Thursday, June 11, 2015

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.




Wednesday, June 10, 2015

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.  



Tuesday, June 9, 2015

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. :)