BORACAY ISLAND ON ITS POST-REHABILITATION STATE

Location: Aklan, Philippines

The busy beachfront of Boracay all set waiting for the magnificent sunset

Boracay Island is famous not only in the Philippines but globally.  In fact, it was awarded as the 2012 Best Island in the World by the international travel magazine Travel + Leisure.  However, the island was temporarily closed on April 26, 2018 due to its worsening sewage condition, so that it can undergo a 6-month rehabilitation.

This move was made after President Rodrigo Duterte signed a proclamation that indeed, Boracay island is under the state of calamity.  Hence, it needs a 6-month rehabilitation, as an intervention to alleviate its continuous degradation.

Enjoying sunset after a busy day of island hopping and strolling

My first visits to this island was different since I always take a plane either via Aklan or Caticlan airport.  However, this post-rehabilitation visit to the island, I made use of boarding the 2Go ship of M/V Saint Ignatius of Loyola via the what we call the nautical highway. 

2Go Roro Ship: M/V St. Ignatious of Loyola

How the trip started?  We took a chartered bus from Manila to Batangas City Port with a travel duration of four hours.  From there, we boarded M/V St. Ignatius of Loyola 2Go roro ship which was an overnight trip  that lasted for 9 hours to Caticlan Jetty Port.  Our departure from Batangas City Pier was at 9:00 P.M.

What about the cost of the roro ship accommodation?

                     Type of Accommodation                   Peak Season                Lean Season
                            Supervalue                                  P1,000 - P1,200            P800 - P1,000
                            Tourist                                           1,200 -   1,500           1,000 -    1,200
                            Cabin                                             1,600 -   1,850           1,400 -    1,600
                            Suite Room (2 pax)                       3,500 -   4,500                  3,500
                            State Room (3-4 pax)                    3,500 -   4,500                  3,500

The comfortable and very clean tourist accommodation

I find this travel mode very convenient because we had a chartered vehicle which picked our group from our point of origin going to Batangas City Port and we only walked a little from the port to check-in to our roro ship and we were so rested in our accommodation.  Comparably, it was so inconvenient taking an airplane where you have to be at the airport 3 hours before because there is a long line when you check-in. Flights are always delayed.  Claiming baggage is even annoying also where you have to be in  queue waiting for your bag to come out from the airport baggage carousel. 

An entertainment bar while onboard the ship with live band

It was not boring at all to be onboard since there is live band on board.  Our ticket was inclusive of dinner, pillow and blanket.  It was cold actually at night and I had a soundly and dreamless sleep.  It was already 6:00 A.M. of the following day when we arrived at Caticlan Jetty Port.

Our whole group while inside Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal

After we disembarked from the roro, we walked just a few meters to get a ticket and pay the environment fee at Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal.  These are the breakdown of the fees at the port terminal. Terminal fee: PHP 100 per person (free for kids 5 years old and below) Environmental fee: PHP 75 per person (free for kids 12 years old and below) Boat fare: PHP 25 per person from 6:00 AM to 05:45 PM, and PHP 30 per person on 05:45 PM and beyond (half fare for kids 6 years old and below).

The boat from Caticlan Port to Boracay Port terminal

Boarding a small boat from Caticlan to cross to Boracay Port terminal takes barely 15 minutes only.  Even a Boracay repeater will still be excited  as the boat is approaching its port with the sight of vibrant Boracay island.

The ramp upon arrival at Boracay Port Terminal

Boracay warm welcome to its guests and tourists (Model: Allan R. De la Trinidad)

An assuring vibrant welcome is visible upon entry to the island

From Boracay port terminal, we took a pedicab going to our accommodation which ran for around 15 minutes.  On our way, one can tell that we are indeed in a beach island resort because some of those we have seen are already in the swim wear ready to plunge on the beach as early as 8:00 in the morning.

With one of my companions, Mr. Apolinario Avergonzado in our accommodation at

Faith Retreat and Conference Center

Upon arrival at our accommodation, we just rested for an hour.  After all, we were fully rested while on board the ship.  Then, we did the food marketing.  It was good that at Faith Village, we can cook our food and we are provided with all the kitchen utensils.  Dining sets and cutlery were also provided to us for free.  We cooked and served ourselves with our own food.  So, our prior arrangement was to collect from all of us for the food provision at a minimal amount than to dine in expensive restaurants.

Our group waiting for our boat for island hopping

After our breakfast and some preparation of our personal necessities, we headed to the beach front to wait for our boat for island hopping.  There were so many tourists but majority of them are locals.  The following are the pictures that we had while waiting.  We started the island hopping at 11:00 A.M.

Another companion of mine in the name of Jose H. Mondejar

The paraw boats

Walking at the floating rubber boardwalk

A line of para sailing boats

On board the boat for an island hopping

a 30-minute swim along the inviting white beach of Puka Beach

The boat travel had lasted for almost 40  minutes heading to Puka Beach for a swim and snorkel.  The boatmen did not drop us in front the Puka Beach but at approximately a kilometer away. 

Docking at the Crocodile reef for snorkel and diving

From Puka Beach, we headed to the Crocodile Island and we docked at the reef around it where we given an hour to enjoy a swim, snorkel and diving.

Gibungan Beach for our buffet lunch

Not far from Crocodile reef was the Gibungan Beach where we had our buffet lunch.  It was a part of our tour package.  

My companions Mam Nelsie Caculitan and Mam Elizabeth Patriarca enjoying the sumptuous lunch

Our group ready for a team building activity in our accommodation at Faith Village

Since the island hopping was only a 4-hour package, we were backed at our accommodation just timely at 3:00 P.M. and rested in our rooms.  Others went out but some preferred to have a sleep.  At exactly 4:00 P.M., we had our team building as led by our school principal, Mrs. Leonila Q. Masangcay.  Others who were not part of Filemon P. Javier Elementary School just joined like, Dr. Cynthia Manalad and son, Daniel, Ms. Jolly Joel Flora, Jose H. Mondejar, Bonne Neilzen Caculitan and Aiyal Del Monte.

After the team building, I had a stroll around Boracay with Cynthia, Daniel and Jolly until 7:00 PM. The following are the pictures I captured randomly.

Jolly, Cynthia, Daniel and I dining in an Italian Restaurant

Dr. Cynthia and Miss Jolly enjoying the relaxing white sand and windy afternoon

Daniel and I also waiting for the magnificent sunset

This sunset makes Boracay Island the best

What a beautiful sunset!

Shakey's Pizza Parlor

Before I finally went back to my accommodation, I visited its tourism office and learned that Boracay after its rehabilitation had more stringent rules for the tourists.

One of this is, accommodating tourists was already reduced.  Thus, when you go there, be sure to book your accommodation with accredited establishments or else you will be denied of entry to Boracay.

Secondly, I noticed that nightlife was not that vibrant anymore whereas before, I can a see a lot of fire dances even along the beach or any where else.  Now it's gone.

Thirdly, smoking and drinking in public places like the beach is no longer allowed. Littering of plastic cups, cigarette butts and shattered beer glasses on the beach is strictly prohibited.

Fourthly, the annual Labor Day celebration called LaBoracay is officially banned in the whole island.  No more loud music and rave parties allowed.

Fifth, for the purpose that the island's waters and marine life recuperate from human activities, some marine sports are temporarily suspended.   As of now, the following are the only ones allowed, namely: parasailing, paraw sailing, jetski, wakeboard, banana boat, fly fish and stand-up paddle board.   This move will allow more time for the tourists to enjoy its globally renowned white and clear waters.

Lastly, dining by the beach, sand castle building are no longer allowed.  No more lights on the beach.

Buying pasalubong and souvenirs (Model: Daniel Manalad)

Other than having a swim in our island hopping, I did have time to swim on the beach for my last two days, since I was occupied finishing my TESOL Methodology Course offered by the University of Maryland Baltimore County.  I was inside my room all the time for the remaining days of my stay.

Boarding the Oyster Ferry from Boracay to Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal

Boarding the Oyster Ferry Boat with (L-R seated front) Mrs. Arlene H. Mondejar and son Jose, (L-R next row) Mr. Avergonzado, Mrs. Nelsie Caculitan and daughter Bonne, (L-R third row) Mrs. Mirope Mallari and granddaugther, Aiyal Del Monte.

From Caticlan, we again boarded the 2Go Roro M/V Saint Ignatius de Loyola at 8:00 A.M., this time a day trip instead of overnight.  Inclusive of our ticket was our lunch.

The roro's dining hall (L-R Front) Mrs. Mallari and Ms. Jane Puod; (L-R Back) Mrs. Leonila Masangcay and Mr. Pol Avergonzado

The dining hall is called Horizon Cafe and this is where we take our free meals inclusive in our ferry ticket.  It is not a buffet, it is packaged meal.

At the dining hall with (L-R Seated) Mrs. Mondejar, Bonne Caculitan, Mrs. Prescila Amante and Mrs. Caculitan; (L-R Standing) Mrs. Avergonzado, Dr. Cynthia Manalad, Ms. Jolly Flora and our tourist guide.

We left Caticlan thru roro at 8:00 A.M.  and reached Batangas City Port at 5:00 P.M.   Then, our chartered bus picked us at Batangas City Port bound for Mandaluyong City. This means that we were practically at sea the whole day travelling.

While onboard the 2Go Roro Ship

BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES:

Roundtrip Jam Bus (Cubao to Batangas City Pier)  - One way is P207                       P     414

Roundtrip Roro Ship (Batangas City to Caticlan) - One way is P1,200                            2,400

Environmental Fee (Batangas City Pier)                                                                                50

Terminal Fee (Batangas City Pier)                                                                                         30

Environmental Fee (Caticlan Port)                                                                                         75

Terminal Fee (Caticlan Port)                                                                                                100

Pump Boat (Caticlan to Boracay)  night time has different rate                                            25

Tricycle (Boracay port to accommodation)                                                                           25

Environmental Fee (Boracay Port)                                                                                        75

Terminal Fee (Boracay Port)                                                                                                100

Tricycle (Boracay accommodation to Boracay Port terminal)                                               25

Accommodation (Faith Village Dormitory type per person per night) for 3 days              1,500

Island hopping inclusive of buffet lunch at Gibungan Beach                                               450

Meals for 3-Day 2-night package (9 meals @ P120)                                                         1,080

     Total Expenses for a 3-Day 2-Night DIY Package                                                P 6,349

                                                                                                                                       ======  

OTHER CONCERNS:

Always bring your 2Go e-ticket receipt copy with a valid ID.  You always need an ID in all the port terminals.      

What are valid IDs?  This includes: Company ID, School ID, Postal ID, Voter's ID, Passport, Senior Citizen ID, NBI Certificate, TIN (issued by BIR), Driver's License, UMID Card, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC ID and PWD Card.

Senior Citizen ID and PWD Card can help reduce expenses as you can avail discount.

Supervalue 2Go Ferry accommodation is the Economy class and it is not air-conditioned.  If you wanted a better accommodation which is fully air-conditioned, you can upgrade your Supervalue accommodation to Tourist Class by adding P400 per head.  On the other hand, if you are in Tourist Class and you want to upgrade it to Cabin, Suite Room or State Room, you will pay P400 per head, P2,000 per room, and P2,700 per room, respectively. 

BUS SCHEDULES AND FARE MATRIX (BATANGAS CITY PIER)

Cubao to Batangas = First Trip: 1:00 A.M ; Last Trip: 12:00 Midnight = Fare is P207

Buendia LRT to Batangas = First Trip 1:00 A.M.; Last Trip: 11: PM. = Fare is P197

2GO FERRY SCHEDULE (BATANGAS TO CATICLAN)

It has two trips from Batangas to Caticlan per day.  Theu use the vessels St. Anthony de Padua, St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Augustine of Hippo with the following schedule:

Batangas to Caticlan: 10:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. Daily

Caticlan to /Batangas: 08:00 A.M and 11:00 P.M. Daily

Travel Duration: 9 hours

HOW TO GO THERE

With the details above, you can go to Boracay thru 2Go Ferry with the following steps:

1.  Book in advance a roundtrip 2Go ferry tickets (Batangas City to Caticlan and vice versa) 

2.  Take a bus from either Cubao or Buendia LRT to Batangas City Pier which will take you for 4 hours one-way trip.

3.  Board 2Go Ferry in Batangas City Pier after paying the terminal and environmental fees with a travel duration of 9 hours.

4.  Upon arrival at Caticlan Jetty Port Terminal, pay the terminal and environmental fees and boat fare.  Remember that day trip and night rate vary.  A pump boat is cheaper at P25 while the Oyster Ferry is P40 at a day rate.

5.  Board either a pump boat or Oyster Ferry to Boracay Port Terminal for 10 - 15 minutes where Boracay has two ports, namely: Cagban Port and Tambisaan Port.

6. From Boracay Port, take a tricycle to your accommodation.

7. You can be flexible in following your itinerary when you are already in Boracay.