We went to Boracay almost a year ago, i.e., December 2011.  It was my first time going there, and most of my companions were first-timers, too.  Well, I wanted to touch the famed fine, white sand and to see what the fuss is about Boracay.

     So, from Manila, we all boarded a Cebu Pacific plane.  However, since we were a big group (around 15), we were in 2 different flights: the super early one and the afternoon one.

     It was my first time, too, to board a plane smaller than the regular airbus, so I was kinda scared.  I asked if I could be seated in front and my request was granted.  I got seat 1, on the first row, but it was a seat facing all the other passengers!  So, I felt like a flight attendant.  It was an odd experience but a memorable one.  

     Anyway, we arrived in Caticlan where we found our transfer service awaiting for us.  So while the rest of our co-passengers scurried to get tricycles to the jetty port, we got a much better service in an air-conditioned van courtesy of The Sands Hotel.  Yay!   Moreover, when we got to the port, The Sands' own boat picked us up.  Double yay!  It was so, so convenient, specially that we didn't need to carry our bags (I had a very heavy overnight bag).

     Well, we finally reached Boracay and it proved to be what I imagined it to be: fun and full of people.  However, since I'm one of those weird people who seeks tranquility while on the beach, I find Boracay crowded.  Good thing we were booked at The Sands in Station 3 where there were fewer people, away from the unbearably crowded Station 2.

     Indeed, the sand was powdery white, but not all Stations have the same texture of sand.  Station 3 has the coarsest and it gets finer the farther you go along the beach towards Station 1.  However, I observed the sand is less smelly in Station 3 than in the other 2 Stations for some unknown reasons. And really, the liveliest and most crowded place is definitely Station 2.

     However, when we arrived in Boracay, most people were out boating, riding the paraw, taking refuge from the midday sun or sleeping in.  So Boracay was relatively serene mid-afternoon, even in Station 2.



Starting 5pm, the crowd got thicker, and by sunset, Station 2 became a party destination.  As for me, I just relished the sunset and went back to the hotel to rest, refresh myself and get ready for dinner.