Hello everyone! My summer hibernation mode is over. I'm back in the city and tomorrow, I will be reporting for work again. (Rendering a heavy and big sigh while typing.) Before I sleep and return to my everyday life, I will fulfill my promise of sharing stories and experiences of my three-day summer vacay.
Together with my colleagues, we went to the beautiful island of Boracay. My fellow Filipino bloggers are already familiar with Boracay. For typical Filipinos, Boracay has been equated as one of the best beaches in the Philippines. For the benefit of my foreign blog friends, allow me to relate some information about Boracay.
Boracay is only one of the 7,107 islands that comprise the Philippines. The Philippines is an archipelago (group of islands) which makes it very abundant of beaches. However, when a typical Filipino is asked to identify the best beach in the Philippines, Boracay would surely make it to the top list. The island of Boracay measures around 1,006 hectares and is shaped like a dog bone. Boracay boasts 12 beaches. The most famous include the Bulabog Beach, Puka Shell Beach and the White Beach, where I spent my vacation. White Beach is best known for the finest and whitest sand and the crystal blue waters.
Boracay, particularly the White Beach, has been a developed tourist attraction. Hence, aside from the beach, tourists can avail and enjoy a number of amenities and activities. But for any tourist, I guess the first consideration is still the accommodation. The White Beach offers a varied range of accommodation facilities. Budget to high-end travelers can choose from different hotels and resorts. You can visit this site to verify the accredited list of hotels and resorts in Boracay. In our case, we were housed in Casa Pilar during our entire stay.
Getting to Boracay almost exhausted all my energy. The Zest Air flight from Manila to Kalibo, 2 hours of land travel from Kalibo to Caticlan, boat ride from Caticlan to Boracay and a 10-minute multi-cab ride to finally reach the White Beach. Whew! Tired, hungry and thirsty, Casa Pilar gave us this welcome drink
We consumed this drink in this relaxing spot at the beach front
We reached Casa Pilar around 1 pm. After having our recovery lunch, we decided to check in our rooms and gave ourselves our much needed rest.
Most of the rooms in Casa Pilar are inspired by the classic Nipa huts.
Our group however was stationed in a log cabin inspired room.
If I will rate Casa Pilar, I'll give it 4 out of 5 stars. The strong points of Casa Pilar are the provision of complimentary breakfast, everyday cleaning and maintenance of the rooms, excellent airconditioning units and being conveniently located at the beach front. Some weak points of the resort include the absence of telephone lines in each room and the exclusion of wifi connection in their accommodation package. You have to pay to access their wifi services.
After cocooning in our airconditioned rooms, we went out just in time for sunset. I love the beach either during sunrise or sunset. I'm lucky because my roommates shared the same preference. Here are some pictures of the White Beach I have captured during sunset.
Staying in Boracay will never be complete without a bountiful seafood dinner.
In case you will have the chance to visit Boracay, don't let this opportunity pass away. Aside from great food, I got addicted over this healthy and refreshing drink.
Watermelon shake is the best!
This is just Day 1 of my Borcay trip. On my next post, I'll share one of the best and first time experiences I made in Boracay.
Ahhh.. seafood! <3
ReplyDeleteBTW, where exactly in Bora is Casa Pilar located? Parang type ko yung ganyan..
Hi AC! Casa Pilar is located in Station 2, actually nearing the boundary to Station 3. It's near Golden Phoenix and Boracay Sands Hotel.
DeleteDiane, I would love to visit a resort like this! SO PRETTY!!! Look at that crystal-clear water and sugar sand beach! WHo needs wifi in paradise, right!?!? ;P
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your next post.
xo,
RJ
Part 2 na! Atat mode :) Is Cala Pilar new? I wasn't able to come across it when I did researched for places to stay, is it tad expensive?
ReplyDeleteHi Mars! Casa Pilar is not new. I read some articles mentioning that Casa Pilar is actually one of the oldest resorts in Boracay. It's located in Station 2, bordering Station 3.
DeleteIt was my employer who arranged our stay. We have a limited budget too. So I believe, it wasn't that expensive. We booked as early as December and I think we were also able to avail of a group discount.
I see. Stupid me was researching on resorts located in Station 1. It looks like a nice and comfy place to stay, and if it's affordable then it surely is a winner! Thanks for your prompt response dear!
DeleteAccording to some of my colleagues who regularly visit Boracay, the high end accommodations are usually found in Station 1. Budget travelers usually target Stations 2 and 3. Hope this helps :)
DeleteOh, so beautiful! The beach looks fantastic, the drinks refreshing. And those Prawns . . .
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to reality! :(
What a beautiful place Diane. Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! I'm sure I've told you this before, but you need to be a travel writer. Thanks for sharing part of your wonderful vacation.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Boracay! My mom is from Manila, so whenever we have traveled back there, we have always made time for a relaxing trip to Boracay! Your pictures make me want to go back!!!
ReplyDelete♥ Kyna
Wow! It looks beautiful! The white sandy beach and A-MAZING blue water makes me wish I was there. Perhaps I'll go there in my dreams tonight. ;) Looking forward to seeing more of your trip!!
ReplyDeleteThis just looks marvelous, Diane. I'm so glad you got to have a few days vacation in this beautiful place. The beach looks like sugar. I think I would probably fall in love with the watermelon shake -- yummy!
ReplyDeleteCAS
That watermelon shake, was that at Jonah's? I hope you got to try their shakes... if they are still there. I am so inggit! Bongga ang summer mo ha! :)
ReplyDeleteThe one in the picture is not from Jonah's. Pero I tried Jonah's din. Bongga nga ang summer ko kaya ngayon poorita na ako :)
Delete