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
Shakey's Pizza Parlor
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.
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!
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.
