Boracay Reopens

"So, how's Boracay?" To answer briefly, it has improved, a lot. They really did an amazing job but there are still so much work to do.

Expect a clean beachfront - free of stalls, beach beds, and trash. Yes! It's real. They have done it. The last time I was in Boracay, which was 3 years ago, I wouldn't even dare to leave Station 1 because it's crowded in other stations. . Now, you can stroll Station 2 with only trees, people, and the beach at your sight. You'll still encounter those who offer braid, hena, massage, and sandcastle making. However, take note that sand castle making for a fee is strictly prohibited. I didn't know about this until after I agreed with the 2 teenagers who offered their service for Php 200. There are Police Officers who are literally watching out for this kind of activities. So, beware and let's just all follow the rules. ;) You can still have your hair done with a nice braid though, but not in the beachfront. No more beach beds and chairs but this didn't bother me at all because our Hotel's Beach Butler prepared towels for us by the shore with matching sand toys for my daughter. He looked out for our things while we're swimming so it's worry free. In the morning, there are people cleaning the shore. I even saw them separating leaves and tree branches from plastic wastes. I didn't see plastic cups or alike floating in the water nor on the sand. Bringing food or eating at the shore is not allowed. I hope there is also a fine for tourists who violates this because I saw some really annoying people who don't seem to care.

Do not expect water activities because there are none or at least none yet. There are some who offered us an Island Tour but unlike before, there are no boats near the beach so you'll have to go back to Caticlan Port where the boats will be waiting.

Expect long lines at Caticlan. Good thing, I chose a hotel where transfers are included because they did everything for us. I only had to fill out the Tourist Form which they provided right after arrival in Caticlan Airport.

Do not expect the road to be better and traffic free. Like I said earlier, there are still a lot of work to be done. It's still under construction. You would see big water pipes by the road side. Our hotel even set an early pick-up for departure because they wanted to make sure we will not be late for our flight back home. I would suggest getting a later flight back home if you want to spend more time on your last day. As for my case, I didn't have a choice because during those months, Philippine Airlines offered one direct flight from Manila to Caticlan and vise versa. The time though was just right for the check-in and check-out time of hotels. Besides, only 19,000 tourists are allowed in Boracay per day.

If you're planning to visit the beautiful island soon, please take note of these:

1. Drinking and Smoking in public places are not allowed.

2. Leisure activities on the open beach such as massages are also prohibited except if within certain establishment.

3. There is a No booking, No Entry policy so make sure to book your hotels in advance.

For your accommodation, check out COAST Boracay. They are Government Accredited. They offer hassle-free transfers. Most of all, they provide nothing but 5 star service from your arrival until your departure.