Due to quarantine measures in place, some of the establishments offering activities and services might be temporarily closed or might be implementing safety protocols.
With its new look, Boracay gets more visitors.
Writer’s photo
Just more than a month after its reopening, Boracay is gradually regaining its glory as the crown jewel of Philippine tourism. Its closing period has even sparked the interest of more local and international tourists. Despite the new sets of island rules—like having a confirmed hotel booking—tourist arrivals continue to grow. The busy island vibe is almost coming back to normal. From the port to the streets and the beach, everywhere is always full of activity.
If you’re one of those visiting the island this December, here are some things to do in Boracay you can try.
1. Watch the majestic sunset.
Have a closer look at the sunset while riding a paraw (outrigger boat).
Image by writer
The best things in life are free, they say. When in Boracay, the sunset is one of the best things you could enjoy without fees. Witness how blue skies turn red with orange hues while sitting on the shore or after swimming on the beach. Because no sunset is the same, you’ll certainly be treated with a unique sight each day at White Beach.
To level up the experience, you can try watching the sunset while sailing on a paraw (an outrigger boat). Or you can just sit back and relax in any beachfront bars or restaurants while drinking your favorite cocktail or beer.
2. Go island hopping.
You can sail around the waters of Boracay for a few hours.
Image: Boracay Adventures Travel & Tours Inc.
Island hopping activities were suspended for a while in Boracay during its reopening. It was only on November 15 when island hopping was totally resumed. The suspension was done to make time for the island’s marine biodiversity assessment. Following this, regulations on island hopping and other water sports activities have been set. So, if you plan to do island hopping, you must book it through your hotel or through an accredited tour agency.
Island hopping tours usually include sailing around Boracay with stops at different snorkeling areas and beaches, including Puka and Ilig-Iligan. The tour also includes a buffet lunch.
3. Experience water sports.
A vacation isn’t only for lounging around; it can also be for active fun!
Image: Boracay Adventures Travel & Tours Inc.
With water sports as the most interesting activity among tourists, the interagency task force has also recommended for its regulation. Tourists can only do water activities in designated locations. Non-motorized water sports activities including kayak and paddle boards are allowed on the second layer--about 200 meters from the shoreline--while motorized sports activities like jet skiing, banana boating, and flyfishing are allowed 400 meters away from the shoreline. Water sports can be done any time of the day as early as 7 AM, and tour operators have specific locations in Station 1. December is also a perfect time for wind sports like kitesurfing and kiteboarding in Bulabog Beach.
4. Free-dive and witness Boracay’s marine ecosystem.
Freediving is a form of underwater diving where you hold your breath until you resurface.
Image: Free Dive Facebook Page
While Boracay has always been considered a paradise for its white-sand beaches, its underwater beauty is also something that shouldn’t be missed. With more than 20 dive spots, a day doesn’t seem enough to appreciate the entire island’s marine ecosystem. If you’re not too confident underwater, don’t fret, since you can also experience diving even with little or no experience at all. You can go down underwater up to 20 meters with just one breath of air through freediving. Freediving can be done after a two-and-a-half-day course. Courses usually cost PhP3,500 and include all the equipment you need.
5. Enjoy the beach.
Get some tan while enjoying the beaches of Boracay.
Image by writer
If there is one thing everyone looks forward to when in Boracay, it is its beaches. In fact,Boracay has always been known for its White Beach. Its name certainly reflects its powdery-white sand that never gets hot. Yes! That’s because even on midday, you can walk along the beach without slippers. It’s also where most of the major activities happen since hotels, restaurants, and bars are concentrated here. But if you prefer less crowded beaches, you can head to Puka, Ilig-iligan or Diniwid, which also have good swimming areas. If you stay in private resorts, you’ll also get a chance to have the beaches of Balinghai, Punta Bunga and Lapuz Lapuz all for yourself.
Looking for more holiday ideas? Go to Yoorekka!
With the long holiday on December, Boracay is expected to surely get crowded. So, have more patience to make your getaway extra fun.
This article was originally published in Yoorekka on December 06, 2018.
