TBT: Can't Get Enough of Boracay Day 3 and 4

This is the third and fourth part of our 4-days-3-nights Return to Boracay last November 12-15, 2013

On our third day, we decided to transfer to another hotel. After eating at our usual hole in the wall tapsilogan, we went to inquire at Tans guesthouse at station 2 where we stayed during our last vacation. Tans gave us a room for 4 for 1000php/day, and the best part is the generator was on for 12 straight hours. Best deal ever! Because of this, we promised ourselves that whenever we will go to Bora, our first choice would be Tans guesthouse, it has never failed us!

Very spacious room

Since we taught we have done everything a "tourist" could do in Boracay, our 3rd day was our chillax (chill and relax) day. We literally stayed in our room, slept, and waited for the best time to go to the beach, which was at around 3pm. We stayed in the water for almost 2-3 hours. The waters and sands are still magnificent as ever.





For our dinner, since we splurged the night before, we just ate at Andoks to save a bit haha. Andoks is located at D'Mall in Station 2. You won't miss it, just look for the crowd of people since a lot are eating there. We ordered Pork Sinigang which costs 79php, Chicken BBQ with rice which costs 77php, Mais Con Yelo which costs 34 php, and coke and rice, costing 38 and 13php respectively. Value meals!

Andok's Menu

After that, we called it a night and went back to our very comfortable, cold, with electricity room in Tans guesthouse. Our flight back to Manila was scheduled at early afternoon, so we left Boracay island at 10am but not before buying 3 boxes of Calamansi Muffin from Real Coffee. By the way, Real Coffee store has transferred to Station 2 from Station 1. We had a bit of a panic time when we were looking for the store and didn't find it haha. Also, another side note, when we were leaving Boracay, electricity was suddenly restored. What!

New Location of Real Coffee

New spacious interior

Huge improvement from before

This Boracay trip was different from the last time we were there last May. This trip felt more like home because we already know where to go, where to eat, where to swim. But, still like before, it was exciting and fun, not at all boring. Boracay will definitely be a place close to our hearts and, in the near future, we will not hesitate to go back here a 3rd, or 4th, or 5th time. Cliched as it may sound, we love Boracay!

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Can't Get Enough of Boracay Day 1
Can't Get Enough of Boracay Day 2

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TBT: Can't Get Enough of Boracay Day 2

This is the second part of our 4-days-3-nights Return to Boracay last November 12-15, 2013

Since it was our second time in Bora, we wanted to experience other things that this wonderful place can offer to us. So for our 2nd day, we decided to go to Puka Beach! We had an early morning start since we weren't really able to sleep deeply due to no electricity. We decided to eat at a hole in the wall tapsilogan at Station 1 (we forgot the name). Silog meals, which includes coffee, costs 95php/meal so not bad.

Forgot the name of the place, but this is what the menu looked like haha

95php Hotsilog

95php Corned Beef Silog

After breakfast, we then ventured on to Puka Beach. We hired a tricycle to Puka Beach. Puka Beach, according to islandboracay.com, is located along the norther tip of the island. This is were the locals gather the small puka shells (hence the name), which is made into jewelries, bags, etc and is sold all around the island. It is around 10-15 minutes from the main beach. Some tourists prefer the serenity of this part of the island, since it is away from all the hustle and bustle crowds seen in the White Beach. The sands are more coarse, less powder, and less white compared to the White Beach, and we noticed that the waves are bigger and higher and a little bit rougher on this side of the island. There are also fewer restaurants, stalls, and places to stay in, hence a very very quiet area to just sit back and relax.

Entrance to Puka Beach

Minimal Stores found along the entrance

Coarse Sands

But Still a very beautiful beach

When we were there, there were a few signs of post Tyhoon Yolanda destruction all around the area, but still very serene and very quiet. However, the waves were huge and the current was very strong so we were not able to swim in their waters. Also, the water was very cold. So we opted to just explore around the area, and stayed on the shore and just laid down. A bit of advice, bring drinks and food when going there since the few stores selling drinks are a bit on the expensive side. Also, please do not forget to bring with you your trash and litter once you are finished, do not leave it on the shore. Ever. Please. Also, last advice, bring some books, blanket, charge your devices to a 100% if you plan to just lay down all day hehe.

Ruined huts due to Typhoon Yolanda

A Nice Picture Spot

Another Nice Picture Spot

Simply amazing

Serenity

Waaaaves!

When it was time to head back, we had a bit of a problem finding a tricycle. Good thing a bus from Graceland came and dropped off some tourists so we hitched a free ride to Graceland, then hailed a tricycle from there. Yehey!

We went to Smokes Restaurant for our lunch. The menu comprises mainly of Filipino dishes such as Bicol express, Sinigang, Lechon Kawali, Bulalo, but they also have a bit of a western side dishes such as pasta, sandwiches, etc. It is said to be one of the affordable places to eat in Boracay with price ranging from 100 to 150 pesos. They also allow customers to bring their own raw food and have the cook it for you. We tried their Chili Chicken Bowl which costs 120php, Beef Salpicao Bowl which costs 120php, and for drinks we ordered Coffee Shake and a Milk Choco Shake, costing 60 and 70php, respectively. The food was OK, not that special, but not bad also for the cheap price.

Beef Salpicao Bowl

Chili Chicken Bowl

After our lunch, again, it was raining very hard. And it became flooded. In Boracay! We never thought we would experience flood in Boracay hahaha. We ended up running in the rain back to the resort. And of course, once we got back in our rooms, there was no electricity. It's a good thing it was raining so it wasn't that hot. But we decided to look for a hotel we could transfer to the next day.

Flood in Bora!

Who would have thought huh?

Raining hard

For our dinner, we decided to splurge a little and find a good dinner buffet. While walking around, we ate some isaws and the famous Chori burger from a barbecue stand. Chori burgers of Bora are a must try!

One of the many Isaw stands seen in Bora

Ihaw varieties

After, we finally decided to go the Deparis Resort Dinner buffet. We choose this buffet over La Carmela de Boracay since the former had more food choices than the latter, despite it being more popular. We feasted on crabs, crabs and more crabs. Hahaha. The buffet costs 380php/person + 10% service charge and is inclusive of bottomless drinks as well, so it was very worth it.

Deparis Resort

The Menu

Crabs Galore!

Aftr we decided to have some booze and, again, walked around, however it started to rain so we just headed to the resto/bar located beside Bans Beach resort. We had Tanduay Ice and San Mig light c/o our very accommodating kuya. Despite our just recently buffet dinner, we brought isaw at a stall right beside the bar, and they even allowed us to bring it in the bar. We called it a night after the rain stopped at 11pm. Overall, a very fun, relaxing, tummy fulfilling day 2 for us!

Bora night life

Up next, day 3 and day 4 of our return trip to Boracay!

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TBT: Can't Get Enough of Boracay Day 1

This is the first part of our 4-days-3-nights Return to Boracay last November 12-15, 2013

We never thought that we would be going back to Boracay for the second time around. Our big career decisions left us wanting for a vacation, and Boracay immediately came to mind. Our first trip to the 2012 Asia's best beach was just last May 2013, guess we fell in love with Boracay. Who wouldn't? All of us already know that made Boracay is one of the best vacation places on earth-- water, food, water adventure, night life, and sand...Oh we just love the sand of boracay..

We were scheduled to fly to kalibo via Airasia Zest last Nov 10. However, the country was hit by the super typhoon Yolanda hence, flights to provinces in the Visayas area including Kalibo were cancelled. Thanks to Airasia Zest, they accommodated our request to be rebooked on Nov 12-15. So off we go.

We got on a 9:40 am flight on November 12, 2013 bound to Kalibo. Despite the recent typhoon, the airport, as well as our flight were full. Some are going to the provinces to visit their loved ones while some, like us, are just going for a vacation. Arriving at Kalibo airport, we noticed that it really took a hit from the storm. Though no casualty was reported in the province, we immediately noticed that one of the main problem was electricity then mobile signal. Guess this will really be a vacation.

View from the plane

We went to ride those van + ferry packages offered by Kalibo drivers located just outside the airport. Be prepared to pay around 250php/person. Again, very looong ride and on the way to Caticlan port, we just saw the damage done by typhoon Yolanda to Kalibo area. It was kind of depressing. Anyway, we arrived at Caticlan port after approximately 2 hours. Be prepared to pay the Environmental fee of 75php/person as well as the Terminal Fee of 100php/person. After that, we boarded the oyster ferry and finally arrived at Caticlan port. Again, when riding the tricycles, indicate to the driver that you want an "individual" ride meaning you would be sharing the ride with other people, hence lesser fee. I can't remember how much we paid for but we asked the driver to drop us off at Station 1, where we will be staying (last time we stayed at Station 2).

We decided to stay at station 1 this time for the following reasons:

1. To explore other accommodations in other parts of the island
2. To avoid the "lumot" (moss) infested area of the beach; last May we were staying at station 2 but we were swimming at the station 1 area (puro lumot kasi sa station 2 nun)
3. We found a cheap resort in station 1 despite what others are saying that Station 1 is for the rich and famous haha
4. Lastly, we wanted to be near Real Coffee--for their muffin, and to Zuzuni--for their lava cake.

Hellooooo Station 1!

Arriving at Boracay gives you that certain excitement. Though it was our 2nd time already and we already know what to expect, somehow it was still exciting to be in one of the world's best islands. We checked in at Bans Beach Resort. We fell in love with their nipa huts as posted in their website and we specifically requested to be in one. We booked the nipa hut in its off peak price at 1500php/night, which is very cheap, and includes 2 queen size beds, own AC, CR, cable tv, ref, towels, etc. It can really fit 4 persons in there. So we were quite satisfied with our accommodation until the resort staff told us that since the island has no electricity yet due to the typhoon, the electricity will only be available every 4 hours since their generator cannot run in full 24 hours. We argued with the staff however, there is nothing we could do since we already paid for 2 nights. So that's a bit of a downside to this trip.

Bans Beach Resort in Station 1

Nipa Hut Rooms in Bans Beach Resort

Exterior Area of Bans Beach Resort

For lunch, we went to Bite Club and we were never disappointed with their burgers..yumyum! We made sure to go back since it really satisfied us the last time. Even after the typhoon we noticed a lot of people taking a vacation in Bora, though not as many as during the summer months. Restaurants and bars were open as usual as if no typhoon or electricity shortage has happened. The only evidence of the storm is the humming of generators in every resort and hotel, and the coconut leaves scattered in the beach. In all fairness to the municipal government, we saw them working all day cleaning the beach. After eating, we headed to the beach since it was a very hot day!

Our ultimate Bora Food!

Bite Club

Usually, when I swim in salty, sea water, I get very itchy every time. But Boracay beach is different. It is the only beach where I was able to swim for 3 hours without getting itchy. Who can resist that beautiful water, and pristine sand. We are really happy that we pushed thru with this vacation despite the electricity problem.

Can't Get Enough of You

Can't Get Enough of You

We went back to our hotel after swimming and was very disappointed since the generator was turned off so we decided to go out again and take a stroll after freshening up. We were not really hungry during dinner time so we went to Lemoni Cafe at D'Mall located in Station 2, to finally taste their pastries, and to find cover ASAP because it was raining so hard. Lemoni Cafe is near Bite Club so we always pass it by and we always feel curious since the place looks very nice and the food looks very inviting. We ordered a slice of their famous lemon bar which costs 100php, a slice of Hazel Nut Mousse which costs 180php, and a Mint and Pineapple crush smoothie which costs 110php. Our food totalled to 429php. Unfortunately, for us, the taste was nothing extraordinary, the serving was small, and we find it too pricey for a normal tasting food. So, again, a bit of a downside.

Lemon Bar

Hazel Nut Mousse

Mint and Pineapple Crush Smoothie

Back at the hotel, the generator was turned on so we "almost" had a good sleep but they turned it off at 4am in the morning..Darn! It was hot. My friend stayed up all morning since she cannot sleep. We decided to talk to the management so they could give us a refund but the staff said that we would forfeit our payment should we decide to transfer to another hotel. Since, we are also on a tight budget we negotiated to them not to turn off the generator during early mornings and change the shifting of their generator to 6am-6pm off, 6pm-6am on, like what other hotels are doing since most guests are out during daytime, however, the staff said that its not possible bacause their generator cannot operate for 12 hours straight. Whew! I guess we're in for sleepless nights. So, again, thumbs down for the guest service of Bans Beach resort :(

Click here for our 2nd Bora Day

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