Sands of Boracay, Philippines
By Carren Jao
“THIS time it was going to be different.” I thought to myself on my return to Boracay, arguably Sailboatsone of the best beaches in the world and a source of Philippine pride. Boracay’s fine white sand is so fine it literally would fill the crevices of your toes, the miniscule grains conforming to your sole’s every curve. Its waters were so deep a blue that the sky seemed to shy away in shame.
I first went there on a graduation trip with friends; we spent exorbitantly, falling prey to tourist ploys. It would not happen again; this time, the Philippine travel industry was getting back on its feet and airline travel was getting cheaper by the promotional minute.
We lucked out on our accommodations during a Travel Expo. A quaint resort was offering a rock-bottom price promotion for a 3 day-2 night stay inclusive of airfare. With such a tempting package, my friends and I could not refuse.
On the day of our departure, we bravely rode on one of the smallest planes I had ever seen (seeing its size gave me pause, but there really was no backing out at that point). It was no luxury jet, but it did promise to get us to the island of Caticlan in about 45 minutes. From there, it was only a 5-minute shuttle ride, a 10-minute ferry and another 5- minute shuttle to our tiny resort.
Our resort wasn’t the overly expensive beachfronts touted on travel magazines. It was a homey resort nestled at the back of the island’s beachfront stores, but it took only a short stroll through a small path to get to the island’s famous shores. Yes, taking a chance on that small resort was certainly worth it.
It was already lunchtime when we arrived and what better place to look for seafood than on an island? We headed straight for D’Talipapa, a wet market filled with fresh catches of the day where you can literally take your pick at a very reasonable price.
Sand CastleFor an additional fee, any of the small carinderias (eateries) by the wet market would cook it for you as well. For a total of P1200 (27USD) we were able to get chili crabs, baked oysters, grilled oysters, and blue marlin right on our tables. Suffice it to say, we were satisfied and the smiles on our faces were a testament to that.
Over the years, Boracay has turned from a well-guarded travelers secret into a happening tourist destination. Though that isn’t always a good thing, the continuous in-flow of tourists and Boracay loyalists certainly bring a slightly new flavor to the island each year. New restaurants have managed to flourish on the island, offering the sophisticated palate something other than all-natural grilled fare.
Yet, despite all these reminders of the cosmopolitan world outside, there is no greater thing than to simply plant yourself on the sand and soak up the tropical sun while indulging on an island staple- a big ice-cold eclectic shake from Jonah’s for only P70-P150 (1.50USD- 3.50USD). Try the Choco-Banana or the Mango Peanut, but also look for a friend to share with. Finishing that glass can be a challenge.
After a long languorous day at the beach, I found that the best way to end the day was with a massage by the shore. As the sun set, cool dusk breezes gently kiss my skin and my aches and muscle pains are massaged away by skillful Skim Boardhands. With the perfect horizon as a backdrop, the day could not have ended better.
The next day, I booked myself for a skim boarding lesson-- a relatively new sport on the island. On my first day, I saw children slide happily around the shore with their skim boards, inspiring me to find an instructor.
I eventually found someone willing to teach me while walking down the beach. His P400 (9USD) fee for an hour’s lesson was quite reasonable because, from the looks of things, I would only need an hour before waving the white flag of surrender.
Beginner’s skim boarding is like learning how to skate - slippery and not a little painful. I slipped countless times and scraped both my knees trying to steady myself. But it was fun. I couldn’t remember the last time I did something for the first time; it felt like an adventure.
Professionals could slide, twist and turn on their skim boards with ease, as if balance was not an issue. I turned green with envy but I was happy just to be able to slide across the shore without plastering myself on the sand.
Skim boarding was the last item on my agenda in Boracay and I could finally leave saying I did everything I set out to do. I left Boracay satiated, knowing this time the trip was worth it
About the Author
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