Boracay manages to meet, or exceed or defy most expectations. It rarely disappoints. Visitors  are an eclectic mix of international sophisticates, chic Manila urbanites, families of all ages and nationalities, serious water sports enthusiasts, chilled-out backpackers, late-night party animals - in fact travelers of all sorts. Its attractions include  a choice of cocktail of beach walks, beach sports, massages, sunsets and time spent lolling in the most turquoise of waters.

How to get to Boracay: The swiftest way to Boracay from Manila is by air to Caticlan. SEAIR has daily small aircraft servicing Manila (one hour). PAL Express and Cebu Pacific fly daily in and out of Manila and Cebu. Rather than take one-minute tricycle ride (40 pesos) on offer, you can easily make the five-minute walk from Caticlan airport to the pier.
A flee of boats shuttles people back and forth between Caticlan and Boracay (120 pesos per person, 15 min) every 15 minutes between 6am and 6pm. All boats arrive at  Boracay's  Cagban Pier, where - unless you are on a accommodation package - tricycles charge a 100 pesos to take you to your hotel, irrespective of where it is.

Suggested Hotels along White Beach
Orchids Resort (landline: 288 3313; cell: 09172420833)
Villa Camilla (landline: 288 3354)
Casa Pilar Beach Resort (landline: 288 3073)
Frendz Resort (landline: 288 3803)


Suggested Hotels North of White Beach
Microtel Inn (landline: 288 4311)
Nami Boracay (landline: 288 6753)

Suggested Hotels along Bulabog Beach
Windpia (landline: 288 6521)
Lazy dog (landline: 288 4128)
Blue Bayou Bungalows (landline: 288 4740)

Glorious White Beach is the center of Boracay's tourist area. Until recently, three boat stations along its length were the scenic way visitors approached the island from Caticlan. Nowadays everyone arrives  at a purpose-built  pier at Cagban Bay on the  island's southern tip  and takes a hot and noisy ride along the main road to the hotels. White beach is dominated by a sandy pedestrian  highway - the White Beach path - where motorised vehicles are banned an it is almost compulsory to go barefoot.
Across Boracay's narrow middle from White Beach - just 10 minutes walk from D'mall - is the less-peopled Bulabog Beach. Here is where you will meet plenty of windsurfers and kiteboarders who call this place home for many months of the year - if ti remains affordable, that is.
PUKA Beach, in the north, is a popular picnic spot. Puka are tiny shells  of the cone snail that make most of the necklaces, anklets and bracelets  you will see all over, and the beach entrance is lined with stalls selling every conceivable design of shell jewelry and handicrafts. Locals says that  Puka Grande, the restaurant at the beach does great adobo and best ever ihaw-ihaw pork chops. 
The Mount Luho View Deck, high above the  east coast, has stunning views across the island, though the steps up to it were apparently  designed with nimble, long-legged giants in mind. The cross-country road linking it with the main road is lush, green and forested; quite a contrast of the coast.

Other Activities in Boracay

Boating
Allan Fun Tours (cell: 0921 339 8097) offers daily five-hour  boat trips around the island that include snorkelling gear, food and drinks.
Glass Bottom Boat (landline: 288 4599) a two-hour trip with drinks and snacks provided; good for families. 
Red Pirates ( landline: 288 5767) does private , full-moon or sunset paraw tours, and can be chartered to take you to many spots around northern Panay and Romblon.


Windsurfing
Greenyard Funboard Center (landline: 288 3663)
Mistral Funboard center (landline: 288 3876)
Windpia ( landline: 288 6521)

Snorkelling
Blue Mango Dive Center (landline: 288 6954)
Calypso Diving Resort (landline: 288 3206) 
Dive Gurus (landline: 288 5486)
Lapu-lapu Diving Center (landline: 288 3302)

Massage and Spa
Mandala Spa (landline: 288 5857) First class spa that offers indulgent packages for men and women. Treatments cost from P2600 for a facial  to around P10,000 for the "Princess Treatment" or "Emperor World".