The NEW BORACAY Experience: DIY Travel + Budget Guide 2019
BORACAY is the best beach that I have gone so far. It boasts a simple white sand beach which is in itself is breathtaking.
What
makes Boracay different from other beaches is its cleanliness plus the water is
so clear, there are no rocks, and no harmful sea creatures along the shore.
Everyone
already knows that Boracay is the go-to beach in the Philippines for tourists
all over the world. Now, I understand why.
As
a budget traveler, the new Boracay is a bit pricey. I spoke
with one of the locals and confirmed that prices has really gone up since it was closed.
HOW TO GET THERE
There
are many airlines offering flights going to Caticlan Airport including
AirAsia, CebuPac and PAL. Our flight was with AirAsia, my partner and I got our
round trip ticket for only 756.24PHP during their seat sale.
Once
you arrive at the airport, ride a tricycle going to Caticlan Jetty Port. Don’t
worry tricycles are available near the airport.
At
Jetty port, there will be a tourist verification so make sure to have your hotel
bookings ready. After that, you will pay the necessary fees then off you go to
Boracay Island via boat. Travel time will only take you 10 minutes.
Lastly,
after the boat ride you can ride another tricycle going to your hotel.
For hassle free transportation,
you can book a van service via Klook.
WHERE TO STAY
IMPORTANT:
Make sure to book hotels that are accredited by Department of Tourism (DOT)
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/files/DEC28_BORACAY.pdf
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/files/DEC28_BORACAY.pdf
We
stayed at Boracay Holiday Resort located in Station 2. You can book your hotels
online via Agoda, Booking, Airbnb and etc.
Why
I chose staying in Station 2? It is because, for me, Station 2 is the most
convenient place of all stations. It is where D’mall is located, there are a
lot of convenience stores, ATMs, and souvenir shops.
WHERE TO EAT
There
are so many restaurants and fast food stores in the area. If you're looking
for cheap restaurants, you really can’t find one.
We
had free breakfast at the hotel which helped with our budget. For
lunch, we went for fast food so we could try a nice restaurant for Dinner.
We
ate Dinner at the Bamboo Shore Restaurant, their buttered corn is a must-try. Yum
yum yum!
Dinner
at our hotel was also really good. I loved their spicy fried Shrimp! The
best shrimp I ever tasted! Check them out – Boracay Holiday Resort.
MUST TRY ACTIVITIES
Although they are expensive, you need to try the activities that are offered in Boracay.
NUMBER
ONE MUST TRY ACTIVITY: PARASAILING
Parasailing was the best activity that I experienced when I visited Boracay. The thrill of being hoisted up 500 feet above the pristine blue Boracay waters. Seeing the entirety of the island from this adrenaline filled activity would put you in awe of how wonderful Boracay is. Your 2,200 php is all worth it.
We
also tried the following activities:
1. Helmet
Diving
To get the best of both worlds, after parasailing. I went and tried Helmet Diving.
Helmet Diving is where they put this heavy helmet in your head(kind of like a space suit) and then you slowly descend to the bottom of the sea where you can walk and enjoy how being underwater feels like. Don't worry about breathing underwater as the helmet enables you to breathe normally.
This activity costs us 1,200PHP. Honestly, I was not really satisfied with this activity. There aren't a lot of corals that you can take pictures with. They are just in one small spot, but there are a lot fishes which makes it nice. The staff will take your pictures with their own underwater camera, so don't worry if you don't have one. If you are on a tight budget, do not prioritize this activity.
Helmet Diving is where they put this heavy helmet in your head(kind of like a space suit) and then you slowly descend to the bottom of the sea where you can walk and enjoy how being underwater feels like. Don't worry about breathing underwater as the helmet enables you to breathe normally.
This activity costs us 1,200PHP. Honestly, I was not really satisfied with this activity. There aren't a lot of corals that you can take pictures with. They are just in one small spot, but there are a lot fishes which makes it nice. The staff will take your pictures with their own underwater camera, so don't worry if you don't have one. If you are on a tight budget, do not prioritize this activity.
2. Mermaid
Photoshoot
It
was my birthday and I do love mermaids, so why not be a Mermaid on my special
day!
I
booked this activity via Klook.
It is a 30-min photoshoot which costs me 1,000PHP. You can also avail their
mermaid swimming lesson but with a more expensive price.
3. Hair Braid
You
can find locals everywhere who will braid your hair. Price starts from 150PHP depending on the style. Mine was a full braid and I paid 400PHP.
Other
activities include Island Hopping, Paraw Sailing, Paddle Boarding and etc.
Many
locals will approach you to avail these activities. You can haggle with them if you want. Compare prices with Klook as well because some locals might take
advantage of you and give a higher price.
Our 3 DAYS AND 2 NIGHTS
ITINERARY
Day 1
8:05 – 11:05 AM
|
Cebu South Bus Terminal to Mactan Airport
|
11:05 – 12:05 PM
|
Mactan Airport to Caticlan Airport
|
12:05 – 1:00 PM
|
Caticlan Airport to Boracay Island
|
2:00 – 3:00 PM
|
Check In, Rest
|
3:00 – 5:00 PM
|
Explore Boracay Beach
|
5:00 – 5:30 PM
|
Mermaid Photoshoot
|
5:30 – 6:30 PM
|
Boracay Sunset
|
6:30 onwards
|
Free time and Dinner
|
Day 2
9:00 – 9:30 AM
|
Hair Braid
|
9:30 – 12:00 PM
|
Parasailing and Helmet
Diving
|
12:00 – 1:00 PM
|
Lunch
|
1:00 – 5:00 PM
|
Boracay White Beach, Buy
Souvenir
|
5:00 – 7:00 PM
|
Sunset
|
7:00 onwards
|
Free time and Dinner
|
Feb
20
9:00 – 9:30 AM
|
Check out Hotel
|
9:30 – 12:35 PM
|
Travel back to Caticlan
Airport
|
12:35 – 1:25 PM
|
Caticlan Airport to Mactan
Airport
|
10,000 PESO CHALLENGE
Initially,
our budget is 10,000PHP each.
|
My 10,000 Peso challenge failed. Good thing there’s an ATM in Boracay and I was able to withdraw money.
All in all. Boracay was definitely an experience! Just describing it doesn't do it's beauty proper justice. I will, for sure, go back!
Ciao.
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