7 days and 6 nights in Boracay

Boracay is postcard picture perfect. It has its natural beauty; white sandy beaches, blue clear ocean and palm trees combined with the man made; bars with "buy one take one" drink deals, massage spas, food offers and lots of water activities that make it the perfect holiday destination. Without a doubt a very touristy place but for a good reason. Tourist police make sure the beach is not ruined with litter and cigarette butts, this also makes the place feel safe. There are huge amounts of Europeans visiting and owning businesses along Boracay beach front.

We arrived Friday evening after a delayed Zest Air plane, 2 hour bus, boat and another 15 minute bus. We were staying in La Carmela in station 2. The hotel was nice and clean. We settled on
a buffet dinner after walking along the busy beach front. There was lots going on along the busy strip.

The next morning we had breakfast together and found a deal on some activities. We all parasailed while auntie Racquel watched from a floating hut. I've always wanted to do it and we had some great views of the island. It was like sky diving without the free fall.

Then Neil, Jonna and I helmet dived. This was so strange, walking around under water with a huge metal helmet, which kept the water out. Was lots of fun being so close to the fish and feeding them while under water.

Next was flying fish with Reca and Rachelle. I physically felt broken afterwards I was holding on so hard I used every muscle. I fell off once and screamed a lot. The next day I was in so much pain.

Then we took a boat ride around the island to a restaurant for lunch, BBQ pork, prawns and chicken. Then we snorkelled in very choppy water and got stung by jellyfish. The next snorkelling area was much easier and the water was calmer. I saw a sea snake and lots of sea urchins.

There is lots to do in Boracay if you have the money. If you don't the beach is beautiful enough to have a swim and relax with a bottle of San Miguel light. There is a fire dancing show which is very impressive and the dancers only ask for tips. Kids make excellent sand castles for tips. There are singers performing in most of the bars along the strip or while you eat. There are happy hours at all times of the day. Boracay is so much fun.

There are many PADI dive shops and station 2 has the best rates. We decided to do the introductory dive as one day we would both like to get certified. We went with Victory Divers. Our guide was a German guy caed Eric who had been living in Philippines for 10 years. We filled out forms watched a DVD, got our gear on and practiced breathing in shallow water and then at 2pm after lunch we went on the boat. Two main rules of scuba diving is to equalise your ears whilst descending and never hold your breathe. I found the experience really fun but at the beginning I did find I was concentrating on those two rules too much. It was cool to be that far under water and able to breathe. Would love to do it again.

With Boracay being so touristy comes people selling. 100s of Vendors are lined up along the strip selling souvenirs, massages, water activities, food. It becomes very tedious but it's their job and they are very polite with it and walk away once you have said no "Hindi po" but if your not in the mood stay in the hotel as it is inevitable.

Not to long ago Boracay was still very untouched and only the locals lived there in huts now it is full of condos, hotels and resorts. I saw a sign selling the last bit of beach front land. This time of year has the best weather, which meant there was a lot of building work going on but rarely effected us. Boracay is beautiful but not for those looking for an untouched true cultural Filipino experience. Enjoy Boracay for what it is!