For weeks, there have been several bad news regarding Boracay Island which is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines. In fact the president of the Philippines warned the local government unit to close all operations in Boracay if the problem with cleanliness and sanitation would not be addressed immediately.
As these news were aired on the television and in the internet, I was a bit worried because I had already booked a flight for Kalibo last year and even paid for a 3-day stay in Boracay. When I learned about this news, I just told myself to avoid swimming or dipping myself into the "dirty" water and would just enjoy the fun activities in the island. I was really not excited to come in Boracay.
We arrived at dawn and decided to just wait for the sun to rise before we go to Puka Beach. So, we just talked and planned for the things that we would do in the morning.
Puka Beach : The Angry Sea
Big waves and strong winds welcomed us at the entrance of the Puka beach. Actually, that wasn't very welcoming. However, I didn't manage not to take plenty of pictures because the scenery was just so stunning! The view exceeded my expectation of the place, for me it was very enchanting and magical especially because it was not crowded and noisy.
We strolled further and explored the beautiful yet angry seas! Suddenly, I wanted to dip myself in the water and feel the strong current of water. But, I thought also that it was totally insane to risk my life. So, I just stayed in the side and let the waves hit me in the shore.
I asked my cousin to take a funny photo of me with the angry sea to balance the mood and he just did it perfectly!
None of us dared to really swim. So, we decided to leave the place after an hour of staying there. So, that means Boracay has something else to offer. So, please join me...
Station 1 & 2
Now, let me give you a tour of the famous Station 1 and 2. It was really a long walk but, it was all worthwhile.
Let us start from here. Only few people reach this place that is why I really like it. I took plenty of pictures here. I have also seen here two couples having their pre-nuptial pictorial. Suprisingly, both couples are foreigners. There are good rock formations that make the scenery more special and magical.
At this point, I was still really questioning myself why there was a warning to close Boracay. It is indeed a paradise. Every spot is beautiful and picture-perfect.
But then I saw these green-stuffs in the water which are very visible because of the white sands. My cousin told me this was one of the reasons why the president want to restore and rehabilitate the area. I thought this is only a small problem, but this green-thing (because I do not know how it is called) stretches from this point up to the next stations.
But, I do not think it is enough to shut this place down. I believe that the local government can make effective solutions to heal this problem. We continued walking and again I was amazed of what my eyes saw. The resorts were nice and cozy to look at, I believe that the management hear the requests and demands of our government officials to comply with the sanitation requirements to avoid worsening the problem.
In fact, I wanted to acknowledge the people who monitored the actions and behaviour of the tourist with regards to their trashes. I was happy I saw a guard who politely approached a foreigner who placed and left their garbages in the shore. Gladly, the foreigner followed and apologetically picked their trashes and put them inside their bags.
This scenario I witnessed made me think that there is a big hope for Boracay. The guard should represent the locals and the Filipinos, we should feel accountable of our land. On the other hand the foreigners should also be respectful and follow these guidelines.
Fortunately, we were lucky enough to had a free buffet at Astoria. We enjoyed a very delicious lunch there. I believe they were promoting their hotels in Boracay and around the globe together with their partners. We toured the resort and was amazed by it.
Island Hopping & Paddle Board : Fun Activities
If you want to fully enjoy Boracay, you have to try their fun activities but of course you have to have money. So, since I am on a tight budget, I only tried the Island Hopping and the Paddle Board. During this time I have forgotten the issues of Boracay and just enjoyed myself together with other awesome company.
Island Hopping
For Island Hopping, you only need to pay 400 pesos this usually includes free lunch.
We took a groupie after wearing our life jackets and smiles. We were very excited what the 6-hour island hopping would offer. I for myself had tried island hopping before, but I wanted also to experience it in Boracay.
I do not know if it is appropriate to say that we have an adventurous bumpy ride. The waves were huge that surely made the ladies and kids roar in fear. I enjoyed it very much though. So, if you are brave enough I suggest you to try it also, I felt bad a little because they avoided Puka Beach due to the big waves but I understand because that was too risky. I am damn brave though I am not a good swimmer.
We stopped for 30 minutes for a snorkling activity. I wish I could show you what was there but, I have no underwater camera, please forgive me. Lol. 😂
As said, we had a free lunch included in 400-peso Island hopping package, and we had it here. The place was also very gorgeous.
Next to this we went to Crystal Cove, however, we didnt go inside because it would cost us 200 pesos. So, we just stayed outside for an hour and enjoyed some gins and chat.
Tip: To enjoy a place, you need to have a good company.
Here is the view of the Crystal Cove outside...
We headed to the spot for helmet diving and then went back to Station 2.
Paddle Board
My cousin and me decided to try a water activity that we could enjoy in a low price. We were very happy to rent a paddle board for 500 pesos only for 1 hour and 20 minutes. It was very difficult to manage even if waves are not big. However, it gave us a new and different experience and we loved it.
Boracay Sunset
We came a little late for the Boracay Sunset but we still captured beautiful golden pictures. The sail boats added beautiful accent in the photos perfect for couples - very dramatic and romantic! Take a look at these photos...
Boracay Night
If you notice, I seem to be out of topic already. Yes, I am totally very far from my topic that Boracay is not dead! But, I guess the best way to explain that it is still very alive and beautiful is by showing you the things- beautiful things. I really wanted to sound promoting it even if I do not need to because it is perfectly beautiful.
In the evening, Boracay is still very enchanting. There are plenty attractions and activities at night. There are breathtaking performances of fire dancers, different performance from bands, and of course the sand castles.
Fire Dance
Photo Taking with the Sand Castle
Hair Braiding
Surely, there are plenty of things to do in Boracay. Things that are good for our whole being. We need something like Boracay to release the tension and pressures at work. We all deserve this kind of treat for ourselves.
But, does Boracay deserve the issues thrown to it? Does it deserve irresponsible tourists? Does it deserve abusive business establishments?
People are still coming to Boracay, it is not DEAD... But it will be if we continue killing it softly.
Bora is still Bora for now...
