My Second Boracay Trip (October 11-13, 2009)

     As promised to myself,  I'm back to Boracay!   After a month from my previous travel, I immediately booked a flight to Boracay, this time, October and again, with Zest Air.  I was told that the best months to visit the island is from October to January.  We were supposed to be seven on this trip but two of our friends had to cancel their flights because typhoon Pepeng just devastated Luzon, since they will be coming from Ilocos, it is impossible for them to reach Manila since the bridge connecting the province was destroyed.  It was actually a few days after Ondoy flooded Metro Manila.  Luckily, our flight was a go.  However, all flights were diverted to Kalibo due to the closure of Caticlan Airport. Also, the flight was moved from 8:00am to 10:00am prior to diversion.  That means more travel time.

     Upon arriving at Kalibo International Airport, we were transferred to a bus provided by the airline which will bring us to Caticlan Jetty port.  Since the waves are too high that day, we were brought to Tabon port instead. This port is used during monsoon season.  When we reached the island, we immediately went to D' Mall to wait for our pick-up.  This time, we stayed at Tan's Guest House.  The room we had was beach front and buffet breakfast was provided.

Tabon Port

Tan's Guest House

     I was surprised to see the beach.  It was very different from what we saw last summer.  The Algae was gone, and the beach was picture perfect.  Although it is obvious that the sand has eroded tremendously.  On our first night, we had our Korean dinner at the Boracay Regency.  After that very appetizing dinner, we went to Cocomangas Shooter Bar, at last!  I remember not being able to enter here five months ago because it was full of people.  We ordered one of their blends and got to take home the shaker as a souvenir.  We also had fun dancing at the dance floor.  Hopefully the next time, I'll be able to try their famous "15 shots and still standing", and have my name engraved and placed on their wall of fame. At least there's another reason for me to return to Boracay. Haha.

Perfectly Clear Water

Korean Dinner at Boracay Regency

Sex On The Beach Shaker at Cocomangas Shooter Bar

     The following day was all fun on the beach.  We brought a rubber boat with us and enjoyed the waves while riding on it.  After a very tiring fun, we went back to our rooms and took a rest.

     Our last day was all shopping, but we took a final plunge on the beach early morning.  We had to check-in three hours before our flight because we will be transferred  back to Kalibo.  Upon reaching Caticlan, we were assisted at the Zest Air Office outside the Airport and were issued our boarding pass (There is a small store beside the airport which sells pasalubong items and uses native hand-woven bags instead of plastic bags).  We were told to proceed to  Zest Air Lounge to wait for our bus which will bring us to Kalibo Airport.  The airport is bigger than Caticlan, we were immediately seated upon entering the departure area.  The flight left on time and we reached Manila after an hour.

My coach at the lower deck

At the Zest Air Departure Lounge

     My second Boracay tour was great!  I've seen the real charm of Boracay.  I'll sure come back but not sooner.  There are other places I want to explore.

My First Boracay Trip (May 9-11, 2009)

     My first trip to Boracay was also my first time to ride an airplane.  Luckily, I was able to book a promo flight from Zest Air.  At first, my colleagues were joking, saying good luck  "hope you make it alive". It's because Zest Air was formerly known as Asian Spirit, the so-called "Asian airline that turns its passengers into Spirits". That initially scared me.  However, knowing that it is under a new owner, I know I'm in good hands. I researched about the airline and found out it has a new fleet, and the plane that we will be using is brand new.  So, that's good news for me.

 

Our Plane, new MA-60

                                 

      Finally, the day has arrived! After waiting for three months, its my time to fly.  I'll be flying together with 3 more friends who also booked their flights with me.  Check-in was a breeze, we were on the waiting area in no time.  Our flight departed on time and we landed ahead of schedule in Caticlan.

Free Zest-O during flight

     From the airport, we took a tricycle ride to the jetty port.  From there, you have to pay the environmental fee, terminal fee, and of course the ferry ride.  We took the air-conditioned fast craft which costs just 5 pesos more from the ordinary motor boats.  Upon reaching Boracay Island, you have to take another tricycle ride to your hotel/resort. It costs 20 pesos per person or 100 pesos for a special trip.

     We stayed at Nirvana Resort, located at Boat Station 2.  The resort is a five minute walk from the Beach.  We stayed on a villa with complete amenities such as a mini bar, kitchen with complete utensils and cookware, a dining room, a large bedroom, spacious living room, and  nice veranda situated in a garden setting.  While waiting for our other friends who took a different flight, we went to D' mall Palengke to buy some food to cook.  After preparing everything, we dipped into the resort's new swimming pool until our friends came.  When they arrived, we accompanied them to our villa, we actually booked two villas connected to each other.  After some nice lunch, off we go to the beach.

     At last, first time on the beach, I was surprised with the large shoreline! So captivating! All we did was take pictures and videos.  We familiarized with the place before we finally swim. When we went on the water, we were surprised to see algae on it.  Yes, algae!  You have to go farther to avoid those things.  It normally appears during the summer months.  On our first night, we went to Cocomangas shooter bar, however, it was so crowded and there were no more place to accommodate more people so we decided to look for another place.  After some good drinking we walked beside the shore on our way back to our resort.

Walking at the shore for the first time

     Day 2, island hopping time.  We went snorkeling and went to Puka beach for lunch and tried the famous Jona's shake upon returning to the white beach.  After almost a day of activities, we went back to the resort and rest for a while. During dinner, some ate at a beach front buffet while me and some others decided to eat at a Korean restaurant at D' Mall.

     On our 3rd day, we tried some water activities such as banana boat, flying fish, and reef walking.  After these really exciting activities, we went shopping and prepared to pack our things.  Finally, its time to leave.  I'm so excited to ride the airplane once again!  Check-in at the Caticlan airport was fine, however, entry to the departure area is so chaotic!  It's too over crowded!  So many people standing everywhere since there were no more seats available.  After some time, there were only few people around.  We later found out  that we were the last plane to depart at the airport.  There are no evening flights at the Caticlan Airport. 

     At last! Back to Manila.  I sure enjoyed my Boracay adventure and promised myself to come back soon.   Just an advice; always drink bottled water, and be careful where you buy your drinks, the water on the island is often contaminated.  Most of us suffered diarrhea.  We even called a doctor twice because someone got seriously ill.  We were told by the doctor that its a common sickness on the island.  But all in all, it was a blast!