This Week in Boracay (August 3 to 9, 2019)

It has been raining hard in Boracay the past weeks, and this week has no difference [1]. It will be rainy throughout the week with breezy winds. Due to rains, the weather is cooler as expected with a maximum of 29°C. But while it will be rainy, it is not a bad week to enjoy the island. There are still activities you can still enjoy indoors. You can go to a spa and have a massage or enjoy a gastronomic feast to warm your stomach.

With the continuous rain, flooding in the island has also become so frequent. This is expected as the drainage system of the island is still not working. According to authorities, the drainage is yet to be completed next year [2]. However, mitigating measures are already in place to ease the burden of the islanders and its tourists. Flooding is usually happening along the main thoroughfare,s particularly in D Mall and outside of Ambassador in Paradise in Station 1. At present, the completion of the pumping stations and sea outfall in the three barangays is being fast-tracked.

After a few months of suspension, chartered flights to Kalibo International Airport and Boracay Airport in Caticlan are back. The new advisory was released on July 18 [3]. Though the suspension has been lifted, the Civil Aviation Authority still have some limitations imposed. First, the maximum passenger capacity should just be 200. All charter flights must also need to provide a 30-day notice before their schedule. The suspension has been lifted following the strong objection from businesses on the island. Meanwhile, the rules set for chartered flights are meant to ensure that the island’s carrying capacity is followed.

With the continuous rehabilitation of the island, authorities also continue to clean up the island’s shoreline [4]. This time, the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group (BIARMG) has demolished businesses violating the 25+5 coastal easement in Bulabog Beach located on the right side of the island. The task group is expected to demolish a total of eight establishments which include hotels, restaurants, bars, and kite surfing schools.

A new hotel will be opening in the 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast estate [5]. The Belmont Hotel which has 442 rooms divided into three buildings will start accepting guests this August. The hotel will have the following amenities: a swimming pool with an in-pool lounge, courtyard, landscaped gardens, a fitness and business center, and function and meeting rooms. The hotel will also have its own restaurant and bar.

Traveling to Boracay soon? Check out Yoorekka for the latest travel updates on the island!