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.

     

   

     I went to Boracay last weekend with my peers and we all had a blast. We stayed at The Sands in Boracay in Station 3. I think we were the only locals in that hotel, save for the staff. The guests were predominantly east Asians.

     For now, I'll concentrate on work and I will post my travel adventures in Boracay later.

     Today, the Department of Tourism expressed concern about the incident.  The Tourism Secretary said that hotel owners and other establishments on the beach should post signs or warnings that say it is okay to be happy and enjoy while on the island but there are things that should be done privately, preferably in their hotel rooms. He apparently added that it was a good thing that the sex incident happened at a time when kids are already asleep, and that the act was between a couple that seem to be married and it was not done with a Filipina.  Really?  As if doing it with your spouse who is not a local will make public sex more acceptable.  Lol!

     I'm probably one of the few local tourists who haven't been to Boracay, ever.  As you may well know, Boracay is a top tourist destination, for local and international travelers alike.  White, sandy beaches, varying hues of blue waters, beautiful sunset, and relentless partying come summer.  I love the beach, even though I cannot swim, but I do like to frolic in the sand, dip in the cool sea, and just stare at the beauty of nature.  However, I find going to Boracay a tedious process.  You must board a plane to Caticlan, and then ride a boat or something going to the beach.  Also, it's [overly] crowded during the summer and I'm not a party-person.  I'd love to have a more serene atmosphere you see.

     By a stroke of luck, I won a trip to Boracay, all expenses paid, during our Christmas party.  Now, I don't have a reason not to go to Boracay.  I think I'd like to go there in February, but not during March and April.  Let's see if I get the time to go there.  I'll have something to blog about if my Boracay trip pushes through .     

     Wish me luck!