Boracay Paradise

Boracay 101

This summer my cousin and I decided to beat the heat of summer by going to Boracay island. This internationally renowned island is the best place in the Philippines to visit every summer as it offers not only the beauty of paradise but also endless parties and adventures.

It wasn't my first time to visit the island. The last time I went here was way back 2010 and I was all by myself. I never had the chance to try any activities at that time as it was so expensive since I was just alone. But this time, I'm with my family and some newly found friends. I was able to try a lot of activities like helmet diving, parasailing, snorkeling plus the most exhilarating Ariel's point (will post on a separate blog). As they say, the more the merrier and the less you pay.

I should say. This is the best summer!

Boracay Day 1

We arrived in Caticlan Boracay around 8am. Bit groggy as I didn't have enough sleep after coming from work then all the way to the airport. But despite that feeling, excitement keeps me alive.
When we landed at the airport I just then realized they have the most trickiest and smallest runway. As the plane almost reached the edge of the runway just enough to turn back for another flight. From the airport we got our ticket for the tricycle fare for P50 which will take you to Caticlan port and environmental fee for P75. When we got to the port we paid for another terminal fee for P100. From Boracay port it will take you straight to your destination of stay. We asked the the driver anyway to take us to D' mall which is located in station 2 so I can start touring my family. Since it was not my first my time there I served also as their personal tourist guide haha. While walking, we met this person named Mang Danny who was very persistent with his offer for activities which we may be interested to. At that time, I was really looking for helmet diving as it was part of my list to do. We were listening to his offer and told that we will get back to him as soon as we settle our things.
After we placed our things we went out to look for cheaper helmet diving activity. We met some of 'em who are offering packages of activities but most of 'em are a bit pricey compared to Mang Danny's offer.

Mang Danny's offer:
Helmet Diving P400
ATV P350
Parasailing P750
Total P1500 per head good
group of 6 or more.

Based on my research the parasailing alone cost around 1,200-1,500 depends on which season. So if you ask me if Mang Danny's offer is reasonable then you know my answer.

Better days - Boracay from Ely Tayuan Tending on Vimeo.

Helmet Diving Boracay

Helmet diving was one of our top list as none of us never experience any underwater activity not even the simplest one which is snorkeling. Our helmet diving activity was organized by Red Coral which is owned by a Korean national. The helmet diving activity already includes a cd of picture and video, not bad. Before we started we were shortly briefed on what we need to do and hand signs if we need to communicate with our scuba diver guide. Due to my ear condition the only instruction I remembered was for equalization which I abused to used the most.
Each of 'em went and I was the last one to dive. When it was my turn, I felt scared a bit due to the fact that it was my first time and also it's underwater. So the whole thought of it makes me scared. When I was done wearing the helmet the diver took me all the way down. Man, as we were going down I was doing the equalization thing because my ear was so hurtful like I really can't bare it. I was about to sign that I would like to go up but I remembered that I payed for this so all I need to do was to relax. As the minutes goes on my ear started to get used from the air pressure so I started enjoying it. As an evidence please see below haha. After this activity I realized I'm not for diving activities due to my ear condition.

I was so happy when I saw tons and tons of fishes.

With my wife Vj exploring the underworld.

Doing Harlem Shake lol

With my cousin ely doing his karate stint.

With Paola and Jane

Atv up to the Mountain

The next activity we tried after helmet diving was ATV adventure. It is basically a drive-your-own thing. I knew about this since you can read it in almost every blog. The ATV we had was from HAppy Dreamland theme park sort of an enchanted small version in Boracay. From D' Mall we were picked up by this private service operated by the said theme park. When we got to the venue. We were shortly given instructions on the do's and the dont's during the whole activity. One of the dont's which slightly dissapoint me was not overtaking and not over speeding which made me realized later that day as to why it's not allowed. What we paid for Mang Danny is only for the ATV activity but the entrance fee to the Mt. Luho viewpoint which gives you the overview of Boracay is not inlcuded that cost P90.

Our guide who's giving us instructions.

Sooooo excited!

Getting Ready to attack!

My cousin Ely. Giddy like a kid. Excited much!

And we survived! We reached the top during sunset! What a perfect way to end our first day in Boracay

Boracay Day 2

Our second day started by waking up so early in the morning for our para sailing activity. Mang Danny fetch us from the hotel around 8 in the morning. He was ready and all but we were still taking our breakfast haha. Mang Danny took this photo by the way. From d' mall we went straight to astoria boracay where a speed boat will take us to the para sailing site. It was a 10- minute ride. When we arrived there we thought that we will do our parasailing on that small speed boat but to our surprise we were transferred to a bigger one. The cool thing about it is they have a music and they're playing club!

Parasailing! Up Up and Away!

The most exhilarating ride I must say. If I may quote what my wife said " You can only fly once in your life and this is it". Before I tried the activity I already knew that this ride will surely make me puke. Gladly I just puke some air without any solid waste haha. To be up there was really beautiful. You get to see the whole view of Boracay plus the idea of flying which you always crave when you were still a kid adds to the excitement. When we went for this activity the weather was a bit gloomy plus the wave of the water was really strong so almost all of us felt a bit dizzy but we all had fun.

They were the first group to try.

Yay! It's our tun.

While waiting for our turn.

And they're done!

My nervousness kills me!

Ariel's Point (One must try)

From parasailing we couldn't stop but to hop into another activity. This time would be Ariel's Point known for its' famous Cliff Diving activity. Long way before we came to Boracay one of the top priority in our itinerary would be this place. And it's a dream come true!

Ariel's Point is a place you shouldn't miss. They are known for snorkeling,kayaking and their most famous cliff diving. They offer not only fun water activities but also unlimited buffet lunch, drinks,merienda fun and adventure. What more can you ask for? Cliff diving in this place is a must try!

To have your reservation you need to go to their registration site located at Boracay beach club station 1. They don't accept online reservations plus no credit cards accepted so better be ready with your cash. P1,500 each that includes transportation, food,unlimited drinks, snorkeling gears,kayaking and cliff diving.