Island Hopping Part 2: Boracay, Philippines
Boracay, Philippines by Ash Dason
Transparent aqua water that allows you to see the bottom of the ocean floor, white sand beaches, non existent ocean pollution, dreamy sunsets, all the things you dream of for a vacation can be found on Boracay. Relax and rejuvenate in the island nature by day and enjoy a buzzing nightlife with friends at night. Don't believe me? It has won numerous awards for being the ideal vacation destination, Travel + Leisure magazine titled Boracay as the best Island in the world in 2012. Due to it's reigning prestige, Boracay has now become a sought out destination all over the world and has experienced increased tourism within the last decade. Although relaxing on Boracay isn't as private as before, choosing the right hotel and location is key.
For my frugal/financially wise fancy friends, finding a deal when traveling in the Philippines can be done with ease! Try to book on .com.ph sites to get the Philippine prices. The peso is worth less than the dollar and you should be able to get all necessities, amenities, and bells and whistles all UNDER budget. If you end up paying thousands and have all the money in the world by all means that's Olive's style of fancy, but I'm not as cute as her so I keep myself on a budget.
Tip 1. Choose a hotel with a private beach
It may seem like a luxury since you can walk down to the beach but the swarms of crowds limit the relaxation factor. My suggestion would be to book a hotel with it's own beach area for residents. The Coast is a hotel I got to experience on the island, I was disappointed by the website as it screams hipster but it honestly doesn't do the hotel justice. They don't have pictures of the private beach area they provide to their residents, along with drink service, and security at all times. Philippines is a third world country and you will experience street vendors from surf lessons to pearls interrupting your zen getaway. The hotel itself is amazing, the center are a couple of pool areas, the front of the hotel boasts a great restaurant with many choices steps away from the beach. Shangri-La is always a great choice. I didn't get to stay their while on Boracay but they have their own private beach, impeccable service and fabulous resort living. You pay the price for it but if you are in need of an extensive vacation experience. Shangri-La is the place to be.
Tip 2. Scope out activities
Scope out the activities you want to do, prices can be negotiated by street vendors but make sure you know what you're getting yourself into. If they are vendors of hotels, they are usually a little more pricey but have all the appropriate safety gear etc.
Tip 3. Venture to X Station
Calling all hipsters, Boracay has an amazing place that I wish was closer to home! I dream of rose gold accents at all times but X Station is a small Anaheim Packing House except modeled more appropriately. A coffee shop themed with Tiffany blue sits on the corner of the entrance called Little Wave Co. and like I said earlier, rose gold accents! My heart melted. It's humid and hot outside and the I was craving an Iced Americano. Little Wave's coffee, brunch menu, homemade pasta, I have to stop to eat now... I also tried Nonie's Cafe just two stores down. I don't eat a lot of meat so I'm vegetarian until there's is nothing else and I would be rude to the host which made me feel at home at Nonie's Cafe. It's a vegan/vegetarian Filipino restaurant. At first my mom was confused, as though the two statements defied gravity but she's not green or a witch so I told her it's for realsies! It's a casual dining spot but with earthy modern decor with concrete floor, succulents on the wood paneled tables, everything was 10's. The menu boasted and assortment of entrees not just the same vegetarian dish in different forms. Empanadas, soup, smoothies, chips, burgers and on and on. I got the empanadas and wanted to order some more immediately. How the chef was able to combine the Filipino flavors with healthy conctious ingredeients is beyond me and I would like to keep it that way. I wish Nonie's would branch out to southern California so I could by glutunous and eat their everyday. Their Mango and Sticky Rice has a individual flair with cocoa shavings ginger in the white rice. I loved it! My husband didn't like the dessert but he's not adventurous when it comes to dessert.
The fact is, there is something for everyone in Boracay, even for your church obsessed neighbor down the street, bring them too. There are mission sites available for you to volunteer your time. From parasailing, surfing, massages, beach bumming, gourmet food, nightlife and whatever else your heart desires, Boracay has everything for the ideal vacation, it costs half the price of the Maldives and Bora Bora.
