27/10/2017
ABOUT BORACAY ISLAND:
Boracay Island is located about 200 miles south of Manila and 2 kilometers off the northwest tip of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay is under the Municipality of Malayand is comprised of three barangays (similar to village) called the Manoc-Manoc, the Balabag, and the barangay of Yapak and is under the administrative control of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.
Boracay Island is only about seven kilometers long and 1083 hectares. The center of the Island, where the population of about 16,000 people (as of 2006), is concentrated, is flat and narrow. Both the Southern and northern ends of the island are wider and hilly, with the highest point, Mount Luho which is about 100 meters high is located in the northeast.
FEATURES:
Temperature : November to February (Amihan) 25 to 32 degree Celsius. March to June (Summer) 28 to 38 degree Celsius, July to October is the Habagat season (wettest season).
Dress Code : Casual, in good taste. (Short-shorts, bikinis, bra-type tops and topless in both men and women are undesirable in public places; n**e and topless swimming and/or sunbathing are not permitted.) All beaches are public.
Electricity : 220 Volts AC
Transportation : Mountain bikes, Pedi cabs, Tricycles, Motorized outrigger boats
Airport : Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan
Attractions : Beautiful White Beaches, Nighlife, Caves, Water sports, Island Hopping, Mountain
Hiking, Sailing, Diving, Windsurfing, Flora and Fauna
Communications : Domestic or International calls can be made from most hotels either through the operator or direct distance dialing (DDD). The telephone system does not however allow collect calls. Mobile phones enjoy a growing popularity in the island.
Boracay Service Facilities : A provincial hospital, medical clinic, couple of supermarket and a department store, a number of wet seafood market, one hour photo shops, churches, gyms, computer center, real estate offices, banks, laundry shops, post offices and other air service, International schools, Department of Tourism and other government agencies, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Malay Aklan Police, wide selection of souvenir stalls and specialty restaurant.
Travel to Boracay:
By Plane: The most popular means of travelling to boracay in Malay, Aklan is by air via Kalibo. There are regular cheap flights from Manila to Kalibo Airport in Aklan on Panay Island. The flight takes less than one hour, but an additional 90 minutes bus trip to Caticlan Jetty Port is required.
From Kalibo to Caticlan: Southwest Tours, Star Express and 7107 Island Tours ply the route from Kalibo Airport to Caticlanwith air-conditioned buses or coasters. Included in the price is also the boat transfer from Caticlan to one of Boracay's boat stations. Other means of reaching Caticlan are mini-vans, which are a little cheaper, but don't provide boat service to Boracay. The trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours.
Smaller turbo planes fly directly to Caticlan Airport, This is the fastest way and from Caticlan Airport, only a short tricycle ride to the jetty port.
By Ship: An adventurous but more leisurely and romantic way to travel to Boracay is by Ferry from Manila to Caticlan or Dumaguit, near Kalibo. The trip to Boracay takes about 17 hours.
MBRS Shipping Lines have two boats plying the route from Manila to Caticlan. The ships leave Manila's North Harbor, Pier 8, every Friday, Monday and Wednesday and arrive in Caticlan the next day.
Other shipping companies service the route Manila to Dumaguit, half an hour east from Kalibo. The companies are WG&A and Negros Navigation.
By Land: Caticlan, the entry point for Boracay, can be reached also by private cars or airconditioned buses, via the 'strong republic nautical highway', stretching from Batangas, Luzon, to Cagayan de Oro. This is probably the cheapest way to go to Boracay. But it takes more time an adventurous spirit.
Arriving on Boracay - The new Jetty Port at Caticlan: Boracay Island itself is then reached by travelling on motorized bancas (motorized outrigger boats), which is continuously ply the short trail between the island. The boat trip takes 20 to 25 minutes and land at three defined areas, known as Boat Stations 1,2 and 3 along the shoreline of White Beach. If you're going to visit Boracay, it is advisable that you find out in advance which Boat Station is closest to the resort where you are staying. Most travel agency can arrange that for you.
TIP: it is best to wear casual clothes like shorts, T-shirt and slippers for arrival and departure boat trips. You may get wet while crossing the channel between Caticlan and Boracay Island, and usually one has to wade a short distance in shallow water from the boat to the beach.
Getting Around Boracay
Motorized pedicab and tricycle is still the classic mode of transportation in Boracay. The daytime fare per passenger is around 30 to 50 pesos for any trip in the flat area between Boat Stations 1 and 3. Fares are higher , and often negotiable, for trips beyond station 1 and 3. Pedicabs are available on the southern part of White beach path. Daytime per person range for 40 pesos and above, depending on the distance and your negotiating skills. Nightime fares for both motorcycles (tricycles) and pedicabs are higher the later the hour. Prices are supposed to be posted in the trycicles so have a look if you are unsure of the right fare.
Note: Some dishonest tricycle drivers might try to trick you into paying more so before getting into the tricycle, ask how much the fare is or ask the locals first. If you're in doubt just wait for another tricycle or get the tricycle driver's serial number and you can complain about it later.
Vehicle Rental - the island has a comparatively good road network, so most of the interesting sightseeing spots can be reached by either mountain bike or motorcycle. Both can be rented by the hour or daily from numerous rental operators, especially along the White Beach path. Pices vary. Tricycles can be rented for about 200 pesos per hour to tour the island, but they can travel only on the main road. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the beachfront. One can find rental shops at the corner of D'Mall and the main road.
ATV (newest craze in the island). You can also explore the whole island by means of ATV (AllTerrain Vehicle). Transverse steepest and the most rugged road going to Mount Luho and other scenic viewpoints. Just rent an ATV and travel the whole island.
Cars are not allowed on Boracay island so there's no car rental available.
