In this little piece of heaven,
we found peace and tranquility, and a kind of calm.
For a moment there, I was in a paradisical high.
It really felt like an escape from reality.
Everything they said about Boracay was real.
A tiny island that only existed in our fantasy.
Not overcrowded with tourists, nor overbearing touts
nor pumping loud clubs.
Just subtle beach bars and good food..
Seeing local kids play around in the clear waters
made me feel more blissed
to be in this authentic unspoilt haven.
Rusty tricycles are the most common form of transport
around this tiny island. Looking out through the rural scenery
and locals walking by, it’s priceless.
Walking through the quaint little village towards our hostel,
we saw rural Filippino life and adorable local children.
This walk stays vividly in my memories.
Such bamboo huts are typical Filippino housings.
From ceiling to the floor, every single surface is covered with bamboo.
Beautifully simple.
The view from our hostel overlooking village huts.
This was what I wanted – a local insight to island life.
Trying street food has always been the top on my travel lists.
Filippino street food is undoubtedly one of the best!
Not to mention that BBQed meat and organs form an impt part of the Filippino cuisine.
Kechon Kawali.
Roasted fatty pork -literally 3 layers of fats between crispy skin and tender meat.
Fried to perfection.
Chicken Adobo.
Stewed chicken in soya sauce, vinegar and onion.
Seemingly simple, but overwhelmingly tasty.
Seafood stalls line the beachfront,
as restaurants tempt the passing pedestrians with their fresh and colourful catch.
A basic BBQ stand.
Of course I had to pig out on the famous Isaw Manok!
Isaw Manok (bbqed pig’s intestines garnished with sweet sauce)
Not for the faint-hearted, but the juicy bbq sauce mixed with the crunchy
crispiness of the intestines – perfect!
White beach is lined with chill-out casual bars
with comfortable bamboo sofas sprawled on the soft sand.
What better way to unwind after a day of soaking up the sun.
Oh and the best cocktails ever!
We rode around the island on a tiny rented scooter
and found this secluded piece of haven- Balinghai resort!
A rustic wooden place perched on top of a steep cliff,
spiralling down to a small exclusive beach..
It felt so down-to-earth and untouched by the world.
Ah food glorious food!
Chicken cooked with coconut gravy.
The view of the sea from the resort.
Riding up to Mount Luho, the highest pt of the island,
was probably something we would not wanna miss out on.
From that tiny observation deck, you could see both sides of the island
the White Beach as well as the Bulabog Lagoon
which is the hotspot for kitesurfing..
Night falls and the island is transformed..
The best meal we had in Boracay, was at Jonah´s shakes.
The restaurant was all candelit and had a great atmosphere,
your feet would be feeling the soft sand, while the waves roll by right beside you.
They had excellent set dinners, for a great price
- rice with crispy fried shrimps, and stewed meat, along with a drink and fruits
for only 280pesos. (US$4)
Nellie! Me and Mich are heading to Boracay this July! Can't waittt!!!
any tips? ho ho… how was your Central Java trips by the way? Was sunset at Borobudur as pretty as everybody said it was? Sure hope so.. 
Oh. my. god. I WILL BE THERE SOMEDAY!
LOL, I LOVED it!
It reminded me of Cancun, a long long time ago… thankfully, there are still little "hidden pieces of unspoiled heaven" all over my beautiful state, Quintana Roo, Mexico!
I invite you to discover them!
Camilo Olea
hey Camilo, thanks for stopping by! Boracay is gorgeous, you’ll hafta see it for yourself.
I loved Quintana Roo as well, in fact the whole of Yucatan Peninsula. I crossed the border from Belize, driving along the coast from Tulum (my favourite) to Playa del Carmen and Cancun. Wrote these posts about those beaches, hope you like them too!
http://www.wildjunket.com/2009/12/01/celebrating-mexicos-independence-day-in-cancn/
http://www.wildjunket.com/2009/12/01/cruising-the-caribbean-coast-in-mexicos-yucatan-peninsula/
OMG!! I remember and miss the beauty of Boracay!! I once told myself I don't want to visit the island and be part of the hype and touristy atmosphere.. Jeez how I ate my words with sidings of powdery white fine sand and puka shells! Promised myself I will be back as soon as possible =) Have you been to Palawan? Next time you fly to the Philippines, it should be your priority destination =) Have more safe and exciting travels!
Thanks Marnie, really liked the atmosphere in Boracay despite the touristy crowd. I haven’t been to Palawan – was debating between Palawan and Boracay, would definitely make it there the next time!
one of my favorite places in the philippines… you should also visit el nido in palawan… another gorgeous place in the philippines
Yes I\’ve been dreaming of going to el Nido!!! It was a pity I didn\’t get the chance to see more of the Phils, but I\’m definitely heading there sometime in the near future and exploring it inch by inch.