If you're going to boracay for the first time, here's what you need to know.
1. There are 2 airports to reach the boracay island.
First one is the CATICLAN airport which has shorter travel time to reach the island 2mins multicab ride to jetty port,30mins ferry ride to boracay island and 5-15mins travel via multicab or van to your hotel.
Second one is the KALIBO airport which is way farther than caticlan airport. It will take you 90mins bus or van ride to the jetty port, 30mins ferry to boracay island, and 5-15mins travel via multicab or van to your hotel.
These two airport has its own advantage and disadvantages. Kalibo airport caters to larger aircrafts such as airbus while the caticlan airport on caters to small aircraft only such as MA60 or as small as 19seater plane. So choose wisely if you're afraid of flying on a smaller planes. Kalibo bound airplanes also offer much lower airfares than the Caticlan bound planes. Promo fares to kalibo go as low as 599 for one way. So if you're a backpacker or budget conscious traveller, this is your route.But if budget is not an issue, better take the Caticlan route. Bus fare from kalibo to caticlan jetty port costs around 200-300 per way, while a multicab from the caticlan airport to the jetty port costs only 20-50pesos per person.
2. There are 3 main stations at the Boracay Island. Based on my observation, here is what you can see on these locations.
Station 1 is where you can see the famous Willy's rock. A rock located in the middle of the beach but is accessible by foot especially during low tides. Station 1 has the best high end hotels, this is also where lots of activities are held such as concerts,sportsfests,etc.
Station 2 is where you can find the D' Mall. Here lies variety of restaurants for food lovers, souvenir shop for buying of the pasalubong, and lots of bar to party with.
Station 3 is where low cost hotels are located. This is also where the talipapa(market) is located. Another option for buying fresh seafoods and souvenirs.
3. Activities
Island Hopping tour(group) - bound to crystal cave, snorkelling and fish feeding. Some tour operators also offer buffet dinner together with the fee. so calify with your tour guide if the island hopping tour they are offering includes dinner. Usually costs around 700-1500 per person depending on your contact tour guide.
Island hopping tour(private) - bound to crystal cave, snorkelling and fish feeding, if time permits will bring you to Puka beach. Private boat costs aroung 1500-3500 depending on the size of the boat and persons to go on board. This tour does not include lunch but the boatman can bring you where the best lunch can be serve.
Snorkelling gear and environmental fee also not included in both tours.
Other activities that are not to be missed are the following
Banana boat ride- best for groups of 4 above
Fly fish-alternative to banana boat if you're only 2persons.
Helmet diving-costs around 800up per person
Dinner cruise
Parasailing
Jetski rental
Motorbike rental to go around the other side of boracay
......stay tuned for the 2nd part of this feature...
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
