BORACAY ISLAND
We all know the Philippines is one of the best beach destinations in Asia, but no conversation about this country as a destination is complete without mentioning Boracay.
This small island located in the Western Visayas, south of Manila, is the country’s most well-known beach destination, often being featured in various publications on the best islands around Asia and the world. Most notably, in 2012, Boracay was awarded the “Best Island in the World” by international travel magazine Travel + Leisure; in 2014, it was top of the “Best Islands in the World” list published by Condé Nasta Traveler; and in 2016, it was at the top of the same magazine’s list of “Top 10 Destinations to Watch”.
Boracay’s sheer natural beauty is the reason travellers have been flocking to the island for years and the attention has transformed this once quiet and isolated island into a highly developed tourist destination. Resorts of all shapes and sizes have been popping up all along the coast and restaurants and shops now fill the streets and alleys of the island.
Initially, the sudden influx of tourists greatly affected the island and its environment resulting in the closure of the island in 2018 to undertake major infrastructure upgrades, especially of the island’s struggling sewerage system after a video of sewage flowing directly into the ocean went viral.
Since then, the island has put in place strict measures to ensure that the natural environment is protected. Islanders are no longer allowed to party on the beach, single-use plastics will be banned from the island, and there has been a cap on the number of people who can visit the island. Though that may seem off-putting to some, it has only added to the allure of the island, as now people who travel to Boracay are able to experience the island at its best and at the same time participate in the effort to ensure a more sustainable future for the island and its vital tourism industry.
ENGAGE IN WATER SPORTS
If you think that all there is to do here is just sit back, relax and soak up the sun, think again. You’re just inches away from the ocean, which means you’re inches away from endless water-based activities! In fact, Boracay Island is home to a whole host of recreational water activities, including some that you can only find here.
Parasailing: The ultimate must-do on Boracay Island, parasailing gives you the opportunity to fly through the air and have a bird’s eye view of the entire island. Attached to a parachute that is then attached to the back of a speedboat, this is not so much sailing as flying, and if you do it as the sun begins to set, it really will take your breath away – figuratively and literally!
In fact, Boracay Island is home to a whole host of recreational water activities, including some that you can only find here
Flyfish: If you really want an adrenaline rush, hop aboard Flyfish, an inflatable raft, similar to a banana boat, that is pulled along by speedboat. Have some serious fun with your friends as you get tossed around by the splashing waves, at times launching into the air! Be warned: You might get a bit wet!
Diving Lessons (Novice Friendly):
If you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving, Boracay is a fantastic place to get certified. Home to some stunning dive sites teeming with marine life, the island is a paradise for dive junkies of all levels, but particularly if you’re just beginning your dive journey. Choose from an endless number of dive centres offering high-quality training, and rest assured that you’ll be well looked after, guided the whole way by professional instructors.
BORACAY ROCK ( WILLY’S ROCK)
We’re sure that at some point prior to your trip, you will see this spot pop up on your Facebook and Instagram feed. This small castle-like volcanic rock formation is arguably one of Boracay’s most iconic and photographed landmarks. The small rocky outcrop becomes a tidal island at low tide, and at the top of the stairs that have been carved into the volcanic rock, there is a statue of the Virgin Mary. Many people call it Willy’s Rock because of its close proximity to Willy’s Beach Club Hotel, whilst others call it The Grotto, in honour of the Virgin Mary statue, or just simply Boracay Rock, but we call it what it is – a natural beauty! A popular spot with locals and travellers alike, Boracay Rock can also be visited during high tide, though you would need to be prepared to wade through waist high water, so we definitely recommend visiting at low tide instead. Either way, this is an essential photo op waiting for anyone visiting Boracay!
MOTAG LIVING MUSEUM
So, you’ve done all the water activities and sunbathing that you can handle and want something a bit more interesting. Well, why not head on over to Aklan and visit the Motag Living Museum for a cultural immersion experience unlike any other? The “museum” allows you to immerse yourself entirely in the culture of the locals, by mingling with them and even visiting their homes. You can also see their traditional crafts, local farming methods, native delights and much more. Be blown away by the rich heritage of the area and try your hand at making local handicrafts and be awed by their creativity and craftsmanship. A wonderful change of pace, your visit to the Motag Living Museum will allow you to appreciate the culture of the locals in a whole new way.
To Be Like the Ati
Celebrated every January, and culminating on the third Sunday, the Ati-atihan Festival is one of the biggest events on the Philippine cultural calendar. Today, like so many Philippine celebrations, it honours the Santo Niño (a statue of the child Jesus), but the festival – whose name means “to be like the Ati” – is rooted in indigenous legend. While there are variations, the story goes that chieftains and their families fleeing the Malay island of Borneo from a tyrannical sultan arrived on the shores of Panay and were greeted by the Ati locals. They went on to purchase the lowlands, while the indigenous Ati began dwelling in the highlands. To celebrate the relationship, festivities took place, with the Malay migrants painting their faces to honour their dark-skinned hosts. Despite the religious elements in today’s festival, you will notice the street dancers’ blackened faces and colourful costumes paying tribute to the Ati.