Malditah Musings

boracay grill

Sands of Boracay, Philippines

By Carren Jao

"THIS time it is going to be different." I thought to myself on my back Madrid, Sailboatsone arguably the best beaches in the world and a source of Philippine pride. Boracay's fine white sand is so fine it literally fill crevices of your toes, the tiny grains conforming to every curve of your feet. His water was so deep a blue as the sky appears to shy away shame.

I first went there on a graduation trip with friends, we spent exorbitantly, falling prey to the ploys tourist. It did not happen again; time this, the Philippine travel industry is getting back on his feet and airline travel is getting cheaper by the promotional minutes.

We lucked out Our relief during an exhibition Travel. A quaint resort offers rock-bottom promotional prices for a 3 day 2 night stay inclusive of airfare. With such a attractive package, my friend and I could not refuse.

On the day of our departure, we will all ride over one of the smallest plane I had ever seen (See its size gave me pause, but there really is no backing out at that point). It is no luxury jet, but it promises to get us on the island of Caticlan in 45 minutes. From there, it's only a 5-minute shuttle ride, a 10-minute ferry and another 5 - minute shuttle to our little resort.

Our resort is not the extremely expensive beachfronts touted in travel magazines. It is a homey resort nestled in the back of the island's beachfront store, but it took only a short stroll by a small path to get to the famous island's shores. Yes, taking a chance on small resort is definitely worth it.

It was already lunchtime when we arrived and what better place to look for seafood than an island? We headed straight for D'Talipapa, a wet market filled with fresh catches of the day where you can literally take your pick at a very reasonable price.

Sand CastleFor an additional fee, Any small carinderias (eateries) by the wet market will cook it for you as well. For a total of P1200 (27USD) we can get chili crab, baked oysters, grilled oysters, and blue marlin right at our table. Suffice it to say, we are satisfied and the smiles on our faces is a testament to that.

Over of the year, Boracay has turned from a well-guarded secret travelers a happening tourist destination. Although it is not always a good thing, an uninterrupted flow of tourists and Boracay loyalists surely bring a slightly new flavor to the island each year. New restaurants have managed to flourish on the island, offering sophisticated taste something other than all-natural grilled fare.

Yet, despite all the hints of the cosmopolitan world outside, no bigger than something that just plant yourself in the sand and soak up the tropical sun while indulging in an island staple, a large ice-cold eclectic shake from Jonah's only for P70-P150 (-3.50USD 1.50USD). Try Choco-Banana or Mango Peanut, but also look for a friend to share. Finishing glass can be a challenge.

Washed after a long day at the beach, I found that the best way to end the day with a massage by the beach. Field day sets, cool breezes dusk gently kissing my skin and my muscle aches and pains are massaged away by skillful skim Boardhands. With perfect horizon as a backdrop, the day was not finished better.

The next day, I booked myself a skim boarding lesson - a relatively new sport on the island. On my first day, I saw happy children slide around the coast on their skim boards, inspiring me to find an instructor.

I finally found one willing to teach me while walking down the beach. His P400 (9USD) fee for an hour's lesson is quite reasonable because, from the appearance of things, I would only need an hour before waving the white flag of surrender.

Beginner's skim boarding is like learning how to skate - smooth and not a little painful. I slipped countless times and scraped both my knees trying to steady myself. But it was fun. I can not remember the last time I did something for the first time, it felt like an adventure.

Professionals can slide, twist and turn they skim boards with ease, as if the balance is not an issue. I turned green with envy but I was happy just to be able to slide around the coast without plastering myself in the sand.

Skim boarding is the last item on my agenda in Boracay and I can finally say I left everything I set out to do. I left Boracay satiated, knowing that this time the trip was worth it

About the Author

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Nides & Lu - 4.75 lbs LOBSTER @ GAZEBO GRILL REGENCY BORACAY PHILIPPINES APRIL 11,2009