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Confessions of a Boracay Virgin

November 5th, 2007 by Gerry D

Not that kind of virginity, haha. I thought I’d just make this a typical blog post since don’t know how to write tourist-y articles anyway.

I was a Boracay virgin, one of the millions of Filipinos and Filipinas who haven’t been to Boracay yet. So, I decided enough of the Boracay virginity and give in to the temptation � finally, after all these years of trying and waiting – there I was basking on the famed powdery white sand of Boracay island’s White Beach. From the moment I stepped out to the shore � it took just one glimpse at the picturesque seascape to understand why Boracay is such a fabled and beloved destination for lots of people around the world.

Boracay is a small island a couple of kilometers northwest of Panay (a big island housing no less than four dense provinces). If you’re curious, the name Boracay came from words Bora meaning Bubble and Bukay meaning white sand.

Hailing from Metro Manila, the road to Boracay meant an airplane ride, a bus ride and a boat ride. My party chose Cebu Pacific Airlines destined for Kalibo airport coz of the bigger planes compared to the smaller planes plying the Caticlan route. There is a 2 hour trip in a van through winding roads from Kalibo before the town of Caticlan � dubbed the gateway to Boracay. Once in the town of Caticlan, all we had to do was board one of the boats � and in just 15 minutes there we were in paradise � on the island of Boracay. But it was dark and the sun has set, and we were tired from the long van trip. We want to eat.

Our travel agent booked us at La Carmela De Boracay Beach Resort, a relatively medium sized hotel right on the famed White Beach of Boracay. The check-in process was quick, the rooms were clean and spacious even for four persons. A swimming pool is right on the entrance and best of all buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner is very affordable. So for our first night in Boracay we had dinner under the stars with a direct gaze at the ocean, just a couple of steps off the beach. Now, this is the life!

Everyone was up early in excitement as the sun broke next morning, we all rushed out to witness daybreak but alas � the sun doesn’t shine on this side of Boracay island � wow, cool! The sun sets on this side of Boracay island. The view was just marvelous, the low tide extended the beach by at least 20 more meters into the sea, the white sand is truly powdery, and the water is very clear! The sky is clear and it reflected on the crystal clear blue waters, too. We all rushed out and took a dip, woooow.

Now I understand why Boracay is a place that people rave about. The place just wraps you up in its natural charm and beauty, the white sand beach, the clear blue waters � shallow and not rough enjoins all visitors to Boracay to stop, relax and enjoy.

On part 2 of my Boracay article, I’ll tell you about daytime and night activities, where to get coffee, where to shop and how much to pay for things and of course, more stuff about food to eat!