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.
 |
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:
- To explore other accommodations in other parts of the island
- 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)
- We found a cheap resort in station 1 despite what others are saying that Station 1 is for the rich and famous haha
- Lastly, we wanted to be near Real Coffee--for their muffin, and to Zuzuni--for their lava cake.
 |
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.
 |
 |
 |
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!
 |
 |
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.
 |
 |
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.
 |
 |
 |
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
No comments:
Post a Comment