Boracay is a small island located right smack in the middle of the country but it’s not all too difficult to get there. The prime travel destination is well connected to major cities around the country so no matter where you are, there’s always a way for you to get to the island.

The most popular way of travelling to Boracay is by air. Flights from Manila and Cebu going to Caticlan and nearby Kalibo are provided every day. Most of these flights are also synchronized with the boat transfers from Caticlan to the island so you getting there is no rocket science. But if you want to explore other options of travelling, you can always go by land and by boat.

Ro-Ro

Ro-Ro (Roll-on, Roll-off) is a nautical highway that was developed to connect all the major islands of the Philippines. The country is an archipelago so the government thought of a way to make transportation of goods from the north to the south and vice versa easier. This has also provided an option for adventurous travellers to try a different way of getting to Boracay.

When you go by Ro-Ro, expect to use buses and ferries to travel to Boracay. Philtranco buses offer trips to Caticlan from Manila. You just need to head for their terminal at the Ali Mall located in Cubao Quezon City or at the Ali Mall located in Pasay City. Buses leave several times daily and during peak season, the company adds more trips according to demand. The fare will set you back by P700 for non air-conditioned buses and about P850 for air-conditioned ones. This is inclusive of ferry rides that you will take along the way.

The bus will take the more scenic route to Boracay. From Cubao, you will travel to Batangas where the bus will be transported by ferry to Calapan, Mindoro. From there, the bus will go along the island and then board another Ferry from Roxas going to Caticlan.

Travel time for the whole journey is about 14 hours. It is a different albeit quite exhausting experience so make sure to travel with a buddy or a group so you don’t feel too bored along the way.

The island of Boracay is small enough that you can easily walk around and get to wherever you need to go. In fact, to get to one end of the 4 km White Beach to another, the walk will take you only about an hour and a half. If you want to be in close commune with nature, leisurely walks around the island are definitely in order. Just don’t go barefoot and don’t walk around at high noon because the sun light is especially strong during this time. Besides, your feet will not appreciate you torturing them by getting them in close contact with the scorching hot sand.

If you’re going to areas outside the White Beach, public transport in the island comes in the form of tricycles. These are motorcycles that have sidecars attached to them where the passengers are supposed to sit. The fare ranges from five pesos to twenty pesos depending on how many people are hiring the ride. If you’re going to charter a tricycle for an hour, you may have to shell out 150 pesos.

You can also rent bicycles. Some resorts rent them out to their guests at about 50 pesos per hour. This is another way to get around the island and exercise at the same time. You just need to be careful on the road. Bikes are supposed to run on the right side of the road. Tricycle drivers tend to navigate through the main roads like maniacs so make sure to stay out of their way.

There are also resorts that can help you arrange for motorcycle rentals. But take note that driving manners and the road conditions may be different from those in your country. You will also need an international driver’s license to be able to rent a motorcycle. Rentals can cost about 150 pesos an hour.

Bikinis of Boracay

The gem in the Philippines tourist crown, Boracay boasts one of the most perfect stretches of tropical tourist beach anywhere in Asia. Not-surprisingly it is the most popular destination in this archipelago though it’s tastefully developed and not overly crowded. The whole beach-feel has been retained since the access roads are kept away from the water front and the low-rise beachfront resorts provide a great experience where you can literally get sand between your toes while eating breakfast!

This blog will gradually reveal the best of Boracay and those things to watch out for, in short how to get the most out of your visit here. By the end of 2009 this will all be upgraded into a 100 page website that is part of a large established guide series to Southeast Asia, with sister sites on the Visayas, Manila and the Philippines. Everything you need to know about Boracay will soon be found here.

The island centres around the stunning White Beach, which runs for several kilometres of perfect white sand, aqua coloured water and plenty of coconut palms. The ends of the beach offer an private and quite island experience while the central beach area is where you will find many restaurants, bars, shops and services. It all adds up to a great experience of sunbathing, sailing, snorkelling and diving, water sports, relaxing and partying.

Hotels and accommodation: Boracay has plenty of fine hotels right on the beachfront to suit all budgets on room rates. Some are cheap, others cost the earth, and if you intend to stay during a busy period it’s worth booking well in advance online to secure the cheap hotel room rates.