Boracay

Boracay is a resort island in the Philippines known for its white sandy beaches. From Manila we hopped on a plane, bus, boat and jeepney to reach our hotel, Dave’s Straw Hat Inn, where the staff offered us an ice tea on our arrival and have all been polite. Our first full day started out with some heavy rain, though by around noon, the sun was shining, so we spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach walking and laying around. We explored the local town, ate some pastries, and cleared our minds of any concerns. This has been the first real relaxing kick-your-heals-up time we have had.

Darin relaxing and kicking his heels up

Darin and I hanging out in this little island about 10m from the coast

Sailing away

The second day was more of the same but prepared with a homemade pineapple mango rum drink in hand. We also tried to use the pool of a neighboring hotel and were immediately told that the pool is for guest use only when asking for a towel. We’ll remember not to even ask for a towel next time. And after two hours on a beach lounge on the beach, we were again asked to leave in the most polite way possible.

We then just continue on and we stroll along the beach.

“Jet-ski sir? Parasailing sir? Snorkel sir? Sail boat sir?” the vendors ask as we walk along the beach.

“Sail boat, how much?”

“900, sir.” We keep walking. “OK, how much sir? 800 for you.”

“What boat is yours?” He points, we start to walk.

“700 sir.” We look at one another and decide to go sailing.

For 700 pesos (16USD) we were taken out for an hour on a sail boat by two guys operating the rigging. The filtered sun was perfect with the light breeze as we laid out on the boat with just the sound of the slapping water. What a great way to spend an afternoon.

Not our boat, but similar

View of White Beach from our boat

Ariel’s Point

On our last day in Boracay, we took a boat to Ariel’s Point. This is a little area where we can lounge around, jump off cliffs, kayak, snorkel, swim, and eat/drink all you can. The price was 1400 pesos per person (33USD). Though relatively expensive from everything else, we decided to splurge a little since it seemed highly recommended on tripadvisor and it sounded like a lot of fun. Plus, we got to meet some other travelers from Australia, Canada, Sweden, and the US.

Boat to Ariel's Point

Ariel's Point

Anthony jumping off the 8m board and Darin jumping off the 15m board

After spending 4 nights in Boracay, I can see why every Filipino I've met seems to rave about this place. With the beautiful beach and numerous activities, there really is something for everyone.