Boracay Trip 2019

It's been YEARS since I last posted an entry. I think it's high time to revive my blog and what a better way to start by posting about my recent Boracay trip. I was actually inspired by the improvements (still ongoing in some parts of the island) in Boracay that I thought are worth sharing. 

I was already impressed with Boracay even way back, the first time I visited the island. Now that it re-opened, I appreciated it even more after its rehabilitation. Many people said that the newly-revived island looked like Boracay in the late '90s to early '00s--- less crowded, more organized, more peaceful and cleaner!

So let me share with you about my Boracay Trip 2019! For someone like me who lives in the South, Ube Express and P2P buses are such blessings for daily commuters. This transportation system is highly commendable as they provide safe and comfortable transportation in going to the airport (Ube Express) and Makati area (P2P bus). From Nuvali-Sta. Rosa, we hopped on the Ube Express bus going to NAIA Terminal 3 for our Manila to Kalibo flight. So, I texted this Ube Express contact number 0915-654-6115 to "reserve a seat" for two persons just to be sure. Somebody actually replied and reminded me to be in the Nuvali terminal (near Robinsons Nuvali) before 5am. The fare from Nuvali to NAIA Terminal 3 is 190 pesos per person. You can pay either in cash or by using your beep card. I would recommend paying via beep card to avoid the hassle, but, if you are going to pay in cash, it's always better to prepare the exact amount. Since we boarded the early bus trip,  travel time took about one (1) hour or so since the Ube Express bus dropped off passengers at all NAIA Terminals. The last stop was  Terminal 3 so, you better allocate a few hours lead time for the check-in process.

Nuvali to NAIA Terminal 3 is 190 pesos

Inside the Ube Express Bus in Nuvali

Upon arrival at Terminal 3, we grabbed a quick bite and proceeded to the check-in counter, waited for a bit, and finally boarded the plane. 
It was actually my first time at Kalibo airport because the last time I went to Boracay was via Caticlan airport. You may check out my first Boracay blog entry here to make your comparisons as well. 

Counters for Bocaray Island Transfer

Upon arrival at Kalibo Airport, you can immediately see several transportation providers for your Kalibo to Boracay Island transfer. Based on my research, the most recommended was Island Star Express since they have a shuttle bus which was more comfortable for a 2-hour ride, unlike others who only have vans. We paid 650 pesos for one person, which included the bus ride, boat ride, e-jeep ride and environmental fees (from Kalibo Airport-to-Cagban Port-to-Station 1 Royal Park hotel). 

Kalibo Airport

Take note that you need to go through a verification process in Kalibo airport to check if you have a hotel reservation and if the hotel is accredited by the Department of Tourism. It's important that you have a printed copy of your hotel reservation because the assigned staff will place a stamp on your voucher after the verification process.  

verification form

hotel voucher

We made reservations at the Royal Park Hotel located at Station 1. I got a good deal from Agoda where we got a 23 % discount for the 4 days and 3 nights stay (breakfast included). We only paid approximately 10,000 pesos and even got upgraded to a Suite Room considering that Station 1 hotels are really, really expensive! The Korean lady who was always present at the front desk as well as the front desk staff was very cheerful and accommodating. Even the other hotel staff were all warm and courteous. The hotel itself would probably need some renovation in terms of pest control ('heard rats in the ceiling) and repainting. But overall, I would still recommend staying at Royal Park Hotel because of its strategic location, reasonable price, and pleasant atmosphere. The hotel food was average, but for less than 10, 000 pesos with breakfast buffet, it was okay, I guess. I've shared some photos below for your reference. 

Royal Park hotel

the beach right at your doorstep

egg, longganisa, stir fried veggies and fruits

pansit, tocino, egg, watermelon, pineapple, coffee

longganisa, galunggong, veggies, salad, fried rice

Aside from swimming and beach bumming, I was honestly looking forward to eating at one of my favorite restaurants in Boracay, Real Coffee(home to the famous calamansi muffin). They moved to a new location in Station 2 near D'Mall and they also have a new product, the mango muffin which was a bit expensive compared to the calamansi muffin. Real Coffee now has a second floor where you can just chill with your favorite meal or simply enjoy the sea view. If you're planning to take home some calamansi or mango muffin from Real Coffee, you have to order at least one day in advance.

Real Coffee kitchen

waiting for a spot by the window

 calamansi and mango muffin plus iced coffee

new location at Station 2 near D'mall

Another one of my favorite places in Boracay is Smoke. It's probably one of the original establishments on the island, however, they are now in D'Mall and has a smaller space, so you have to wait for a little while until you get seated. But, the food didn't change a bit... still tasteful and served hot, not to mention one of the most budget-friendly places to eat. One meal usually costs an average of 250 to 350 pesos--picture is posted below for your reference. 

kao pad and beef salpicao

It was very obvious that Boracay is also a good place for business. I actually think some foreigners go there not to enjoy the beach, but to look for business ventures. So, we found these two dessert places in D'Mall which is Coco Mama and Halo Mango. Both have long cues at any time of the day! It was crazy how people would patiently line up just to buy these two delightful desserts.

Coco Mama was basically coconut ice cream with shaved coconut, mango slices and rice crispies placed in the actual coconut shell. For a dessert-lover like me, I was looking for that certain sweet taste. A bit of brown sugar or condensed milk would probably make it better. Nevertheless, it was refreshing and the presentation was really interesting. The price was 150 pesos per serving (if I remembered correctly). The picture was from my Instagram (with filter) to make it look brighter.



Halo Mango, on the other hand, I think was more worth it lining up to. It's soft-served, mango-flavored ice cream. What probably made it special is the base ingredient, which was genuine mango puree. When we were in line, I actually saw gallons of mango puree placed inside the ice cream machine which made me kind of curious. The thought of eating an all-natural, pure mango ice cream was exciting because usually mango ice cream sold in stores or supermarkets was processed with other ingredients. You can also choose from the many sizes available, but we opted to buy the cheapest one at 180 pesos. It was indeed SWEET, PURE MANGO ice cream! I was very proud because it was the real Philippine mango. No wonder people just waited patiently to grab this dessert.

menu with prices

regular size

large (-est) size

Meanwhile, we came across this restaurant named HOY PANGA. It was right at the beachfront between Station 2 and 3 (or so I think). The interior was very nice and well-ventilated. The food tasted really, really good and the price was not that expensive. A budget of 1000 pesos for two persons would be enough.

liempo, tuna belly, salted egg salad and frozen ice tea

grotto

view from Station 2

Station 2 - paraw sailboats area

Police enforcers were more obvious in the new Boracay. It gives a sense of security and you really get to appreciate that they are doing their job watching over the violators. So, better be conscious that eating on the beach area is not allowed anymore, there are designated areas for smoking and most especially, throw your trash in the proper bins.  A little research will guide you a lot if you're planning a  trip to Boracay.


  

Station 1 at sunrise

It only takes simple steps to make a big difference. I just hope they will be able to maintain this renewed Boracay and take care of it. After all, it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth!

Phaidon Beach Resort: Exclusivity and Unlimited Beach Bumming Experience

Phaidon Beach Resort - beach front area

Part of our Antique-Boracay tour is a beach bumming session at Phaidon Beach Resort. After falling in love with Malumpati Spring, we were in awe upon seeing the bright and exclusive beachfront area of Phaidon Beach Resort. When we arrived, we paid an entrance fee of PHP 60 per person, and this includes the rental for the cottage. 


The owner said that Phaidon Beach Resort is the other side of Boracay. I surely agree with her because we had the beach all to ourselves --- no stressful crowd, no boats on the shore and no noisy parties. The peaceful, serene water was just awaiting visitors to plunge in. Of course, the sand is more beautiful in Boracay, but sand at Phaidon Beach Resort is still comparable to it. The water was so clear as if calling you to swim the moment you arrive. As soon as we enter the resort, we dropped off our things at the cottage and immediately ran off to swim in the enticing beach. 

clear, calm water but beware of sea urchins

Due to our excitement that we were the only ones on the beach, we didn't notice sea urchins lurking in the water. We found one and another and another....they were all just right in front of Phaidon Beach Resort. So, we walked a bit to a vacant property which was said to be owned by Loren Legarda. We also had fun joking around and sharing laughter while doing "photo shoot" sessions. 

Here's a list of what I love about Phaidon Beach Resort:

1. It was not crowded.
2. The place was squeaky clean.
3. It was cozy.
4. We ordered instant coffee priced at PHP 35 per cup, which is reasonable enough (for me).
5. We had the opportunity to take a peek in one of their rooms, and it was nice with a welcoming atmosphere and very clean. 

What I think needs improvement would be:

1. The sea urchins are everywhere. This is due to the fishermen who are on the other side of the property, and they unintentionally bring in the sea urchins as they catch fishes.
2. The lounge area at the beachfront area can be used but charged with a rental fee. I didn't ask for the price anymore. It was just disappointing because if you were a guest for a more extended stay, you'd have to rent the lounge area. That's a bit disappointing.
3. They didn't want us to enter the comfort room after swimming on the beach. It was indirectly implied because the staff kept on pointing out that there was a hose for washing our feet instead of going inside the comfort room.
4. The location of the resort is quite far from the city proper. So, if you want to go someplace, you'll have to rent out their van or have a tricycle rented out for touring around Pandan. 

cottage 1

cottage 2

cottage in front of the resort

veranda

restaurant

lounge area (for rent)

Overall, I find Phaidon Beach Resort a very private and close to a perfect beach bumming escape away from the noisy crowd of Boracay. Another twist in your Visayas region tour. I'd give it a rating of 3.5 out of 5. :)

fishermen in the nearby property

fresh catch

pulling the net

children collecting shells for their dinner

beautiful sunset at Phaidon Beach Resort

Antique-Boracay Escapade

Finally, I can update my blog after an unforgettable backpacker's trip with my office friends. Last April 18 to 21, we experienced our much-awaited trip to Boracay. Initially, we were only aiming to set foot at Boracay but, one of our colleagues volunteered to tour us around her hometown since she will be going on vacation on the same dates. So, our Boracay escapade was upgraded into Antique-Boracay route. Here are the details of our tour. . .


Day 00 - April 18 (Friday)

At 5pm right on the dot, we all stepped out of our offices and headed to Batangas port to make it on time for the 9pm departure. However, due to the large volume of 2go passengers, our ETD was delayed, and we were able to leave the port at around past 10pm (I cannot remember exactly). It was my second time to ride 2go, but I was shocked that couples, families, group of students and all sorts of people filled up the waiting area at Batangas port. The good thing about sailing during summer is that the sea was calmer as compared to sailing to Boracay way back November 2012. Our tickets were priced at PHP 2000, round trip Batangas-Caticlan-Batangas with tourist accommodation plus one (1) complimentary meal. Linens and beddings at the vessel were also free provided that you have a valid ID. Otherwise, you'll have to deposit PHP 100. 


Day 01 - April 19 (Friday)

Between 7am to 8am, we finally arrived at Caticlan port. We were supposed to take the CERES Bus Liner going to Pandan, Antique but we opted to rent out a van since we were a group of 10. So, the van rental from Caticlan port to Pandan Antique cost us Php 100 per person. Unfortunately, the van didn't have a functional aircon so, we got a bit frustrated because the temperature this summer season seems to be the hottest, ever! But, the lovely view, serene surroundings and fresh air compensated for our disappointment. After 30-45 minutes, we finally arrived at Ms. Marnie's (our host) place in Pandan, Antique. 

After eating breakfast, we geared up for our first stop which is the Malumpati Spring (check out another blog entry here). Known for its very cool flowing waters, Malumpati Spring can be considered a haven for tourists who are looking for a different Visayan escapade. We rented out a cottage which was less than a Php 100 and paid for the entrance fee which was Php 10 per person. After the sumptuous lunch prepared by Ms. Marnie's caretakers, everybody dipped into the cold refreshing water of Malumpati Spring Resort. We were able to try out the balsa for Php 50 per hour rental fee. According to Ms. Marnie, the Malumpati Spring has been featured in several local travel shows. We were lucky to have witnessed its beauty before everybody else flocks there once the place becomes very popular and commercialized. 

Next stop is at Phaidon Beach Resort. It took us about 30 minutes of travel time from Malumpati Spring to the beach resort. Since we only visited the resort for swimming at the beach and cottage rental, we paid Php 60 per person for the entrance fee. They say that it was the other side of Boracay because the place is quite exclusive and no stressful crowd. We had a beautiful beach all to ourselves. 


Day 02 - April 20 (Saturday)

We got up early in the morning to finally visit the ever famous tourist attraction, Boracay. Ms. Marnie referred us to her friend who had two available rooms in his house that can accommodate all ten of us. It was not a beach front property, but it was nearby the church and plaza and 2-minute walking distance to the beach at Station 1. It cost us Php 4000 for the two rooms, overnight stay. Very cheap, but it was literally a room --- with beds that can fit in 5 people for each room, air-condition and that's it. 

It was my 3rd time to visit Boracay, but I consider every experience unique because it was with different groups/friends. So, we took the usual routine of lounging on the beach, visited D' Talipapa for cheap souvenir finds, seafood shopping and "paluto." Food was more affordable this way than eat at fancy restaurants by the beach, considering that we have a limited budget. So meal allotment per person did not exceed Php 300 (paluto plus the seafood that we bought).

At night, we witnessed a beach party courtesy of the Nestea Beach Volley Tournament. People flocked in the area near Station 1 but, after some time we finally doze off in our little room to recharge for our 6am departure at Caticlan port.


Day 03 - April 21 (Sunday)

Our ETD from Caticlan port was 6am but, again it was delayed, and we left between 9am to 10am. We arrived at Batangas port around 8pm and off we went to our respective homes. 

More details of our Antique and Boracay escapade in additional blog entries....

Boracay Trip via 2go

It was my second time to go to the beautiful paradise of Boracay. Thanks to my friends who instantly agreed with me that we should spend the long weekend (Nov. 1 to 5) despite the short preparation and planning. Since we were running out of time to plan for our Boracay trip, and in consideration with our budget constraints, I suggested that we try out sailing to Caticlan Jetty Port via 2go. It was the combined companies of Negros Navigation and Super Ferry which now carries the name 2go. 

There are actually limited blogs about 2go. But, based on internet research, it was a pretty reliable and comfortable alternative way of going to Boracay (or so I think). So, I hope this blog will serve as an eye opener for those who are curious about how it feels like traveling by sea through 2go.

What I liked most about our 2go experience:

Less hurtful to the wallet. 

2go's prices vary depending on the type of accommodation that you avail. In our case, we booked for the cabin-type that can accommodate up to 4 persons; it is air conditioned with private bathroom and cable tv. We paid around Php 1000 per person, and terminal fee at Batangas pier was about Php 30. So, it is less damaging to your wallet compared to flying over to Kalibo or Caticlan. Other accommodations available are suite room which is the most expensive and the tourist accommodation which was around Php 800. I am not quite sure as to the maximum number of persons that can stay in the suite room, but it has a sala area and private bathroom, too. If you avail of the tourist accommodation while on the ship, you have to share the bathroom with a hundred others.  

Feels like a cruise ship. 

While you are on the vessel, it feels like you are actually on a cruise ship because of the very chic lobby area and the staff assisting us as we enter. If you don't like to stay in the cabin, you can spend the night at the bar. You can order some drinks and enjoy the sea breeze and moonlight (if you are traveling by night). Sad to say there is no wifi available, so, its either you stay in the bar, relax in the lobby, eat in the restaurant or sleep in your room. 

Very chic interior. 

The front desk and lobby were pink in theme. It was cool and impressive. You'll initially feel that everything else is glamorous (not until you learn my not-so-good experience). Overall, it was neat, and everything else makes you think that it will be a smooth-sailing trip. 

It has a bar, restaurant, and lobby. 

These are the three places most frequented by passengers so, expect them to be a bit crowded. But, it was good enough that they had a bar to enjoy the night away; the restaurant to keep your tummy happy; and the lobby where you can just hang out and watch tv.

Sleeping quarters are very decent. 

The ship was pretty neat, and so are the rooms. Bathrooms were maintained well, too. I guess 2go made sure that you will feel comfortable for the 9-hour travel. 

Online booking facility. 

It is also a good thing that you can book your ticket through an online booking facility. You can choose the type of accommodation you like with just one click which is similar to booking an airplane ticket. 

What made me disappointed in our 2go experience:

Disorganized ticketing system. 

The online booking system was awe-inspiring but the actual ticketing system in Batangas was quite a dismay. We were at Batangas pier 4 hours earlier the departure time, but it was too late when we noticed that we were assigned at different rooms. There were 3 of us, and I was exiled to join in with 3 other passengers in another cabin. My 2 other friends were a bit shocked that they were led to the cabin with 2 male passengers who had a tattoo all over their bodies. It was very opposite to what we expected that we had an entire cabin to ourselves. It was very frustrating and made you feel unsecured that you are going to sleep with other people in the same cabin, sharing the same comfort room. Ugh! It was like living in a dormitory meeting your roommates for the first time. We were really disappointed because there were only 3 of us and was not even informed about this chaotic arrangement. Other passengers who availed of the cabin were complaining about the same thing!

The bar can be improved; separate smokers from nonsmokers. If you are not fond of being surrounded by smokers, better stay away from the bar. But, if you are not that sensitive to smoke, then the bar area would be a really nice place to chill out and maybe, get a bottle of beer to help you sleep through the night. It would also be nice if there were a live band. Otherwise, you just have to appreciate the upbeat music through their sound system.

Add more facilities where passengers can hang out. It would have been nicer if there was a swimming pool, videooke lounge or game room (or something like that) where passengers wouldn't feel so limited to move around. It can be a bit boring especially for first timers like me who had difficulty sleeping. I would have enjoyed the ride if there were other options for onboard activities.

The 2 photos above is a comparison of the bunk beds in the cabin accommodation (the one with the yellow curtain) and the bed in the tourist accommodation. The pictures below show the restaurant which is more like a canteen and the "tipid" food serving at breakfast. :(

Improve food serving in the restaurant. Food in the restaurant isn't that expensive. We ordered tocino with rice and egg, but there was no egg available, so they substituted it with french fries. It was priced at Php 80, but the serving was too measly. It was just enough to fill your stomach but don't expect that you will get satisfied. 

Overall, I give 2go an average rating considering all the things that transpired from the time we checked in until the time we arrived at Caticlan Jetty Port. I can say that it was a good first time experience minus the "getting-exiled-to-another-cabin" incident. I would recommend it for first timers for the sake of experiencing how it is riding a "cruise" ship or traveling by sea. But, if you do not have the time as you have to travel for 9 hours, then flying in through any domestic airline would be the best option in going to Boracay.

I shall return! :)