Boracay

Boracay is an island of the Philippines located approximately 315 km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2 km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines.

 Boracay Peninsula

We have a lot of white sand beaches here in the Philippines, some are yet to be discovered and some are already famous, when you say famous, Boracay Island should top it. Being a TUKLASERANG MATIPID (thrifty explorer) will not hinder me in visiting the place. Many of you may think going there needs a lot of budget, well read more and I will prove you wrong! hehehehe... Our ( hubby and me ) budget was P10,000 for 3 days and 2 nights .

We invaded Boracay last year of 2009, to be exact  t'was March 6-9 travel escapade. One that really drove us to go there was the Cebu Pacific cheap ticket. I only got our back and fort airfare for P400.00 that's about P50.00 per route per head. From Zamboanga City connecting Cebu City to Caticlan and vice versa. We opted for connecting since Zamboanga have no direct flight to Caticlan.

Here's a simple things to take note getting there: 

Caticlan Airport to Caticlan Port – After getting out of the small airport go to the right. There will be a lineup of Motor Tricycles (trikes). The ride costs P50.00 per trike for the five-minute trip to the port.

Getting ready to leave Jetty Port

Caticlan Port to Boracay Port – The Jetty Port has Bangka pump boats that ferry between the Caticlan mainland and Boracay Island from Sunrise to Sunset. There are sometimes ferries after dark, but not reliably so. The Bangka trip is P25.00, however non-residents also pay a P50.00 environmental fee, and a P50.00 Terminal fee. You need to get these tickets outside the Jetty Port before you enter. The trip from mainland to the island is 20 minutes. If you have heavy luggage, there are porters to assist you at P20.00 per item tip.

Boracay Port to Beach Stretch (Station 1, 2 and 3)  – Depending on the season, you will arrive at one of two Boracay Ports – Cagban Port in the High Season and Tambisaan Port in the Low Season. The distance from either to White Beach is about ten minutes. There will be a long line of Motortrikes to take you from the port to White Beach. This trip is P100.00 per motortrike, or P150.00 if you are foreigner.

Beach Stretch (Station 1, 2 and 3) – The Motortrikes cannot go to the actual beach, but will leave you on the Main Road with a path that leads down to White Beach. The larger paths have pedal trikes that can take you down to your resort, or you can walk the five minutes. The Motortrike drivers should know the right drop off place for most Boracay Hotels.
 
 If you are backpackers like us, I recommend Station 2, very accessible to Station 1 and 3. In our case we were very lucky to be able to get our beach front accommodation from P3,500 per night down to P1,800 per night. In view of the fact that it wasn't a peak season we arrived there first week of March while peak season is mid March to May.

Expenses Breakdown:
-Airfare and terminal fees (Cebu Pacific Piso Fare)- P640.00
-Fare and fees stated above ( 2 pax ) - P350.00
-Accommodation (3 days and 2 nights ) - P3,600.00
-Lunch and Dinner ( 6 meals x 2 person x P150.00 per meal ) - P1800.00
-Breakfast for 3 days ( bread / noodles / coffee from nearby grocery store) P200.00
Grand Total of - P6,590.00

Where we bought some snacks and groceries located at Station 2.

Shopping for souvenirs 

 Popular leisure activity in Boracay is Skimboarding