Boracay BeachBoracay Island, Philippines - Known the world over as an island paradise. Boracay has charmed vacationers with its powder white sand, crystal blue waters and purposely laid-back pace. Located at the norther tip of Panay province, Boracay is about three hours away from Manila. Sun worshippers from all over the world visit Boracay yearly, and some have even made it their second home. It is no wonder therefore, that French, German, Spanish and English can be heard spoken in the Island. The culinary fare is equally exciting featuring a wide range from Thai and Austrian to Belgian and Filipino. Numerous water sport facilities, including dive shops are on hand as well as a sprinkling of bars and discos. Most visitors, however prefer to sit back and enjoy the sun.
Boracay SailingFor many certified sun-worshippers the world over, paradise goes by the name Boracay. For indeed, many visitors have come back to Boracay year after year. Some have even chosen to live in this paradise island. Sheltered from the fierce easterly typhoons, Boracay can be found at the Northwestern tip of Panay, in the West Visayan region, off the Sibuyan Sea. Boracay has managed to pack its thousand-hectare area with all the elements of a tropical paradise-crystal blue waters, powder white sand, liberal doses of tropical palms and flowering plants, and a healthy marine life under the seas.
Boracay is made up of three little communities: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle, Manocmanoc in the south. Hilly elevations up to 100 meters above sea level characterize Yapak and Manocmanoc. Interwining trails link the small villages but many sometimes lead to lush tropical jungles. Electricity and public transportaion remain relatively scarce. Boracay would have remained a national secret if not for a few foreign travellers who accidentally stumbled upon the place. Some say it was a movie crew which spread word about Boracay to other sun worshippers. Others swear it was German traveler Jens Peter's book, which included rave reviews about Boracay, that sent tourists on their way. Whichever tale is true, Boracay has become a melting pot for beach lovers. At any point in the islands, visitors can hear English, German and French spoken fluently. More importantly, visitors respect the serene quality of the place, and pay tribute to native Boracaynons by behaving to local behavioral codes- which means no nudity, no fighting, and no loud commotions. Not surprisingly, the culinary fare at Boracay is as diverse as the nationalities of its visitors. French, Australian, Belgian, German, Spanish and Thai- they're all here side by side the native cuisine. Lending ample support to this virtual rainbow of gastronomic pickings are Boracay's famous selection of fruit shakes: from sweet yellow mango, green tart mango, to pineapple, coconut milk, cantaloupe and banana. Don't go home without a sip.
