Boracay - A different kind of paradise on earth

Are you in need for a place to just relax? Kathleen from the Photography Club recommends Boracay at the Philippines.

The bangka (‘canoe' in the Filipino language) docked at Boat Station 3. I yelled "Salamat!" to my friendly boatmen, and gave them a huge smile for dropping me off at paradise. I had just arrived at Boracay, a national treasure of the Philippines. Exhausted from a week-long carnival of raucous dancing at the Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, located on the adjacent Panay Islands, I looked forward to having a relaxing time at Boracay. The White Beach at Boracay spotted a long stretch of white sand on the west coast of the island which shimmered with sparkling water. There were various sports ranging from kite-boarding to diving and para-gliding for me to choose from. However, I decided to try the All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The ATV was a rugged open-air 4-wheel drive for a single rider. After a 10-minute crash course on a small roundabout, I took the ATV up the winding roads and to the peak of Mt. Luho, the highest elevated viewpoint of the island. The view of Boracay at the top of Mt. Luho was worth every bump of the way here.

Crystal Cove, a tiny island 10 minutes by boat and south of Boracay, is also another must-see here. Once you find enough courage to creep down the winding and steep rocky steps, you would find a fascinating sight of emerald green waters gushing through the opening of a cove, big enough for a small party.

The island boasts a rich offering of cosy restaurants and pubs, which offer a wide range of food - from the thinly crusted yet doughy pastrami pizza at Aria, to the Saganaki, a flaming cheese dish personally served with a resounding ‘Opa!' by the chef at Cyma. Pubs like Hey Jude, Summer Place and Juice Bar along the White Beach are popular with celebrities who visit Boracay. And over at Cocomangas Shooter Bar, if you take 15 shots consecutively, your name and country will forever be inscribed on the Cocomangas Wall of Fame for "Still Standing after 15".

After 3 short days at Boracay, it would be hard not to fall in love with the genuine and friendly people on the island. I read before I came that Boracay was one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Standing here with the waves gently splashing against my shins, I could not agree more.

Are you already planning for your next holiday? Click on to Travel Club to find out how you can save some dollars from your trip! While you're at it, head down to Photography Club, where you can learn the many tactics to snap beautiful pictures during your holiday!

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