The Beautiful Island of Boracay

Boracay Sand Castles. A new one adorns the beach each day.
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Boracay is probably the most popular tourist destination in the Philippines. It's been featured in several Top 10 lists of beautiful beaches in the world. It boasts the most pristine white sand beaches I have ever laid my eyes on, with breathtaking views of the sunset, and the clearest blue water anyone can find. The beach is a long stretch of coast with shallow waters, and very little wave action. The place is definitely not the ideal surfing haven, rather it is known for the glam and glitz that it offers actors, actresses, businessfolk, and the rest of the rich and famous.

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The people, just like in most places in the Philippines were very friendly and helpful. The place was garbage-free. I don't think I ever noticed any wrapper or cigarette butt lying around anywhere. The beachfront had several workers there maintaining the area and assuring the cleanliness of the beach. Massages are cheap, yet they were tantalizingly amazing. For 300 Philippine Pesos, you get a full-body massage by trained, very good looking massage therapists. You can also opt to get massaged by several roaming therapists on the beach chairs right on the beach! Get a tan, get a massage, feel the ocean breeze and relax the night away!

It boasts the most pristine white sand beaches I have ever laid my eyes on, with breathtaking views of the sunset, and the clearest blue water anyone can find

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The food was a delight to the palette. Boracay boasts top notch restaurants offering dishes from various niches of the world. You want something, they've got it for you. Shopping, one of my favourite things to do while travelling is a must in Boracay. Although their items are a little pricier than in the rest of the country, it's duly understandable due to the flock of tourists that visit each year. The selection goes on from cheap clothes, accessories, trinkets, souvenirs, to the most elegant and expensive watches, clothing, furniture and displays. The little market called D'Mall boasts all these lovely shops and restaurants in such a great little part of Boracay.

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If adventure is what entices you, you won't be disappointed at what the island has to offer. Everywhere you go along the beachfront, there are those who offer Banana boat rides, parasailing, paragliding, jet-skiing, island hopping, scuba-diving and snorkeling to name a few. The jet-ski experience for me was extremely fun and a must-do-again experience. The most rewarding of all these experiences though, would have to be the island hopping. A 'tour guide' take you on a boat ride along the surrounding beaches and islands of Boracay. Along the way, you may bump into one of, what I have decided to call "Vendors of the Sea". These "Vendors of the Sea" are boatmen who paddle around on their boats in the middle of the sea offering goodies such as ice cream, cold beverages, snacks, and of course Coconut Drinks.

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It was to my surprise, as I was snorkelling, when one of these vendors paddled up my direction and offered me "Buko Juice". Coconut juice directly from the coconut, while I'm in the water. That is what I call living like royalty. After I was finished with my drink, he offered to cut up the coconut, so I may eat the coconut 'meat'. I don't quite know how to refer to it. And he even carves a little spoon for you out of the coconut itself! I was astounded. What great service..

Boracay was a definite marvel of a place to visit. A must see if travelling to the Philippines. It's a great place to relax, and enjoy the beautiful and serene surroundings.