A First-timer’s Guide to Boracay

Voted the best island in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine in 2012, Boracay remains a top tourist destination in Philippines. With white sandy beaches and sparkling azure waters, it's really no wonder why!

Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of your Boracay beach holiday from a first-timer's recent visit to the island:

Getting there

The most direct way of getting to Boracay from Malaysia would be to take AirAsia's daily flights to Kalibo in the Filipino province of Aklan. The flight takes about four hours each way but the journey doesn't end there!

From Kalibo, there's still another two-hour bus ride to Caticlan and 10-minute ferry ride before you reach the island proper. It may sound like a tedious trip but for me, Boracay was worth every minute of it.

Travel tip #1: It's likely that you'll be spending the whole day travelling so make sure you're comfortably dressed. If you're the sort who doesn't travel well, I find that neck pillows and soft toys are particularly helpful and relaxing.

Travel tip #2: For transportation, Southwest Tours arranges door-to-door trips to and from the airport and hotel. With the bus, ferry and transport to the hotel sorted, you won't have to worry about not reaching your destination.

Travel tip #3: Seeing as the trip to and from Boracay would take up two whole days, consider extending your trip to get the most out of your holiday.

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White Beach
Once you've arrived and settled in, it's time to get to the beach! The main strip on Boracay is called the White Beach which is divided into three stations. Station 2 is the most happening section and also the most crowded. If you want some peace and quiet, Station 1 is your best bet.

With crystal clear waters and the finest sand your feet have ever touched, you can choose to simply chill out or take part in any of the water activities available. There will be locals around the beach offering anything from snorkelling, parasailing, banana boat rides, kayaking and more.

Travel tip #1: White Beach is a public beach so set up camp at any empty spot you can find. Bring a towel to put on the sand or a waterproof bag to store your belongings. If you don't have any of these, you'll find them in most shops on the island. And remember to pile on the sunscreen!

Travel tip #2: White Beach isn't the only beach on Boracay. Others include Diniwid, Puka, Bulabog, Balinghai and more. Take your time to explore the island and you'll find a completely different experience. For example, Puka was a secluded, relaxing spot where the waves are much stronger. You can get around using jeepneys (the Filipino version of a Thai tuk tuk) which you can easily flag down on the street.

For something a little more exciting, take a day trip to go cliff-diving at Ariel's Point. Located on the mainland, it's about a half hour's ride from Boracay. The trip includes a BBQ buffet lunch, snacks and unlimited drinks (beer!) which they start handing out on the boat!

The main attraction at Ariel's Point would have to be their dive boards, placed at varying heights from three metres up to 15 metres. Remember to take in the gorgeous view before diving in!

Other activities include kayaking and snorkelling.

Travel tip: Make a booking online and head to Ariel's House on Station 1 to register before the trip. The boat departs at 11.15am and returns at 5pm.

Eat
With a variety of cuisines and restaurants to choose from in Boracay, you'll be completely spoilt for choice.

It's seafood central at D'Talipapa! – The Malaysian Insider pic, December 9, 2015.For a breakfast or teatime snack, Real Coffee offers delicious sandwiches and hot drinks. They are particularly famous for their dense and buttery calamansi muffins which are infused with the tangy flavours of the lime. Their tiki-inspired interior just adds to the holiday feeling!

Once the sun sets, the White Beach strip (especially in Station 2) comes alive with pounding music and fiery dancy shows. Pick from a whole row of pubs, bars, restaurants, grills for a night out by the beach!

And what's a beach holiday without some seafood? For the freshest catch, head to D'Talipapa where you can pick your meal straight out of the tanks. There's everything from lobsters to sea urchins and all sorts of clams! Take your haul to any of the nearby restaurants to cook up a glorious seafood feast!

Travel tip: D'Talipapa can be quite an expensive place so put your bargaining skills to good use.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/travel/article/a-first-timers-guide-to-boracay