Very inviting pool of the Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa
While in Boracay last May, my mermaid friend Ida, told us to check out the Shangri-La Resort in the island, where she was teaches swimming to hotel guests. She said the Alon bar has a nice view of the sunset, and seeing as how we’re such suckers for sunsets and dying for a chance to see the resort, we jumped on the next available shuttle van.
Though it was cloudy, hence no sunset views, our time there was very happy. We came for happy hour, which was from 5pm until 7pm. We started off with some Cosmopolitans and a Manila Sunshine (which I ordered because aside from it being the bar’s signature cocktail, it reminded me of Temptation Island). The cocktails come in these big tumblers, and tastes absolutely fantastic. I’m one of those people who do not like the taste of alcohol, preferring drinks that taste more like juice or cola, and the drinks we got were simply fun to drink. Considering that the average price of their cocktails go for around Php 300, with the happy hour buy 1 take 1 deal on drinks, they were pretty cheap for the size and the taste.
Upper, Sean, Ida, and I at Alon Bar
Now, if you’re like me who’s been sighing wistfully at holiday photos, Shangri-La is offering special deals for teachers and students alike. The “School’s Out, Fun’s In” packages include accommodation, breakfast, leisure and recreational activities, room upgrades for teachers, and optional activities at discounted rates. This promo is available until August 31, 2013 at Shangri-la, Kerry, and Traders hotels across China (including the newly opened Jing An Shangri-La, West Shanghai) Australia, Fiji, France, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Sultanate of Oman and United Arab Emirates.
There’s also the Shangri-La’s Children’s Meal Plan, wherein children of registered guests staying at city hotels under the age of six and those staying at resorts under the age of 12 can enjoy complimentary buffet meals in all day dining and pool cafes when accompanied by a paying adult, up to a maximum of two children.
For detailed information on the hotels’ “School’s Out, Fun’s In” offers, visit www.shangri-la.com.
P.S. If you ever find yourself at Alon Bar in Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, order the Piñacolada with the Frangelico. Nyummy!
First meal: grilled prawns and poqui-poqui
My first meal at The District was at Vigan Grill on the day of my arrival, and I was joined by the Ms. Naomi, the Resort Manager. As we wait for the food to arrive, we shared stories of travel and visa frustrations. When my order of grilled prawns and poqui-poqui arrived, I ask why the restaurant is named Vigan Grill. Turns out that the owners of the hotel are from Vigan, and wanted a taste of their home available in the island. I have to say, it’s a very welcome treat, specially if you’re looking for something different to eat in Boracay.
A beautiful spread of fruits, salad things, and the odd poqui-poqui
This is also where the buffet breakfast is served. Ms. Naomi tells me that she and the chef discuss the buffet spread everyday, changing it based on the following day’s occupancy: if there are Westerners checked in, more breads, salads and cold cuts are added; noodles and congee are present if there are guest from East Asia; more meat if there are Filipinos.
Meat overload
It was a pretty good spread for a small space, with plenty of variety to match every diet, mood, and craving. However, if you’re staying for more than one night, you might find very little difference from what was served during your first morning.
The rooftop Star Lounge
As the sun inch closer to the horizon, Star Lounge opens its door. This is their rooftop bar and restaurant, where you can chill and watch the Boracay crowds below. You can order cocktails and ala carte menu items from Vigan Grill, or go for the dinner buffet of grilled meat or seafood.
A mix of parma ham and arugula pizza
Caruso Ristorante Italiano is located right at the beachfront. Beachside dining is only available in the evenings, but during the day you can try Caruso’s amazing menu inside Caffe Caruso.
Very tender and juicy baked salmon and homemade pasta
We ordered a pizza, baked salmon, homemade pasta and chocolate mousse, and everything was fantastic. It’s unlike any Italian food I’ve tried in the Philippines. The pizza and pasta were simple: only the freshest and best ingredients used, and not loaded with unnecessary ingredients. And the salmon? Perfection. We were joined by Mr. Dario, the restaurant’s owner as we were having our dessert. It was then we found out that the Boracay is just a branch of the original restaurant in Makati. I’ve tried the restaurant in Makati and the quality of the food is the same.
All in all, it was a great three days of eating and relaxing at The District. Much love goes out to Ms. Naomi, Mr. Dario, Vina, Apple, and all The District staff who made this stay memorable!
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The District Boracay
The District Boracay is one of the newer hotels in Boracay’s Station 2. The hotel houses 48 rooms and suites and has a very enviable location right at the beach front. It has a very central location, and you can easily walk where ever you want to go along the stretch of White Beach. If you much prefer to take a tricycle to get to other places in the island, there’s a small alley just a couple of yards from the hotel’s entrance that takes you right out to the Main Road, avoiding the crowded D’mall.
After a swim in the sea, take a dip in the pool
Sun loungers are available at the beach for hotel guests, as well as within the hotel premises, right by the pool. This is perfect for tanning, getting a massage, or just lounging. If swimming in the sea’s not your thing, you can swim laps in the pool, or cool off in the lounge pool. Beach towels, are of course, provided, and inflatable pool and beach toys are available for the little ones.
The usual amenities
My Deluxe Room on the third floor of the main building was a fresh and welcome change from the basic accommodations we’ve experienced during the first part of the trip. It was one of the 21 Deluxe Queen rooms that feature two queen-size beds and can accommodate up to four people. In between the two beds is the ubiquitous bedside table and the room phone. On the wall are the master light switches, in two sets so you won’t have to stretch too far to turn off the lights, no matter which bed you’re in. What thrilled me to bits were the power plugs in between the bank of switches, which, was used from the moment I settled into my room and right before I checked out.
Super lovely beds
The beds are comfortable, the pillows fluffy, the covers smooth and buttery, as expected from a hotel of this class. Getting out of bed every morning is a battle, and only the thought of the gorgeous white beach waiting outside (or the Vigan longanisa at the breakfast buffet) can effectively motivate one to break free of its cozy confines.
Love the open design, bright lights and mirrors
The bathroom is one of those designs that do away with a door. The shower and toilet are in separate cubicles, with the sink in between, so if there are four persons sharing the room, up to three people can use the facilities at the same time. Toiletries provided feature the standard shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shaving kit, tooth brush and tooth paste, with one addition: citronella spray for warding off mosquitoes.
Eco-friendly toiletries
The closet space is an open shelf, divided into two sections (as the bathroom entrance is in the middle), with plenty of shelving and drawers for your clothes, shoes, and luggage. Umbrellas are also provided.
All of the rooms and suites of The District have a veranda looking out either towards the pool or the beach. There is a pair of chairs and a table in the balcony, which comes specially handy when you’re dripping wet and waiting for your turn in the shower. There’s also a clothes hanger for drying your wet swim suits and towels.
Where you can enjoy the sea breeze without having to deal with the Boracay crowds
Room rates and packages offered by The District includes complimentary transfers to and from the Caticlan airport, with additional fees for transfers to and from Kalibo. Instead of using the busy Caticlan Jetty port, The District is one of only four resorts that use a smaller port down the road. It’s actually right outside the airport’s runway, so there’s a good chance you’ll see airplanes landing up close, ala Maho Beach in Sint Maarten. The District’s staff are there to welcome you as you exit the airport, and are closely coordinated so you won’t have to wonder about the status of your transfer. They have an exclusive boat for their guests, and if you’re lucky, you can have the entire boat and van to yourself.
Sweet dreams are made of these
Service, of course, is good, but it’s the small gestures that makes them stand out. Whenever we come back from a night out on the beach, we were welcomed with sweets. Nothing fancy, but a small pack of pastillas and other local delicacies never fail to bring a smile. On the night before you check out, there is a letter from Ms. Naomi, The District’s General Manager, reminding you of the time of your flight and transfer the following day.
The District has three food and beverage outlets, but that’s another story for another day.
Plenty of thanks go out to Apple, Vina, Ms. Naomi and all the staff who has assisted me during my short stay at The District Boracay.
Want to have a holiday in Boracay? Join my giveaway and get a chance to win round trip tickets to Kalibo via Tiger Airways!
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Traveling is so much better with the right people
It’s very different now. Travel blogging has led the way for me to meet like-minded people, who are game to go when I think of a trip to make. That also meant I get to tag along with their trips. That’s how this trip came to be.
Upper has a cousin who’s coming to the Philippines, and is keen to explore the country. I knew I should be curbing my spending, but thanks to the anxiety that waiting for my Australian tourist visa application brought, I threw caution to the wind and booked a flight to Roxas.
Their itinerary was for El Nido and Boracay, and though I really want to go back to El Nido, I know I can only take a week off from work. I settle for the Boracay leg, opting to fly via Roxas to get the chance to see more of the city, and buy seafood before flying back.
We met up in Boracay last Saturday, joined by Carmz, Upper’s friend, and Ida, my mermaid friend who’s teaching swimming in the island. I love how we all easily get along with each other, including Upper’s cousin Sean. It was an easy camaraderie, and after just a couple of hours, we are all comfortable with each other.
We have different personalities, but we jived. I’ve known Ida from Lakbay Norte in 2010, Upper from a Dispatch interview in 2011. Of all of us, I’m the most unadventurous, while Sean is game for everything, including eating isaw without batting an eyelash. Upper is very particular with the kind of experience and ambiance she want, Carmz is very knowledgeable and conscious about the local communities, and Ida is great at adapting wherever she finds herself living in the next couple of months.
The whole travel experience is enhanced with the people you spend it with. Whether it’s with close friends, family, or strangers you meet on the way. They can make it into the best adventure you’ve ever had, or ruin a most anticipated vacation. If there’s one thing The Amazing Race has taught us, it’s that traveling enables you to discover each other’s hidden quirks, see how they react to stressful situations, and learn the importance of having the right partner.
It’s even better with people who travel the same way you do
So many articles and blog posts have been written about how Boracay have deteriorated throughout the years. Yet, here I am again, back for the 10th time since my first visit in 2005. I’m not going to deny it, Boracay is always changing. There’s alway a new commercial space every time I visit, while the parties continue on. It’s loud and there’s plenty of people, but there are still places where you can get a quiet moment, away from the crowds if you’re willing to venture out to search for it.
I have stayed in a private home in Bgy. Bulabog, a hotel in Diniwid beach, small guest houses in an alley off the main path in Station 2, a resort that insists they’re still in Station 2 but feels as if it’s already in Station 3 because it’s so far from everything, a posh hotel right smack in the center of white beach, and a resort in Station 1. I’ve eaten really at restaurants whose prices makes me wince but have really great food so I don’t mind as much, and I’ve eaten street food while walking up and down the beach. I really love how there’s a variety, always something for everybody.
I think my first trip set the tone for my Boracay trips. It was our first barkada trip, two weeks of hanging out at the beach, playing video games, partying or drinking at night. This trip is reminiscent of that, but with less partying and more Apple devices. There’s no pressure to do all sorts of activities every hour, and we hardly ever rush. This is a holiday, and the only thing we’re worried about is how to best enjoy it.
For me, Boracay is not just about the gorgeous beach (and it really is gorgeous, not a lot can compare), but the memories you create with the people you spend your time with here. Whether it’s with the balikbayan brother and his family, your high school friends, the friends you meet in the island, the bartender who gave you the recipe for the best tasting cocktail you’ve ever tasted, or the creepy guy who turn up every where.
]]>Then again, if you have a penchant for eating out at fancy restaurants, you’d have to pay the price in the end. That and a terrible addiction to the Internet. Bah.
So here you go, an idea of how much you’d spend in Boracay if you’re careless with your money x_x
| Boracay September 2009 | ||
| September 5 – 8, 2009 | ||
| Air transfers | in PhP | |
| Seair | PHP 0.00 | 1 |
| Terminal fee | PHP 220.00 | |
| Land transfers | ||
| Taxi to and from airport (MNL) | PHP 860.00 | 2 |
| Trike to and from port (Boracay) | PHP 130.00 | |
| Accommodation | ||
| Taj Guesthouse | PHP 0.00 | 3 |
| Food expenses | ||
| Meals, snacks, drinks | PHP 3,654.25 | 4 |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Internet | PHP 554.00 | 5 |
| Skullcandy earbuds | PHP 995.00 | 6 |
| Medicine | PHP 60.00 | |
| Envirosax | PHP 495.00 | 6 |
| Total | PHP 6,968.25 | |
| 1 Thank you, Seair! | ||
| 2 The yellow taxis of doom have finally invaded the domestic airport. | ||
| 3 Long story. Basically, Ms. Net of Tans Guesthouse was so happy with the review I wrote about them last January and brought a lot of business to them, so she insisted that we stay for free. Taj Guesthouse is owned and operated by her sibling. | ||
| 4 Good food in Boracay is expensive. This includes a paella lunch, pasta with truffle oil, crispy pata and the best calamansi muffin from Real Coffee among other things. | ||
| 5 Loser. | ||
| 6 Retail therapy? | ||
Great hotel deals in Boracay via Agoda
Seair’s Dornier 328 next to an oil truck. Yes, the plane is that small.
Seair’s Dornier 238 and LET 410 are “aerodynamically designed in a way that it is capable of landing and taking off in about 750 meters with full pay load,” says Seair president Avelino Zapanta. The Godofredo P. Ramos Airport serves Seair flights from Manila, Clark and Cebu. This means Seair is your best option if you have limited time to spend in the islands, or if you’re just that antsy to hit the fine white sand beaches of Boracay.
Seair even makes it easier for you by providing free shuttles from the airport to the jetty port and tickets for the boat to Boracay island. It’s also the same going back to Caticlan — Seair reps are waiting at the Cagban port to give you your complimentary boat tickets, and would radio their counterpart in Caticlan to meet your boat. How’s that for service?
Godofredo Ramos Airport, Caticlan, Aklan
However, given the rains and strong wind that Aklan is experiencing due to the habagat (southwest monsoon) and the typhoons typical in the country during this time of the year, it is possible that your Seair flight to Caticlan will be diverted to Kalibo. When the wind or the rain is too strong to make a safe landing in Caticlan, the plane will be diverted to Kalibo. But not to worry, as Seair will also be providing shuttles from the Kalibo airport to the jetty port in Caticlan. For flights out of Caticlan, passengers only need to check in at the Caticlan airport for their flight, and they will be taken to the Kalibo airport, if the flight is diverted.
Other Seair news:
Daily Flights to Batanes as Winter Approaches
As Batanes winter approaches, SEAIR increases flights to this beautiful northern paradise from 4 times weekly to daily starting October 12, 2009.
Due to its proximity to Taiwan, Batanes experiences 4 seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter. As the year comes to a close the weather gets cooler and cooler to as low as 7 degrees Celsius.
Seair Resumes Direct Flights to El Nido on November 18
SEAIR resumes direct flights from Manila to scenic El Nido, Palawan on November 18, 2009. SEAIR flies Manila-El Nido-Manila every Wednesday and Sunday.
El Nido is located in the northernmost tip of Palawan and is part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, the largest marine sanctuary in the entire Philippines. This group of islands is a perfect destination for divers and snorkelers as well as beach and island-hoppers with over 30 dive sites and more than 50 beaches and hidden lagoons. Aside from its diverse fauna, El Nido also showcases a striking geological wonder: limestone cliffs that were carved extensively from thick layers of coralline deposits.
Fly SEAIR and rediscover the joy of flight – speed, convenience, personalized service! Go to www.FlySeair.com for the best deals or call (+632) 8490100 for more information.
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From where I’m sitting…, originally uploaded by nina_theevilone.
…this is what I’m seeing.
The tail end of the typhoon that hit the Philippines has finally left and we woke up to spectacular sunshine in Boracay. The waves are still rough and the wind is still blowing hard, but that’s not stopping anybody from frolicking in the cool turquoise waters.
Seair recently increased their flights to Caticlan, with departures from Manila and Cebu. Currently, they are the only airline flying in and out of Caticlan, the jump off point to Boracay Island.
* Blogged via flickr
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Gloomy and windy Boracay
For once, we did not board the boat at the Caticlan Jetty Port. The Seair shuttle van (complimentary to all Seair passengers) took us to the alternate port — smaller, but has relatively calmer waters during the habagat season (southwest monsoon). From there, we rode for five minutes to Boracay Island’s alternate jetty port: Tambisaan. Like the alternative port in Caticlan, this port is smaller, and there’s some ways to walk to get to the tricycles that would take you to the three stations.
Zuzuni’s Pita Pizza
Coming to Boracay in the off peak season is also a first for me. The island is so different this time of the year than during my previous visits. The wind in the white beach is blowing really hard throughout the day that the shops facing the beach all have see through plastic along the beach and their storefronts to protect their customers and their wares. The waves are also the biggest I’ve ever seen in Boracay (though it’s still comparatively small to other beaches in the country). This is going to be an interesting trip.
Finally found Real Coffee!
Two more firsts: it’s also my first time to try Zuzuni and Real Coffee. As Seair passengers, Melo and I get 10% off our bill at selected establishments in Boracay. We had our fill of Zuzuni’s Z Burger, gyros, tzatziki, and pita pizza, and enjoyed the discount care of Seair. Real Coffee, on the otherhand, is a cafe that I’ve been wanting to try for the longest time, but haven’t been able to since I couldn’t find the cafe. Tucked inside an alley, it really *is* a hidden gem.
Seair is giving a great treat at the Philippine Travel Mart at the SMX. Buy 1 Take 1 tickets for Batanes, and discounts as much as 75%! Now you don’t have any reason not to travel.
Great hotel deals in Boracay via Agoda
Gasthof breakfast
One of the well-known restaurants in Boracay is Gasthof. Proclaimed as serving the best baby back ribs in Boracay, it’s a title that’s well deserved. The ribs are marinated in Gastof’s special marinade, and grilled upon order. The ribs are serve at the table still hot, with a dollop of sauce and tender meat that’s practically falling off the bone. One order of ribs costs Php 550; pricey, but it’s a 5-piece rib that’s packed with meat, perfect for sharing.
I’ve only known Gasthof for their ribs, and was surprised that they serve a great breakfast as well. What you see above is the continental breakfast set. It comes with one sausage (Hungarian, Bratwurst or veal), two eggs (poached, scrambled or however way you want), a huge pancake served with butter and maple syrup on the side, a cup of tea or coffee and some tropical fruit. Pretty great deal for only Php 190, I think. (I was planning on having breakfast at Gasthof, but it was twarthed by me oversleeping and the complimentary breakfast I have at Tans Guesthouse)
Kasbah fresh pita bread
Relatively new in the island, though quickly becoming a favorite among locals and tourists is Kasbah, a Moroccan restaurant. Located way out in Station 1, right beside Discovery Shores. It’s a fair walk from Station 2, your progress made even slower by the soft sand. But the walk is so much worth it, as you take in the gorgeous Moroccan lamps that lit up the place, and you get a taste of authentic Moroccan cuisine. The kemias, the kebabs, the tagines, the tea… I loved them all! It comes with a pretty hefty price tag though, so be sure to bring lots of cash when you dine here — the ATM is a long walk from the Kasbah!
I have been hankering for the dish I had at La Sirenetta in Coron. The restaurant in Coron was actually a spinoff from the Boracay original, Cafe del Mar. Decorated with the trademark mermaid pillar, this was no doubt the same restaurant. The food served had strong Western influence, while using locally sourced ingredients. I ordered the same dish as I did in Coron, the Cafe del Mar Chicken. Grilled (or was it fried?) herb seasoned chicken breast with a side of fries, salad with vinaigrette and a spicy, tangy dipping sauce. I also ordered the same appetizer we had at Coron, but this time, with four dips, instead of just hummus. The pita bread was fresh, soft and chewy. The dips were pretty good as well, and the chicken dish as I remembered it.
Cafe del Mar is a bit expensive, and though I’d love to try their other dishes, I’d probably only eat there again if I have friends with me to split the bill. The restaurant is located in Station 1.
Lemoni Cafe Lunch Box
The Lemoni Cafe (or Lemon Cafe as others say), is located right smack in the center of D’mall, across the Ferris wheel. The restaurant’s light and airy interior is inviting, and if that doesn’t lure you in, the dessert display will surely do.
They are offering a lunch box special, where for Php 450, you get the soup of the day, salad with their raspberry vinaigrette, your choice of sandwich and dessert. Yummy and filling, this is a great value meal for the price.
No, I did not forget about Jonah’s! I was merely saving the best for last. Jonah’s is a Boracay institution: you haven’t been to Boracay if you haven’t tasted Jonah’s shake.
The shakes at Jonah’s are the perfect for keeping cool under the sun. There are plenty of flavors to chose from — there’s one that sure to please the most discerning of tastes. What I like best about Jonah’s is that the shakes taste real. It doesn’t taste of artificial flavoring, but of the fruit itself. For only Php 90 for a tall glass of delicious shake and a spectacular view of the fine white sand and glistening blue sea of Boracay, Jonah’s is certainly hard to top.
Chori burger, barbecue and hotdog
Okay, so Jonah’s wasn’t the last on the list! Another favorite and a must try when in Boracay is the Choriburger. Short for chorizo burger, it is made with grilled chorizo in a hotdog bun and slathered with sweet or spicy sauce. It’s the perfect thing to munch on as you watch another spectacular Boracay sunset.
Choriburgers are sold along the beach road at the numerous grill kiosks that pops up late in the afternoon. Aside from choriburgers, you can also buy other street food favorites like barbecue, isaw (intestine), tenga (pig’s ear) and hotdog.
[Update March 29, 2016] This post was written 7 years ago. The Boracay Compass has a recent, more detailed guide to Boracay Restaurants.
Seair flies daily to Boracay, with as much as 11 flights from Manila to Caticlan. Book your flight now by calling the Seair hotline at 849 0100 or book online through www.flyseair.com.
Great hotel deals in Boracay via Agoda
But before you dream about the fine white sand of Boracay beach, you have to figure out how to get there first. If you’re coming from Manila, Boracay is 35-minute away onboard Seair’s Dornier 328. Going to the airport from my house takes longer than the actual flight to another island! Seair also flies direct from Clark (Pampanga) and Puerto Princessa (Palawan).
The smaller aircraft in the fleet, the 19-seater LET-410 takes longer, around 50 minutes (from Manila), but hey, I can live with the 15-minute difference. There are other local airlines that flies direct to Caticlan airport, which is closer to the Caticlan Jetty Port (the jump off point to Boracay island), but only Seair provides their passengers with complimentary shuttle transfers from the airport to the jetty port, and from the jetty port to Boracay island.
If you’re flying in to Kalibo airport, simply hop in on a van bound for Caticlan. The fee for the 2-hour ride is Php 150 per person. If you’re flying in to Caticlan (and not via Seair), take a tricycle to the jetty port. It’s a short ride away, and shouldn’t cost more than Php 50. Seair passengers should go to the Seair office right across the airport. Inquire inside about the shuttle, and the friendly staff will guide you to the next shuttle bound for the port.
On the final descent to Caticlan airport. That’s Boracay island near the top, and the many ships plying the route.
Once at the port, a Seair representative will give you tickets for the banca going to Boracay island’s Cagban port. The representative will also lead you to the counter where you need to pay for the environmental and terminal fee (Php 50 each). For non-Seair passengers, you need to pay for the banca, which is Php 25 each. If you’re clueless (like I was when I went to buy my ticket after going back to Caticlan from the Ati-atihan in Kalibo), the girl behind the counter might sell you the ticket for the fastcraft, which costs Php 30. For the Php 5 difference, you get a bigger craft and an airconditioned cabin. The problem I had with this craft was that there’s only one plying the route, and you’d have to wait for it to come back from its run to the island. Whereas if you take the banca, there are plenty of banca waiting to take passengers to the island paradise, so you’ll be boarded and out to sea in no time.
From Cagban jetty port in Boracay, you need to ride a tricycle to the town center. If you’re staying at one of the reasonably priced guesthouses in Station 2 (and you should!) tell the trike driver to drop you off at D’mall. If you’re renting the whole tricycle, the fee is Php 125. However, if you’re willing to wait and share the tricycle with other passengers, the fee is only Php 20 per person. When you get off at D’mall, just follow the throngs of people walking down the pathway and you’ll soon see the sparkling blue sea.
Another option of traveling to Boracay is to take the roll-on, roll-off (RORO) ship. It’s definitely cheaper, but it takes a lot longer. I’ve no idea how it’s like to take the RORO from Manila, but from a friend’s story, it’s a LOT of effort. Still, it gets you to Boracay. The RORO docks at the same jetty port in Caticlan, so if you’re headed to Boracay, you just need to pay the necessary fees and hop on the banca to Cagban port.
Ironically, this fastcraft is named City of Calapan.
To give you an idea how long the trip from the Caticlan airport to Boracay is, here’s a short run down:
Caticlan airport to Caticlan jetty port: 1 minute
Approximate time spent in the jetty port terminal (buying tickets, bag check, toilet breaks, boarding the banca): 10 minutes
Banca pulling out of the port: 2 minutes
Banca out in the open sea: 5 minutes
Banca pulling into the port and docking: 2 minutes
Approximate time spent in Cagban terminal (walking to the tricycles, haggling price, waiting for other passengers, etc.): 5 minutes
Tricycle ride to D’mall: 12 minutes
Walk from D’mall to the beach road: 6 minutes
Total time: 43 minutes
Isn’t it so obvious that I was bored? The times were actually taken on the afternoon I was flying back to Manila. It was on a Tuesday afternoon, and probably not as crowded as it would be in the summer, so times may vary. At the very least, it gives you an idea on how much time to allot when you’re going back to Caticlan to check in for your flight.
I hope this helps you in planning your trip to Boracay. I probably missed out some things or totally screwed up some facts (hey, it’s already 3:41 am!). If you see something amiss, or need clarification, just ask!
Great hotel deals in Boracay via Agoda
If you’ve been to Boracay before, you would probably be able to gauge the location of this alley. If you’re a first timer, don’t fret! I’ll be giving directions on how to go there, and a list of the resort’s contact numbers.
From the jetty port in Cagban (Boracay Island), ride a tricycle to D’mall. The driver will drop you off across the entrance. Head down the path between Julie’s Bakeshop and Budget Mart. You’ll come upon the Ferris wheel. Continue down the path between Lemon Cafe and Cindy’s, going on until you’re at the main beach road, between Aria and Cafe del Sol.
Soak in the sight of the turquoise waters and feel how fine the white sand is on your feet. Turn left, and walk down the road. You’ll pass Hey Jude (they have wi-fi) and Gasthof (they have the best baby back ribs in Boracay and awesome breakfast set). You’ll soon come upon this massage place that has a group of their female masseuse out front, chanting out their “cheer” to entice customers. When you pass Mango-Ray, look up, and you’ll see a sign for Sheena’s resort. Right beside it is the ES Pascual Store:
Right after the store is the alley. If you’re coming from Station 3, this is what you’ll see:
The alley itself looks like this from the beach road:
And there you have it! You’re in a place where you can get rooms for as low as Php 1,000 in the lean season (or even during regular seasons if you get a discount). Save for Sheena’s resort, all the accommodations in this alley are very affordable (Sheena’s rooms start at Php 3,000 per night for two).
To further assist you in your quest to find cheap accomodation in Boracay, here’s a list of the contact number of all the guesthouses in that alley:
Tans Guesthouse
Phone: (036) 288 6878 / +6336-288-6878
Telefax: (036) 288 3088 / +6336-288-3088
Mobile: (0920) 920 2481 / +63920-920-2481
E-mail: tgh_bora@yahoo.com
Website: www.tghboracay.com
Read my review of Tans Gueshouse
Taj Guesthouse
Phone: (036) 288-4628 (+6332-2884628)
Mobile: (0920) 919-6509 (+63920-9196509
Fax: (036) 288-5695 (+6332-2885695)
E-mail: tajboracay@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taj-Guesthouse-Boracay/121290147933020
Read my review of Taj Guesthouse
Namaste
Phone: (036) 288-5898
Villa Simprosa Resort
(formerly GP’s)
Telefax: (036) 288-3139
Mobile: (0917) 327-4076
E-mail: norpas1950@yahoo.com
Jejsellends
Phone: (036) 288-6982
Eriko’s House
Phone: (036) 288-3382
Mobile: (0928) 485-4100
Jerome Bungalow
Phone: (036) 288-3270
Madid’s Inn
Phone: (036) 288-5392
Sheena’s Resort
Phone: (036) 288-6120
Mobile: (0917) 994-2534 / (0906) 535-4209 / (0919) 642-4189
Again, here’s the video I took of the walk from Tans Guesthouse to the Boracay white beach:
In 00:03 you can see the staircase of Jerome Bungalow in between the pillars, in 00:04 you see Eriko’s House, 00:05 is Madid’s Inn and at 00:06 Jejsellends is at the right. At 00:12, see the palm tree? That’s Villa Simprosa, right across Taj Guesthouse, which starts at 00:15. At 00:26, the guy at the right is inquiring at Sheena’s reception desk, while across it, at 00:27 is Namaste. At 00:32, you can see a reception desk for Villa Simprosa at the ES Pascual Store. At 00:37 is the beach road and at 00:42 is Sheena’s Resort and Restaurant’s beach front. On the left of that is Tans Grill, which only opens at night. The beach proper starts at 00:52.
I hope this helps you in picking out where to stay in Boracay. Have a nice trip!
Seair flies daily to Boracay, with as much as 11 flights from Manila to Caticlan. Book your flight now by calling the Seair hotline at 849 0100 or book online through www.flyseair.com.
Great hotel deals in Boracay via Agoda
Tans Guesthouse was repeatedly recommended by Girltalkers who have stayed there before. It was easy to see why: the owner, Ms. Net is very quick to respond to e-mails and text messages. Not only that, she’s also very concerned about her guest’s needs and well being. This is also a trait that she was able to impart on her staff, who were nothing but accommodating to my questions and requests.
When I e-mailed Ms. Net, inquiring about room availability for the date of my trip and the room rate, I also mentioned that I found out about Tans at the forums. The forum member who has stayed at Tans before mentioned that Ms. Net gives discounts to forum members, and since I’ll be shouldering the cost of the room on my own, every peso off the cost is welcomed. True enough, Ms. Net gave me the deluxe single room – a room that normally costs Php 1,500 during the lean season and Php 2,000 during peak season – for only Php 1,000. That’s a Php 1,000 saving already! Included in the rate are my daily breakfast at the roof deck cafe, welcome drink and one cocktail. I can also enjoy the free wi-fi at the 4th floor deck.
Tans Guesthouse requires a 50% down payment to confirm your booking, a fact that didn’t register in my head until AFTER I deposited Php 3,000 into Ms. Net’s Metrobank account. Oh well, at least I didn’t have to worry about having enough money to pay for the room after my vacation. After paying, you’re supposed to fax the deposit slip to Ms. Net. Since our fax machine ran away from home last year (well, more like fax-napped), I texted Ms. Net asking if I can just scan the deposit slip and e-mail it to her. She replied, asking if I deposited the payment from the Taft Avenue branch or the EDSA Munoz branch. After I answered her question, she said there’s no more need to e-mail her the deposit slip. Five minutes after, she texts again, saying that the confirmation e-mail has been sent to my address.
Come Saturday, I got on the 8:30 am Seair flight from Manila to Caticlan. As soon as I turned on my phone when I got inside the Caticlan terminal, I receive a text message from Ms. Net, asking what time my flight is. I replied that I have just landed, but is thinking of heading to Kalibo for the Ati-atihan. Less than 2 minutes after, my phone rings. It was Ms. Net calling, encouraging me to witness the Mother of all festivals, and that going there from Caticlan is very easy. She also told me to text her when I’m on the boat to Boracay, because she might be able to pick me up at the Cagban port. Wow, I never had this much conversation with a hostel or guesthouse owner before.
Following Ms. Net’s order, I text her after boarding the fast craft to Boracay. She said they were still at the other end of the island, and won’t be able to pick me up at the port. It was no worry, as getting from Cagban to D’mall is very easy with the number of tricycles waiting to take passengers. She goes on to text me, asking whether I know how to get to Tans, whether I’m lugging a heavy suitcase, because she can ask somebody to meet me at the entrance to D’mall. I’m not used to this much attention, but I have to admit that it was great to have someone as doting as Ms. Net running the guesthouse.
I arrive at Tans, which is just down the same alley as Taj. There wasn’t anybody in the reception, and I text Ms. Net that I was already there. She responds quickly, saying that Pen, is on her way down to meet me. Pen welcomes me, and leads me to the third floor. There I finally met Ms. Net, who has just arrived from the island day tour with some of the other guests. She shows me room number 9, which was my home for the next three days.
The room was pretty straightforward: there’s a double bed, a closet and a clothes rack on one side, a TV and a ref in one end of the room. The toilet and bath is very roomy, not to mention very clean. Towels were provided — three actually. Pen joins us as I finish looking through the room, toting a glass of iced tea for me — my welcome drink. Ms. Net then hands me a necklace with pink and white shells, with a key to the room as a pendant. Cute!
I settled down on the bed and quickly surfed through the channels until I come across Discovery Travel and Living. As Antony Bourdain was learning about the culture of Saudi Arabia, I took out my laptop to test if my hunch was correct: the 4th floor was a wi-fi zone and since I was on the third, there was a chance that Kabuki, my laptop, would be able to get some signal. What do you know, I was right! For Php 1,000, I get a clean room that can comfortably accommodate two, free breakfast, a welcome drink, a cocktail AND wi-fi in my room! The connection was spotty at times, and slow when somebody was using the laptop at the roof deck cafe, but at the very least, I can check my e-mail, Plurk and upload photos on flickr.
I retired early that night, since I wasn’t able to sleep since Friday. I remember waking up at 5 in the morning, but since it was still dark out, I promptly went back to sleep. Much to my surprise, it was 10 am when I woke up — there goes the morning stroll at the beach! After checking my mail (and Plurk!), I went down to go to the beach for brunch. One of Ms. Net’s staff was there (whose name I wasn’t able to get -_-;) at the reception, and told me that I missed breakfast. I was surprised that they even brought it up — most hotels, hostels or guesthouses wouldn’t care whether you avail of the complimentary breakfast. I explained that I overslept and promised to wake up early the following day. When I got back that afternoon, Pen asked me to fill in an order sheet for my breakfast the following day, and for the day after. She also asked me for my cocktail order, something that I totally forgot was part of the package. I told her I’d have the cocktail at 9pm at the roof deck cafe, but I got too engrossed with what I was watching that I forgot about it.
Shortly before 9, Pen knocks at my door, reminding me about the cocktail. I asked her if I can have it in my room instead, and she gladly obliged. The following morning, I wake up bright and early for breakfast. I headed up the nicely done spiral staircase up to the 4th floor. The roof deck was mostly covered, but there’s an open air area in the balcony. There wasn’t any spectacular view, for the balcony doesn’t face the sea, but it gives a nice out of doors feel to the cafe.
Ms. Net’s staff are very friendly and helpful. They listen to their guests, and takes notes on their requests. When my cellphone’s battery ran out, I asked if they have a Nokia charger that I can borrow, since I never bring mine on weekend trips (because I hardly use my phone, but for some reason, people kept on texting that weekend). Pen uses a different charger, but went over to the other guesthouse to ask the staff if they have the charger I needed. Talk about going out of their way to fulfill a guest’s request. She also asked me if she can clean my room, because I didn’t ask for house keeping on my 2nd day.
A lot of people at the forums were asking just how far Tans was from the beach. I didn’t have a meter stick with me, but I had a camera. This is a video of the walk from Tans to the beach so you can time how long it takes to walk from the guesthouse to the sand.
Now I know why the girl at the forums kept on recommending Tans and gushing about Ms. Net. And now you know why I am recommending Tans and gushing about Ms. Net and her staff. 
Tans Guesthouse
Balabag, Boracay Island
Malay, Aklan, Philippines
Contact Person: Ms Net Sacapano
Phone: (036) 288 6878 / +6336-288-6878
Telefax: (036) 288 3088 / +6336-288-3088
Mobile: (0920) 920 2481 / +63920-920-2481
E-mail: tgh_bora@yahoo.com
Website: www.tghboracay.com
View map to Tans Guesthouse
Seair flies daily to Boracay, with as much as 11 flights from Manila to Caticlan. Book your flight now by calling the Seair hotline at 849 0100 or book online through www.flyseair.com.
]]>I spent double of what I spent last December on this trip. That’s owing to the cost of the room, which I have to shoulder all on my own, meal expenses that could have been shared, the day trip to Kalibo and the extra day spent. Other than the trip to Kalibo for the Ati-atihan, I pretty much did nothing in Boracay — no island hopping nor water sports. I already did those things when I first went there in 2005. Besides, it’s no fun doing that all by myself 
| Boracay | |||
| January 2009 | |||
| Cost | Per Person | ||
| Air Transfers | |||
| Seair | PHP 0.00 | PHP 0.00 | 1 |
| Manila Domestic Terminal Fee | PHP 200.00 | PHP 200.00 | |
| Caticlan Terminal Fee | PHP 20.00 | PHP 20.00 | |
| Airport/Ferry Port Transfers | |||
| Manila (Two way) | PHP 420.00 | PHP 420.00 | |
| Boracay (Two way) | PHP 40.00 | PHP 40.00 | |
| Kalibo (Two way) | PHP 200.00 | PHP 200.00 | 2 |
| Ferry Transfers | |||
| Montenegro Fastcraft | PHP 30.00 | PHP 30.00 | 3 |
| Accommodation | |||
| Tans Boracay | |||
| Php 1,000 per night | PHP 3,000.00 | PHP 3,000.00 | 4 |
| Food Expenses | |||
| All meals and drinks | PHP 2,411.50 | PHP 2,411.50 | 5 |
| Miscellaneous | |||
| Environmental Fees | PHP 50.00 | PHP 50.00 | |
| Ferry Port Terminal Fee | PHP 100.00 | PHP 100.00 | |
| Internet | PHP 162.00 | PHP 162.00 | 6 |
| Chori Burger pasalubong | PHP 150.00 | PHP 150.00 | 7 |
| Batteries, tissue | PHP 82.75 | PHP 82.75 | |
| Total | Php 6,866.25 | ||
| 1 Thank you Seair! | |||
| 2 I went to Kalibo for the Ati-atihan Festival. | |||
| 3 As a Seair passenger, I get comlimentary transfers from Caticlan airport to Boracay. This includes the shuttle from the airport to the ferry port, and the boat ride from Caticlan to Boracay. Since I went to Kalibo, I just rode the shuttle to the port, then went to ride the van to Kalibo. So when I went back to Caticlan, I had to buy my own ticket. I unknowingly bought tickets to the fastcraft, instead of the usual outrigger boat. | |||
| 4 For Php1,000 per night, I get an airconditioned room that can comfortably accommodate two with cable TV, ensuite toilet and bath (with hot and cold shower), a closet, a personal refrigerator and a small safe. This also includes daily breakfast, a welcome drink and a cocktail. | |||
| 5 I actually only ate three meals a day, with an occasaional junk food. This includes a really expensive lunch. | |||
| 6 I can actually connect via wi-fi in my room, but nooo, I still needed to go online in the Internet cafe -_- | |||
| 7 My friend’s only request is that I bring him back not one, but three chori burgers. | |||
Download:
Boracay 2009.xls (Microsoft Excel File) – 81k
Boracay 2009.pdf (Portable Document File) – 65k
Seair flies daily to Boracay, with as much as 11 flights from Manila to Caticlan. Book your flight now by calling the Seair hotline at 849 0100 or book online through www.flyseair.com.
Great hotel deals in Boracay via Agoda
Tucked in a small narrow alley, Taj Guesthouse isn’t a beach front property. But that doesn’t matter, as the beach is only about a hundred meters from the shore. Another great thing about its location is that it’s in Station 2. Though not right smack in the center of Station 2, it’s a comfortable and pleasant walk to D’mall, where majority of the shops and restaurants are.
We didn’t make any reservations when we went to Boracay, so we don’t have any idea what kind of room we’ll be sleeping in that night. When we arrived at Taj, the simple facade looked promising. The rooms we got certainly surpassed any expectations: the beds are comfortable, the pillows fluffy, and the toilet is very very clean. There is even a TV, a place for storing clean and wet clothes, a mini refrigerator and even a safe. Best of all, the rate we were given for the room was only Php 2,000 per night. Since there were three of us sharing the room, that’s only Php 667 per person, per night! Budget was a big issue for us in this trip, so this price suited us perfectly.
There isn’t much in terms of amenities and facilities, but there is daily housekeeping. Towels are provided, and a small soap and a couple of sachets of shampoo in the shower. All the rooms are airconditioned and there’s a hot and cold shower.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Boracay, look no further than Taj Guesthouse. The rooms have a nice, clean design, have adequate space for 5 people to maneuver (we stayed at the Family room, which is good for 3-4 people) without bumping into each other, clean toilet and bath (always a big plus!) and it’s run by a friendly and very hospitable couple.
Disclosure: We paid for our first night’s stay in Taj. We were able to stay for free during our second night, in exchange for Melo taking photos of their rooms for their gallery.
Taj Guesthouse
Balabag, Boracay Island
Malay, Aklan, Philippines
Phone: (036) 288-4628 (+6332-2884628)
Mobile: (0920) 919-6509 (+63920-9196509
Fax: (036) 288-5695 (+6332-2885695)
E-mail: tajboracay@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Taj-Guesthouse-Boracay/121290147933020
View map to Taj Guesthouse
Seair flies daily to Boracay, with as much as 11 flights from Manila to Caticlan. Book your flight now by calling the Seair hotline at 849 0100 or book online through www.flyseair.com.
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Boracay White Beach March 2005
As beautiful as the white beach (Balabag) is, we found it hard to appreciate it because of the layer of seaweeds that line the shore, and the trash that is left after all the parties. Since we lived halfway between the front beach and the back beach, one afternoon we walked through the narrow path and emerged in Bulabog beach.
Boracay White Beach December 2008
Bulabog is parallel to the white beach, though shorter. The wind here is much more fierce, making it the perfect spot for windsurfing and kite surfing. The sand in this beach is as fine, but unlike the white beach, the rubbish you see here are the ones that fall from the trees that line the shore.
Boracay Bulabog Beach March 2005
Seeing Balabag and Bulabog in December 2008, more than three years after my first visit, there’s still that sense of wonder and amazement. Sure, the D’mall has become extremely commercialized, but the beach remains as beautiful as ever. There are no seaweeds in the front beach yet, and there are more kite surfers in the back beach.
Boracay Bulabog Beach December 2008
Though my companions are getting sick of Boracay, I still find myself enamored with the island. Maybe it’s because it was only my second time back whereas they’ve been to the island more than twice already. Sure, we’ve seen other spectacular beaches, but for me, Boracay still has its own charm. I know I’ll always go back to Bora.
Seair flies daily to Boracay, with as much as 11 flights from Manila to Caticlan. Book your flight now by calling the Seair hotline at 849 0100 or book online through www.flyseair.com.
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