Southwest Tours Boracay - A Hassle Free Boracay Transportation

ABBEY: It was my first trip to Boracay and I can say that the travel time is not boring nor irritating. Thanks to SouthWest as they took care of us for all the transfers that we need to go thru. Yes, from Kalibo airport to Boracay and back. 

Their service is great. Just put the "sticker" to your chest, look for SouthWest staffs or follow their signs, then you'll get to your destination safe and sound. No worries if you'll be in different hotels when you arrive and depart. Tell them the locations and they'll be there ahead of your schedule. Their staffs are always smiling and accommodate the guests well. 

Thanks SouthWest.

WILL: Who doesn't want a stress free vacation with your loved ones? Everyone is aiming a perfect vacation right but a multi-mode of transport holiday is quite tiring. Its either you will book on the spot to save some pennies or to book advance and skip the queue. 

Southwest Tours was recommended by almost all of the hotels of Boracay for their airport-hotel-airport transfers. I checked their rates online and compared to friends who always visit Boracay. They confirmed that if I would like to wait and haggle for some hundred pesos they would recommend for me to skip Southwest and book it walk-in. The catch? You will trade few minutes or even an hour to wait until the bus/boat/tricycle to get full. Well, time is more important to me and Abbey so despite of few peso we opted for Southwest Travels and Tours. 

When we arrived at Kalibo Airport a small banner indicating our name greeted us. We were given a sticker and tickets. We were led immediately to their bus and not more than 20minutes our bus is speeding its way for a 2-hour journey. Seat is comfortable, bus is clean and I never passed the opportunity to take some snooze. Haha. 

We alight from the bus and we were guided by staffs of Southwest until we reached their small yacht. No more than ten minutes, we sailed. Half an hour we reached Caticlan Port. As usual there are their staffs waiving at us and guiding us. We then took a small van up to our hotel. 

On our way back to Manila, their service never fail. Our call time is 1130am for them to pick us up and the hotel concierge informed us that the Southwest staff is there waiting for us from 1030am. They are not on time. They are ahead of it. Haha! 

I felt so VIP on our tour at Boracay. Thanks Southwest Travels and Tours for making our vacation hassle-free. 

Please do visit their website. Please click here.

Golden Phoenix Hotel in Boracay (Station 3)

ABBEY: This is the second hotel we stayed in during our Boracay trip. Since it is at station 3, we sprinted to Station 1 to meet our contact for parawsailing and stand-up paddling. We were greeted by tables of food coming back from our water adventures. It is a buffet dinner. I took a lot of pork and chicken barbecue and made it a feast. I also have siopao and some fruits. There's not much guest during that time.

We went for a foot massage after dinner at their in-house Hotel Dream Spa. For less than 1000php, you can have an hour of relaxing and ache-removing massage. The massage is awesome and I had a good night sleep. My feet got very tired after all the activities but it was gone the next day. 

The next morning the rain poured but we were not dampened by it as the "unlimited" breakfast is waiting for us. Omelletes, sunny side up, dumplings, watermelon, and fried rice were available. Good thing we stayed for a while as they brought out lechon later; crispy lechon skin. Wow.

Wifi is chargeable per day. But during our stay it is free.

Few items though for them to improve. As I'm working on bank, I know how critical information security is. When we are doing our booking at the hotel, the staff is asking us to give the credit card number. Yes, this is ok as most hotel is asking for this. But they are also asking us to give a scanned copy of a valid ID copy and back of the card which the CVV is located. For what? Once the CVV is given, security is lost. Maybe it is part of the hotel's protocol, but once that info is out anybody can use the card. This is the only hotel who asked us for that.

Next is, Wilma is having a habit to put her feet up on the chair while sitting. I don't know the reason why, but she was told to put it down and we obliged. Maybe she has very short shorts. Thank you for the concern.But the next morning while eating, I saw one guest who did just what Wilma had done and wearing "short" short also but she was not reprimanded. That same staff is there eating as well. I waited for the staff's action, but resulted to none. Is there any different policy between a foreign tourist than a local one? If there is none, then better to check your staff's behaviour.

WILL: Because I want to experience the both world that is why we stayed at MNL Hostel at Bulabog Beach and I looked for a beachfront hotel at the stretch of white beach. 

Then I stumbled upon at the Golden Phoenix Hotel. They are having a free dinner buffet promotion and that enticed me to book on their hotel. 

What I like about this hotel? First, is their feather-soft pillow, no unnecessary smell and so white and clean. Second, their breakfast. Dimsum is overflowing. I think I have up to 10 servings of it, and 5 of those are spareribs. Third, their Dream Spa is open til midnight. For 60minutes, I slept there while Abbey and I are on a session of foot reflex. 

What are the cons? The pool seems full of sands so we do not dare to hop in to the pool. No white light inside the room, not totally lit. When we are having a dinner, a very loud speaker is in front of the hotel, it is irritating. No bidet?! And the last..I have this attitude that I always put my feet up on the seat. It is either on indian seat or fetal position.While we are waiting for our keys to check-in, one of the staff approached me and requested to put my feet down. I obliged without a word. But when Abbey saw a foreigner while eating breakfast and her feet are on the seat and nobody approached her, my husband is like a volcano ready to erupt. Haha! I told him that I am okay to stop his anger. 

Sometimes hotel is good but because of the attitude and management of the people working in there make the business flap down.

Cheap Dinner Buffet at La Carmela de Boracay

ABBEY: After a 3-hour trip from Manila to Boracay and walk along the beach, we ended our first day with a buffet dinner at La Carmela. It is a 12-15-minute walk from D Mall. After paying PHP700 for two, we were led to the table where sumptuous food is waiting for us. I got some onion rings for appetizer. Then I took a plateful of beef mushroom sauce and chicken cacclatori; had some fruits and greens also.

We got a table on the beach and enjoyed our dinner with a view of the sunset. I think I made 3 trips to the buffet. 

The night ended with a fire dance. Make sure to empty your plate else you'll be paying double. This is their initiative for their anti-food wastage drive.

WILL: On our first night at Boracay, we would love to have a buffet in preparation of tomorrow's activities. Haha! As I have read too many blogs, Buffet at La Carmela is worth the price of Php350.00

Not so many choices but having a sky's-the-limit mini crabs and shrimps sufficed the amount we paid.

Having a dinner by the beach is romantic but it is more sweeter if you are eating while marvelling the magnificent bursts of colours of the sunset.  Around 7pm, the fire dancers arrived and we watched their performances. After that we ate again and that time I go for the Mongolian bbq. Excellent!

A cheap alternative eatery for a hungry tummy.

Real Coffee & Tea Cafe - Boracay, Aklan

ABBEY: This restaurant is a must-go-to when you're in Boracay. You know why? They are offering calamansi muffin. Whoa, a muffin that is sour :) But it is not. It costs Php60.00 a piece. Here's a fun fact, they are selling it per box for Php300.00. Got discount right? But it is only for take aways. I didn't bother to ask the staff if I can buy a to-go box and eat it inside. Baka mag-init pa ulo ni ate. :) 

We ordered four pieces (1/2 for Wilma and 3 1/2 for me). It was sweet and tangy on every bite. "Siksik"; that is the word I'll describe for the muffins. They were heavy compared to other. I even kid the staff that I'll complain as my arm hurt in lifting the pastry. 

I partnered it with iced coffee and my merienda was fixed.

WILL: Denise and Ate Nini suggested us to go for some of the famous muffins of Real Coffee. Actually it is on my list but I am ready to skip it once we experience a time shortage. Haha. 

It was after our island hopping. Even though we have a buffet lunch we still managed to make some space for some desserts. 

We got 4 of the famous kalamansi muffins. And 3 and half was all eaten by Abbey. I love muffins but the sour and tanginess of it do not fit my taste. Maybe it will suit a hot coffee or tea instead of cold ones. Anyways, next time I will try that. 

Abbey want to bring some boxes of it to Manila but we forgot to by on the next day.

Smoke Resto Boracay at D'Mall

ABBEY: Wilma knew about Smoke from the famous Pinoy travel show host Drew Arellano. They said that there are two branches of it in D Mall, Boracay and the one we found is located in the center of D Mall. I didn't bother to search for the other one as I'm already hungry :)

I ordered spicy garlic pork. Yes, you read it right. Even the noontime sun made us sweat finding that place, I still prefer to eat spicy food. But that's ok, I got their calamansi shake which cooled me down. It was delicious and refreshing. The restaurant also offers other Pinoy food like pork sinigang and tapsilog. You won't believe what Wilma had, check her entry below.

WILL: A research will lead you to a pretty perfect holiday. And I stumbled upon Drew Arellano's "Biyahe ni Drew". They covered Boracay and how to save some pennies for an extravagant experience. And Smoke caught my attention.

After we checked-in on our second hotel, we headed to D'Mall for lunch. We were both tired from our land tours and the walk from Station 3 to Station 2 seems unending. We stepped in to the D'Mall and saw the Andok's as landmark but the Smoke where nowhere to be found. 

We walk, walk and walk and luckily we asked one of the local and guided us that it was located at the back of Andok's. Gosh! 

We sat, ordered and minutes later the hot bulalo and kaopad are on our table. I ate the food as if I never eat in my entire life. Yes we are at the beach and the sun gave a scorching heat but the bulalo still gave me a relief. Their version of bulalo has a spike of ginger. Its soup soothes well with my rice with shrimp paste.

Smoke Resto is definitely worth my long walk.

Jonah's Fruit Shake & Snack Bar Boracay

ABBEY: I'm not aware that Jonah's fruit shakes are a "thing" in Boracay. All I know is that I want a refreshing drink after arriving on the island. Since the Philippines has the best mangoes on the world, I tried to have mango-banana shake. 

Within a couple of minutes, a glass of golden yellow drink was served. It was a great energy booster. The mango is not too sweet and has smooth texture. An order of fruit shake will costs you Php100 - Php120.00. I also tasted their tacos. No other comment on it but delicious. 

WILL: My friend's and I missed to taste the famous shakes from Jonah's when we first set foot on Boracay Island. In this time, I will not let the opportunity knocked me off again. It is on my list. 

We were looking for a place for us to have a 4pm snack then we stumbled upon at Jonah's Shake. Not on original plan but we chose to dine on the spot.

I got the well ordered mango-melon shake. Sip after sip. It is a just that Jonah's praised to be the best shake in Boracay. You will notice that the sweetness of this drink is not coming from a sugar but from the mango and melon itself. A perfect cold and smooth drink for almost 40degree celcius temperature at Boracay. 

Do not forget to reserve a seat on peak hours or you will be waiting too long for your turn.  

Nami Resort's Spa and Massage Services - Best Spa in Boracay

ABBEY: Nami Spa is at the West part of Boracay, yes at Station 1. Beforehand we already knew that they are offering massage services. So we rode a tricycle and went there. The reception is at the top of the hill. You need to ride their elevator which is the kind of lift used when a building is being built. But you can't contest the interior; it was good. 

A couple spa costs Php1980 and yes they accept major credit cards. We were guided to a room where we can see the beautiful view of sunset and sea, plus the full moon during that time. 

I forgot what happened after I jumped onto the bed as directly went to slumber land. At the end of massage session, they applied peppermint ointment which made our bodies more warm and menthol-cool effect as we inhale. It was relaxing. They also gave us a cup of delicious ginger tea. 

I really wanted to sleep right there but we need to go back to our hotel.

WILL: The range of massages at the beach is Php300 and up. But if you want some privacy and some quite moment while lingering the kneading session you need to pay more.  Massage is so popular in Boracay that almost every corner has an establishment that offers it. It ranges from Php1500 and up to staggering amount of Php7000+. Expensive it is. But of course, we will definitely look for a cheaper alternative. So we headed to Nami Resort.  Nami is located at Diniwind Beach which is 5 minute walk from station 1, but we chose to hail a tricycle for our convenience.  We were shocked to see the magnificent view in front of us. Nami Resort is located on a hill. From the beach, you need to take their stairs, press on a buzzer and a unique elevator will come down to fetch you uphill.  After our mini sessions with Mother Nature, the masseurs came to us and informed that we are about to start. Then they lead us in a couple's room that overlooked the beach. Awesome!  Enough with the view. The massage? Well, I heard Abbey snoring. That sentence maybe enough? Ha! Ok! My masseur concentrated on my neck and shoulder. Oh gosh! She knew where my pain and anxiety is coming from. After the massage a peppermint was applied to my back and chest. It gave me a sense of relief.  After our 1-hour session they served hot ginger tea. Soooooothing!!  I hope this blog will help tourists in Boracay where they need to run when they need a massage with an excellent service, view and romantic aura.

Things to Do in Boracay Philippines

ABBEY: Ok, ok, ok. This is another blog for the list of activities that you can do when you're in Boracay. 

On our second day, we were taken by a speedboat to the sea and have parasailing. I feel like I'm one of my toy soldiers that I used to tie in plastic bag for a makeshift parachute. Good thing that it is not too windy when we did it. I'm too small compared to the vast sea. It was a first for both of us so we really enjoyed the time at the top; maybe 30mins. 

The rest of the day is for island hopping. First stop is snorkelling. I'm not that afraid anymore and just had fun looking at the fish. Then we visited the caves at Crystal Cove. The stone formation is remarkable. The current and force of water shaped them throughout the time. Just make sure you got a secure foothold as it is slippery. Half a day was over so we filled up our tummy with lunch buffet; chicken and pork barbecue, kinilaw, and grilled fish. It was a sumptuous meal. While having siesta on the boat, we passed by the controversial West Cove owned by one of Manny Pacquiao's colleague as well as Shangri-La. We stopped to another beach on the other side of the island and took some snaps. The sun is already setting when the trip finished.

The third day was jam-packed with activities like the first. We started out with driving an ATV. I had difficulty in mustering it as I'm the one who holds the camera. No time to mount it :) We drove the vehicle towards the second highest point of the island, the Ocean Tower. You can take good panoramas here as it gives you 360 view of Boracay. 

Next challenge is taking snaps on the TrickArt museum. This is fun as you can be part of the exhibit like messing up with famous paintings or Cleopatra. 

After that, we rode a kiddie ride, Sky Cycle. This is more terrifying than parasailing. The cart screeched and produced noise as if it will collapse. I'll not recommend this; maybe I'll change my mind if they will renovate it.  

Before lunch, we went for the zipline on the highest point of Boracay. It is shorter than what we had in Cebu but still good and exciting. We relocated to a new hotel, had our lunch and then after land activities, we headed back to the beach. 

We went to experience paddle boarding. Wilma sat down on the board and I'm the one who paddles. I tried to stand up but I had a hard time balancing. It nearly cost me my specs after I tumbled in the water. 

The sun is going down, and its time for parawsailing. You will sit in the net laid out on the outrigger of the sailboat. It was very serene as you can only hear the waves and let the wind drive you.

Be sure to book the tours and activities with our own Kuya Niño so you can really enjoy your trip.

WILL: The sea is calling!!! 

Boracay really evolved its water activities. When my friends and I went there 8 years ago the only you can do there is island hopping, banana boat and flying fish. Even land tours that time is not available. Now Boracay caters all the wants of its tourists. 

8am is our call time. We were set for parasailing (Php900.00). Gosh! This is what I really want to do and I am ready for it since last year. Ha! We were booked too early by Kuya Nino, we're alone at the speedboat, it feels that we owned it. The owner also suggested for us to drive it. Nah! Pass! 

When the parachute welcomed the air, we were slowly pulled up..up...up!!! While on top, you can see the world in different angle. Voice inside me saying a non-stop thanks to HIM for creating this beautiful world for us to enjoy. The wind blows smoothly that relaxes our body. An excellent scene to spend with your loved ones. 

At 11am, we were set for our island hopping. I am quite nervous in how much we need to spend for this. Because we are only a couple. Its either we rent a whole boat or we will be looking for a set of people who wants to go with us. Well...Kuya Nino managed to squeeze us into another group so we pay for a minimal fee of Php800.00 which includes buffet lunch. 

Use of snorkelling goggles is free but you need to pay Php20.00 for environmental fee. Crystal Cove have an entrance fee of Php200.00. On that island you can enjoy the sweet scenery of royal blue waters, 2 coves and a lot of perfect spots for photo op. WARNING: Be careful at the coves. You can feel the fury of the waves in there. 

Kuya Nino is at MNL's doorstep at 8am on our third day. He scheduled us to go to Dreamland Boracay and for zipline. Luckily, zorbing is under maintenance. A big relief for Abbey. Nyahaha! For only Php650 we got an ATV, Ocean Tower, TrickArt, and Sky Cycle.

Driving ATV slowly taught me of being patient and to appreciate more the nature that surrounds the stiff road to one of the highest part of Boracay. Climbing the stairs of Ocean Tower is exhausting but the dramatic landscape of the island pays it off. Oh, Ate Arlene and the photographer lighten our morning even more when we started chatting and haggling about our photos. 

We drove back to Dreamland. It is our first time at any tricked museum for photo shots. Photos can be really deceiving. We were there early and the two-storey building was filled by our massive laughs when we saw the paintings on the wall. Creativeness will surely come out here. 

Sky cycle? That would be my first and last. The bike was emitting a creaky noise that seems anytime we might fall. 

The zipline service fetched us from Dreamland for free. Next to their stairs were you can see some of their pets. But I do not dare to have a moment because Abbey told me that they have a giant monitor lizard. Argghhh! It seems that Abbey is used in riding a zipline. He enjoyed it more than his first. High Five Baby! The people of this establishment is so cool and ready to share positive aura with you. 

We enjoyed Boracay's white beach when we checked-in at Golden Phoenix Hotel at station. Standup Paddling (Php300) is not easy as it may seem. More than ten times we were thrown out by the waves. I think our laughter can be heard on a mile long radius. Nyahahhaa! 

As we want to catch the sunset while on the boat. Kuya Nino scheduled parawasiling (Php300 each) for 6pm. It is bit cloudy that time but still the sunset is mesmerising. The waves gently touch our hanging feet. :) 

These activities will be outrageously expensive if there is no help from Kuya Nino. Call his handphone(+639158722855). Tell all the activities you want to checkout and he will do the scheduling for you. He really made our Boracay trip stress free.

MNL Beach Hostel Boracay

ABBEY: We stayed at MNL Hostel on our first 2 nights in Boracay. It is near Bulabog beach and a 15-minute walk from D Mall. We got their suite. As it is a backpacker hostel, our room is the best in building. It has its own toilet and bath, a queen sized bed, and it is on the top most storey. Yes the rate is cheap, but the experience is awesome. 

The wet clothes should be outside your room, toiletries are not included on your payment, no phone to call the front desk, no wifi on your room except for common places. But the staff will guide you and advise you for your itineraries. They will always be available and smile as they greet you. 

Activities like beer pong, billiards and movie night under stars are there. Bike rentals and tour packages are also offered. Fellow backpackers will meet and communicate with you during make-your-own-breakfast buffets. It will make you a free-spirited and a laid back individual.

WILL: We want a cheap accommodation that the quality of service was not compromised. Like other hostel that we booked, MNL Boracay didn't fail us. 

For only Php1,300/night for its air-conditioned deck suite. It includes a queen size bed, towels, flat screen led tv with cable channels, and a breakfast. It offers free wifi at the common areas, billiard and roof deck watching area. 

What I love the most at this hostel? The friendly staffs that will greet your mornings and the ambiance of having a laid-back and happy life. We enjoyed the white beach for just few steps away and the serene grounds of Bulabog beach too. 

Till next time MNL Boracay. Thanks for providing an affordable room for frugal but chic travelers like us.