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Friday, July 6, 2007 story by Jen Freeman
Our Angol
 Despite
the common consensus that Boracay Island is now overcrowded and
overdeveloped, there is still a little corner of this "Paradise Island"
which has managed to retain the laid-back charm of earlier years. While
the central stretch of White Beach is cluttered with hotels (of varying
degrees of ugliness), shops, vendors, restaurants and hoards of tourists,
the southern part of White Beach (known as Angol) remains a quiet haven
for those who wish to get away from the hustle and bustle, as well as
being popular with the backpacking and traveling community.
 As
you stroll past the old boat station 3 (which was for many years the first
stop-off point for banca boats arriving on White Beach) it is almost like
discovering another island. Those who haven't explored this far south are
often surprised that the area is still so tranquil, without the pounding
music and packs of vendors which characterize the main stretch of the
beach.
 The
attraction of this area, quite simply, is the peace and quiet. While
developers are keen to build all over every inch of this island retreat,
Angol has so far managed to survive the onslaught, and cosy inns still
nestle behind the coconut trees - instead of high rise hotels! While some
tourists are drawn to the crowds at boat station 2, others undoubtedly
veer towards less populated places such as this, where you can enjoy
plenty of beach space, an uninterrupted swim, or a relaxing swing in the
hammock without fear of disturbance. Vendors are few and far between, and
the chilled-out ambiance of the native-style bars and restaurants is
unique to Angol alone.
 Accommodation
in Angol is generally more reasonably priced than the rest of White Beach,
and budget travelers can find a variety of little guest houses to choose
from. Low priced rooms can be found at places such as Austrian Pension,
Dave's Straw Hat Inn, Mabini's, Little Corner of Italy, Melinda's Garden
and Orchids Resort. Pay just a little more and you can enjoy the
hospitality of Turtle Inn, Blue Mango, Tree House Resort, Marzon Resort,
Arwana, Blue Coral, Villa Camilla and Angol Point Resort.
And for a more luxurious stay, Surfide Resort, 3-5-7 Resort, Boracay Ocean
Club and Lorenzo South can cater to your needs while still charging much
less than other similar resorts at the far end of the island.
 As
well as being a quiet spot for romantic couples and honeymooners, it is no
surprise that both Mandala Spa and Surfside's Yasuragi Spa are located on
this tranquil stretch of the beach, and if your budget won't stretch to a
luxurious treatment, massages are available right on the beach, from
qualified blind masseurs offering Swedish, Shiatsu and Acupressure at low
prices. Meals can be enjoyed at cozy eateries such as the Italian owned
Pizza da Mario, Blue Mango Inn, Kurt's Bavarian restaurant, Surfside (for
Japanese cuisine), Cocoloco (Filipino and international dishes) , Sundown
Restaurant (European) and Arwana Coffee Shop, and nightlife is of the laid
back variety, mostly involving cold San Miguel beer and friendly
conversation at Kurt's, Bubbles Bar, Cocoloco or Red Pirates.
So next time you hear someone comment that Boracay is overcrowded and
overpriced, you'll know different. If you are in search of that elusive
Boracay vibe without the mayhem and crowds, Angol could be the place for
you. But don't tell everyone!
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