Boracay – the Island of Beaches
Boracay Island was once a relatively unknown tropical paradise that had little more than a few beach huts in disrepair. The tides have changed for the island in the recent past, and today, it is one of the most sought-after island destinations in Asia and the world. It even garnered the attention of Travel + Leisure in 2012, when it achieved the title “World’s Best Island”. Boracay’s ever-growing number of resorts that range from budget to luxury may be one of the reasons for its success as a holiday destination, but the main attractions in Boracay are the white sandy beaches.
This is a selection of some of the best.
White Beach
White Beach is a five kilometer-long expanse of fine white sand, mostly comprised of finely ground coral. White Beach is known for being singularly responsible for the start of Boracay’s recent popularity boom. White Beach was once used to deliver visitors directly on to the sand, before the port was built on the island.
Today, White Beach is the island’s best developed stretch of shore. It is lined with resorts, hotels, bars, restaurants, and even a shopping mall. The more luxurious resorts are located on the northern end of the beach, which also has the finest white sand, maintained meticulously by resort staff. Mid-range and budget hotels are located in the middle and southern areas, respectively.
White Beach is oriented towards the west, making it an ideal place to watch spectacular sunsets. Once the sun sets, the nightlife kicks in, and lively parties are the norm. Parties will reach their peak every month on full moon and new moon days. The bars and clubs come alive with music and entertainment, and a fun time is to be had everywhere you look.
Bulabong Beach
On the opposite side of the island (the eastern side) to White Beach is Bulabong Beach, which is about two and a half kilometres long. It’s orientation makes it an amazing place to watch the sun rise in the east. If you are up for it, you can watch the sun go down on White Beach, party all night, and watch the sun come up on Bulabong beach, only 700 metres away.
Monsoonal winds from November to April along Bulabong beach make it not-so-ideal for sunbathing, but perfect for water sports such as kiteboarding and windsurfing. The beach is lined with kiteboarding schools and small bars catering to that crowd.
Yapak Beach (Puka Shell Beach)
More commonly called Puka Beach, this 800-meter beach on the northern tip of the island is arguably the most attractive in terms of aesthetic value. Although the sand is coarser owing to the high content of small puka shells, the beach gives visitors a glance at what the rest of the island used to look like before development took over.
Visitors are greeted by stalls selling locally crafted shell jewelry and shell souvenirs. Yapak Beach is for those who like a quiet holiday on a beautiful tropical beach.
Banyugan Beach
Banyugan Beach is technically a private beach that belongs to Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa. This small – 100 meters – but the attractive beach is found to the west of Yapak Beach and is a sheltered stretch of fine white sand. It features comfortable sunbeds with large umbrellas and attentive waiters.
Banyugan Beach is accessible to those who are not guests at the resort, but it is advisable to make a reservation at one of the bars or restaurants in advance.
A beach is also a great place for snorkeling with large shoals of fish just off the shore. Look out of Kayaks and snorkeling gear available for hire. Masks and snorkels are free to use for guests of the resort.
Ilig Iligan Beach
This small beach, far from the crowds of White Beach, is in the northeastern tip of the island not far from Yapak Beach. The island is protected by small rocky islands off its northern edge.
The beach has its off-season from November to April, during which time it will see colorful fishing boats docked there for repair. The best time to visit this beach is from May to October when it offers great snorkeling, ideal for experienced swimmers owing to the strong currents in the ocean around the area.
Book your trip to Boracay through Mabuhay Travel today and see this beautiful island for all its beaches and everything else it has to offer, for the cheapest rates on the market!
