Welcome to Boracay, Island, Philippines

OVERVIEW

After a swim in the sea, you can engage in relaxing activities. Comb the beaches on horseback. Play an exciting game of volleyball. Get on an outrigger and sail to the other side of the island. Swim over to the floating bar and cool off with a cocktail. Or
hop around one beach to another and enjoy the easy-going atmosphere.

After sunset, the island transforms into one exciting night of dancing and partying. But don't take our word for it, Boracay is an island you have to experience yourself.

For many certified sun-worshippers the world over, paradise goes by the name Boracay. For indeed, many visitors have come back to Boracay year after tear. Some have even chosen to live in this paradise island.

Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found at the northwestern tip of Panay, in the west Visayas region, off the Sibuyan Sea. Boracay has managed to pack its thousand-hectare area with all the elements of a tropical paradise--crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy marine life underneath the seas.

Boracay is made up of three little communities: Yap in the north, Balabag in the middle, and Manoc- manoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manoc-manoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages together but may sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. Electricity and public transportation remain relatively scare.

Boracay would have remained a national secret if not far a few foreign travelers whom accidentally stumbled upon the place. Some say it was a movie crew, which spread word about Boracay to other sun worshippers. Other swear it was German traveler Jens Peters' book, which included rare reviews about Boracay, that sent tourists on their way. Whichever tale is true, Boracay has become a melting pot for beach loceers. At any point in the islands, visitors can hear English, German and French spoken fluently. More importantly, visitors respect the serene quality of the place, and pay tribute to native Boracaynons by behaving according to local behavioral codes-which means no nudity, no fighting, and no loud commotion's.

Not surprisingly, the culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its
visitors. French, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish and Thai-they're all here side by side the native cuisine. Lending ample support to this virtual rainbow of fruit shakes: from sweet yellow mango, greens tart.

How To Get There?
Take a flight to Manila. You may have to spend a night in Manila on your outward
journey because onward flights to Boracay are limited. Fly Philippine Airlines from
Manila (Domestic Airport) to Kalibo Airport. (The flight takes 30 minutes and costs
about 3,000 Philippine peso return). From Kalibo Airport takes the air-conditioned bus
to Caticlan and the boat from Caticlan harbor to Boracay (the bus trip takes 90
minutes and the boat 30 minutes; combined ticket Pp140). Various charter companies
fly direct from Manila to Caticlan Airport (Pp4, 000 return; 60-90 minutes). As there is
no jetty on Boracay, you have to wade ashore from the boat, so wear something
suitable!

When To Go?
The high season is from December to April. Christmas is popular - but you may have
trouble finding accommodation. May to June is ideal but rather hot. July to November
is the low season and therefore the cheapest time to go. October and November have
the best sunsets.

Choosing the Best Time to Go
As a rule, it's great to visit Boracay anytime. But then again, so many activities have
been lined up that it is usually difficult to make up your mind regarding just WHEN to
go. We have outlined here some of the major events in Boracay to help you make the
most of your stay in the island.

January in Boracay has one big plus: the world-famous Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival,
the Philippine mardi gras which is celebrated every third week of January.

International sports events such as the Boracay International Funboard Cup and the
Annual International Paraw Cup Challenge is held during January to February. It is
during this time of the year when the "amihan" (northeast monsoon) season
produces winds that are most reliable and at their strongest. March, April, and May
are the summer months. At this time, the island thrives with beach activity as many
tourists arrive to enjoy basking in the sun and staying in the cool waters, either
swimming, diving or snorkeling. Except a lot of local visitors, too, for these months
are vacation time for the students.

June, July and September are considered off-season months in Boracay. Budget
conscious tourist swear that this is the best time to go since Boracay rates are
cheapest and there are few "rivals" for that precious patch of white sand beach. After
the hectic beehive activity of the summer months, there is - - aaah, the relative peace
and quite!

October marks the beginning of the peak season. This already lasts until the summer
months. During the months of October, November and December, the cool, tropical
climate is at its best in the island. Major sports events are held at this time of the year.
Holiday offerings are also popular among most establishments during the Christmas
season.

What To Do There?
Boat trips around the island, windsurfing, diving, sailing, horseback riding, snorkeling, golf, mountain biking.

Where To Eat?
There are four miles of beachfront restaurants with every kind of food you can
imagine: Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Korean, as well as Filipino.

What To Bring?
You need very few clothes. Beach clothes/towels can be bought on the island. Sweet
pants and tops are useful if you go at Christmas, when it can get cool at night.

Money
Take a mixture of American dollars in traveler's cheques and cash. Change some
money at Manila International Airport where the rate is better than on Boracay. Credit
cards are accepted in some locations on Boracay. Safety deposit boxes for valuables
are available at the Tourist Centre on Boracay.

Extras
Sunglasses, a hat, a flashlight and a good pair of beach sandals.

Wind Surfing
Boracay has recently become famous as one of the country's prime windsurfing
venues. It is now considered one of Asia's Best Boardsailing Destinations. An annual
international event, the (San Miguel Super Dry) Boracay International Funboard Cup,
is held every January or February of the year to promote this sports in the island.
Inquiries may be made at Green Yard Beach Resort.

Diving
The underwater world of Boracay is particularly interesting because of its rich marine
life which is highly visible against the pure, white sand. Coral reefs still continue to
thrive around the island. Diving and snorkeling gear (including diving trips for the
seasoned diver and lessons for the neophytes) are available at many diving centers
or establishments in the island. Among the notable ones are Calypso Diving and the
Red Coral Diving School.

Sailing
A trip to Boracay is made more exhilarating and relaxing by drifting around the island
aboard a banca (outrigger) kayaking, paddleboating, yachting or speed boating. The
proper equipment are available for rent at a number of resorts at reasonable rates.

Mountain Biking
This sport has also gain popularity in the island. Guided mountain biking trips which
cover Boracay's environs or nearby islands are available to the neophyte as well as
the seasoned biker. Mountain bikes are available for rent at most sports centers in
Boracay.

Beach Volleyball and Other Beach Sports
Boracay is a haven not just for aquasports enthusiasts but for inland sports buffs as
well. Among the sports, which Boracay has become famous for internationally, are
beach volleyball and soccer. Annual tournaments are held to promote these sports in
the island.

Sunbathing
Some guests prefer to bask in the sun, lie under the cool shade of coconut trees, and
watch the colorful beach activities or read their favorite book. Whether you stay out
in the sun or keep your cool in the shade, don't ever forget to slather on sunscreen to
avoid any skin damage. Remember, sand and water can also reflect those scorching
rays.

INSO DISCO, Lorenzo Main
Shed your excess energy and calories in the island's disco. The ull-air-conditioned
INSO DISCO offers the state of the art lighting equipment and sound technology. Conveniently located from all points of the island, opens nightly from 8:00 p.m. until 2:00 am. It has also a bar that accepts reservations for private parties. Boracay Sunset

Watching the sunset right on White Beach is one of the highlights of a Boracay trip.
The breathtaking display of colors in the sky is spectacular and unique as it blends
with Boracay's horizon.

Restaurant Hopping
The gourmet may be suprised at the treat that awaits in Boracay. Numerous
restaurants, mostly located right at the beachfront, serves sumptuous international
cuisine - American, Singaporean, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, French, Spanish, Thai
and Filipino. Seafood dripping fresh straight from the sea; fresh fruits and
juices-heavenly to taste! wine and liquor choice is wide as well.

Bar Hopping
Bars also abound in the island, and are one of the favorite tourist nights.