In the midst of all this revelry, it is only natural that you could find yourself craving a little peace and tranquility, and the chance to experience the original island flavour of Boracay.
If you are feeling the urge to escape the crowds and truly chill for a while, this multi-faceted destination offers a variety of options to suit your every mood.
An ideal way to get away from it all is to venture out onto the water. Try renting a paraw (native outrigger sailing boat), either alone or with a few like-minded friends, to cruise the scenic coastline. Sailing is a great way to unwind and get back to nature, and the absence of an engine ensures a quiet ride, as well as being an environmentally friendly way to get around. Along the way you’ll encounter peaceful beaches and coves, where you can enjoy a swim, a picnic lunch, or an underwater adventure at one of several snorkeling sites such as Baling Hai, Crocodile Island and Crystal Cove (where there are two caves to explore).
While Puka Beach (on the far northern coast) is no longer a deserted hideaway, it is still much less crowded than White Beach, and even the ubiquitous ice cream vendors can be a welcome sight on a scorching day. Lunch can be had at the Puka Grande restaurant, where their fresh seafood dishes are a must-try.
If that still isn’t remote enough for you, ask your boat men to arrange a trip to mainland Panay Island, to experience waterfalls, cold springs and nature hiking at locations such as Malay, Nabaoy & Hurom Hurom. Carabao Island is also accessible if weather conditions are favourable.
However, you need not venture quite so far in order to discover a very different side of Boracay life. Take a short stroll to the eastern side of the island and you’ll find yourself on breezy Bulabog Beach. At this time of year the invigorating Amihan wind creates ideal conditions for an acrobatic display of windsurfing and kiteboarding, and you need not be an enthusiast to enjoy the show.
But to experience the laid back vibe of the “old Boracay”, you actually need look no further than Angol, at the southern end of the main White Beach. Just a couple of minutes stroll past boat station 3, you can already feel the change of pace, as the crowds thin and the disco beats fade into the distance. Now the soundtrack is provided by mother nature, with the wind rustling the coconut leaves and the waves lapping at the shore. Here, nipa and bamboo structures are still embraced as a much loved part of the scenery.
On this stretch of the beach you’ll receive a warm welcome at one of the native style bars and restaurants, which have an ambiance all of their own.
Soak up the atmosphere of island institutions such as Kurt’s Bar, which is renowned for it’s tasty home cooked Bavarian dishes and cold draft beer, and Cocoloco, where you can enjoy classic Filipino fare as well as seafood and European specialities.
At nearby Red Pirates Pub, a favourite with travelers and musicians, you can chill out to a background of reggae and ethnic sounds, as well as live tribal music at their monthly full moon parties.
Also in this area, be sure to pay a visit to the luxurious Mandala Spa – a veritable haven of peace and tranquility. Enjoy a massage, spa treatment or yoga session, which will leave you feeling both relaxed and refreshed…and perhaps ready once again for another night of indulgence, excitement and dancing under the stars!
Published: Philippinewide Magazine
and www.boracayspot.com
