After working five business days in Makati City, we flew early Saturday morning to Boracay. Boracay is about 7 km long and 2km wide at its narrowest point. Boracay Island is a well-known tourist spot in the Philippines. If you want a beach holiday, this is the place for you.
Boracay has been described as the mythical deserted island that people fantasize about fleeing when stressed at work. The best beach on the island is called White Beach, a 4 km stretch of beautiful white sand on the island’s western side. This is one of the few naturally produced white sand beaches worldwide.
Asian Spirit took us to the Caticlan airport, and from Caticlan, a boat took us to the Seawind Resort at Boracay’s White Beach. We were greeted with a beaded necklace. The resort was very nice.
After checking into the bungalow, we went to explore the beach. This was the finest beach we have seen. The sand was so white and tiny, the water was so turquoise blue, and it was challenging to keep my eyes open without sunglasses as the sun was out. And we did not have sunglasses. But sunglasses sellers come to you in the usual tourist spot. We bought two pairs of sunglasses for 200 PHP each, and now we were reasonably equipped.
Because of the monsoon wind blowing from the White Beach side in August, the sea was rough, and swimming in the ocean was extreme, but we did it. After swimming, we were targets for different beach sellers. We bought only fruits but offered ranged from a snorkeling trip to a massage.
After walking on the beach and having seafood soup for lunch, we went on the island tour by tricycle. The tricycle did not look very new, but it was still an exciting ride. However, our help was needed once it got stuck in the mud or did not have enough power to head up to the mountain.
The first spot was Mount Luho, the highest point in Boracay. It rises to an altitude of about 100 meters above sea level. The panoramic view from the top makes the demanding climb or ride worthwhile. The ride was too hard for our tricycle, with three people sitting on top, so two of us took a walk.
After beautiful views from the top and saving the tricycle from mud, we drove ahead to another beach. There was also a tourist market, where various hand-made souvenirs were made. Locals also made them there by drilling holes in shells and making necklaces.
Afterward, the driver took us to his home in Punta Bunga village. Compared to what we saw in Port Barton, life here was more developed. The house was tiny, but electricity was here 24 hours a day.
We also visited Bat Cave and Crystal Cave. The caves were only some 20 meters below, but it was dark, chilly, steep, and slippery. We were wearing sandals instead of boots. Our young guide held a light to show us what was in the caves. Then, at the bottom of the cave, we hear the bats squeaking at the top of the cave.
We had a lovely evening on the beach, just walking. We also had the famous Filipino massage, which was good. We had dinner at the resort with some San Miguel. I must say, I like Filipino food. It is not something extraordinary but well-flavored.
The following day, we visited Talipapa Market—where hordes of locals and tourists hang on the streets, where anything can be bought, and all prices are haggled. Here you can do one of two things or both: shop til you drop for beachwear, souvenirs, trinkets, fresh fruits, and whatnot, or feast your senses on the riot of colors and cacophony of sounds.
Later, we spent time on the beach and pool, enjoying the sun. The wind was mighty that day. Because of that, the banca boat could not land on the white beach.
By the evening, we arrived in Makati City at our hotel to work for another week.
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