Boracay 101: A First Timer’s Guide to the Island Paradise

EVEN though we’re right in the middle of the rainy season, there are still countless reasons to visit the country’s prized destination that it is Boracay—from the sugary-white powder sand and its clear waters, to the endless gimmick spots along the beach—especially if it’s your first time.

But before you start packing your bags and start booking tickets, it would be best to read up on the stories of people (Filipinos and foreigners alike) who’ve been to the island paradise, to spare you from looking like a lost child and make the most of your first time.

Serene sanctuary

The inevitable development and commercialization of Boracay also brought a lot of business opportunities for those involved in hotels and accommodations, and unless it is the peak season, there are plenty of places to stay in the island.

With so many choices of where to stay in Boracay, there’s definitely a place fit for any type of budget or theme (spotted Facebook Resort). But if you’re looking for peace and quiet, a refuge away from the busy and hyped up beachfront, there’s the Boracay Garden Resort at Station 2.

The Hennan Garden Resort in Station 2

Located inside the busy strip of Boracay, this hotel and resort offers guests utmost privacy. Boracay Garden Chief operating officer, Alfonso Chusuey, said in an interview “Every time I go to the beach, there’s a lot of people. But when I go back here, it’s so quite and relaxing. It’s like a different place.”

“People stay here because not everyone like the crowded beach,” he added.

Formerly Hotel Seraph, Boracay Garden Resort was acquired by Hennan Resorts in 2009. This group also operates Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, Regency Lagoon Resort and Hennan Resort at Alona Beach.

The hotel boasts of 200 spacious rooms. It is also equipped with topnotch facilities like the gym, pools that lies just outside the terrace of your room and sunken bar. It recently opened Garden Café, the hotel’s new restaurant that offers Asian cuisine.

If you want a spa treatment, just head over to its sister resort, Boracay Regency’s Kai Spa for a very relaxing therapy.

Foodtrip

While you’re on it, don’t forget to satisfy your food cravings. You can already do so inside Boracay Garden Resort.

The Garden Café, created to cater to the hotel’s guests (mainly Korean and Chinese), offers a menu featuring Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Filipino dishes. Executive chef Patrick Obia recreated all the favorites with a twist.

Starting off with the Filipino menu, get a taste of the favorites Ensaladang manga at Ampalaya and Shrimp Camote Ukoy. There is also Inihaw na Adobong Manok at Baboy and Inihaw na Tilapia sa Gata, both Filipino staples.

Sweets for those with sweet cravings

Japanese specialty include chicken yakitori, prawn tempura, sushi and sashimi, kamemashi crab rice and sukiyaki hot pot while Chinese specialty include Schezwan fried chicken, sautéed beef and broccoli, salt and pepper squid, steamed fish fillet with garlic, pork pata tim and yang chow fried rice.

Then get ready to go crazy over the spicy Korean dishes. Watch and learn how the popular Kimchi (spicy cabbage) is made. Enjoy dwen-jang chi-gae (beef and vegetable soup), chap jae (vermicelli noodles), budlak (spicy fried chicken) and nak-ji bo-kum (spicy stir fry squid), all hot and spicy.

Outside the hotel, don’t forget to try Chorizo burger, freshly cooked seafood like the giant lobsters, and the famous Banana Choconut smoothie from Jonas.

Souvenir hunt

Walking along the beachfront and seeing things for yourself is one thing you must also do in Boracay. Watch people as they get henna tattoos or hilot from local therapists, watch poi dancers, hear live bands, catch the sunset and see different nationalities make their way in the famous Philippine beach.

Buy pasalubong at Boracay’s D’ Mall. But if you want to buy everything at half the price, go to Boracay’s d-Talipapa. There you can buy two Boracay T-shirts at P140, bracelets at P10 each, piyaya at three for P100, and many more from handmade bags, rattan materials, sarongs, maxi dresses, hats to danggit and pusit. Just be a good haggler and you’re sure bring a lot home.

Souvenir items are aplenty at D-Mall

Come night and Boracay transforms as the “gimmick spot in white sands.” Feel the summer breeze and booze. Visit the hottest bars like Epic, Summer’s Place and Juice Bar.

If you don’t want to spend a lot in beverage, try grabbing a drink from a nearby convenient store and stay along the seaside. Smell the seawater and gaze at the stars. Just don’t forget to properly dispose your garbage.

Swim!

Don’t forget, you’re in a beach. It would be a crime not to enjoy the water.

The sea is calling

The best time to swim is in during the morning when the sun’s rays are not too strong. It will also give you that golden tan. Wear your killer two-piece, goggles and sunscreen then go hit the beach.

If you’re the adventurous type, try the different water sports offered in the island like jetski, sailing, banana boat, parasailing and many more.

(First published for The Manila Times, 2011)

(TEXT AND PHOTOS ©THE MANILA TIMES/EUDENVALDEZ)