Boracay is the number one tourist destination of the Philippines. This exotic tropical island is located at the northwestern tip of Panay. The best spot of the island is its 4-kilometer White Beach or Long Beach as the locals call it. The beach is situated at the west coast. It is between two villages called Angol and Balabag. The water is shallow. The sand is brighter and finer compared to most beaches in the archipelago.

The island contains 350 beach resorts with 2000 rooms accommodating almost everyone. Room styles and accommodation packages vary to suit every visitor's preferences. Even the food vary from native to the satisfactions of a gourmet. Leisure and recreation also suits everyone because the island has discos as well as beer joints. You will also find many villages in the island. Turning eastward at the junction before a village called Yapak you can see the village of Ilig-Iligan. The village can be reached after a 20-minute
hike. It is located on a hill where you can view the ocean.

The east coast offers fewer tourist attractions though it is surrounded by sand beaches. The water is too shallow especially during low tide making it not alluring for swimmers. The stones and seaweed obstruct people to go to the deeper part. However, at an area called Bulabog, professional windsurfers find it very suitable for their practices and even for their annual international fun board cup championships.

On the north coast, Diniwid, a little village with a 200-m beach, rests on a hill. Near the rocky hillside of the beach stand cottages and bamboo houses. Some of these bamboo huts even have fully-equipped kitchens. Over the next hill, the tiny Balinghai Beach rests to accommodate visitors who want to spend their time alone. Simple cottages scattered over the hills can be rented for reflection, meditation or relaxation.

Facing an island called Carabao Island, you can see Puka Shell Beach. Puka Shell Beach is a white sand stretch of 800 meters long. The place is famous for its shiny white shells dug from the sand and made into fashion jewelry. It is a 2-hour hike from a village called Yapak. Near Yapak are caves inhabited by giant bats. Taking photos of these night creatures entails patient endurance of the intense odor in the area. For photographers, to know the best spot to find these "flying monsters" the assistance of a local guide can be asked. The south coast lie more beautiful quiet sand beaches with tourist facilities.

Boracay island is shaped like a dumbbell. It is 7 kilometers long. The narrowest spot is approximately 1 kilometer wide. It homes 6,000 inhabitants. The island belongs to the municipality of Malay, Aklan.

Boracay consists of three communities. They are called barangays. Yapak is the first and it is in the north. Balabag is the second. It is located in the center. The third is Manoc-Manoc which is in the south.

The north and the south of Boracay are full of hills elevating up to 100 meters above sea level. These are good for hiking trips. Many paths and trails lead to tropical jungles and even link small villages to each other.

BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT:

Accomodations on Boracay Island

More links can be found at:

• The Province of Aklan at Tanikalang Ginto
• Boracay Hotels at Tanikalang Ginto