Travel Bites: One of the world’s best beaches, at your doorstep

The sun begins to set in Boracay, voted as the World’s Best Island in 2012 by readers of the prestigious Travel+Leisure magazine. 

BORACAY Island in the province of Aklan consistently rates as one of the best beach destinations in the world. 

Last year, tourist arrivals were expected to have reached 1.2 million despite the unofficial ban on Chinese group travels. South Koreans continue to account for the largest group of foreign tourists in the island paradise, but the bulk of visitors are still domestic tourists. 

So I find it incredulous when I meet, as I have over the last couple of years, new friends or acquaintances who have yet to swim in the island’s cool clear waters, or wiggle their toes in its powder-white sand. I’ve always thought that if one must travel outside one’s provenance for leisure for the first time, Boracay has got to be one’s first destination, or at least on the top list of go-to places in the country. 

And with the stiff competition among local carriers driving down airfare, one no longer needs to spend a humongous amount of funds just to fly to Boracay, and enjoy the many pleasures it offers. 

There is also an overwhelming number of choices of accommodations for every type of tourist—from the seriously bare one-note cottage that attracts the backpacking set (usually at Station 3), to the high-end-$1,000++ a-night villas that exude luxury for the pampered leisure traveler (Station 1). 

And if you have a phobia of crowds, this is absolutely the best time of year to go to Boracay. The air is chilly especially in the morning, and while the sun is usually out, the heat is quite tolerable. 

Must-see’s 

The beaches. While the 4.5-km stretch of white beach is the main attraction of Boracay, and is the central area where revelers sunbathe and hang out before taking a swim, there are other beaches on the island that are worth a look-see. 

Yapak Beach, commonly called Puka Shell Beach, is located on the northern tip of the island and accessible by motorized bancas or pump boats. The beach is literally littered with the bead-like cone snail shells that are usually made into necklaces and bracelets. (Puka shell jewelry became popular in the 1970s when actress Elizabeth Taylor started wearing her pieces made in Hawaii.) 

The main white beach of Boracay is famous the world over as one of the best beaches in the world. 

Bulabog Beach is every windsurfer or kiteboarder’s paradise, with strong winds from January to June encouraging amateur and professional competitions among locals and visitors. From the main white beach, one can reach Bulabog by crossing to the opposite side of the island via several pathways. 

For amateur spelunkers and wildlife enthusiasts, Ilig-Iligan Beach is a good place to explore caves and see fruit bats hanging from trees. Located on the east coast of Boracay, the beach is accessible by motorbikes or on foot although the hike will probably take about 30 minutes or longer, depending on one’s pace. It is also a favorite among snorkelers. 

The mountain. To further appreciate the beauty of Boracay, one can rent an ATV or motorbike and drive to the top of Mount Luho. It is the highest point on the island and will reward the hardy trekker with stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea. There is a viewdeck, a mini-zoo, as well as zipline that will please both the animal lover and the thrillseekers. There is an entrance fee of P60. 

The mall. Or D’Mall as it is called on the island. This is ground zero for the enthusiastic shopper. Here there are a hundreds of sarong (the tie-died and batik varieties) to choose from, as well as the gamut of native handmade jewelry, bathing suits, souvenir T-shirts, even furniture and home accessories. The spot is also famous for bars and restaurants offering a variety of international and local cuisine although the entire white beach is riddled with numerous restaurant and café choices to please even the most discriminating of palates. 

To-do’s 

Ride the waves. One of the newest activities on the island is Wavepool Surfing. The pools are at Crown Regency Resort with the Philippine Surfing Academy conducting basic surfing lessons in a safe environment. (You attend a class first where you are taught how to handle and balance on a surfboard on land, before you are actually set free on the wave pools.) While the activity is in a controlled environment, one cannot underestimate the thrill and rush of popping on the surfboard and riding the waves. If you fall, just get back on your board and skim the waves again. (Call PSA at 631-2805 or 0917-894-6767 or e-mail philippinesurfingacademy@gmail.com. Web site: www.philippinesurfingacademy.com.) 

Like pretty mermaids, all in a row. (Photo from Sailorgil.tumbler.com)

Swim like a mermaid. Indulge your fantasy and get a workout as well—mermaid swimming offers tourists a fun way of keeping fit. Two-hour swimming lessons are conducted at Ti Braz restaurant between Stations 1 and 2, and yes, you do get to slip into a mermaid tail. Basic swimming skills are required. The classes are run by the Philippine Mermaid Swimming Academy, composed of expert swimmers and divers. Mermaid fitness workouts will soon be offered. (For bookings, check out https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineMermaidSwimmingAcademy/info). 

Party during the full moon. The newest place to party or chill to the island vibe is at Area 51, located at a secluded spot in the southernmost tip of Bulabog Beach. Set up by the former owners of Hey Jude!, Area 51 hosts new moon and full moon parties where patrons can just let loose and dance to the trendy sounds of resident DJs Manster and Reo. (For reservations, call Jude at 0917-3274824 or Karen at 0917-7161626, or click www.facebook.com/area51boracay.) 

Gorge on seafood. Name it, Boracay has it. Whether you are hankering for lobsters or oysters, mud crabs or sweet shrimps, prawns as well as a variety of reef fishes, D’Talipapa assures that your favorite seafood is available at the most reasonable price. 

After buying your seafood, take them to any of the nearby eateries and for a minimal charge, have them cooked any which way you want, and enjoy a tropical feast. 

Though seafood is top of mind in beach destinations, Boracay is also home to some of the best international cuisines offering meat-based dishes and fabulous desserts. Some choice restaurants and cafés include Caruso (Italian) at The District along Station 2, Kasbah (Moroccan) at Station 1, Lemoni Café at D’Mall for the best lemon tart. 

Where to stay

Seafoods are aplenty at D'Talipapa. You can buy them and have them cooked at the nearby restaurants, or in this case, order them at Sun Villa.

Sun Villa Resort & Spa (back of D’Talipapa, Station 2) is one of the island’s little known secrets for bang for the buck spa treatments. The resort is a haven of calm and tranquility. Sleep all day, dine on lovingly prepared home-cooked meals upon waking, then just laze about in the pool area with the iPod playing away while you leaf through a book or magazine. (For reservations, call 036-288-5541, 036-288-4410, or 036-288-1306. For more details, check out its web page at www.facebook.com/sunspaboracay.) 

For luxurious accommodations and professional caring staff, Discovery Shores Boracay (Station 1) is the obvious choice. The rooms are spacious with an oh-so-relaxing bed that immediately lulls one to sleep. But what is really endearing about Discovery Shores is its friendly, courteous and efficient staff ever ready with a smile for guests and a warm greeting to perk up one’s day. Everyone speaks English fluently and will answer with their de riguer “Certainly!” when asked to perform a chore, or when responding to a request. Its mojitos are also the best on the island. (For more details, click http://www.discoveryshoresboracay.com/discoveryshores/) 

(Travel Bites is published every Monday on the front page of the BusinessMirror. This piece was published on Jan. 7, 2013. All photo copyrights owned by this blogger, except for the mermaid photo.)

Dontcha just love the low travel season?

THIS is the time of the year when travelers can take advantage of low airfares and hotel/resorts promotions all over the country. It's great if you have tons of cash to spend on vacations abroad, but if not, this is the best time of the year to go around the country.

(Cebu's Hilutungan Channel from the beach of Microtel Mactan.)
Because of my profession as a journalist, and when I was working for the government in the 1980s, I have been fortunate enough to travel around the Philippines. By God, if you haven't seen the Philippine countryside just yet, you are missing out on a lifetime experience! A beautiful sunset seen from the white beach of Boracay, the massive limestone cliffs in Palawan, the clear blue waters of Cebu, the comforting Christmasy smell of the pine trees in Baguio, looking eye-to-eye with ostriches in Davao, and driving through the lush rolling hills of Batanes --- these are just some of the awe-inspiring sites to behold and experience when traveling through the Philippines. None of these can compare to just another shopping trip abroad. Besides, you can bring the entire family to enjoy the experience.

So in the words of Susan Calo-Medina, "Wag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan! (Don't be a stranger in your own land.)"

* * * *
Here are just some of the great travel promos currently being offered:

From PAL: "Seat-All-You-Can" – now benefits even passengers of PAL Express, with fares as low as P688. The latest round of low-fare tickets on 26 domestic destinations is on sale from July 22 to 27, for travel between August 16 and December 15, 2009.

PAL's all-jet, full-service domestic flights are priced as low as P888 on one-way economy tickets from Manila to Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban or Tagbilaran. One-way economy tickets to Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao, Dipolog, General Santos, Ozamiz and Zamboanga are only P1,888. (For more inquiries, go to PAL's web site or call tel. no. 855-8888, in Cebu (032) 340-0191, and in Davao (082) 222-0366.

Discovery Shores in Boracay is offering The Great Luxurious Getaway Package w/c allows guests to enjoy a glorious three-day, two-night accommodation, a calming Mandala Spa Qi Massage, a daily sumptuous breakfast, plus one Chef’s Dinner at Sands Restaurant as well!

Rates start at P16,888 net per person, based on triple occupancy in a Junior Suite. The package is inclusive of roundtrip airfare, boat and land transfers. The promo is valid until Oct. 31, 2009. For details, call (63 2) 720.8888 / 683.8227 / 683.8236 to 38.

SEAIR offers fares from Manila to Boracay for as low as P350 per way all-in and other low fares are available online for booking and travel up to October 15, 2009. It's the only airline that flies direct to Caticlan, the gateway to Boracay. It has just relaunched its Cebu-Caticlan service.

Seair passengers enjoy complimentary transfers from Caticlan airport to Boracay and vice versa, shortest queues and check-in procedures at the airport, fastest baggage claim, privileges for their boarding pass in partner establishments in Boracay and Manila, and ‘35 minutes’ fastest flights to Boracay. These low fares are available via the airline's web site.

Microtel Grand Resorts Mactan's "Leisure Within Reach" promo offers guest P2,900 net w/ breakfast or P2,500 net room only, until September 2009. Choose from fun activities like jet-skiing, banana boat ride and island-hopping capped off with a soothing massage in the privacy of your own room. What’s more, all rooms at the Microtel are equipped with a chiropractic-approved bed that would surely leave your backs happy.

For reservations and inquiries please contact 032-236-8888 or email mactan.rsvn@microtel.ph

(via press releases)

Adversity becomes her

(Discovery Shores Boracay, one of the many properties managed by Raintree Partners Inc., in partnership with the Tiu family of the JTKC Group.)

The Fajardos also owned the famous Luau restaurant along Roxas Boulevard, and which Mrs. W said was actually her feasibility study of a Polynesian restaurant for Cornell. “Can you imagine? My mother built my master project just so I would come home?”, Mrs. W laughingly recalls. Although she stayed for a year-and-a-half to help run it, the young Annabel returned to New York to complete her graduate studies, much to her mother’s consternation. Without her mother’s financial support this time, she had to juggle several jobs just to pay for her tuition and living expenses.

“I had to be an assistant professor in the undergraduate school. And I had to be a graduate resident in the dorm. In other words you had to supervise all these giggly young freshmen. You have to make sure everybody’s in by midnight. Then I worked as a restaurant cashier so I can get my meals for free, so I’d get extra money. Magtitipid ka, panay window shopping walang binibili. Pero masaya naman kami. So you learn. In distress times, you have to be creative.” "(Read the rest of my profile on Annabella Santos Wiesniewski.)

(Another Raintree property, the Hotel Venezia in Legaspi City, Albay.)

Discover luxury on Boracay’s shores

(AS promised, here's my review of Discovery Shores, the new luxury hotel in Boracay Island. This review was published in BusinessMirror but this blog entry is the unabridged version.)

WHEN I started going to Boracay Island in the late ’80s, I would usually take an hour’s flight to Roxas City, then make a torturous two- to three-hour land trip to Kalibo, over rough roads, then on to Caticlan for another bumpy three hours. (Camera on: Thank you to the wind and the dust for my hair and makeup!)

Arriving in Caticlan, still woozy from the dizzying land trip, there were a number of pump boats which would ferry passengers to the island, although there was a bit of price haggling involved depending on the number of passengers. The pump boats would chug along the glistening sea, which sometimes splashed me in the face and my clothes, but it was fun.

The resort features a 14-meter waterfall which cascades from the rock wall separating the upper and lower clusters of suites. Here, a view of Discovery Shores from the upper clusters.

How things have changed dramatically in just under 20 years!

Pampering to the hilt

THESE days, you can hop on an Asian Spirit jet from the Manila domestic airport and be in Caticlan in less than 30 minutes, much shorter than a cab ride from my home near Visayas Avenue to The Block at SM North Edsa.

And instead of the motorized pump boat depositing passengers right in front of their hotel or resort, or at the boat station nearest it, all boats now dock or leave from the Cagban jetty port in barangay Manoc-Manoc (the southernmost tip of the island which faces Caticlan across a strait), and rates are fixed. Now, there’s order for you.

With electricity and indoor plumbing now the rule rather than the exception, a myriad of resorts has sprung up especially in the last 10 years, catering to any budget to suit any lifestyle. And still more are being built as investors cash in on the divine pleasures of the island and the fine gorgeous white beach which continues to fascinate locals and foreigners alike.

Discovery Shores, the newest of the lot, has been generating a lot of buzz since it opened in March, as it guarantees luxurious and personalized guest services from the time you leave Caticlan until you arrive at the resort, and back.

First of all, a fastcraft, covered to protect you against all the elements, picks you up at the dock of Fairways & Bluewater Resort’s lounge on Caticlan, instead of the main dock, and deposits you at the same establishment’s beach at Newcoast, on the northern tip of Boracay. From there, an air-conditioned van takes you to Discovery’s entrance along the island’s main road in just five minutes, where guest officers proceed to fuss over you and escort you to your suite.

My photo of the junior suite: lounging sofa in the background, flat-screen TV to the right, two king-sized beds in the foreground with a desk-cum-divider behind them.

Fil, a friend, and I eagerly entered our room, a junior suite on the ground floor, which was splendid with two comfortable king-sized beds as the most commanding presence inside. There were gifts on the bed, like cute teddybears and some toiletries, as well as a lovely complimentary plate with the sweetest fruits of the season on a table by the lounging sofa with lots of large comfortable pillows. There was a flat-screen TV and a DVD player on a console table near the wall. At the back of our bed was a divider-cum-desk, where we could plug in the laptop for an Internet connection; a bar, which also functioned as a divider to the vanity area with a sink; and a well-appointed shower and toilet area hidden by a heavy glass door.

Our pampering by a most attentive staff immediately began with a welcoming warm footbath, which was a terrific treat for me considering the tiring, heat-stroking walk we just had, having come from lunch at Station 2 with the sun still shining at its mightiest at 3 pm. (Long story but blame Fil for this torturous hike.)

No doubt, no expense was spared in building and creating the chic design and classy interiors of Discovery Shores. Centered on a modern tropical resort theme, this takes it to the next level of excellence under the guidance of Architect Willy V. Coscolluela and award-winning interior designer Budji Layug and partner Royal Pineda.

Ahh to sleep like a baby!

THERE are guest rooms in clusters close to the beach, while other clusters are on a natural slope, closer to the main road entrance, with fantastic views of the sea. The guest rooms on the hill are the most perfect location to view Boracay’s legendary sunsets.

A 14-meter waterfall cascades from the rock wall separating the upper and lower room clusters, spreading out into open canals that meander throughout the expansive grounds, connecting other water facilities such as the children’s pool and the main swimming pool, where we swam a few laps.

Chef David Pardo de Ayala poses for my camera as he shows off his brilliant selection of Spanish dishes.

I was told by friends who had already visited Discovery that it was quite possible not to leave one’s room anymore. I’m sure they had other things in mind, but for me it rang true, sleep-wise. With king-sized beds, linens at a comfortable 350-thread count, and large goose-down pillows, I could no longer envision resting in anything but. To say I slept like a baby would be an understatement, but I did, most pleasantly so, notwithstanding my allergic rhinitis and a raging sinusitis attack. On most nights, my congested nose would have kept me awake but in that bed, the sandman enfolded me in his arms almost immediately, not letting me go ’til the next morning.

Each evening, fabulous treats awaited us in our room, such as a bag of hair and skin products designed for sun worshippers from VMV Hypoallergenics; a L’Occitane gift pack from Rustan’s containing soap and skin balm; and even a CD with a different take on resort/vacation tunes from EMI appropriately entitled The Easy Life. Then at bedtime, there were also sweet indulgences, like small cuts of espasol and petite puto, quite a welcome alternative to chocolate truffles which luxury hotels usually proffer their guests.

Adding just the right touch to even more pleasurable pampering was a massage treat from Mandala Spa. As the spa’s branch had yet to be finished during our visit to the resort, we had to travel to the spa’s main outlet to experience the skillful hands of Mandala’s massage therapists. For my treatment, I chose the Lymph Drainage Massage, where my therapist’s gentle strokes helped me eliminate the toxins that had accumulated in my body by stimulating lymph flow. By the end of the session, I felt, well, blissed out.

Attentive staff, delightful desserts

BUT what is really endearing about Discovery is its friendly, courteous and efficient staff ever ready with a smile for guests and a warm greeting to perk up one’s day. Everyone speaks English fluently and will answer with their de riguer “Certainly!” when asked to perform a chore, or when responding to a request. No task is too small for them to carry out, even sewing the unfinished hem on a bedcover which I had bought at D’Mall, as one female attendant volunteered to do. It was like having our own personal concierge.

There are butlers by the pool or by the beach who will lay out your beach towel on your lounging bed, dust off the sand from your flip-flops, and fold your sarong or tunic setting them aside for you on a table. Immediately there is a cold face towel, an ice-filled glass of water, and a scoop of refreshing homemade ice cream offered.

As for the cuisine, I enjoyed Chef David Pardo de Ayala’s dinner specialties on our last night at the resort. With a Spanish theme in mind, there was a sublime selection of hot and cold tapas, and the chef’s Paella de Mariscos, with bounties from the sea that are common to Aklan, was quite delectable. Unfortunately, Fil and I were not able to partake of what we were told was a fabulous lunch he had earlier prepared for our other colleagues.

Of all the dishes savored during our stay, the desserts were what I relished the most. My favorite has to be the hot pepper ice cream, which was unusual yet delightful. It was a most curious taste—bold and sensual, as the burn of the cracked pepper played off the sweetness and chill of the dessert, making for an interesting counterpoint.

That being said, our stay at Discovery Shores was a luxurious thrill which I wouldn’t have any problem enjoying all over again, although next time I do hope to get a room which gives me a better view of the pool instead of guests at the business center across from us, or the staff walking to and from what appeared to be a stock room. (This was room 117, so beware.) Sure, there were blinds to shade us from all those goings-on but I would rather see through the clear windows with an unimpeded view of the gorgeous resort layout. And because the room was across the main building where some construction was still ongoing, I could hear the loud hammerings of the workers on the second floor. For its part, Discovery promises that all building work will be completed by November.

While the suites are all brilliantly designed, my quarrel was just with the layout of the vanity area. The mirror hung above a sink which was often wet, as most sinks are. There was hardly space to place one’s makeup brushes, blushes, powders and creams, thus it was kind of difficult to put my face on. Also, the shower area was only half enclosed in glass so after a bath, the floor leading to the toilet would be drenched, and we always had to mop up with a foot towel. (I am quite anal about dry bathroom floors.)

And while the butlers are a nice touch to the whole Discovery Shores experience, I think they still have to work on being unobtrusive because after a while, having one come around with something new every five or 10 minutes can be a tad annoying. Butlers should always be ready to attend to one’s needs but, at the same time, remain invisible.

Pool butlers are at the guests' beck and call.

Overall, the resort’s cuisine does need some improvement in keeping with its ultra-luxe branding. More choices for weight- and health-conscious guests would be most welcome, say sugar-free desserts, and a better breakfast spread instead of the limiting array of rather bland pork and beef choices. I’ve eaten in smaller hotels and resorts where even their egg station offered more worthy ingredients for one’s runny scrambled eggs. Truth to tell I’m not really a breakfast person but on the occasion that I do wake up early, I would like to be wowed by the morning food options. So I was left wondering whether on normal days, and without Chef Pardo de Ayala around, would the food still be as delicious as the special meals he had prepared for us?

Having said that, whether one is staying at Discovery Shores or any other resort, what will take any guest’s breath away is really the fabulous white beach of Boracay. A stay on the island will never be complete without a walk on the beach, or laying down on the fine white sand, and a swim in its clear cool waters. And that to me, will always be the height of true luxury.

Of course, staying at Discovery Shores does make for a splendid bonus.