With its powder-soft and pearl-white shores, Boracay Island is where the rich, beautiful and famous across the globe gather to grab a slice of action under the sun.

By MARY LIM
Photography: LAWRENCE LIM

First-timers to Boracay Island in the Philippines should be forgiven for thinking that it is a place for only the young, beautiful and famous. One can tell from how, even while one is up in the air on the plane, the island gradually emerges on the horizon like a butterfly at rest. Even with its diminutive proportions – the island measures seven kilometres long and one kilometre wide at its narrowest point – Boracay has seduced throngs of holidaymakers from the world over, many returning year after year.

Framed by an endless stretch of soft ivory-hued sand that leads into the calm, crystalline waters, the island has earned a reputation for being a hip hangout for celebrities. Local stars are often spotted or snapped playing golf or beach volleyball, or simply partying away, but just as many Hollywood A-listers are rumoured to have jetted in for a weekend or two, the most recent being Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Located at the north-western tip of Panay in Western Visayas, off the Sibuyan Sea, Boracay is part of Aklan, the oldest province in the Philippines. The island is made up of three cosy communitiies: Yapak in the north, Balabag in the middle and Manoc-Manoc in the south.

Boracay remained a national secret until the 1970s, when a foreign film crew stumbled upon it and started spreading the word. Others attributed its popularity to the rave reviews by German travel writer Jen Peters. If you ask us at escape!, it would have been impossible having to keep mum about the pristine allure of Boracay any day.

White hot

Boracay’s main attraction is White Beach, which faces the turquoise waters of Sulu Sea. Hailed the “best beach in the world”, it boasts four kilometres of sandy so soft, fine and bright, it’s been likened to treading on talcum-powder.

Sun-worshippers can partake in a variety of activities. Adventurous types can get in on the action with adrenalinepumping options such as windsurfing, kite-boarding and banana boat-riding. Those who want to get up close and personal with the diverse marine life can go jump in for some snorkelling, sail away to a nearby island on a paraw (a local outrigger boat) or cut through the waves on a hobie-cat.

Meanwhile, the lazy can lie back for a snooze or simply sunbathe. Most congregate at Central Boracay (which is serviced by three boat stations), where many resorts, restaurants, sea-sports White Beach is where sun-worshippers gather in Boracay. centres and shops are found. There are also a myriad of stalls offering massage, hair-braiding and henna body art services, among others.

Thrills to tarry at

Those who prefer to be far from the maddening crowd, however, can pop over to Bulabog Beach. Located parallel to White Beach on the eastern end of Boracay, it is fronted by a coral reef sited 500 metres off-shore. A popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding, it is less developed than White Beach, and therefore evokes the nostalgia of the former Boracay. 

Beach-goers are also found at Puka Beach. Located at the northern end of Boracay Main Road, it is quieter than White Beach, and recommended for chilling out. The beach, named after the puka shell that gets made into jewellery sold on the island, is one of the stops along a sailing trip round the island.

Sail away, sail away

The Philippines has 7,107 islands, and some of the most enchanting can be found a stone’s throw away from Boracay. Spend a day aboard a paraw boat and set off to visit islands such as Crystal Cove. Formerly known as Tiguatian Island, named after the chirping sound of the bird found only here, it is a 20- minute journey from Boracay. This two-hectare islet offers accommodation and catering for those who want to linger.

The Crystal Cove Island Resort, who has only five cottages, is excellent for couples, but if you’re travelling with the family, consider camping tents for up to four persons.

Otherwise, venture down to explore the two caves, where you can dive in for a spot of snorkelling. Shutterbugs can also take the opportunity to fl ash away, especially since the beach overlooks the South China Sea and, in the distance, Boracay. A P150-entrance fee applies.

Come see the paradise

A household name in the Philippines, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts epitomise the best of grace, beauty and comfort of a nation renowned for its warm hospitality and natural heritage. Newest among the properties in the Philippines is Shangri- La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, the fi rst international resort on the island. Nestled snugly on a hillside in a flourishing nature reserve on the northern end of Boracay, its 12-ha grounds includes 219 rooms (with 36 villas and suites), 350 meters of private beach, along with a myriad of leisure amenities. The experience begins when guests arrive at Caticlan Airport, and escorted to a private lounge at the jetty port area. Here, you can hop on the Shangri-La speedboat for a 15-minute cruise that takes you directly to the resort.

Since opening in March, Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa has become a firm favourite with travellers who love luxury in a relaxed setting. Each deluxe room covers a spacious 60 sqm, with balconies that overlook the turquoise-hued ocean. For the ultimate indulgence, book one of the 11 tree top villas, where you can lie back and take in the dazzling view of the golden waters at sunset.

For the full story, check out escape! Vol.2 Issue.3