A Survival Guide to Boracay

For you to truly enjoy your Boracay experience, here are some tips that I've learned through personal experience both the good, the bad and the ugly.



Booking your hotel
Depending on your budget, I suggest to book in the best hotel that you can afford. Here's why:
1. Most first class resorts have their own dock and vans. Frienly staff will wait for you to the airport and take you directly to their private dock, no need to fall in line in "public" boats, public jeeps that cram your things and cumbersome tricycle rides.
2. Welcome drinks. Yeah, we all love that.
3. Rooms are clean and comfortable.
4. Credit cards are accepted.
5. Well trained staff.
6. Plush towels and well appointed bathrooms.

In all of my travels, I find, booking directly or via agoda.com proves to be the most hassle free and cost effective.



Booking your flight
1. Book early (like months ahead). You get better deals this way.
2. Choose a bigger airline because they have bigger planes and they have more flights.
3. Take the earliest flight going to Boracay so that you have more time to explore the island.
4. No check-in baggage usually is cheaper.
5. Going back to Manila, take the early afternoon flight (3pm at the latest). This way, if your plane gets delayed, you don't get re-routed to Aklan aiport which is two hours away by bus. FYI, Caticlan airport can only service flights up to 6:00 p.m. for safety reasons.

What to bring:
1. Bathing suits. Size Zero ladies have no problem, there are a very nice selection of suits on the island.
2. Rubber slippers and/or aqua shoes.
3. Sunblock, shades, sarong, nice white flowy outfit would be nice.
4. Medicines, your vitamins, diarreah meds, anti allergy meds, anti-dizziness meds. Just bring enough for your trip. The brand that you prefer may not be available in the island. First aid is usually available at the hotel.
5. Credit card.
6. Money! Some restauranst don't accept credit cards.
7. Camera.
8. Toletries that you can't live without. Razor and deodorant are the most crucial :-)



At the airport
1. Don't forget your ticket!
2. Always bring identification cards (with photo) with you at all times.
3. Do all your bathroom duties at home, the restrooms aren't always pristine.
4. Make sure everyone is accounted for.
5. Never ever leave children or your baggage unattended.
6. Bring a shawl, just in case it gets cold.
7. If you purchased an e-ticket, always keep a spare copy with you.
8. Check-in at least two hours before your flight.

When you reach caticlan airport:
1. Be aware of your surroundings. Always keep an eye on your belongings and your children.
2.There is no baggage carousel in the airport, each one is expected to retrieve their baggage at the "claim area".
3. If you are commuting, always have small change with you. Porters expect a small tip for carrying your bags. Be mindful of your things, people who sometimes have the same suitcase as you, may confuse your luggage with theirs.



At the dock:
1. Some porters are quite rude demanding, they expect a huge tip of at least P50 per porter. I suggest you carry your own bags to prevent the hassle.
2. Keep your eye on your children and your baggage at all times.



Dining out
1. Be sure to have ready cash with you at all times. Small change for tips.
2. Tap water is not potable.
3. If you're in a big group, reservation is a must. Ask your hotel concierge for the number of your favorite restaurant and book ahead of time.
4. Get referrals from your friends are your trusty blogger for the best places to dine or drink. I highly recommend Cyma, Aria, Lemon Cafe (for desserts), True Coffee and Tea, Jonah's shakes.
5. Ask for discounts, specials and happy hour promos. Most bars offer them.
6. Be adventurous.
7. Walk off all that calories!



Shopping
1. For shorts, sarongs, shirts and trinkets, go to the old talipapa in Station 3. The place isn't glamorous, but the same stuff that sell along station 1 and 2 is at least 30% cheaper at the old talipapa.
2. Always haggle and try things on, make sure that they fit well. Check for stains or defects in all your purchases. Make sure all the zippers are working, buttons complete and well sewn.
3. Always smile to the sales clerks so that they give you a discount.
4. Be nice.



Water sports
1. Haggle, haggle, haggle. Don't be conned into paying for the published price. Haggle at least halfway first until you turn blue. They are bound to give in just to save your life, he he he.
2. Always wear protective gear.
3. Don't bring expensive cumbersome camera and gadgets.
4. Check with your doctor if you are healthy enough to do water sports.
5. Always follow instructions on how to use the equipment.
6. Don't show off too much.
7. Be sure you know how to swim!



Getting around
1. Walking is the most fun but the most tiring. Walking on wet sand helps a bit if you get tired.
2. Tricycles found behind the beach (main road) will take you anywhere you want to go. Speacial trip is P60.00 If you get tired, just proceed to the main road and tricycles are aplenty.
3. Jeepney, haven't tried this yet but I've seen them on the main road.
4. Get directions from your hotel concierge first before exploring outside the beach area (the "jungle").
5. Be friendly with the locals, the information that they will provide is invaluable.



Preserving the environment:
"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints"

1. Bring a canvas bag to put all your purchases. Say "no" to plastic bags.
2. Throw your rubbish in designated areas. The sea is not a trash can.
3. Smoking decreases the air quality of the area.
4. Don't eat candy. Little candy wrappers get carried away by the wind and may inavertently be eaten by a turtle or fish mistaking it for food.
5. Never leave your beer bottles, bottle caps and soda cans on the beach.

Ang nagkakalat sa beach, jologs!