A "something for everyone" guide on spending your holiday in one of the world's best beaches.
There's a first time for everything. When i spend New Years Eve in Boracay last 2013, I witnessed a spontaneous dance off by the beach, Fatboy Slim Style. A big crowd started to circle two people, both Filipino from the looks of them, and breaking out dance moves reminiscent of Michael Jackson and Missy Elliot.
I still have the video in my phone. I have no idea who the dancers were, but it's one of those cool things I can whip out of my pocket when i want to convince people to travel the Philippines.
Boracay is just like any major tourist attraction come the holiday crowded with tourists. But its main beach is still the best I've ever seen, and its activities make up for the madness.
For the uninitiated, the main activity center is White Beach. It's divided according to boat stations - station 1 (most upscale), station 2 (where the transportation hub, island mall, and most establishment are located) and station 3 (less establishment, more rugged). Along this four kilometer long White Beach, there's something for anyone.
Simply work on your tan and take a dip. The waters are never freezing here, all four kilometer aren't rocky but have a soft sandy, bottom, and seldom there big waves. Tip: If you want to leave your belongings onshore, consider renting sun beds which have people on watch.
White Beach has everything you need. D'Mall in station 2 has a grocery, eateries, and stores selling swimwear. Restaurants range from grilling stations, fruit shake shacks, fresh seafoods stall, and cuisines from Italian, Indian, to Moroccan. Local offer fish hair braids and temporary henna tattoos to complete your anti-corporate look. For a little activity, try skim boarding, paddle boarding or a brief island hopping trip which includes snorkeling. Then learn the Philippines concept of siesta (afternoon nap) by getting a reflexology treatment in footzee'z in D'Mall or for the full on works, the award winning Mandala Spa in Station 2. Come sunset, consider renting a nail sailboat called a paraw which is similar to the bangka you might've took to get to the island, except you can lay on the boat's netted outriggers. Tip: Best time to enjoy this is when the water are calmer otherwise you'll be spashed the whole ride.
For the active traveler
Suba diving shops abound but to play like a fish, try mermaid swimming. You'll be surprisedhow much core work this entails as you swim with a monofin and wear a mermaid tail costume. Since Boracay lacks waves, they have wave pool fo surfing at the Crown Regency Resort in Station 2. More extreme is kite-boarding crash courses.
For Party People
Welcome to temptation . The fact that the island's Boracay Pub Crawl is its most availed of activity should give you an idea of the general interest. The Pub crawl's newest addtiona is a silent disco where you wear headphones on the dance floor. Tip: Ask bars if they serve Beer Below Zero, a Philippine invention where special freezer keep your beer extra cold. Check out the fire dancers by bamboo Lounge in Station 1 their spectacle is free, so give them an appreciative tip. For bar hopping, crowd favorites are White House Beach Resort in Station 1, and Bom Bom Bar, Exit Bar and Epic in Station 2 . Tip: For New Year's Eve, firework are free for all at White Beach but expect to pay entrace for big parties. Most hotels have package covering dinner and drinks the whole night. If you want to catch the sunrise and party with more locals, head to Bulabog Beach.