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.  

AirAsia Philippines - AirAsia Low Cost Airline‎

ABBEY: So this is our first time to fly with Airasia, and I can say we have a pleasant trip. We took the one-hour flight from Manila to Kalibo. As usual it is more exciting to board the plane using the good old "ladder" or whatever aviation term they call it. Just make sure to avoid the engine :) 

We were greeted by their pretty staff Celina and managed to give a smile and a wave to our camera. I was surprised that they also offer meals on that short flight. Maybe for fliers who got no time for a bite to eat on the way to the airport. I got mine as well; chicken adobo. It was good and definitely filled up my half-empty tummy.

After our Boracay escapade, we took the same airline. This time as we enter the cabin, the stench filled our nostrils. It is as if the plane was used to carry frozen meat products. Strong smell of beef was over the place. It died down once we're up on the air. We landed in Manila at the exact time we were told. Thanks to the Captain and crew for a good flight.

WILL: Due to some unforeseen tragedies involving the planes last year makes me feel somewhat uncomfortable on hopping in at our AirAsia flight to Boracay. But all we do is say a prayer and ask for good voyage. :) 

I am expecting ZestAir planes that was acquired recently by AirAsia. And on last minute they send an email that they will use their own red plane for our flight. Wooohooo! 

NAIA Terminal 4 is their ground. We were astounded to saw that our flight was moved earlier at 9:40am instead of 10:40 without prior notice. Email or call was not received. Luckily we arrived at the airport at 7am. We checked in at around 8 and I keep an eye on the screen for us to board. 9am passed but the screen still flashes counter open for checked-in. Then an announcement was called for boarding for 10am. It is really stressful for passenger like us that do not know the exact time for our flight. Do not get me wrong that we do not ask for clarifications from the crew. Two different crew informed us 2 opposite facts. WTH!! Anyways, we boarded and was greeted by an all smile crew. 

We had our in-flight meal and it is awesome for that amount. We landed and depart Kalibo airport as per schedule. 

Please make your system and crew more accurate. For sure we will fly again with AirAsia. Please do not stop the exciting and the cheapest promo I have ever seen. :)  

Charcoal Thai - Mookata Steamboat Dinner Buffet (VivoCity Branch)

ABBEY: We had a visitor and we wanted to spend quality time over dinner. Ate Olga is one of Wilma's "caretake/ate" on her childhood. We dined at Charcoal Thai and ordered a Mookata BBQ for 11SGD. We got confused as we thought that our order is for a buffet. Anyways, a top up of 10sgd and we're good to go; unlimited food. 

The grill is having a mini "trench" where you can create a mini steamboat. Just be cautious of the soup level. We were given a plate of marinated chicken, pork and fat. They also have rojak, fried chicken, spring rolls and chips. 

I really love their fried rice. It has a lot of eggs and very tasty. Their light soy sauce, vinegar with minced onion and garlic really went well with the barbecue and fried chicken; add to it slices of cucumber. We washed down the food with a pitcher of iced-lemon tea. 

From 6pm to 8:30pm, non-stop talking and eating.

WILL: One of the closest neighbor when I was child flew in Singapore. Abbey and I were too excited to meet her but the new working schedule of hubby blocked an "immediate meet-up" idea. Anyways, its better to be late than never and we scheduled a dinner date with Ate Olga at Charcoal Thai VivoCity Branch. 

This is something new for me. A Thailand version of bbq/steamboat. We top-up $10 each person to avail the full buffet menu. 

They have the cracklings, curried chicken, the ever yummy fried-rice and variety of fresh meats like chicken, beef, pork, fish, and seafood for us to cook on our desire. Vegetables are also present. Their chilies and marinated chicken deserves a praise, those two are very suitable to my liking. 

Of course, while eating a dinner a non-stop catching up was done. Childhood memory flashing back...rushing back. 

iMob really rocking the world of vouchers here in Singapore! Good job iMob! Thanks for a huge discount on this meal. 

Charcoal Thai we will definitely comeback not because of food alone but also to your kind and all smile waitresses. 

Chicken and Asparagus Recipe

Ingredients
Chicken breast (cut into 1-inch bite-size)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
bunch of asparagus (1-inch in length)
garlic (thinly sliced)
onion (thinly sliced)
1-2 tbsp oil

Marinate the chicken with soy sauce and honey and set aside for minimum of an hour.

Heat the oil in a pan on medium-high heat. Sauté the asparagus for a couple of minutes. Remove it on the pan and set aside. Put in the chicken but reserve the marinade and let it cook for a couple of minutes. Mix the garlic and onion and sauté until fragrant.
Put the marinade and let it simmer. Put back the asparagus.

Serve with hot rice and Sriracha sauce (optional).

VERDICT
WILL: We are changing our diet since last year. And if we are eating meat we always see to it to incorporate it with more vegetables. Abbey last week told me that he will do a viand with asparagus so I make Sunday clear for that. 

After our power nap after Bukit Timah hiking, Abbey prepared this meal to relinquish all the energy burn up. The scent of stir fried asparagus made me smile. Abbey holler that the dinner is ready. After saying grace, I munched and I proved I am not wrong, that night’s meal is awesome. 

The sweetness of the honey plus the crunchiness of asparagus and tenderness of the chicken sends a quick bliss!

I am so lucky to have a husband and chef in one!

Old Street - Bak Kut Teh at Westgate Branch

ABBEY: After the hike to Bukit Timah Summit, we became really hungry and decided to eat on Jurong East. We arrived there too early and most of the shops are still close. Good thing Old Street restaurant (Basement 1 near Food Republic) is open and they are serving Bak Kut Teh. 

A couple of minutes in the queue and we were given a table. They are called "Old" Street, but they ordering process is "new". There is a tablet in which the menu is listed and you will submit your order using that. I got their Set A menu which includes, a bowl of Bak Kut Teh, rice, dough fritters and soy beancurd for 11sgd. 

The soup has a good peppery taste. I dipped the dough fritters on thick soy sauce with freshly minced garlic and chili. The fritters is not that oily and I liked that. The beancurd is not too sweet and I even finished the share of my wife :) Local drinks like kopi and teh is also available but I stick with the good old soda. It was tummy-filling lunch.

WILL: Accomplished something? Reward yourself! And that’s the reason we rushed to Old Street Bak Kuh Teh Westgate Branch. The place is almost packed and luckily around 5 more set of tables are free. Heaven conspires for us to occupy that! High Five! We perspired a lot due to our Bukit Timah hike but a hot soup will surely refresh our body. 

We ordered 6 Sets of “A”. We are famished but all we can do is wait for the food to be served. When the food is in front of us, that is the start when we stopped opening our mouth for words to come out. We open our mouth just to eat! Haha! After few chomp, then we started to praise how tender the pork is. We also asked the waiter to refill our bowls of their steaming bak kuh teh soup. After finishing our rice, we ordered for our drinks. Then they hand out the bean curd for the dessert. We are full and sleepy. Ha! 

This is very recommendable for only $11.00 you can get a Bak Kuh Teh, You Taio, Beancurd and Rice. 

Singapore's Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

ABBEY: I thought the slope I trekked on the way to the Treetop Walk of Mac Ritchie is steep. But I was wrong. Going to the summit of Bukit Timah is challenging but fulfilling. 

You will be welcomed by few steps on wood planks, then dirt then concrete. Here come the first challenge. I didn't got the time to measure the steepness of the slope as I'm already busy to climb the hill and see to it that I don't faint. Haha. The slope decreased so we got time to catch our breath. I can feel my heart pounding so hard. 

By the time that I felt I'm all ok, then the next challenge came before our very eyes; stairs with a LOT of steps. After completing maybe 50 steps I got on the first landing. I immediately get the drink on my bag as I feel that I'm losing electrolytes. It was very refreshing. A couple of more steps then I reached the summit. A landmark and a hut was waiting for us. 

It was a fun experience and encouraging as well. People of all ages, young and old are climbing it. Just take your time and your own pace and surely you will reach the top.

WILL: I scheduled a trek last April but unfortunately it was still closed for renovation. When the Bukit Timah officials announced that they will open some parts, Abbey and I scheduled it instantly after our Pulau Ubin adventure.

I heard a lot of things about this place. And on that cue I muster myself mentally and physically. I am mumbling to myself that I must be brave and don’t mind if I will see snakes, lizards or any reptiles. I am well prepared mentally then I saw the steep slope and started to trek, I am wishing to reach the end fast. But it seems no end. My heart started to pump faster! It is a success until I saw the stairs! Never ending steps and I think I heard my heart stop pumping! Bwahaha! I rest for a while and few more steps I reached the summit.. Me and April reached last!

Abbey and I will absolutely go back here for us to try the side tracks! :) A lovely experience!

Tteokbokki - Hot and Spicy Rice Cake Recipe (Korean Cuisine)

Ingredients:

Rice cakes

1/3 cup pepper paste

1 tbsp pepper flakes

1 tbsp sugar

Fish cake/balls (cut into bite size)

Kikiam

Hard-boiled eggs

4 cups water

Spring onions (cut into strips and small chunks for garnish)

Stock:

7-10 pcs of anchovies (without the head and guts)

A good amount of kelp or seaweed.

On a casserole, put the kelp, anchovies and water. Bring them to a boil. 

While waiting for the it, mix pepper paste, pepper flakes and sugar in a bowl until well incorporated. Once the water is boiling, remove the anchovies and seaweed and put in the rice cakes and the pepper-sugar mixture. Mix it gently and simmer for a couple of minutes. Next, put the fish cakes, kikiam, and eggs.

Put in more water if sauce is too thick as the rice cakes will absorb some of it. Adjust the spiciness as well to your desire.

Garnish with spring onion and serve hot with or without rice.

VERDICT:
WILL: "There is a reward to the one who waits."

I waited not days, not weeks, but months for my husband to cook this for me. Well, you can't force a chef to cook something, why? It will reflect to the food. When he decided to make schedule for spicy rice cake, I immediately affirmed on it. Haha!

The aroma of spiciness makes my tummy grumbles even more. He announced for lunchtime and my cravings was satisfied. Tsk! The sauce clicked really well to the rice cake and fishballs. 

Because the sauce is really delicious, I asked Abbey if I can have a bowl of rice. He explained that the rice cake is my carbo for that food but I insisted to have a separate rice for the spicy sauce. Yummmmy to the max! 

Fort Siloso Singapore

ABBEY: This is the part of Sentosa where we haven't set our foot in, but the ground must be covered. 

By 12:30PM at Beach Station, an "old bus" will take you to the fort. An entrance free of 12SGD should be paid. Fort Siloso served as the primary stronghold against the war enemy that comes from the south sea.

We were glad that our tour guide is charming and always smiling. Her name is Annabelle, but we wondered why her nameplate shows Baxter. Anyways, she led us to the first stop of the tour, the recreation area of POW during Japanese Occupation. In here was a diorama of Pulau Blakang Mati which is now known as Sentosa and its different zones. Next is the tunnel under a war gun where the ammunitions were kept. Being a soldier is tough specially in war; poor ventilations, small spaces and large chance of being killed. The third stop is all about the life under Japanese regimen. Foods were rationed, people will be jailed, tortured and killed without any reason and a lot of propaganda for brainwashing specially the little ones.

The tour ended on what they called as Surrender Chambers. It relives the scene of Singapore surrendering to Japanese forces led by Gen. Yamashita. And on the next room was the scene where Allied Forces led by Lord Mountbatten liberated Singapore from Japan. Those are touching scenes and a lot to learn from the history.

WILL: We need to know the past and learn from it or history will just repeat itself. 

That is why Singapore gives a big effort to let locals and tourist know how it was to be on their  "dark ages". The time, World War II, when they were conquered by Japanese with the leadership of General Yamashita. It was a big trick or I should say Yamashita knew the "art and power of making a deal" that time. 

Here in Fort Siloso, you will see the real cannons. You can check-out the bankers, undergrounds tunnels and the famous signing of Japanese surrendering to the Allied Forces. 

This is an informative day for us. You can join a tour if you do not have an idea where to start. The entrance fee for locals is $10 and for tourist is $12. If you're already at Sentosa why not check this out. 

Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant - Orchard Central

ABBEY: It's been a very late celebration, but only 22nd of April is the best time for us to dine at Kiseki Japanese Buffet Restaurant.

We did reserve a week before and at last.. the time came. The restaurant is in the eighth storey of Orchard Central. Once we were led to the table, I put my bag down and started to roam around checking what they have to offer. They have fried delights like crispy chicken, ebi tempura, and salmon head. I don't know how long they have been on the serving station but I find them too oily and not that crispy anymore. 

They also have grilled foods; baby potatoes, sweet corn, pork, squid, and chicken yakitori. Beef and chicken tepanyaki were also available. Mussels and shrimps were there but they're off limits to me. So I feasted on salmon meat and belly. Every bite is heaven once the salmon is dipped the soy sauce and wasabi. I washed them all with lemonade, soda and hot green tea. 

The dinner costs almost 75sgd for both of us.

WILL: Do you know the song “Everything is Awesome” from the 2014 Lego Movie? Sing with me using the below lyrics...

Everything is Oily... When you eat at Kiseki..
Evertyhing is Oilyyyyy!

Why I said that? Read more.

The cashier in front told us that Salmon Head is their house recommendation. When I saw the salmon head, right away picked one of it. I giggled loudly when I saw the mountain of ebi tempura. I got a plateful instantly.

I went to our table and agonizingly waiting for my husband to take his food. After a prayer of thanks, I attacked the tempura relentlessly. Haha! But on every bite I notice that it is oily. I took the Salmon head, and its oily too. I used tissue to the crab claw to squeeze out the unnecessary oil. 

This is not-all-rant-blog, I want to commend their hotpot, the perfectly grilled corn and the bean sprout! 

Thanks Kiseki for being part of our April celebration. Hope you check on “too oily” issue.