BORACAY | BORACAY GARDEN RESORT

Boracay, one of the 7,107 stunning islands of the Philippines, is flawlessly positioned in Panay Island bordered in Western Visayas. It is internationally recognized for its crystal clear water and extensive stretch of white sand. It is also a go to hub for most beach enthusiasts who may want a considerable amount of isolation at the same time need accessible venue for casual experience, whatever that means.

Observably, foreigners especially Koreans have outnumbered the locals during my last visit. Just by imagining the figures it added to the region’s economy, I’d just save my opinionated wit.

There are two airports for drop off.
Caticlan Airport: Only accessible to small planes which are coming from Manila, Cebu and Clark. From Caticlan Airport, you can choose a tricycle or a van to bring you to Caticlan Port. After approximately less tan 30 minute ride, you will reach Cagban where you can rent a tricycle going to the particular hotel/station of your choice.

Kalibo International Airport: Accessible to big planes coming from Manila and a few international airports. Approximately an hour and ten minutes away from Manila. From the airport, there are air-conditioned busses available for transit going to Caticlan Port. The travel time depends on the road and weather condition but always a little less than two hours. A few minutes of sea travel from Caticlan Port and you will reach Cagban, where you can rent a tricycle going to the particular hotel/station of your choice.

There are several seat sale promos which are available all year round and you may be lucky to get the cut-price if you are an early bird. You may visit AIR ASIA and CEBU PACIFIC for your reference.

If you are not comfortable via air route, you can consider below option.

By Boat: This is an alternative mode of transportation on how to get to Boracay. If you have adequate time and do not mind more than twelve hours of sea journey, then you can give this a go. I’ve heard many good reviews on what 2Go offers. You may refer to their site - 2GO.

Boracay has unlimited options to cater any traveller’s taste. There are luxurious hotels for your comfortable holiday vacation or you can opt for flexible guest houses for accommodation. It really depends on your liking whether you want grand or choose to be efficient you got to stick with rule #1. HAVE FUN.

I stayed at La Carmela de Boracay in 2013 and it was a good experience but  this year’s vacation was spent at Boracay Garden Hotel.

The hotel is nearby McDonalds and just a ten minute leisure walk away from D Mall. It is advantageously sited in Station two so options are at hand for your convenience. I personally like to wander and have my afternoon coffee at station one. I find the beach at Station one to be a little too crowded though, due to some water activities. Station two is more neutral for me making it as a good spot to swim and shop. Parties are common so it gets busy as soon as the sun is down. Station three for me offers extreme selection on food and accommodation. Try a daylight stroll and experience the rural peace it gives you.

Boracay Garden Resort offers outstanding customer service. They have team up with South West Travel and Tours so expect a helpful staff soon after you exit Kalibo International Airport. An air conditioned bus awaits the guests to bring them to Caticlan. Land travel takes almost two hours and guests are drop off to a private port. Guests are greeted in the port and transferred to a private motor boat. It takes about ten to fifteen minutes of sea travel to reach Cagban where guest are escorted to a private car that will lead them directly to the hotel. Bottled water are given to guest while on boat and in the car.

main entrance

Just after a few minutes of comfortable ride you will reach the hotel. Be ready with your ID upon checking in. Two thousand bucks is required for deposit and is refundable once you leave the hotel. Check in time is 1500H while checkout time is 1200H. Free welcome drinks are given upon checking in.

beachfront entrance

I did not find anything exceptional on the hotel’s entrance (beachfont and main) It has a classic laid back architecture. The beachfront is even disappointing. It is because a major renovation is on process.

Do not be consumed by the pale impression, sometimes you have to trust your instincts and believe that great things require some patience. I began to take a few steps to see what it has to boast. Truly, it is a dreamland. Maybe you dreamt once or twice of spending your holidays or weekend nights here. The insides are way too big than what you can imagine from outside. It has perfectly polished lawn and well groomed hallways. The hotel has four big pools which are all positioned elegantly around the resort. 

pool #1, 2 and 3

Pool #1 is right in from of my room. Pool #2 is accessible for guests occupying the left wing. Pool #3 is near the Garden Cafe.

Pool #4 is my favorite, it is near the Garden Cafe as well. It is where I mostly spent my morning and afternoon soak. Pool #1, 2 and 3 tend to be packed so I tried to avoid those areas during my stay.

friendly reminder

Do wash before dipping in

The hotel has well equipped facilities that everyone can appreciate. The Garden Cafe offers a wide range of food assortment. There are usually four kinds of meat being served in every meal. For those people who want to stay fit while on their vacation, they can try the fitness center. Make sure to bring your proper foot gear as it is a requirement.

partial view of the fitness center

pool #3 at night

front view of pool #3 at night

top view of pool #1 and pool #2 from my room

complimentary fruit found on the table after a quick swim

good morning, coffee

The room is big enough for two people. I stayed on the second floor in one of their premier rooms. It has one king size bed, LCD TV, mini bar, sitting area, balcony. The bathroom is to die for – hot and cold shower, hair dryer, bath tub, daily supply of toiletries. My apologies, I do not have any pictures so try to imagine. The room where I stayed is a smoking room if that helps you decide. Balcony has a nice view of the pool and hotel surroundings. Towels are readily available whether you want to dip in the pool or experience the beach. They are color coded; white is to be used inside the room and green or stripes can be borrowed for free outside.

Boracay Garden Resort is a great choice for those who want some pampering even outside their urban crib. It gives you the freedom to easily access the beach just a few steps from your room. You may consider it on your next visit, please refer to their site.

Boracay will always be a sweet reverie. The ecstasy it gives is truly unfathomable. It has a unique way to communicate to an individual by means of transporting vibes from ocean unto shore. The vast sky is beyond doubt a reminder that life is a gift to cherish. The waves in the sea remind us all that everything come and go, leaving nothing but memories as beautiful as sunset.