Boracay

Boracay is paradise for certified sun-worshippers all over the world. In fact, local and foreign tourists have made Boracay their yearly destination. Others have chosen to live on this haven.

Boracay can be found on the northwestern tip of Panay in Aklan, a province on the Visayas island known for its colorful Ati-Atihan festival.

Boracay's thousand-hectares boast of all the elements of a tropical heaven - crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy and diverse marine life.

Boracay has three little communities - Yapak in the north, Manoc-Manoc in the south and Balabag in between. Hilly elevations of up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manoc-Manoc. Intertwining trails link the small villages and lead to lush tropical jungles.

The culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Chinese, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai - are all fused into the native cuisine. Truly, Boracay, has become the premiere destination of beach lovers around the globe.

There are no direct flights to Boracay. By air, you have two ways to get there if you're coming from Manila. The faster route is a flight from Manila to Caticlan in Panay Island, which takes approximately 50 minutes. From Caticlan Airport, you can take a 15-minute ferry/boat ride to Boracay.

The second route is a flight from Manila to Kalibo, which is also 50 minutes long but from Kalibo, you still have to take a 1½ van or bus ride to get to Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, you take a 15-minute ferry/boat ride to Boracay.

Why take the longer route, you may ask. The second route is cheaper, with air tickets ranging from PHP 1300 to PHP 2500 (normal rates). This is usually included in airline sales and promos. Tickets to Caticlan go for PHP 7000 to PHP 10,000, and they are usually not covered by promo rates. This makes the second route more popular among budget travelers. Keep in mind that you still have to factor other fees (ferry fare, environmental fee, terminal fee) in your list of expenses. You need to shell out PHP 200 for Caticlan Jetty Port fees (which covers cooperative, terminal, environmental and admission fees).

Boracay is divided into three portions: Station 1, Station 2, and Station 3. The posh and expensive hotels are mostly located at Station 1, while the budget accommodations are mostly at Station 3. Station 2 is known as the center of nightlife in the island.

If you're planning to spend your Boracay vacation in style and with a specified budget in mind, Alta Vista De Boracay's fully-equipped suites should be included in your list of options. The hotel's hilltop location will give you the most breathtaking views of the island. The luxurious hotel ensures a worry-free escape that you deserve during your vacation. On top of this, Alta Vista offers the lowest reservation rate via bookings made directly on their website.