Boracay Island:
The Visayas are a group of islands located in the central Philippines—the major ones being Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros, and Panay. It’s also home to Boracay Island, a hugely popular party destination.
The most famous beach in the country is White Beach on Boracay. With its soft, unbelievably white powdery sand, it’s often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Apparently, Starbucks agreed, because they plunked their branded tables and umbrellas right down on the sand.
We arrived in the early evening, and it was a monumental difference from the quiet Myanmar lifestyle we had grown accustomed to over the past month. The high-octane nightlife lining the sandy shores of White Beach is quite a scene. The Filipinos have the party atmosphere down pat, and this island lures flocks of international tourists—especially from China and South Korea—who are ready to join the big party scene.
Upon arrival at dinner time, we ran into a packed beach buffet. The first thing I saw on display was a juicy, crispy whole suckling pig being carved for everyone to feast on. One look at the juices flowing from this golden-brown pig enticed us to pull the trigger on the all-you-can-eat buffet.
As previously discussed on this blog, every country has its signature dishes. Lechon is one of them in the Philippines. I have a feeling I will become a Lechon connoisseur during our month here. It was just that good. To hell with watching my cholesterol intake here; Barbie and I have officially termed the country “the soul food of Asia.”
The Station 3 Strategic Positioning
If you visit Boracay, you must come with the right state of mind and expectations. You will either love it or hate it. One does not come here in search of a quiet, authentic, secluded tropical island. If that is your expectation, you will be quite disappointed. If it’s a lively atmosphere you want and you are willing to throw yourself into the thick of the non-stop action, Boracay is a good place to hangout
The island is divided into three stations. The key is picking the right station area and resort to stay in. We opted to base ourselves at a new, smaller boutique resort called Villa Caemilla on the quieter Station 3 beach.
[Boracay Base Strategy]
Station 2 ──> Frantic, over-the-top, Disneyland-style action.
Station 3 ──> Quieter, more sedate area. (Our basecamp)
I glad we were positioned away from the crazy action in the Station 2 area. This strategic positioning enabled us to achieve a sense of peace and serenity we were looking for. We cooled out all day in this more sedate area and ventured into the tsunami of action and chaos in Station 2 only when and if we desired.
The Overdevelopment Issue
The big negative of Boracay is that it’s a tiny island totally overdeveloped and bursting at the seams. It’s a lot like the other top Southeast Asian resort islands of Phuket and Koh Samui.
I just hope the municipal government can deal with the pressing environmental issues, especially after seeing even more resorts currently under construction being squeezed into any tiny available space. I ask: when will these Asian countries learn that less is more?
Sadly, I’ll never be able to see the original beauty Boracay once possessed years ago. On a more positive side, I’m glad I was able to see it as it is now, because I know for sure it will be much different years from now. Do not get me wrong, both Barbie and I really loved our stay in Boracay and would happily return for its vibrant atmosphere. The other islands that we plan to visit here in the Philippines will be nothing like Boracay, and I am looking forward to checking them out.
Now it’s off to visit Barbie’s brother and his family who live in Manila, then onto the more quiet, remote islands in this archipelago.
🍽️ The Boracay Spot List
- Villa Caemilla: Solid beachside setup where we stayed.
- Paradise Garden Buffet & Boracay Regency Buffet: Good options for local pork spreads.
- The Sunnyside Cafe: Excellent breakfast spot.
- Smoke Resto: Great, quick local food.
- Cowboy Cocina, CYMA: Other solid meals we had on the strip.
LOOSE STOOLS INDEX
- Rating: 5 / 10
Every time we move countries, the style of food changes and the bowels need to readjust. The food in Boracay is like the soul food of Asia—everything is well-seasoned, full of calories, and high in cholesterol. Especially the “must-eat” Lechon suckling pig, which remarkably has only taken down the index two notches.
Thru the Binocs
🕵️♂️ Binocular Observation: The USA Political Circus
We watched a clip of the USA primaries here on TV—one of the rare times since dropping out of society. Let’s just say it’s nice to be very far away, on the other side of the world, and completely oblivious to the circus back home.
Big Doug & Barbie Drop Out of Society 