West of Panay Island, in the Visayas of the Philippines, Boracay is the holiday hotspot many people still haven’t yet found, although not for lack of services, reputation and attention. Just 350 kilometres south of Manila, Boracay’s more than 300 resorts, world-famous beaches and friendly people make the amazing palm-fringed coastline the perfect place to relax, party or enjoy the myriad water sports and other activities on offer. However, there is so much more to Boracay that most visitors do not even scrape the surface. In particular, there are great day trips and experiences that avoid the crowds and impart a sense of life as lived by a local!

Nature and wildlife are abundant on and near Boracay, but there’s no better spot at which to take this all in than Caticlan, a pristine world of natural beauty on the mainland near the airport, just a short trip from Boracay in a banca (local ferry boat). It’s a favourite local place for hiking, biking and just soaking up the serenity.

From Caticlan, for a bit of physical challenge, Nasog Point is ideal. To get there, make your way to the town of Malay and then head to the beachfront. Follow the path off to the left and walk along the beach (towards Pahle) until the path takes you to a hill. Starting halfway up, there are stunning views of Boracay! Take drinking water with you.

After the hike, nearby Pahle (just mentioned) is an incredible resort with hardwood furniture and native artwork. Order in advance for the fabulous vegetarian cuisine and then relax by the sea.

Alternatively, from Malay head up to Agnaga Falls. Most tricycle drivers know it and will drop you off at a bridge, from which it’s an invigorating 40-minute walk via native villages, small rice terraces, mountain pathways and coconut plantations. Reward yourself with a dip in the freshwater swimming hole at the end.

If you instead want to meet some locals, head down to the jetty port and ask a tricycle to go to Nabaoy (Nab-ah-oy) River. Here you can join in on some karaoke in the native huts or cross the bridge and then follow the river around to the right to the picnic area, a deck on stilts built around two huge trees. Order food on site or bring your own. Drink a fresh buko (young coconut) juice. Immerse yourself in the fresh river waters.

Back on Boracay, to experience local life, take a tricycle to Manoc Manoc Plaza and then walk to Manoc Manoc Beach. The entire island’s cargo arrives here and you will be amazed both by what you see and the innovative ways the local banca boys unload it! At the back of the beach, there is an old Aeta cemetery surrounded by the well-beaten pathways used by locals to get from village to village.

One favourite spot is Laurel Island, better known as Crystal Cove. There’s an entrance fee of 100 Philippino pesos per person, but you can bring your own food and use proper facilities, including good cooking and eating areas. The best location is across the cleared area by the entrance and then up the steps. Grab a table on the hill with amazing sea views and breezes.

Finally, try exploring Boracay from the back of a horse! Morning sunrise trips reveal the island in all its beauty.

For lots more information about Boracay, including accommodations, tours, activities and loads of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Helen and the Go Discover team at www.boracay.travel.

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This entry was posted on Monday, November 3rd, 2008 at 8:28 pm and is filed under the following categories: