Friday, July 6, 2007

Our Angol

Despite the common concensus that Boracay Island is now overcrowded and overdeveloped, there is still a little corner of this "Paradise Island" which has managed to retain the laid-back charm of earlier years.
While the central stretch of White Beach is cluttered with hotels (of varying degrees of ugliness), shops, vendors, restaurants and hoards of tourists, the southern part of White Beach (known as Angol) remains a quiet haven for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle, as well as being popular with the backpacking and travelling community.





As you stroll past the old boat station 3 (which was for many years the first stop-off point for banca boats arriving on White Beach) it is almost like discovering another island. Those who haven't explored this far south are often surprised that the area is still so tranquil, without the pounding music and packs of vendors which characterise the main stretch of the beach.

.

The attraction of this area, quite simply, is the peace and quiet. While developers are keen to build all over every inch of this island retreat, Angol has so far managed to survive the onslaught, and cosy inns still nestle behind the coconut trees - instead of high rise hotels! While some tourists are drawn to the crowds at boat station 2, others undoubtedly veer towards less populated places such as this, where you can enjoy plenty of beach space, an uninterrupted swim, or a relaxing swing in the hammock without fear of disturbance. Vendors are few and far between, and the chilled-out ambiance of the native-style bars and restaurants is unique to Angol alone.


.

Accomodation in Angol is generally more reasonably priced than the rest of White Beach, and budget travellers can find a variety of little guest houses to choose from. Low priced rooms can be found at places such as Austrian Pension, Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Mabini's, Little Corner of Italy, Melinda's Garden and Orchids Resort.
Pay just a little more and you can enjoy the hospitality of Turtle Inn, Blue Mango, Tree House Resort, Marzon Resort, Arwana, Blue Coral, Villa Camilla and Angol Point Resort.
And for a more luxurious stay, Surfide Resort, 3-5-7 Resort, Boracay Ocean Club and Lorenzo South can cater to your needs while still charging much less than other similar resorts at the far end of the island.

.


.As well as being a quiet spot for romantic couples and honeymooners, it is no surprise that both Mandala Spa and Surfside's Yasuragi Spa are located on this tranquil stretch of the beach, and if your budget won't stretch to a luxurious treatment, massages are available right on the beach, from qualified blind masseurs offering Swedish, Shiatsu and Accupressure at low prices.
Meals can be enjoyed at cosy eateries such as the Italian owned Pizza da Mario, Blue Mango Inn, Kurt's Bavarian restaurant, Surfside (for Japanese cuisine), Cocoloco (Filipino and international dishes) , Sundown Restaurant (European) and Arwana Coffee Shop, and nightlife is of the laid back variety, mostly involving cold San Miguel beer and friendly conversation at Kurt's, Bubbles Bar, Cocoloco or Red Pirates.
.

.
So next time you hear someone comment that Boracay is overcrowded and overpriced, you'll know different. If you are in search of that elusive Boracay vibe without the mayhem and crowds, Angol could be the place for you. But don't tell everyone!

No comments: