Serendipitous Boracay: Revisited 2011

As I enplaned at Naga Airport with my travel buddy, I was more than raring to go for a five-day Boracay getaway for the second time and I would go nuts if the timing was not perfect. Stressors from my erstwhile job and a new-found one made me cranky and my fuse short. And the antidote? This trip!

My Naga-Manila flight won myself a yellow green collapsible box for answering a question on world currencies, an in-flight game of Cebu Pacific. One is not enough. I duplicated the feat by winning another box, this time dark pink on my Manila-Caticlan flight. Two souvenir items in the bag? Not bad! For travel newbies to Boracay, it would be a good idea to take Manila-Caticlan and Kalibo-Manila routes. The reason is obvious especially if you want to be in all Philippine airports. Another reason was both routes were on promo when I booked them.

The concierge from Trafalgar Inn picked us up at Boracay Airport- I booked my inn at www.hostels.com for a guaranteed cheap accommodation- I found out that the airport was so close to the Jetty Port, but we already rode a trike for Php 50.00 being destitute of information on how to get there.

After settling down at Trafalgar’s, we surveyed the long sandy white beach from end to end, inquired about the available tour packages, entered numerous shops, found an eatery, and rested for the night.

The next morning was scheduled for island hopping. The tour includes two snorkeling spots, spelunking and trekking on Crystal Cove (with Php 200.00 entrance fee), a satisfying buffet meal and an exhilarating beach bumming at Puka Beach, renowned for its world class quality shells. Take note; don’t dare miss this activity for you will surely miss the chance of fully enjoying Boracay.

The third day went extreme: Para-sailing and Helmet Diving or Marine walk. I was not loaded with fund but I did go for broke. I dared the challenge like flying on top of the world, and surviving the ear achy air pressure under waters. I was there for the heck of it!

A speed boat transferred us to the floating station that facilitates air and water adventures. I hopped on a bigger speed boat, harnessed to a parachute, and was slowly hoisted until the maximum height was reached, and sped away without knowing where I was heading out. 

What I was conscious of was I was flying alone with glee. In the afternoon, we plunged underwater aided by a pressurized 25-kilo helmet. It weighs a kilo when submerged. I envisaged myself like Neil Armstrong as my upper gear was astronaut look-alike. Young corals, marine creatures and a school of sparse fish which drew near to us during our walk and fish feeding were the treats to see. The guide took photos and video of our marine walk. It’s just another worthy experience to count and savor.

Day four was apportioned for ATV ride. We raced along the hilly trail leading to the highest point of Boracay with two stopovers at the Aviary Farm, with special mention of the wide wingspan of their giant bats, and at the Watch Tower. A cool cinematic panorama befell our naked and discriminate eyes as the views were all breathtaking.

The penultimate day was utilized for the real beach bumming experience and vegged out on my malong mat. It spared me from further expenses, except for the day’s meals at a frequented hole in the wall. A fire show performed by the fire dancers made our night walk complete. Earlier, a beach wedding was witnessed by me. With all these, my R&R was extraordinarily special! :)

We checked out from our inn, and bade the beach goodbye, a quintessential respect for the many pleasures accorded to us by this most sought-after stretch of white sandy blessings. :)