Spending Christmas in Boracay (在长滩岛过的圣诞节)

Of the 7,107 islands that make up the Philippine archipelago, the island of Boracay is perhaps one of the most popular, if not the most loved. People go to Boracay for a variety of reasons, basking under the sun being the most common. Spending the Christmas holidays in Boracay, however, is a whole new experience if I may say so as the atmosphere is very much different from the island's usual summer beauty. 

Getting there

The trip to Boracay was something I had to prepare for, given that we were booked to fly to Kalibo, Aklan instead of Caticlan. The good thing about flying to Kalibo though is that the whole trip would've already been fully packaged under ZestAir's Boracay packages at costs more economical than taking SEAir trips. Booking flights with the latter would require you to manage your own accommodation bookings since there are no packages for Boracay under the said airline. Going back, my mind was
poorly prepared for the long trip that was about to happen. Not only was the flight delayed but also we had to board a two-hour bus ride to Caticlan. 

 ZestAir planes for domestic flights are smaller than the standard Airbus models used in international trips

On the average, land travel to Caticlan takes 1.5 hours but since it was raining at the time of our arrival (and since it was already late), it took us longer than that. Upon arriving at Caticlan station, we had to pay for ferry/boat passes so that we'd be brought to neighboring Boracay. 

The Kalibo International Airport is relatively new and renovations are still ongoing

Depending on the volume of tourists, there's a good chance that a coaster or a bus will be there to drive you to your next stop

Just a recap: Plane (1.5 hrs flight > Coaster (2 hrs) > boat (10 mins) > jeep (10 mins) > walk (5 mins)

Humble abode

We were booked under Bamboo Beach Resort and Restaurant, located at Boracay's Station 3. The place was quite simple, and reminded me of home. It's not a place for the finicky traveler as it does have a lot of room for improvement. I must give credit to the staff though for their prompt response to our requests and for keeping a bright smile on their faces all the time. Breakfast is served at an early 6AM daily which comes free with every booked room, and dinner is discounted at 10% for in-house guests. 

It may not look much but this place was home to us for three days. The peace it offers is just priceless.

Walking the beach

Boracay's not famous for nothing--it boasts of bright, light sand that is finer than the typical sand found in most beaches. Its color is further given emphasis as it is illuminated by sunlight, giving off a somewhat white-like appearance, one that makes Boracay standout among its counterparts. 

Station 3 beach front at dawn

The whole stretch is about 4km long, of which most parts are dotted by restaurants, hotels, resorts, and small businesses. You can never get lost in this expanse of land as there are signboards everywhere. Besides, the people are more than willing to help anyone who asks for directions. The locals are friendly and everyone speaks English. The energy that people from Boracay emanates is hard to ignore and it is, in reality, the very thing that keeps the island alive. 

Shifting from the bright smiles of the locals to the even brighter water near the shore, your gaze will be led to look at the far horizon. Crystal blue water, the sound of frolicking tourists, and the sound of jet skis cutting through the water's surface, you ask yourself if the temporary bliss you are experiencing can be found elsewhere. Indeed, there are places like Cancun and the ever popular beaches of Jamaica but to have walked Boracay's many stations is a different experience in itself. 

You will forever be an irony to me. Why hide under the shade when the sun's rays are as inviting as the ones in Boracay?

Drop by PADI and inquire about how you can check out the diving sites around the island

Christmas breeze, Evening booze

The December air is here alright, and to have spent the 25th in Boracay introduced me to a wholly different definition of Christmas celebration. As you may already know, the island has many party establishments to choose from. As I kept walking to and fro, I kept bumping into half-passed out partygoers who seem to have had more than what their bodies can handle...And of course there were the ground-kissers who would've gotten up the following morning with a heavy hangover, without any clothes on while, still, on the amazing white sands of Boracay.

Hungry? This noodle & burger kiosk is open 24 hours to cater to customers looking for a late snack

This is were it starts--A bottle of Red Horse resting on a sand bench marks the beginning of a night of intoxication. Party on!

I doubt that this phenomenon is exclusive only to the cool "-ber months" since, after asking around, locals attested to this daily occurence. 

Oh well. 

Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

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The fun part in spending Christmas on an island like Boracay is the freedom one gets out of being there. There are a multitude of contrasts to see and experience and yet, it sinks in: it is a beach afterall. There's plenty to do but sooner or later you'd have to part with this liberty. You easily meet new people and bid them goodbye just as fast. You pack your bags and head for this island of beautiful white sand, not knowing what to expect each time you visit. And for each time you leave, you sit down for a bit to retrospect on the little things you did during your stay, both hit and miss.

See you again soon, Bora!