Never Ending Boracay

Having visited Boracay countless of times, I still consider this island destination a "must visit" destination for all sun seekers and even local tourists as well. After all, how many islands in the world offer 4 kilometers of pure powdery white sand, and on its north coast, the shore is strewn with shiny, white seashells called "puka," that are said to be the best in the world according to several international guidebooks. It’s beautiful, turquoise waters deepen so gradually, that you may find your self 50 meters from the shore, but the water will only be up to your waist. And though it offers activities like scuba diving, para-sailing, surf boarding, snorkeling or even kayaking, the action really is on the white sands of Boracay itself. It’s been called the "most cosmopolitan strip of sand in the world," and it is easy to see why – there is no shortage of places to stay, eat, shop and have a good time.

The most exclusive resorts like Nami Club Villas (www.namiresorts.com) and Pearl of the Pacific (www.pearlofthepacific.com) are located along station 1. Coming up are the luxury chains of Discovery Shores, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Novotel, Hyatt and Hilton chains planning to build properties anytime soon along Punta Bunga. The majority of visitors in Boracay are increasingly from Korea, with Germans, Austrians and Dutch Nationals and other European nationalities following suit. Of course, no place can ever live up to the hyped up superlatives of this island paradise.

The convenient stop of tourists is D Mall, which has more than a hundred shops and restaurants, including Mongkok Chinese dimsum restaurant, Aria, McSandro, Lonely Planet T-shirt shop, Nothing but Water Swimwear shop, Smoked Café and a host of other specialty boutiques. So successful is the mall that they are thinking of expanding some more. For new competition, there is also and the latest shopping destination near Boracay Regency along station 3 which could eventually give D Mall new competition. The proliferation of pirated DVDs has also reached the shores of this island paradise. Boracay Island is also getting popular not just for its white sands but also for its spa offerings. From Nami’s private spa’s to Pearl of the Pacific’s Neo Spa to local favorite Boracay Spa along station 3, new spa resorts are coming up like the proverbial mushroom. Although there are still the tourist favorites which can be found along the shorelines of the three station stations, local masseurs provide a welcome respite to tired bodies after island hopping or scuba diving and snorkeling in nearby puka or carabao islands.

For first timers, please note that freelance masseurs roam the length of the beach. For souvenirs don’t miss out on the sand bottled souvenirs between station 2 and station 3 which can make this fabulous sand memories in a vial or bottle. Just a note of advice, don’t bring too much of the sands out of the island, as local officials along exit ports will not allow anyone to take these sands out of Boracay shores. You might be concerned that all these establishments and commercial activity are destroying the island. Fear not, because the resort owners themselves have banded together and formed the Boracay Foundation. What they have accomplished so far is beginning to turn the island around not just to attract more tourists to the area, but to maintain or address the deteriorating ecological and environmental concerns of the area as well. So far, the foundation has managed to maintain the shoreline free of bancas and other floating vessels. None of these vessels are allowed to moor along or in front of the beach. People have a free space to swim and snorkel around the shore. Although there are still a number of stray dogs cruising around the area, these are regularly rounded up and taken cared of. All vendors are now accredited and can be spotted wearing their proper identification cards in case of any consumer complaints against them.

The Philippine Tourism Authority has constructed a sewage treatment plant to control the proliferation of chloroform along the shorelines of Boracay. The national government is trying to partner with the private sector in dealing with the contentious issues such as land titling and waste, which is threatening not only the island’s ecological balance but its future as an economic cash cow for the tourism industry and locals alike. So when to go? Some say it's from November to June, and especially in January when nearby Kalibo’s Ati-atihan festival, the International Funboard Cup and the Paraw Cup are simultaneously held. Longtime residents say they prefer the low season, roughly from July to October when, White beach endures onshore winds and soaking afternoon rains. However, there is usually enough sun to keep most people happy, the sandy pedestrian walkway becomes passable, hotels lower their rates drastically and it’s possible to find a quiet part of the beach away from vendors and others just like us!

How to get there: Cebu Pacific Air (www.cebupacificair.com) Philippine Airlines (www.philippineairlines.com), Interislandairlines (www.interislandairlines.com), Asianspirit (www.asianspirit.com), and Seair (www.seair.com) have daily flights to both Kalibo and Caticlan. Accommodations budget: Noe’s Cottages Boat Station 3 Ambulong, Manoc-manoc, Boracay (036) 2883295/0918 576 1760/ luxury Nami Villas(036) 288 6753-55 (www.namiresorts.com): Where to dine: Smoked up Food, Stall 19&20, D Mall, Aria & Mc Sandro both at D Mall, (036)2885573, Dinner Buffet at Bamboo Restaurant near Boracay Regency at P185 per person.