BORACAY – Eat, Chill & Enjoy.

So… I just came back from Boracay last week!

& I tired my very best to squeeze my time out of my extremely tight schedule to prepare this blog post, because I can’t wait to share will you all about this amazing island! It’s truly one of the most beautiful beach I’ve ever stepped foot on, not lying!

#1 WHY BORACAY?

For me, it has always been BEACH over CITY; SUN over SNOW.

& Boracay has always been on my top to-go list! I’ve read & heard so much about Boracay, also about the White Beach, which is hailed as the “finest beach in the world.” Just try to imagine the baby powder liked fine white sands, and the crystalline sea water.

I have been dying to visit the island (literally).
Hence, when AirAsia offered to send both SY & me to Boracay, we agreed without any hesitation!

#2 WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BORACAY?

High: Nov to April
Peak: January to April
Low: May to Oct

Yes, I travelled during the low season.

Here’s a few reasons why NOW is the best time to visit Boracay:
– The beach is less crowded, perfect for photos! Haha.
– Accommodation is a lot cheaper. I actually managed to stay 4-5 stars hotel for 3 nights with less than RM2000.
– There’s flight promo – Boracay’s return with AirAsia is as low as RM279.90.
– There’s actually not much rain this year, out of the 4 days I went, it only rains in the morning on the 3rd day.

In conclusion, I would like to think it’s good to visit Boracay anytime of the year.
Peak season guaranteed you the SUN (and amazing sunset) but you will need to embrace the massive crowd & high cost;
Low season you MIGHT get a little rain, but it’s less crowded, & everything is CHEAPER!

#3 HOW TO GET TO BORACAY?

1. Take a flight from KLIA2 to Kalibo airport (3 hours 45 mins).
AirAsia is offering return ticket at as low as RM279.90.

2. Transfer from Kalibo Airport to Catalan Jetty by hotel transfer. (2 hours).
We opted for bus ride which is 1800PHP for 2pax (RM150).

3. Board the speedboat towards Cagban Port at Boracay Island (less than 10 mins).
This is a complimentary service by hotel.

4. Transfer from Cagban Port with private van to Hotel (15mins).
This is a complimentary service by hotel.

Note: You just need to let the hotel know your flight schedule, & they will arrange accordingly.

For return, you usually need to check out from the hotel 5-6 hours prior to your flight departure.
Transfer to Cagban Port, board the cruise to Caticlan jetty and transfer to airport by private van/bus.

I opted for van transfer for return (also arranged by hotel) which cost both of us 3000PHP (RM250).
To be honest, I felt that the bus will be a better option & more value for money.

#4 WHERE TO STAY IN BORACAY?

I stayed in two different hotels. Well, because it’s low season in Boracay, I got to plan for the worst. I chose hotels with beautiful private pool or, private jacuzzi. I thought, even if it rains, I can still chill in my hotel.

Both the hotels I stayed are located at S1, the home of luxury and high–end resorts in Boracay, which is relatively quieter & more peaceful compared to S2, and S3. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a relaxing trip; For party goers, S2 will be a better option.

For the first two nights, I stayed in Hennan Prime Beach Front Resort.
A new resort that was opened this year!

Henann Prime Beach Resort
Address: Station 1, Beachfront, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, 5608 Philippines
Contact: +63 36 288 9200
Website: wwww.henann.com

I chose this hotel not only because it’s beach front, also for direct access pool access from my room (a popular feature of the Henann brand). Though it’s not a private pool (shared with a few other rooms), we actually have the privilege to enjoy the entire pool all by ourself because the hotel wasn’t fully occupied during our stay.

Not forgetting the cozy room designed in homey neutral tone; Probably because it’s new, the room feels exceptionally clean. Cleanliness has always been one of the most important factor when I rate a hotel. In this case, Henann Prime has a full 5 stars.

There’s two beds in our room, combination of a queen bed and a single bed.
There’s so many fluffy pillows that gave a ultra-plush experience. that 2 nights I flopped into the bed & fall asleep almost instantly!

The bathroom is my favourite.
It is spacious, & decorated with bright elegant lighting, with mirror big enough for both SY & myself.

A shower & a tub.

The complimentary breakfast at the al fresco restaurant, Sea Salt was great too!
Even better, we got to enjoy the delicious breakfast spread with such beautiful beach view.

Above all, the hotel’s staffs are all really friendly! Henann Prime Beach Resort is actually better than what I’ve expected. I would strongly recommend this hotel if you’re looking for a relaxing stay!

For the last night, I stayed in the Discovery Shores Boracay. This hotel located 2mins away from Henann Prime Beach Resort, but it felt like a secluded island once you enter the vicinity. DiscoveryShore is consistently listed in Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Hotels and is a 2015 winner of the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Discovery Shores Boracay
Address: Station 1, Balabag, Boracay Island 5608 Malay, Aklan,Philippines
Telephone: +63 36 288 4500
Website: http://www.discoveryshoresboracay.com/

I have to admit, I chose to stay in this hotel all because of the… PRIVATE JACUZZI with sunset view on the balcony deck of the room. We stayed in the One Bedroom Suite Premier, a duplex unit, with a PRIVATE JACUZZI. Yay!

Nothing super fancy about the hotel’s room design, besides it is really SPACIOUS!
There’s two bathroom in the room, one at each floor, extremely convenient especially when you’re rushing.

I slept like a baby on this bed. So comfortable!

The amenities are excellent, but the service of the hotel is beyond that.
We were immediately spoiled with the complimentary welcome leg spa right after we settled in.

Next, we jumped right into the jacuzzi!
Oh yes, I was dying to do this ever since I saw it on Instagram.

We enjoyed a good 30mins in the jacuzzi, while watching the beautiful sunset. We were awed by the breath-taking Boracay’s sunset. No words can be good enough to describe this magical moment.

Another plus point – The hotel offers complimentary van service around the island throughout your stay.
This can avoid you paying unnecessarily to the tricyclist.

Breakfast wise, they basically have everything we like.
From oat with fresh milk, flat bread to crispy bacon!

I like how Discovery Shores’ excellent service makes me felt like I am at a whole different island.
This photo was taken by the friendly guard at the beach. :D

Discovery Shores made it so hard for me to leave Boracay.
I wish I could stay longer.

#5 WHAT DID I DO IN BORACAY FOR 4D3N?

It has been a hectic month for SY & myself, we were really stressed up with our work & at most time had very little sleep. Which means.. this BORACAY TRIP is going to be agenda-less; we are going to spend most of our time just eating, chilling and enjoying every bits that this island has to offer at our own pace.

We were in Boracay for four days, & here’s what we’ve done that left us feeling rejuvenated!

• Do nothing, at the White beach ($ – FREE)
  We spent most of our time at the white beach – the main beach in Boracay.It was love at first sight with the gorgeous fine white sands & beautiful gradient sea water, immediately we decided to stick to it for the next few days.Though white beach has almost everything, from resorts, restaurants, bars to all sorts of beach activities; but I am a typical beach bum, that don’t need any of those to be entertained. I love how chilling at the beach give me a real break from the fast-paced lives. I could spent hours just daydreaming (doing nothing) by the beach.I enjoyed, & really appreciate the solid hours of sun-tan session on the sun bed, and the feelings of weightless calm by just floating in the ocean. The overwhelming sense of mental tranquility is addictive.Though the white beach might be a little busy during the evening, but rest assured, the 4 kilometres long beach is definitely long enough to offer you a piece on your own. Plus, it’s low season in Boracay now, it’s definitely possible to get a good photo without anyone photo-bombing.
  
  
  
  Fav. place with my fav. person. Perfect.  The perfect summer drink, the light & refreshing gin tonic!
  
• Sunset-parawsailing ($ – 2200PHP/2pax for private sail; 400PHP/person for group sail )
  Boracay’s sunset was said to be one of the best around the globe. The sunset during the low-season wasn’t dramatic, but the warm dreamy colour sunset is still beautiful enough to amaze us. Be sure, to enjoy this beautiful masterpiece on the Boracay’s must do – sunset parawsailing.
  
  We ALMOST did it, this is the only beach activity I was looking forward to. But the beach-boy missed us out!!! The sunset was so beautiful that day, & we missed the experience of watching it on the paraw-sail. I was devastated because that’s the only day we can do that. I teared when I know we missed it, no, I am not even joking.SY knows how upset am I, and he actually arranged a private parawsailing for just the both of us the next morning. Though there’s no sunset, but his love & thoughtful act is more than enough to put a smile on my smile.
  
  
  Note: Sun starts to set at 4.45pm at Boracay. If you’re planning to go for the sunset-parawsailing, remember to look for the beach boy before 5pm to make sure your sail is well arranged.
• Hideaway at the “Spiderhouse” nestled on the edge of the cliff.
  Spiderhouse is located right above the Diniwid beach. The supposed best spot for Boracay’s sunset, as it has a 180 degree views from the entire balcony/restaurant area. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it for sunset too. Well, it’s a 4 days short trip, we only have 2 sunsets. ):
  Tips: Boracay will be better if you stay for 6 days.It has two platforms hang out over the ocean, you can dive right into the ocean from there.
  
  p.s. – They serve really good fresh mango sushi roll too!
• Eat at the local BBQ fast food chain – Mang Inasal ($ – around 350PHP )
  It was our first meal in Boracay. This is probably the best chained restaurant food we’ve ever tried.
  
  
  We ordered:
  – paa (marinated chicken quarter) with rice
  – 2x pork bbq (grilled pork skewers)
  – pork sisig (chunks of pork ear, pork nose & pork intestines with onions) with riceNo doubt, it was a really satisfying meal. SY loves it so much, & was asking for it again the next day. We did not go back because we really have too much to try on the island. T.T
  
• Savour the authentic local food at SMOKE resto ($ – around 500PHP )Everyone that been to Boracay, said it’s a must to try SMOKE resto.
  This restaurant operates 24/7 but located along the wet market stalls at the most far of D’mall.We went there for lunch, and ordered:
  – the legendary beef salpicao (marinated beef strips in black sauce with crispy garlic bits)
  – spicy garlic pork rice
  – chorizo sausage with eggWe love every bite of the meal! Two thumbs up!Shengyi was amazed by how his spicy garlic pork rice looks aesthetically unpleasing, but tastes heavenly! It was soooo delicious that he almost order the second one.

  

  My beef salpicao really live up to the hype! It’s extremely flavourful & the beef is so tender & juicy.
  Orgasmic, enough said.
  

  #musteat in Boracay.

• Coffee & pastry fix at Coffee & Tea ($ – around 500PHP )
  Their calamansi muffin are to die for! Oh, their real coffee is real good too.
  Do drop by for a morning coffee, they are open at 7am.
   
• Fresh seafood buy & cook experience in D’talipapa ($ – 950PHP)I certainly didn’t enjoy the bargain in the wet market.
  For a small bag of seafood that was initially said to cost me 3800PHP, then became 800PHP when I was about to leave. Though it’s still expensive, I didn’t want to bargain further. Guess I really need to up my bargain skill.
   
  We got the fresh seafood steamed in Sababi D’talipapa for 150PHP. The seafood is undeniably fresh! Just simply steamed it, we got to enjoy a mouthful of sweet “ocean taste”. Well, it’s indescribably fresh!
  If you are a fresh seafood lover, & is good in bargain, you will definitely love this place.
• Juice it at Jonah’s fruit shake & snack bar ($ – 250PHP)They called it the best fruitshake on the island. When we were there, they ran out of Mango. So, I had papaya & SY had banana milk shake. It wasn’t the best milk shake I had, but it’s good, worth trying especially on a hoy sunny day!I heard mango milk shake is the best, probably next time.
  
• WINE down at Shangri-la Boracay.
  Shangri-la Boracay is a five star sprawling luxury resort, one of the most exclusive resort in Boracay. They even have their own private beach which is accessible only via the hotel’s buggy. So secluded that you literally felt like you’re in a  out of Boracay.Their sunset bar – The Solana bar is the best sunset bar around the island.
  Sadly, we missed it too… arghhh. Here’s a photo I found online for your reference.
  Here’s my version, by the bar after the sun goes down.
  But, we still enjoyed our convivial & romantic wine session in the Sirena restaurant.
  Their service is incredible, they will do all they can to make sure you feel like a VVIP in here.
  

  If you’re looking for a premium location for dinner or drinks, this has to be “the place”.
  Perfect for date night & celebration too!
  
  

• Try out the refreshing Boracay’s local cocktail – Mango rums & Weng Weng.
  During the last night of our trip, we decided to stay in after dinner, and hang around the Discovery Shore hotel’s beach front bar.
  
  I ordered mango rum. oh my, it was delicious.
  Even with 60ml of rums it was so easy to drink.
  SY ordered “Weng Weng”, it’s a super strong cocktail made of a few liquor, that’s actually tasty.SY said the taste is irresistible, though the alcohol is really strong.The bar-tender jokingly say that this is the drink that will literally makes you go “wengweng”, haha.
  
• Experience the Boracay’s night life in D’mall.
  
  
  Took this photo by just tipping the performers 50php.
  I am obviously fascinated.Here comes the main point….I made this the last, because it wasn’t too pleasant.While walking around, we walked passed this nicely lighted up magical sand castle.
  A guy approached us and say, “2OPHP for photo.” I thought it’s only less than RM2, why not.

  Took this photo with 20PHP.  

  When we are about to leave. They said, they can craft out our name on the sand. In my heart I was thinking, photo only 20PHP, the sand art probably going to cost me 100PHP max since it only took them less than 5mins to build it.

  Here’s a beautiful photo of us with the customise #shengyixtzia wordings.
  

  Then, shits happened. When I was about to pass them the 100PHP, the man say.
  “NO NO NO… 100USD, EACH OF YOU. TOTAL 200USD.”

  I suddenly realised… I JUST FREAKING GOT SCAM.
  I refused to give, I said I only have PHP.

  That dude eventually raised his voice, and started speaking to us in Chinese.
  “100 MEI JIN, 1OO MEI JIN!!!”

  WTF. I stared at him and replied, “NO. I will not pay.”
  Then a few of them come close to us and continue to force & insist us to pay USD.

  We couldn’t stand it, SY told them “WE ARE NOT FROM CHINA, WE ARE FROM MALAYSIA, THIS IS CON JOB!”
  They ignore us and continue to force us to pay, telling us how much effort it took to made the sand castle.

  “We only have 1000PHP, take it or leave it.”
  At that point, we felt so disgusted and just want to leave.

  They finally gave up, and harshly took the 1000PHP from us.

  This is bad, real bad. Though it’s partly our fault that we didn’t check with them properly, but this is a freaking scam! We then learned our lesson, and make sure we ask “USD or PESOS” before we buy anything in BORACAY.

  TIPS FROM TZIAAA
  – Tell them you’re a MALAYSIAN. Apparently there’s a huge different in price when they thought you’re from China. Shitty, but this is what really happening.
  – Ask properly if it’s USD or PHP.

  It kind of spoiled my mood.

  “為什麼他們那麼壞？他們是壞人，我很討厭。壞人！”
  I don’t know how many time I’ve repeated this.

  We needed a drink, stopped by APLAYA BEACH BAR with PHP pricing listed in the menu.
  
  This beach front mellow beach bar is an instant mood booster;
  The friendly waiter,  the beanbag, the music, the cocktails, the shisha… all is good!

  Overloaded with the lively beach vibe.
  
  I guess, Boracay isn’t too bad after all. I then decided that I should not let one bad experience ruin my entire trip.
  Just remember, to be a little more cautious when you are doing the touristy stuff on the island.

These are the things we did & enjoyed during our 4 days trip in Boracay.

Of course, there is so much more to do in this beautiful island. But just as my blog titled, our goal is literally to eat, chill, enjoy & repeat throughout the trip. Ok la, also taking photos & video, all credit goes to SY, for being such an amazing Instagram boyfriend. Hehe.

That’s all for now, stay tune for my Boracay’s travelogue video that’s coming up soon! 

!!! UPDATED – BORACAY TRAVELOGUE

You can book your Boracay’s flight with as low as RM279.90 from AirAsia.
Disclaimer: This post is brought to you by AirAsia.