(dated:january 2015)
I still love boracay
This January, while I was scrolling down on my Facebook account I manage to see a post that made the beautiful island Boracay infamous. If you are looking for the perfect powdery white sand, you can go here. I am not against the foreign blogger who shared her gruesome experience here. She has the freedom to tell her opinions about it. When it boils down to a point that we realize that there are differences in our views, all we have to do is to RESPECT. We cannot please everybody, we should not be too sensitive neither insensitive that we might offend anyone. To be honest, I got sad when I saw its title. Anyway, this blog is not to defend Boracay, nor to criticize it.
.
.
.
I am a Filipino, and Manila-based. I have seen Boracay for several times. I saw it when I was still a kid. Maybe my memory is not too sharp during those days; but of course, I can tell the major discrepancy that happened to the Island that we like is that it has been developed and commercialized. Gone are the days when my grandmother, uncles and aunties view it as a simple virgin island. According to them, a lot nicer back then, which I believe is true.
There are several hotels and bars near the shoreline. There are even fast-food outlets that we usually see in the malls. It is filled with consumerism. Of course, it is business as usual. The Boracay developers had evolved the place that to be accustomed to the tourists, a place they think the tourist would like. And they are right. The island became famous. When I say tourist, it includes those who are non-Filipino and Filipino living outside Boracay. (So I am still considered a tourist ,of course. I have to pay an extra amount to the jetty port. So if you know any Aklanon, ask for their help so you can scrub off a significant amount to your budget.).
.
.
.
While it is true that Boracay has become a part of the mainstream and it has really become overrated, but still I say it is still beautiful, (and maybe even more beautiful without the sight of modern establishments along the shore). Again I will reiterate this, if you are looking for the perfect powdery white sand, you should go here so you can compare it. If you want to appreciate its beautiful sunset in the shore, you should also try to have a glimpse of it here. If you want to take a break from the city but still want to have the YOLO(you only live once) at night, you should go here. It is almost like a beach brought to the city because of the several clubs and bars, which starts as early as 4pm to maybe 6am. There are the same varieties of booze, shishas; It is a party island from dusk til dawn. The night is really for the party people, and to include those who are looking for a new friend, acquaintance or even someone who can do one night stand. I even saw a man showing an album of girls to a foreigner (So, we know most likely what will happen next). Those who do not like that kind of merry making at night, they can have spas or massage at different spa houses,or their own hotels or inns.
They can also do shopping at D’ mall.
.
.
.
The island has much to offer than this crazy nightlife. During the day, the island is peaceful and serene because the all-nighter party people are already sleeping and recharging for their next night bash. You can try different water adventures such as helmet diving, flyfish,jet skiing,parasailing, banana boating or land adventures such as riding ATV, zorb ball and get high in the highest peak of boracay, mt. luho . Island hopping is best for those who want to discover Boracay Island more. There are different little islands in the surrounding Boracay.
.
.
.
If you have a higher budget for this getaway, I suggest that you should try other resorts near the main island which can offer a more private and tranquil beaches.
To best enjoy the place, go here when it is not peak season. So the room rates are low and the rates of adventure will have high discounts. Do not go here during holidays, holy weeks and summer where you can expect more tourists and guests competing to their space in the beach (especially we do not want photobombers on our pictures and instant photoshoots).Of course, do not come here when there is storm or impending storm, there is a great chance that you will end up becoming stranded and frustrated because you cannot enjoy the land and water activities because of the wind and rain.
.
If you are the kind of person who is not into partying, drinking and smoking, get up early in the morning, and immerse yourself to the water. Enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the perfect white powdered sand. Have all your pictures taken solo or group without thinking of the photo bombers.
I have more to say about this, but this would be all for now. If you are to ask me if i will go back there again.My answer would be, “why not? “Thanks for reading. This is just my opinion. Your thoughts are welcome too.
(