Boracay Island

Dubai is home to thousands of Filipinos, but we always forget the Philippines as a potential holiday hot spot. Not anymore 12 Comments

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It’s summer time! And since it’s summer, we always think of beaches. Who can avoid the lure of blue waters, sun-kissed sand and lush landscapes - tempted? Then Boracay Island in the Philippines is the place for you.

Enjoy the soft white sands, clear turquoise waters and beautiful sunsets, not to mention the warm people. It’s a long journey from Dubai, nine hours from Dubai to Manila, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Visas

If you’re decided to explore the place, then here’s what you have to do. An application for Visa would be required depending on the nationality of the candidate. Usually, Americans and Europeans are not obliged to acquire a Visa and they could enjoy staying for 21 days. Check www.globalvisas.com for more details.

How to get there

Air tickets are cheaper during summer season. Try Philippine Airlines, check their website on www.philippineairlines.com or Cathay Pacific, log onto www.cathaypacific.com for the latest prices.

Next, it’s Manila to Boracay. You have to take a local flight from Manila to Kalibo, Aklan Airport or Caticlan Airport (Dhs300 to Dhs500 roundtrip) for 45 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes car ride (Dhs15) and a 10 minute boat ride to Boracay Island. Check arellevalla.com for details.

Where to stay

Upon reaching the island, hotel accommodations await you. Choose the best accommodation for you with cheap rates. Check www.asiarooms.com for details.

What to do

• Parasailing: Fly high over the island and watch the beach speed fast below you as you go parasailing. Enjoy the view from the top as you are being pulled along by a speeding boat far below. For only Dhs220.

• Kiteboarding: This activity made Boracay famous as the kiteboarding and windsurfing capital of Asia because of its wide expanse of shallow water and windy conditions suitable to wind-dependent water sports.

• Trekking: Check out the dead forest located in the southern part of the island. Here you will find dead trees with their silhouettes jutting eerily into the landscape in a frighteningly, fascinating way.

• Boat riding: Take a boat ride to the north of the island at sunset and watch the fruit bats as they fly over to the mainland to feed. A really spectacular sight - they are much bigger than you might imagine.

• Horse riding: Take out one of the friendly, locally bred horses to discover the islands natural beauty. Riding lessons are available.

• Food trip: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, German, American and Italian cuisines are available. The food choices in the island are as diverse as the visiting tourists making the possibilities for food tripping, endless. There is always something for your every whim and craving.

• Nightlife: Dance in the sand under the stars or in one of the island's numerous bars and clubs. And if this scene seems too rowdy for you, a more peaceful and probably, a more romantic alternative, is a stroll along the beach.

• Diving: The underwater world of Boracay is particularly interesting because of its rich marine life which is highly visible against the pure, white sand. Diving and snorkelling gear are available at the many diving centers on the island. Or you can always bring your own.

By Rodelito Mamuad
Time Out Dubai, 3 May 2009

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Add your review/feedback

Posted by: anne on 29 Sep ' 09 at 17:32

You can also visit Davao as it offers a lot of tourist destinations. You will surely love to stay there!

Posted by: ela on 25 Sep ' 09 at 13:44

Amanpulo resort in Pamalican island in Palawan will surely take your breath away!!! it's a true paradise.. you have got to see and experience it yourself..

Posted by: tolits on 24 Sep ' 09 at 11:08

What about trying to visit places in the Northern part of the Philippines? Why not try Ilocos Norte? It has also beautiful tourist destinations like Fort Ilocandia, White Beach or Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, the Light House, Malacanang of the North, falls in Burgos, Windmill (the only windmill in the country if I am not mistaken), and then go to Paoay where you could gaze one of the oldest churches in country. You can also try Ilocos Sur if you want to see historical places.

Posted by: lon-lon on 24 Sep ' 09 at 08:03

Not only Palawan and Boracay. If you need to unwind in places where you can see beaches then Palawan and Boracay are advisable. But if you want site seeing, you ca go to Tagaytay where you could see Taal Volcano and the beauty of nature. You can also go to Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. There is a huge number of spots in the country and it's cheap comparing it to other nations like Indonesia, Hongkong, Singapore etc.

Posted by: Olive on 23 Sep ' 09 at 16:47

It's good to read an article about marketing one of the best tourist spots in my native land- the Philippines. Why not try Palawan also?
It has a lot to offer too. The island is sorrounded by clean beaches, clubs and restaurants.

Posted by: khalid brbr on 25 May ' 09 at 22:30

ok

Posted by: Yani on 12 May ' 09 at 07:32

The pristine water of Boracay is definitely worth the travel. With all sorts of beach activity to fit everyone...My kids simply love the place. I fell in love with it too... A stay in Boracay Regency is fantastic it's near the major hotspots of the island. It's also worth to note and pay a visit in El Nido Palawan if you're a beach bum. The rich marine life is simply irresistible. I recommend Club Noah Isabel for this.

Posted by: Jeff Price on 10 May ' 09 at 13:44

Boracay is a family favorite destination for us. Last time we stayed there, at Lorenzo Villas, we had a room right on the beach. Breakfast was served to us with the waves lapping over our feet. And the wonderful Boracay sunsets.. stunning..
I would thoroughly recommend a visit to Boracay.. diving and island hopping are a must, or simply sit back, put your feet up and enjoy the Island hospitality.

Posted by: Olive on 10 May ' 09 at 13:07

There are a huge number of beaches in the Philippines but BORA is still the BEST! the ambiance is really fantastic! Try BORA and you won't regret!

Posted by: Khel on 10 May ' 09 at 12:08

I think Alex has already mentioned most of the best touristic spots in the Philippines. there are wide varieties of accommodation all over the country from luxury hotels & resorts down to the basic. Palawan has been awarded several times as the best diving spot in Asia. Boracay remains the best place to party & relax right in front of the white sandy beach. an hour massge by the bech would cost you less than AED 30. who says you need to spend a lot of fortune to have a proper & decent holiday!!..WOW Philippines - check out the latest add campaign of WOW Philippines on youtube & other web sites.

have you seen a beach with pine trees all over the shore with beautiful lagoon, nestled at the footsteps of the mountain sorrounded with lush greeneries??...Visit Anawangin in Zamabales.

a week in the Philippines is perfect - spend 3-5 night in one of the beaches, spare 2 nights for shopping and a memorable weekend in Manila. we have bars open til dawn. the party scene is incredible.

-dont forget to ask your tarvel agent for an excess baggage allowance. You may just find yourself loaded with lots of clothes, shoes & souvenirs & ofcourse the MEMORIES & EXPERIENCE -

Posted by: lois on 10 May ' 09 at 10:56

have a read

Posted by: alex on 10 May ' 09 at 10:41

The thing is, it's always boracay who get's the limelight and highlighted in every tourism features. But boracay is not the only white beach in the Philippines. There's bohol, panglao island which is very secluded, white sand and clear water, virgin coral reefs and exciting diving adventure. There's guimaras, dakak, honda bay, plantation bay, pearl farm in Davao, dakak and more. For those surfers out there try our siargao beach and visit the "maldives" of the Philippines-hundred islands in Pangasinan and if fujairah have snoopy island, visit the elephant island in Marinduque. And more wonderful beaches.