Boracay draws Hongkongers to its white beaches, fabulous food and islanders’ sense of real fun
Island paradise may be crowded, but there is plenty to see, do and sample
People keep coming back to Boracay. It has white beaches, clear blue water and plenty of flights. The island paradise also offers wide food and drinking choices, and a real sense of fun. Flights from Hong Kong arrive at either Kalibo airport or Caticlan, which is closer to Boracay, mostly via Manila. The most fun airline is Cebu Pacific, renowned for hosting impromptu karaoke antics in flight, and having Mariah Carey and Lady Gaga-inspired safety videos.
Once you get to Caticlan Jetty Port, a short boat ride takes you to the island. While this poses some challenges if you have brought children, they are not insurmountable enough to make this an unappealing destination for families, though you will need the best part of an eight-hour day to make it door to door from Hong Kong.
However, it will be worth the wait. Boracay has a versatility that will suit everyone from the adventure enthusiast to the person who enjoys nothing more than lounging around and cannot live without their creature comforts. The island’s sand is soft and lovely to walk on, particular on the White Beach, a strip running several kilometres that has restaurants, shopping bars, clubs and lots of places to sunbathe and swim.
The best time to travel to Boracay is from September to May or June. The island gained further notoriety when TripAdvisor and several international travel magazines listed it as one of the world’s best for beach holidays.
Some may find the White Beach crowded at times, but Puka Shell Beach and Balinghai Beach offer decent alternatives, while Punta Bunga features the ominously named “Bat Cave” nearby with its resident fruit bats. The island is small, accessible and approximately 8km long. As a result, members of groups can do their own thing. Over at Bulabog Beach, try your hand at kitesurfing, with the ideal breezy conditions. Boracay is also ideal for parasailing and offers spectacular views of the surrounds.
It is also an adventure seeker’s paradise, with other easy-to-organise activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, and snorkelling. You can even dive off the cliff at Ariel’s Point. There are also breathtaking views of Solana at Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa.
