Quick Facts About Boracay

Quick Facts About Boracay

May 3rd, 2010 |

Author: admin

Boracay is found at the northwestern tip of Panay, off the Sibuyan Sea in the Western Visayas region. The island experiences ideal beach weather half the year through, with the months of December to May as its peak season. Between June to November, few tourists make it to Boracay as the rainy season puts a damper on experiencing Boracay’s famous beach. With the unpredictability of the weather, rates around the island are understandably lower.

Before becoming a Mecca for beachlovers the World over, Boracay was solely inhabited by the Ati tribe. The name “Boracay” comes from this indigenous people, a derivative of the local word “borac” which means cotton, a reference to the island’s white sand. The Atis still love on the island, though in a small, secluded area cut away from the runway development of their native land.

Boracay is politically a part of the municipality of Malay in Aklan province. The island is made up of three communities: Yapak, Balabag and Manoc-Manoc. Though celebrated for its beaches, Boracay also has hilly areas as well as lush forests.

How to Get There

Boracay’s primary entryway is Caticlan in Aklan province. Small planes fly into the Caticlan airport from Manila or Cebu, and recently jets with bigger seat capacities have begun servicing the route. Flight time varies from 35 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of aircraft. Check SEAir, Asian Spirit, and Interisland for daily flight schedules. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific fly into Kalibo, Aklan, a half hours away from the Caticlan port by bus or hired van.

Once in Caticlan, visitors to Boracay Island have to cross over by banca (outrigger) from the Caticlan port. Bancas cross regularly throughout the day.

Boracay is also accessible by slowboat. Negros Navigation has cruise liners that leave from Manila and anchor near Boracay after less than a full day of travel. Slowboates of WG&A and MBRS Shipping Lines dock at Dumaguit, two hours away from Caticlan by bus or van.

How to Get Around

White Beach is entirely accessible on foot, though walking down the entire 3.5-km stretch is more a workout than a leisurely stroll. Most people opt to walk on the sand unless the heat gets so unbearable that a P30 tricycle can’t be resisted. There are no cars on the island, which is just as well since the one and only road behind White Beach looks more like a sidewalk than the main throughfare. Be careful when crossing the road, some tricycle drivers fancy themeselves F1 contenders in the three-wheel division.