When Wanderlust Strikes: Boracay...I Just Can't Get Enough

Okay, I admit. Initially I was one of those "few" people who refuse to go to Boracay, simply because I heard that there are a lot of people and bars around the beach. I, for one, am not a party person. And when it comes to beaches I really prefer those isolated, untouched and quiet ones like Calaguas. (I love Calaguas and its serenity and I swore by it that it was my favorite beach) But then J sweetly convinced me to go spend the next summer with her in Boracay.

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.

4. Milkshakes

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.

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

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.