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The Philippinewide Magazine,
Boracay edition
Issue No.11, October 2006
Author: Jen Freeman
Seasons of Boracay island, Aklan Philippines
BORACAY
has two quite distinct seasons – dry season (also known as “high”
season) and rainy season (or “low” season) and the island can offer
very different experiences from month to month.
Having had the opportunity to enjoy the delights of Boracay all year
round, I can confirm that this
destination
really does have something to please almost everyone – it is just a
matter of timing.
For
me, the year begins in October, when the winds which have buffeted
White Beach for several months finally swing around once again to the
eastern shores, the clouds part and the sun comes out in all its
glory.
The months leading up to Christmas are probably my favourite time to be
there, with the advantage of good weather, lower prices and relatively
few tourists.
Christmas usually marks the beginning of the busy season, though
traditional celebrations are mostly replaced with lively parties and
revelry on the beach.
New Year is a hectic whirlwind of concerts, events and general
excitement, culminating in a spectacular midnight fireworks display
spanning the length of White Beach.
The show often lasts for an hour or more, and is not to be missed.
In
January, the island plays host to the Funboard Cup – the annual
windsurfing competition witch attracts entrants from around the globe,
and in the town of Kalibo on mainland Panay Island you can experience
the colourful Ati-Atihan festival, when locals dressed in flamboyant
costumes dance through the streets to an accompaniment of lively drum
beats.
Watch
out for the Paraw Regatta too, when Boracay’s native outrigger sailing
boats compete in an exciting race along the beach front.
Throughout
the following months, the island is a hive of activity and beach
sports are extremely popular.
Competitions are held for
kiteboarding,
dragon boat racing,
ultimate frisbee,
volleyball and
beach soccer,
and sun
worshippers throng to
Boracay’s
picture perfect beach to soak up the rays.
Tourism
peaks during Chinese New Year and Holy Week (Easter), when the party
people arrive in force, and you can dance the night away under the
stars to the sound of live DJs and popular bands as well as ethnic
music and tribal shows.
If
all that
partying has left your feeling a little weary, remember that even
during the busiest months peace and quiet can be found on the numerous
beaches and coves around the island’s coast, and a day in one of
Boraca’s luxurious health spas is the perfect way to relax and detox.
Whether
you are here for a romantic break, a family vacation or a fun-filled
activity weekend you are bound to find something here to suit your
tastes.
Popular activities include
scuba diving,
horse-riding,
sailing, snorkeling and beach-hopping, and in the evening there is
a wide variety of restaurants to tempt your taste buds, and a
friendly, laid back nightlife scene.
As
high season draws to an end around June, island residents are almost
relieved as the crowds disperse and Boracay becomes peaceful again.
The
“Habagat” (south-west monsoon) wind arrives on White Beach, bringing
frequent rain and the occasional storm of typhoon.
Die-hard islanders will always find a way to amuse themselves though,
and the more adventurous among us take advantage of the strong winds
to practice exhilarating water sports such as paraw-sailing and
kiting.
The
eastern side of the island comes to its own during low season, and
because of its calmer waters, Bulabog Beach is the new location for
jet ski rides, banana boats and other fun family activities.
During these quiet months, friends
take the time to bond with one another over a meal, a bottle of wine or a
backgammon board, and when the sun makes an appearance the breeze on
White Beach is lively and invigorating.
Whatever
your objective, be it partying, pampering or relaxation, there is a
place and a time for you on this ever-changing island.
Many
people have tried to define exactly what it is which brings people
back to Boracay year after year.
Is it the friendliness of the people?
The cosmopolitan atmosphere?
The restaurants and nightlife?
Or the beautiful beaches and scenery?
Gazing
upon another breathtaking
Boracay sunset,
I realize that it is all of these things and more.
The elusive secret ingredient?
A healthy dose of “Island Magic”.
Read more about
dining,
golfing,
partying and
sports in Boracay
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