These are the places on my list this year. I am hopeful I can strike out all of these before the year ends. :)
April - El Nido, Palawan
May - Iloilo
Guimaras
Boracay
July - Calaguas
August - Boracay (annual trip with J)
October - Coron, Palawan
December - Hong Kong / Singapore
Friday, 17 January 2014
Monday, 13 January 2014
A Tear for Calaguas?
J and I were discussing our travel plans for this year, we both thought of and said at the same time that we would want to go back to Calaguas.
It has been 5 years since we first met Calaguas. Tour rates then were so much cheaper than they are now.
I remember the feeling I had the moment I saw the waters and shores of Calaguas, it was postcard perfect. I was in awe. I thought I was dreaming because of the heat. But no.
It was a very virgin island that there were no cottages around. There were only probably 2 or 3 houses by the shore. It felt like heaven.
It was our first time to camp and the summer we went there was one of the hottest summers we've had. I still remember having to open up our tent just so we can catch wind from the ocean while we slept at night.
It was gorgeous. The whole island was amazing. The water was so clear and warm that it made you feel like staying in it forever.
It was a quiet place. It was large enough for all the campers.
Recently, friends from work had shown interest in going to Calaguas this summer. I told them it was a really nice beach, virgin and all.
As I was planning our trips for this year I came across more recent posts about Calaguas, and what I read broke my heart and nearly brought me to tears.
Because Calaguas has grown to be a popular tourist destination, more people are coming in and more things seem to be happening in the island. I have read there are now mobile bars and fire crackers/ fireworks at night.
I remember our night in Calaguas where the only sound we heard were the waves crashing on the piece of wood by the shore, the voices of other campers telling stories around a fire. There were no mobile bars then, nights were serene and quiet.
At this moment I feel a bit hesitant to go back and see Calaguas. Will I be disappointed once we get back? Will I still recognize the island I had my first camping on? In the coming years, will it be as beautiful as I remember it to be?
On the other hand, I still would like to go and see things for myself. I'd like to feel it's sand on my feet again and swim in it's clear, warm water.
I'd like to see it again and maybe just maybe things would be better.
It has been 5 years since we first met Calaguas. Tour rates then were so much cheaper than they are now.
I remember the feeling I had the moment I saw the waters and shores of Calaguas, it was postcard perfect. I was in awe. I thought I was dreaming because of the heat. But no.
It was a very virgin island that there were no cottages around. There were only probably 2 or 3 houses by the shore. It felt like heaven.
It was our first time to camp and the summer we went there was one of the hottest summers we've had. I still remember having to open up our tent just so we can catch wind from the ocean while we slept at night.
It was gorgeous. The whole island was amazing. The water was so clear and warm that it made you feel like staying in it forever.
It was a quiet place. It was large enough for all the campers.
Recently, friends from work had shown interest in going to Calaguas this summer. I told them it was a really nice beach, virgin and all.
As I was planning our trips for this year I came across more recent posts about Calaguas, and what I read broke my heart and nearly brought me to tears.
Because Calaguas has grown to be a popular tourist destination, more people are coming in and more things seem to be happening in the island. I have read there are now mobile bars and fire crackers/ fireworks at night.
I remember our night in Calaguas where the only sound we heard were the waves crashing on the piece of wood by the shore, the voices of other campers telling stories around a fire. There were no mobile bars then, nights were serene and quiet.
At this moment I feel a bit hesitant to go back and see Calaguas. Will I be disappointed once we get back? Will I still recognize the island I had my first camping on? In the coming years, will it be as beautiful as I remember it to be?
On the other hand, I still would like to go and see things for myself. I'd like to feel it's sand on my feet again and swim in it's clear, warm water.
I'd like to see it again and maybe just maybe things would be better.
Reasons Why I Think People Keep Coming Back to Boracay
I have heard some people say "Ayoko sa Boracay, madaming tao." or "Pangit na daw dun ngayon eh."
If I heard these statements like 5 years ago, I probably would have agreed. Why? Because 5 years ago I haven't been to Boracay, and now I've been spending every summer there like I own the place. :)
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Yes, it's true that Boracay seems to be pretty congested specially for those people who choose the isolation and tranquility of a virgin beach. Yes, people are everywhere. Yes, there is partying every where every night. But despite all the hustle and bustle that seems to go on in the island, Boracay simply works its magic and make non-believers to believers.
I can't speak for everyone, but here are my reasons for going back to Boracay every chance I get.
1. Fine White Sand
And I say FINE. It's powdery white sand is unlike any other. I've been to Calaguas which some would call the next Boracay, but the sand there won't ever defeat the one in Boracay.
Boracay's sand is so fine you won't even notice it clinging to your skin, and you never have to worry about finding bits of sand among your things. You can walk barefoot along the whole strip of Boracay without having to worry about stepping on anything that might hurt your feet. Plus...the people actually sweep the sand in the morning and the afternoon which according to them is a way of cleaning it.
2. Food
Whatever you want to eat, I can assure you, you can find it here. From seafood, to Filipino dishes, to Indian cuisine to pizza to McDonalds. From Real Coffee to Starbucks. You never have to worry about not being able to satisfy your craving while you're on a vacation. Oh, and don't forget to taste Real Coffee's calamansi muffin. It runs out pretty fast, like a little bit after lunch so if you want you can just order and pick it up the next day.
3. Milkshakes
I tell you, the milkshakes in Boracay are a must try. Never leave without tasting it, be it from Jonah's or Jony's, these milkshakes are the best way to freshen up in Boracay when you're not swimming. :)
4. Activities
You will never run out of things to do in Boracay. From helmet diving, to riding the ATV to Mt. Luho to para sailing, to partying at night. Boracay has it all.
5. Calm waters
My muse told me that the reason why she loved Boracay was because the sea always seemed so calm, which is actually true. I've been to other beaches and Boracay is as calm as can be, It is so calm that during low tide you can see the sea recede to like the farthest point, it's like what you thought to be deep water this morning, is still wet white sand in the afternoon.
6. Sunset
I love Boracay's sunset. That red and sometimes orange color coming from the sun is a great photo capture.
I love Boracay because it is not pretentious. It has everything that someone can ever want in a vacation. If you want the peace and quiet the island is big and has the perfect spot for you. If you want the happier and noisier times -- there are the bars to go to at night. If you like entertainment -- the fire dancers are there at night and the various water and island activities are available to everyone at day. If you want to go on a food trip -- there are choices of buffet and great cuisines. If you want adventure you can always take the ATV or go to Puka beach or cliff dive at Ariel's Point.
I'm all for Boracay. It's not ugly/panget like what some people claim it to be. It may have been commercialized compared to how it was before, but the good thing is, despite all the business going on in the area, the people of Boracay know how to take care of the island ( No smoking by the beach, no building of sandcastles and such) At night they roam the island to make sure that everything is peaceful and that the island is okay.
With all the people there is in Boracay, I feel safe, simply because it is, even if you ride a tricycle at night to the far ends of the island.
I've learned my lesson and I wish other people would too. If you haven't been to Boracay, take that chance and experience it for yourself, because despite the bars and throng of people, Boracay still has that undeniable magic that draws everyone to it, season after season.
Hey, it wouldn't be one of the best beaches and travel destinations if it was ugly. Give it a chance.
If I heard these statements like 5 years ago, I probably would have agreed. Why? Because 5 years ago I haven't been to Boracay, and now I've been spending every summer there like I own the place. :)
.JPG)
Yes, it's true that Boracay seems to be pretty congested specially for those people who choose the isolation and tranquility of a virgin beach. Yes, people are everywhere. Yes, there is partying every where every night. But despite all the hustle and bustle that seems to go on in the island, Boracay simply works its magic and make non-believers to believers.
I can't speak for everyone, but here are my reasons for going back to Boracay every chance I get.
1. Fine White Sand
And I say FINE. It's powdery white sand is unlike any other. I've been to Calaguas which some would call the next Boracay, but the sand there won't ever defeat the one in Boracay.
Boracay's sand is so fine you won't even notice it clinging to your skin, and you never have to worry about finding bits of sand among your things. You can walk barefoot along the whole strip of Boracay without having to worry about stepping on anything that might hurt your feet. Plus...the people actually sweep the sand in the morning and the afternoon which according to them is a way of cleaning it.
| At the far right side, Jony's crew raking the sand to clean it |
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2. Food
Whatever you want to eat, I can assure you, you can find it here. From seafood, to Filipino dishes, to Indian cuisine to pizza to McDonalds. From Real Coffee to Starbucks. You never have to worry about not being able to satisfy your craving while you're on a vacation. Oh, and don't forget to taste Real Coffee's calamansi muffin. It runs out pretty fast, like a little bit after lunch so if you want you can just order and pick it up the next day.
3. Milkshakes
I tell you, the milkshakes in Boracay are a must try. Never leave without tasting it, be it from Jonah's or Jony's, these milkshakes are the best way to freshen up in Boracay when you're not swimming. :)
4. Activities
You will never run out of things to do in Boracay. From helmet diving, to riding the ATV to Mt. Luho to para sailing, to partying at night. Boracay has it all.
5. Calm waters
My muse told me that the reason why she loved Boracay was because the sea always seemed so calm, which is actually true. I've been to other beaches and Boracay is as calm as can be, It is so calm that during low tide you can see the sea recede to like the farthest point, it's like what you thought to be deep water this morning, is still wet white sand in the afternoon.
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| Low tide |
6. Sunset
I love Boracay's sunset. That red and sometimes orange color coming from the sun is a great photo capture.
.JPG) |
| Boracay sunset |
I love Boracay because it is not pretentious. It has everything that someone can ever want in a vacation. If you want the peace and quiet the island is big and has the perfect spot for you. If you want the happier and noisier times -- there are the bars to go to at night. If you like entertainment -- the fire dancers are there at night and the various water and island activities are available to everyone at day. If you want to go on a food trip -- there are choices of buffet and great cuisines. If you want adventure you can always take the ATV or go to Puka beach or cliff dive at Ariel's Point.
I'm all for Boracay. It's not ugly/panget like what some people claim it to be. It may have been commercialized compared to how it was before, but the good thing is, despite all the business going on in the area, the people of Boracay know how to take care of the island ( No smoking by the beach, no building of sandcastles and such) At night they roam the island to make sure that everything is peaceful and that the island is okay.
With all the people there is in Boracay, I feel safe, simply because it is, even if you ride a tricycle at night to the far ends of the island.
I've learned my lesson and I wish other people would too. If you haven't been to Boracay, take that chance and experience it for yourself, because despite the bars and throng of people, Boracay still has that undeniable magic that draws everyone to it, season after season.
Hey, it wouldn't be one of the best beaches and travel destinations if it was ugly. Give it a chance.
posted from Bloggeroid
Sunday, 12 January 2014
DIY Boracay: Hotels
Hotels in Boracay are almost side by side. There seem to be a lot to choose from but if you're traveling on a budget most of the affordable hotels are probably fully booked during the peak season.
If you plan to go to Boracay during the peak season I suggest searching and reserving for your accommodations first before you booking your flight (specially when you're waiting for the promo fares). It is always better to be sure to have a roof over your head and an accommodation with a good location so you can have a stress-free stay in the island.
Here are some hotels you can consider for a budget friendly stay in Boracay:
1. La Bella Casa
Situated right behind the Holy Rosary Parish church. Affordable rooms and in a quiet location. Free wifi and rooms are a-okay with TV and ref available in the room. If you want water you can just go to any of the 2 pantries that they have and get water from their dispensers.
Breakfast is good. People are nice.
2. Boracay Breeze Resort
This is right behind La Bella Casa. It is bigger and has more rooms than La Bella Casa.
No refrigerator in the room. (at least in the one we stayed in) Free Wifi. Good breakfast and nice staff.
3. White Beach de Boracay
Whenever we start booking for our trip to Boracay I always try to contact this hotel first, but we don't end up staying there. This is situated at Station 1, beachfront. Right by Yellow Cab and near Astoria. It gets pretty noisy here at night so if you want to have a quiet sleep this one may not be for you, though you can try to check if their garden rooms are available which is a little far from the beach noise.
4. La Carmela de Boracay
Most people I know that went to Boracay have stayed here. I haven't asked much about the accommodations but La Carmela is huge and has a pool.
5. Hey Jude
If you have enough money to spend on accommodations but not so much on anything like Alta Vista, Discovery or Shangri La, I recommend staying at this hotel. Located at D'Mall, Hey Jude is situated right before the "iskinita" going to D' Market. The place is quiet and the rooms are clean, and great beds. They also have friendly staff and you get a free welcome drink when you arrive. Their rooms also have their own balconies. But the best thing about this hotel is the food, they have the best tasting tapa! Try it! :)
There are tons of hotels in Boracay from the cheapest to those 5 star hotels and apartments. You can check Agoda.com and myboracayguide.com for availability and discounted hotel room rates.
Again, if you're traveling during the peak season email or call the hotels you like as soon as possible and ask for rates and terms of payment. You can also ask for discounts (won't hurt!).
If you plan to go to Boracay during the peak season I suggest searching and reserving for your accommodations first before you booking your flight (specially when you're waiting for the promo fares). It is always better to be sure to have a roof over your head and an accommodation with a good location so you can have a stress-free stay in the island.
Here are some hotels you can consider for a budget friendly stay in Boracay:
1. La Bella Casa
Situated right behind the Holy Rosary Parish church. Affordable rooms and in a quiet location. Free wifi and rooms are a-okay with TV and ref available in the room. If you want water you can just go to any of the 2 pantries that they have and get water from their dispensers.
Breakfast is good. People are nice.
2. Boracay Breeze Resort
This is right behind La Bella Casa. It is bigger and has more rooms than La Bella Casa.
No refrigerator in the room. (at least in the one we stayed in) Free Wifi. Good breakfast and nice staff.
3. White Beach de Boracay
Whenever we start booking for our trip to Boracay I always try to contact this hotel first, but we don't end up staying there. This is situated at Station 1, beachfront. Right by Yellow Cab and near Astoria. It gets pretty noisy here at night so if you want to have a quiet sleep this one may not be for you, though you can try to check if their garden rooms are available which is a little far from the beach noise.
4. La Carmela de Boracay
Most people I know that went to Boracay have stayed here. I haven't asked much about the accommodations but La Carmela is huge and has a pool.
5. Hey Jude
If you have enough money to spend on accommodations but not so much on anything like Alta Vista, Discovery or Shangri La, I recommend staying at this hotel. Located at D'Mall, Hey Jude is situated right before the "iskinita" going to D' Market. The place is quiet and the rooms are clean, and great beds. They also have friendly staff and you get a free welcome drink when you arrive. Their rooms also have their own balconies. But the best thing about this hotel is the food, they have the best tasting tapa! Try it! :)
There are tons of hotels in Boracay from the cheapest to those 5 star hotels and apartments. You can check Agoda.com and myboracayguide.com for availability and discounted hotel room rates.
Again, if you're traveling during the peak season email or call the hotels you like as soon as possible and ask for rates and terms of payment. You can also ask for discounts (won't hurt!).
Boracay...I Just Can't Get Enough
I was hesitant at first. Since I was not a party person I kept asking her if there was even something that I could do in Boracay. Thoughts like I might just get bored in the island and would probably stay indoors for 3 days. This is where researching helps. If I had taken the time to read much of Boracay before I opened my mouth I probably would not have doubts about spending the summer there.
After a quick flight to Kalibo (re-routed due to plane issues + free flight vouchers from Cebu Pac), 2 hour free bus ride to Caticlan, less than 30 mins of ferry trip to the island itself, I was still not convinced. There were people everywhere. When we got to D'Mall as we were looking for our hotel (Hey Jude!) J pointed the sea out to me which was probably less than a minute's walk from where we were standing. I saw the blue waters, but still nothing.
I could write a few more paragraphs and tell you I was still not convinced that Boracay was worth all that money we were spending and bore you out of it. But from spending several summers in the shores of Boracay I will tell you this. Boracay, with all it's business and noise and the never ending throng of people, day in and day out...this whole place works it's magic well.
Just when you thought you are starting to get bored...Boracay always seems to have something up it's sleeve that can excite you and make you love every minute you spend in it.
1. Helmet Diving
I admit, I do not know how to swim and when J first told me we were going to try the reef walk/helmet diving I quickly told her I'll just wait for her by the shore sipping my milkshake. I did try to talk my way out of it though but I still ended up in that boat headed for the jump off spot in the middle of the sea.
It's a little hard to breathe what with the heavy helmet you wear on your shoulders and the fact that you have to breathe through your ears.
I loved it. I love the marine life and it amazed me to see all these fishes coming to the fish food I was holding out for them. I was amazed at how strong these small creatures can peck through that small amount of food.
On a side note: J who convinced me to do this was the most scared once we were in the water. She wouldn't move and can't even smile at the camera. :)
2. Jet Ski
I already said I didn't know how to swim, so what makes you think I know how to ride the ski? I rode it but I didn't drive it. It's cool though. It gives you that certain high while you drive fast through the water.
3. Seafood Buffet
One of the best things about Boracay is the seafood. If you're like me who eats anything because I am allergic to nothing except dust, an affordable seafood buffet by the beach is a must. You can walk all the way from Station 1 to Station 3 and take your pick from the numerous seafood buffets. Every hotel has one, so be sure to check them out. Also, if you're going for the buffet try to make your dinner a little early because no matter how many buffets there are with so much people in Boracay you're doomed to be eating the last pieces of clams and fish left on the table.
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This is probably the best thing in Boracay...aside from it's powdery white sand. Most people who've been to Boracay will tell you not to miss the chance of drinking milkshakes specially the one's from Jonah's.
There is another place that serves milkshakes...and J and I love theirs compared to Jonah's. I like their location which is right beside the private owned lot and the actual look of their place makes it a lovely place to hang out. Their people are so nice that if you want to take a swim you can just leave your belongings on your table and get back to it later without it being lost. We've been doing the same and for all the summers we've spent here we have drank nothing but their milkshakes.
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| Best sellers: Banana Peanut Butter Dream and Choco Banana |
This is where most of our money goes to. :)
Jony's Bar and Restaurant, Station 1
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| Jony's Bar & Restaurant, Station 1 Don't you just love to have your breakfast or lazy time right by the sea? :) |
5. Food
I don't need to say much about this. Go around Boracay and whatever cuisine you seem to be craving for I can assure you, you will find it somewhere. Oh and if you feel like going for fast food....McDonald's is a walk away. :)
6. The Beach
Boracay has the finest powdery white sand I have ever set my eyes and feet on. J was not kidding when she told me while we were in Calaguas that Boracay's sand was finer. And truly it is...unlike most white sand beaches you do not have to worry about the sand clinging to you everywhere you go, because of it's powder like form it falls off and washes of easily.
There are a lot of things to do in Boracay and I had been there a lot of times but days spent there always never seem enough, there are still some activities we have not been able to do like ride the ATV, do cliff diving, para sailing, paraw sunset sailing and a whole lot more. Heck 4 days is not even enough. And with all the activities there is I bet you won't even be able to swim long enough in the water.
Boracay is a magical place...well at least for me. It can seem stressful because of all the people walking around, but even with everyone around, Boracay is still a big place for everyone.
Oh and yes I did not talk about the bars and the party scene in Boracay...well, it speaks for itself. The best beach parties you'll probably get yourself into. And if you're on a budget but want to hear the thumping music and experience the party scene, you can camp right in front of either Club Paraw, Gerry's Grill, Guilly's and the other bars, drink your cheap beer and enjoy the music and the cool night.
But please...do not smoke on the shore...strictly prohibited.
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| Rent a paraw and sail into the sunset |
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| Take a tricycle to Mt. Luho |
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| The other side of Boracay...wind Bolabog Beach :) |
Boracay on a low tide afternoon
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| Take a tricycle to see the golden white sands of Puka beach :) |
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| Never pass up on experiencing the wonderful sunset color of Boracay |
I don't mind going back to Boracay every year. It has everything you want in a vacation...all in one place.
I just can't get enough. :)
Saturday, 11 January 2014
2014 Travel Planning Dilemma
Lately, I've been under a lot of pressure. It's just January but boy, I am already making travel plans for as far as April and September.
Just before 2014 came I took a trip to a not really nearby beach with my wonderful ladies, and right after that I felt the need to go back to the beach as soon as I can. My ever reliable travel buddy came up with the idea of us going to El Nido by April.
I have never been to El Nido, or to any other part of Palawan. For the past 3 summers we have always spent our summer vacations in Boracay, so a plan of going to El Nido is all but new to me.
And from experience of traveling with my buddy, J, for years now I am making it a point to research and plan everything on our itinerary. I admit I wanted to go just sign up for a package tour initially specially when the air fare is already included in the amount they have quoted, but I had been told...much more ordered... to go the DIY(Do-It-Yourself) path.
J and I have never done tours on all our travels, well except maybe for that time we went to Calaguas when not a lot of people knew about it, and that time I went with my friends to Anawangin wherein I had to get a group package since I was not aware of how everyone else is when traveling.
So, yes I am familiar with planning and researching for DIY tours but still I feel so much pressure doing El Nido. I've heard it's one of the best and I have seen the pictures and whenever I see them I can not help but remind myself that this first trip to El Nido has to be if not perfect, at least almost, from the plane ride, to the 6 hr land travel to the hotel and most importantly the funding.
But maybe on top of my checklist for El Nido should be this: Learn how to swim. :)
Just before 2014 came I took a trip to a not really nearby beach with my wonderful ladies, and right after that I felt the need to go back to the beach as soon as I can. My ever reliable travel buddy came up with the idea of us going to El Nido by April.
I have never been to El Nido, or to any other part of Palawan. For the past 3 summers we have always spent our summer vacations in Boracay, so a plan of going to El Nido is all but new to me.
And from experience of traveling with my buddy, J, for years now I am making it a point to research and plan everything on our itinerary. I admit I wanted to go just sign up for a package tour initially specially when the air fare is already included in the amount they have quoted, but I had been told...much more ordered... to go the DIY(Do-It-Yourself) path.
J and I have never done tours on all our travels, well except maybe for that time we went to Calaguas when not a lot of people knew about it, and that time I went with my friends to Anawangin wherein I had to get a group package since I was not aware of how everyone else is when traveling.
So, yes I am familiar with planning and researching for DIY tours but still I feel so much pressure doing El Nido. I've heard it's one of the best and I have seen the pictures and whenever I see them I can not help but remind myself that this first trip to El Nido has to be if not perfect, at least almost, from the plane ride, to the 6 hr land travel to the hotel and most importantly the funding.
But maybe on top of my checklist for El Nido should be this: Learn how to swim. :)
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| El Nido, Palawan |
Wednesday, 8 January 2014
My Wanderlust
Wanderlust - n. a strong desire to travel
Travel - v. make a journey
This isn't my first attempt in creating a travel blog. In fact I have started a few and had even put up pictures , but sometimes when life happens, time doesn't seem to be the closest friend you have.
So here I am on my latest attempt.
I have always wanted to travel to different places in the world. I remember growing up reading and watching travel programs. History and geography were some of my favorite subjects in school and it never ceases to amaze me that every place, just like people have their own fascinating stories to tell.
I live in the Philippines, an archipelago of 7,107 islands...which only means there are a lot to be explored.
I am Cat and this is my travel blog. I created this because I like telling stories and every person's travel experience differs from another.
Join me as I take on the wonderful places of the world...one magnificent island, city, and beach at a time.
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