tourism area, White Beach, is on the western side of the island and is sheltered from the wind. During the Amihan season, the water off White Beach is often glassy-smooth. On the eastern side of the island, hills on the northern and southern ends of the island channel the Amihan season wind from the east onshore, onto Bulabog Beach in the central part of the island’s eastern side. This makes the reef-protected waters off that beach ideal for windsurfing and kiteboarding / kitesurfing.
Accommodation
A number of accommodation types are scattered all over the island, ranging from luxurious hotel types to budget, spartan rooms. Guests can also choose according to location–Station 3 is where most of the cheaper lodgings are located, while Station 2 is meant for those who want to be within close proximity of the bars. Station 1, meanwhile, is where you can find the more isolated accommodations, offering peace and quiet to those looking for a respite from the usual action-packed Boracay night scene. These are usually for the more upscale vacationers.
Boracay is the site of a world-class 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by Graham Marsh. In addition, Boracay now has in excess of 350 beach resorts with more than 2,000 rooms ranging in quality from five-star to budget accommodations, so tourists are sure to find whatever they are looking for.
Boracay also offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs that bop until morning.
Most Boracay hotels and resorts have Low and High Season price levels, with High Season prices generally coinciding with Amihan Season dates. Some have additional “Super” Peak Period pricing during periods of heavy tourism (usually including Christmas / New Year, Easter / Holy Week, and Chinese New Year periods).
Transportation
On the island, the two main modes of transport are via motor-tricycles along the main road or by walking along the beaches. Pedicabs are also available for transport along the Beachfront Path. Other means of transportation include mountain bikes, quadbikes and motorbikes, all of which can be rented.
To explore around the island’s coast, motorized bancas and sailing paraws are available for rent. These are outrigger canoes and are common sight in waters around the island. The sailing paraw is a narrow hulled boat with outriggers either side and with passengers sometimes seated on a trampoline platform between the outrigger supports. These are extremely fast off the wind, but can be unwieldy for inexperienced sailors.
Getting There:
By Plane
The most popular means of travelling to boracay in Malay, Aklan is by air via Kalibo. There are regular cheap flights from Manila to Kalibo Airport in Aklan on Panay Island. The flight takes less than one hour, but an additional 90 minutes bus trip to Caticlan Jetty Port is required.
From Kalibo to Caticlan
Southwest Tours, Star Express and 7107 Island Tours ply the route from Kalibo Airport to Caticlan with air-conditioned buses or coasters. Included in the price is also the boat transfer from Caticlan to one of Boracay’s boat stations. Other means of reaching Caticlan are mini-vans, which are a little cheaper, but don’t provide boat service to Boracay. The trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
Smaller turbo planes fly directly to Caticlan Airport, This is the fastest way and from Caticlan Airport, only a short tricycle ride to the jetty port.
By Ship
An adventorous but more leisurely and romantic way to travel to Boracay is by Ferry from Manila to Caticlan or Dumaguit, near Kalibo. The trip to Boracay takes about 17 hours.
MBRS Shipping Lines have two boats plying the route from Manila to Caticlan. The ships leave Manila’s North Harbor, Pier 8, every Friday, Monday and Wednesday and arrive in Caticlan the next day.
Other shipping companies service the route Manila to Dumaguit, half an hour east from Kalibo. The companies are WG&A and Negros Navigation.
By Land
Caticlan, the entry point for Boracay, can be reached also by private cars or air-conditioned buses, via the ’strong republic nautical highway’, stretching from Batangas, Luzon, to Cagayan de Oro. This is probably the cheapest way to go to Boracay. But it takes more time an adventorous spirit. See Travel to Boracay by RORO
Arriving on Boracay - The new Jetty Port at Caticlan
Boracay Island itself is then reached by travelling on motorized bancas (motorized outtrigger boats), which is continously ply the short trail between the island. The boat trip takes 20 to 25 minutes and land at three defined areas, known as Boat Stations 1,2 and 3 along the shoreline of White Beach. If you’re going to visit Boracay, it is advisable that you find out in advance which Boat Station is closest to the resort where you are staying. Most travel agency can arranged that for you.
TIP: it is best to wear casual clothes like shorts, T-shirt and slippers for arrival and departure boat trips. You may get wet while crossing the channel between Caticlan and Boracay Island, and usually one has to wade a short distance in shallow water from the boat to the beach.
Puerto Galera
April 21, 2009
This time I avoided the holy week. we’d plan are trip Sunday. Thinking that less tourist are there.. But guess I was wrong. Its summer and Galera is a popular cheap destination. A lot of people are still there after the holy week and even after that weekend. I went there with a (ehem..) a friend. My 2nd time is much better than last year, though theres not much party this time, but it’s still ok.
After an hour and a half we finally reach puerto galera, when the Ship docks at the white beach my friend is laughing because there is a man holding a big whiteboard with my our names and a welcome sign written on it . And when we finally saw our room, we decided to take it so that we can have our lunch because we were really hungry. Sea Jewel is great! It was very clean and nice. The staff are friendly (super) and their service is awesome.
After we ate, we went to the beach to swim (of course). Had a little talk and bought a beer. Time passed and we went back to our room to take a short nap. After some rest we get back to the resto strip eat at marginor for dinner and after a full meal we take a short rest until we feel that were ready to get drunk! A waiter/waitress
After a night of fun, we wake up early to spend our reamaining hours at the beach. But first, we eat breakfast at Foodtrip sa Galera, a 24 hour fastfood offering a serving of unlimited rice! We also eat there for lunch to save money because extra rice in galera cost 20 pesos/cup.
We spent the morning eating and swimming. After lunch, we check out at our hotel and board M/V commandos back to batangas. It was a short vacation (because we need to get back home by Monday night) but a very satisfying Puerto Galera experince.
here’s our expenses :
Transportation:
from Laguna to Batangas Port - 200 pesos for a roundtrip fare.
From Batangas port to white beach via M/V Commandos (120 capacity) 450 pesos for a roundtrip ticket.
environmental fee (one time) of 50 pesos.
terminal fee (one time) of 10 pesos.
Hotel rooms:
Sea Jewel Beach Resort (room for 3 person) - 2,000 but they gave us discount so it was down to 1,200 pesos.
Food and Drinks:
mininum of 170 per day for food. (excluding drinks)
Mindoro Sling: 330/pitcher.
Water refill (1 liter) - 10 pesos.
Softdrinks - 20 pesos/botlle
Beer SMB light- 60 pesos (some bars and resto offer a 45 pesos - 90 pesos per bottle)
Pasalubong:
Shirts/sando/shorts: 90 -150 pesos/piece any size
Anklet: 10 pesos (3 pieces)
Tips:
I recommend you should bring your own bottled water and some drinks. Also you can save a lot if you buy canned foods and some bread and spread for breakfast before going to Puerto galera. Also bought your ticket on a roundtrip, you’ll save 50 pesos! Book your room in advance. When your there and the manager felt that you are desperate finding a room they will gave you the highest possible cost for their rooms. A huh.. not a good deal. I would recommend the Jewel Sea Beach Resort. They are one of the newest hotel in white beach area so the ammenities and facilities looks brand new. All rooms are airconditioned with cable TV and Hot and Cold showers. They also serve food around 150 pesos.
You may contact them here:
Sea Jewel Beach Resort
Website: http://www.seajewelresort.com/
Cellphone # of the Manager:
Tita Lolit (very accomodating)
0927-3326858 and 0922-7359923
I hope my blog help you. Enjoy your vacation! =)
Sabang River of Laguna
April 12, 2009
Philippines have beautiful beaches, as well as Rivers and Waterfalls. I have the chance to visit one great place in Magdalena. Magdalena is a fifth class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is situated at the foot of Mount Banahaw. The River is clean and the place is laid back so don’t expect hotels in this area. There is no accommodation in this area. You may find one in the town of Pagsanjan. Transportation is not a problem, you can hire a tricyle to send you at the river area.
How To Get There:
From Manila, ride the bus going to Santa Cruz, Laguna. It is located 87 kilometers south of Manila and will take you about 3-4 hours before you reach the capital of Laguna. From Sta. Cruz, ride a jeepney going to Magdalena or Majayjay. Just remind the driver to drop you at the Sabang Eco-Tourism River. Then ride or hire a tricyle to take you to Sabang river. Its cost 30 pesos per head or 120 per tricyle. Cottages are available at the river area for a cheap cost of 150 pesos.
Philippines Most Expensive
April 6, 2009
AMANPULO, Palawan
(source:http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo)
the resort
Amanpulo is an escape from the markings of mankind and is a dive into island life where nature has been unashamedly boastful. The island is secluded, being private, and offers a variety of sea, sand and tropical island-retreat–pleasures, in exclusive comfort and in traditionally styled accommodation. Amanpulo or, ‘peaceful island’, honours its island host, respecting the natural elements with a profoundly ‘South Seas’ interpretation. The 40 Beach, Hillside and Treetop Casitas are modelled on authentic bahay kubo dwellings, each with its own golf cart for island exploration.
This romantically remote island caters for those who wish to ‘hammock’ and beach comb their days in paradise, and for those who seek an active agenda, involving a myriad of maritime adventures as well as tennis, a high-tec air-conditioned gym, and taking languid lengths in the resort’s 30m serene pool. The open-air Garden and Beach Salas are discreetly secluded for pleasurable holistic body treatments.
the details
cuisine
The Restaurant, located at the Clubhouse, spills out onto a terrace, with views to Manamoc island across the channel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here. The menu features Asian and Continental cuisine. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and refreshments are also offered at the Beach Club. Fresh seafood and Spanish cuisine are specialties. Private dining is available day and night. Amanpulo’s marble-top Lobby Bar occupies a cosy corner of the Clubhouse and extends to the outdoor terrace.
beach club
A garden walkway leads down from the pool to the sand beach and the Amanpulo Beach Club. The open-air pavilion provides a tranquil escape. Mattresses with matching pillows are spread out on the deck, facing the sea. Shade umbrellas and reclining lounge chairs line the beach.
lagoon club
Located on the east side of the island, Lagoon Club serves as a second beach club with similar features and amenities. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and refreshments are served here, with Vietnamese cuisine being a specialty.
sea sports hut
Adjacent to the Beach Club, the Sea Sports Hut offers a variety of water sports equipment, as well as information on boat charters, water sports lessons, snorkelling and scuba diving sites and sea conditions.
library
The Library is stocked with novels in several languages, travel guides, newspapers, magazines and coffee-table books on Philippine art, design and culture. DVDs, CDs as well as a desktop computer for Internet access are available.
boutique and galleries
Amanpulo’s three shops specialise in woven rugs, baskets, jewellery, pottery and other craft from the Palawan region, as well as Asian antiques, furniture and beach wear.
meeting rooms
Small meetings can be arranged, and audiovisual equipment is available on request.
massage and beauty services
The resort’s resident masseuses offer a range of aromatherapy treatments in the privacy of the guest’s casita, in the air-conditioned Spa Casitas or open-air Garden Sala. Manicures, pedicures, facials and body treatments are also available.
swimming pool
Amanpulo’s 30m Swimming Pool is bordered by two high bougainvillea trellises. The pool’s aqua tiles mirror the Sulu Sea. Three spacious, open-air Pool Salas are situated around the pool and come with generously-sized mattresses for all-day lounging. Private dining may also be arranged at the pool salas. For added romance, the Filipino Dining Experience includes flowers, candles and a local musician playing folk music on his guitar as an authentic Filipino cuisine is served at the pool sala.
tennis
Two synthetic-grass, floodlit tennis courts are located adjacent to the Clubhouse, with rest pavilions for refreshments. Complimentary balls, rackets and playing partners are available.
gym
Located beside the tennis courts and surrounded by a lush tropical forest is the fully-equipped Gym. Guests can enjoy several exercise machines for body work-out with a choice of music through the gym’s iPod.
stargazing
Study the planets from the terrace of the Bar, where Amanpulo keeps an 1800mm x 150mm astronomical refractor telescope. Several times a week, trained staff are happy to give you a guide you of the stars.
internet and wi-fi access
Amanpulo offers complimentary island-wide 2MB Wi-Fi connection and internet access. Cellular phone network is also available.
location & map
Lying between the latitudes five to twenty-one degrees north, the Philippines archipelago comprises more than 7,000 islands sprinkled across the westernmost rim of the Pacific Ocean. The islands are actually the tips of half-submerged mountain ranges, part of a great cordillera extending from Indonesia to Japan. Amanpulo is located on the private island of Pamalican, in the Cuyo group, about 360km south-west of Manila. Seven square kilometres of reef surround the island. Beyond are sandbanks and a channel where whales, dolphins and sea cows have been glimpsed. At its widest point, the 5.5km island is only 500m across.
Amanpulo is accessed by scheduled charter flight from Manila, which has flights to several major international destinations. Guests are met at Manila’s international airport and taken by complimentary transfer to the Amanpulo lounge, located at a nearby hangar. Complimentary refreshments are served at the lounge. A selection of books, newspapers, magazines and games, luggage storage and shower facilities are also available. Guests fly directly to Pamalican Island in a 19-seat, twin-engine turboprop, landing at the resort’s private airstrip. Flight time is one hour. The cost of the roundtrip air transfer, Manila-Amanpulo-Manila, is US$400 per adult. Baggage is limited to 20kg per adult, including carry-on luggage.
water sports
scuba-diving & snorkelling
The abundant and beautiful reef waters that surround Pamalican and neighbouring islands are tailor-made for snorkelling and diving. A complimentary snorkelling and fish-feeding trip is scheduled daily. For novice scuba divers, Amanpulo is a welcoming retreat, with mirror-smooth seas in front of the Beach Club and a gentle drop-off to deeper water. For certified divers, there are a number of fine sites on both sides of Pamalican, all within easy reach by dive boat. Eureka, Amanpulo’s dive company, is a PADI Dive Centre offering courses ranging from introductory to dive master courses. All equipment is provided by Amanpulo’s Dive Shop. Underwater lights are also available. Divers must be at least 10 years of age.
Dives range from the House Reef (that faces the Beach Club and is a good site for beginners), to the Windmill with its plentiful coral and fish going down to 37m and The Tip, where the reef descends from 11 to 29m with generous displays of barrel sponge, hard and soft coral, black-tip reef sharks, tuna, wahoo and manta rays.
Amanpulo features a choice of five-night dive experiences that include boat fees, dive equipment, daily breakfast and a gourmet picnic lunch. View Amanpulo’s Underwater Experience.
windsurfing
Amanpulo is a magnet for novice as well as experienced windsurfers. The island’s sand-bottom blue lagoon, located on the windward side, makes for world-class board sailing from December through April. During this period, the northeast trade winds blow, on average, about 20 knots. Amanpulo’s Windsurf Hut is located under a canopy of trees along Pamalican’s east-coast beach.
sailing
Amanpulo’s fleet includes a twin-hulled Hobie Sports 21, as well as two smaller catamarans and two Lasers. Sailing lessons are available.
fishing
Guests may bottom-fish for snapper and grouper at one of Amanpulo’s favoured fishing spots or troll for wahoo, tuna and mackerel. The resort’s 25ft, centre-console game boat is equipped with a six-line spread for game fishing.
RATES
| Until 31 May, 2009 | 1 June - 31 Oct, 2009 | 1 Nov - 31 Dec, 2009 | |
| Treetop Casita | US$ 880 | US$ 750 | US$ 950 |
| Hillside Casita | US$ 980 | US$ 800 | US$ 1,100 |
| Beach Casita | US$ 1,030 | US$ 825 | US$ 1,150 |
| Deluxe Hillside Casita (39/40) | US$ 1,130 | US$ 925 | US$ 1,200 |
| 4 Bedroom Villa | US$ 4,000 | US$ 3,500 | US$ 4,300 |
| 2 Bedroom Villa | US$ 3,000 | US$ 2,450 | US$ 3,150 |
| 1 Bedroom Villa | US$ 2,000 | US$ 1,400 | US$ 2,100 |
 |
|||
Notes
- Cost of return flight transfer is US$400 nett per person. For flight details
- Rates are subject to govt. taxes of 12%, plus a service charge of 10%.
- Rates and government tax are subject to change without notice.
- US$ rates are converted to local currency at the time of billing.
- For rates on a five-night Romance at Amanpulo
- For rates on a five-night Underwater Experience
The churches of Ilocos
One common denominator that bonds the Ilocos region is its churches - whether it be the opulent centuries-old Catholic churches or the newer and simpler churches founded by the Ilocano renegade Bishop Gregorio Aglipay in the late 1890’s. The churches of Santa Maria and Paoay are two of four Philippine Baroque churches inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Construction of the church started in 1704 and was completed in 1894 by the Augustinian friars led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo.
It is probably the best-known “earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church. The walls are 1.67 meters thick and are supported by 24 carved and massive buttresses.
The Church is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs.
The bell tower near the church, dating from 1793, served as an observation point of the “Katipuneros” during the Philippine Revolution in 1896 and again by the guerrillas during the Japanese occupation.
Where: a few km to the south-west of Laoag.
My rating: 10/10: very impressive church.
Info from: My Sarisari Store