A Tropical Paradise Called Boracay

Boracay is without a doubt one of the best tropical beaches in the world. Its powdery white sand beach is phenomenal, its diving sites plentiful and amazing, its gustatory treats abundant and delightful, and not the least important of all, its people friendly and accommodating.

There are myriad of activities for just about everyone, from people simply wanting to relax and enjoy the beach to the more adventurous and athletic ones ones seeking the thrill of various sports in and out of water. Shopaholics need not suffer withdrawal symptoms as flea markets abound in Boracay; there's also a mini-mall that shouldn't be difficult to find nor forget given its name, D-Mall. As for party animals, you should have a blast at the night scene. And before I forget to mention, there's internet connection in the island if you couldn't wait to post your lovely Boracay pics on facebook until you get home.

If you haven't been to Boracay, it's not a matter of thinking whether you should go or not, it's simply a question of when. The best time to visit would be during the months of summer in the Philippines — March, April and May. The peak season however, starts in the month of October. The four months between these, as you've probably deduced, comprise the off-peak season — they're ideal for tourists on a tight budget but beware that the same months form part of the typhoon peak season in the Philippines.

There are tons of useful information about Boracay in the Internet so feel free to google away. It's also best to ask people who've been there too or, if you are so fortunate to have a Filipino friend, ask for practical tips and advice.

If there's anything that bothered me during my recent trip to Boracay, it would be this canal leading to the beach from goodness knows. There's a bit of smell emanating from the water although it wasn't that bad. It's comforting to know however that a sewage treatment plant has been started ahead of it's schedule. Otherwise, I'd fear for the future of this lovely island.

If you're curious about the fourth picture, that's a shot of street food being sold along the shorelines. See that orange spiral treat? That would be isaw in the local tongue, or grilled chicken intestine.

The last picture is a shot from the balcony of our hotel, the Ambassador in Paradise.