Visiting Boracay for the second time, touring first timer travellers with “Balik-bayan” relatives, it was an another set of experience with mixed emotions. Oh and are you gearing up for the coming summer, read on. “Kaja let’s go again to Boracay!”
Our travels were mostly solo, but this one’s a bigger group, we’re 12 persons and we served as their tour guides. The group had many first time Boracay goers and it was also nice to share the tropical experience with our Balik-bayan Tito and Tita with their sons who were all first timers in the Philippines. They experienced flight delays, unpredictable weather, commuting hassle, price haggling, eating Balut but they all totally loved the adventure and it was added to their unforgettable moments, like they say… Only in the Philippines. :p
Transportation – Kaliboracay Trips
Though we had our disappointing flight delay experience from and to Kalibo, it’s a good thing that our van transfer was a smooth and dependent one. The van that we rode were both in good condition, not an old unit. The assigned driver is always ahead of our agreed pick up time and easy to talk with, same goes with their owner. The van transfer cost us Php 3,000.00 all in. We recommend Kaliboracay trips, just give them a call or text and they answer promptly. 50% down payment is required for your reservation and you will just settle the balance during your arrival at Kalibo.
Accommodation – Boracay Ocean Bay Resort
As John was browsing at Agoda he saw this hotel and directly called them instead and happen to speak with the owner directly. It was a great deal since they offered us Php 3,200.00 for 6 persons in each room with free buffet breakfast for all checked-in guests. They are located at Station 1 along the road and near commercial establishments, it’s just a 5 minute walk from and to the White Beach. The hotel is not so new even the rooms, but it’s clean and well-maintained, away from the beach noise. Overall it’s a good place to stay with and if we will visit Boracay again, we consider staying here again. They require 50% down payment for your reservation.
Activities
What we noticed is that the tour operators had a price increase of all offered tour and activities, it was only 2014 since we went there but the price went all high. Here’s an update:
- Helmet Diving – Php 600.00 per head
- Banana Boat – Php 300.00 per head
- Island Hopping (includes snorkeling) – Php 3,000.00 medium boat / group of 10-12 persons
- Parasailing – Php 1,500.00 solo / Php 2,500.00 group of 2-3 persons
Just remember to haggle for the lowest price and don’t give in easily with the prices or stories that they tell you. Especially if you are in big groups, always mention it to them so they can adjust and give better discounts. They say the price increase was due to the demand of their travel group organization and that they standardized the prices of all activities, despite all their blahs..stillask for the lowest price! :p
Not much has changed on the island, even the other islands you will visit during the island hopping tour. The White Beach is still the same even at night, though there were some new establishments by the beach and inside the D’Mall. The for sale items and pasalubong prices is still the same.
If you want a much quiet Boracay experience and a not so hot/humid one..it’s better to visit during these months, December to February, but we still got sunburned though hehe. Off peak season is better because the accommodations are not yet fully booked, the island is not so crowded, the transportation is smoother. You also won’t wait too long in availing your water or land tours since there’s not so many visitors. But be warned for it was like you’re in Korea haha due to many Korean tourists that you will see on the island.
Summer is coming, plan ahead for your travels, start that Boracay getaway itinerary!
For our detailed Boracay travel, itinerary, expenses..you may visit our 2014 blog post.
Contact Info
Boracay Ocean Bay Resort
- http://www.oceanbayboracay.com
- Mobile Nos. 0920-9552258
- Landline Nos. 6333-337-1759 (Boracay) / 633-337-0634 (Iloilo)
John Paul Oliveros of Kaliboracay Trips
- Mobile No. 0998-5680149
Kaja let's go! 