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In Search of Tranquility by Jen Freeman
Its that time of year again, when Boracay’s high season is in full swing,
and the famous white sand beach is teeming with hoards of party-goers and
sun worshippers, soaking up the rays and enjoying the vibrant and
hedonistic atmosphere. The island is practically buzzing with life, with a
busy social calendar of concerts, parties, shows and sporting events.
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In the midst of all this revelry, it is only natural that you could find
yourself craving a little peace and tranquility, and the chance to
experience the original island flavour of Boracay. |
If you are feeling the urge to escape the crowds and truly chill for a
while, this multi-faceted destination offers a variety of options to suit
your every mood.
An ideal way to get away from it all is to venture out onto the water. Try
renting a paraw (native outrigger sailing boat), either alone or with a
few like-minded friends, to cruise the scenic coastline. Sailing is a
great way to unwind and get back to nature, and the absence of an engine
ensures a quiet ride, as well as being an environmentally friendly way to
get around. Along the way you’ll encounter peaceful beaches and coves,
where you can enjoy a swim, a picnic lunch, or an underwater adventure at
one of several snorkeling sites such as Baling Hai, Crocodile Island and
Crystal Cove (where there are two caves to explore).
While Puka Beach (on the far northern coast) is no longer a deserted
hideaway, it is still much less crowded than White Beach, and even the
ubiquitous ice cream vendors can be a welcome sight on a scorching day.
Lunch can be had at the Puka Grande restaurant, where their fresh seafood
dishes are a must-try.
If that still isn’t remote enough for you, ask your boat men to arrange a
trip to mainland Panay Island, to experience waterfalls, cold springs and
nature hiking at locations such as Malay, Nabaoy & Hurom Hurom. Carabao
Island is also accessible if weather conditions are favourable.
However, you need not venture quite so far in order to discover a very
different side of Boracay life. Take a short stroll to the eastern side of
the island and you’ll find yourself on breezy Bulabog Beach. At this time
of year the invigorating Amihan wind creates ideal conditions for an
acrobatic display of windsurfing and kiteboarding, and you need not be an
enthusiast to enjoy the show.
But to experience the laid back vibe of the “old Boracay”, you actually
need look no further than Angol, at the southern end of the main White
Beach. Just a couple of minutes stroll past boat station 3, you can
already feel the change of pace, as the crowds thin and the disco beats
fade into the distance. Now the soundtrack is provided by mother nature,
with the wind rustling the coconut leaves and the waves lapping at the
shore. Here, nipa and bamboo structures are still embraced as a much loved
part of the scenery.
On this stretch of the beach you’ll receive a warm welcome at one of the
native style bars and restaurants, which have an ambiance all of their
own.
Soak up the atmosphere of island institutions such as Kurt’s Bar, which is
renowned for it’s tasty home cooked Bavarian dishes and cold draft beer,
and Cocoloco, where you can enjoy classic Filipino fare as well as seafood
and European specialities.
At nearby Red Pirates Pub, a favourite with travelers and musicians, you
can chill out to a background of reggae and ethnic sounds, as well as live
tribal music at their monthly full moon parties.
Also in this area, be sure to pay a visit to the luxurious Mandala Spa – a
veritable haven of peace and tranquility. Enjoy a massage, spa treatment
or yoga session, which will leave you feeling both relaxed and
refreshed…and perhaps ready once again for another night of indulgence,
excitement and dancing under the stars!
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