Travels: The New BORACAY! (exploring the island on a tight budget)

The amazing island of Boracay consistently ranks as one of  the most beautiful beaches in the world. This island paradise is in the heart of the Philippines and is welcoming once more the tourist from all parts of the world.



The island underwent a major face lift which started last April 2018 and lasted for 6 months. This was done through the initiative of the local and national government to save the deteriorating state of the island due to land and sea pollution and much more reasons.



I've visited this island before (march 2017 ) and I was amazed on how fine the white sand of this beach is. The exquisite sceneries and of course the ever popular sunset. It was almost perfect but you'll see patches of green algae being swept by the waves and obviously, there's too much people in such a little space. The facades of the restaurants on the beach front almost ate up all the spaces near the beach and lousy tourist dumping their trash anywhere.


The new rules:

Before you enter this island paradise, you need to undergo a series on check by the department of tourism and by the Aklan's local government

Step 1:

Have your bags checked and your hotel reservations verified by the officers at the Jetty port

Here are the DOT accredited hotels that you can book.
 



Step 2:

Pay the terminal fee, environmental fee and boat fee. (total: P200).


Step 3:

Ride the boat and off you go!



There are also new set of rules to follow on the island and they are strictly implemented.



The major changes I've seen

1. No more algae
- You can't see any trace of those green lumps on the seashore.



2. A wider beach front
- They have implemented an 25 meter set back  (Nice!)



3. no more sand castles
- building of a sand castle is strictly being regulated


4. No more buffets on the beach
- following the 25 meter set back, all buffets and restaurants are already a little far from the shore.

5. No drinking and eating on the beach
- That's a big No No.

6. There's greater police visibilty
- You can always see a police or a beach guard nearby ready to help

7. No more loud noises at night
- There are still bars and pubs where you can drink but the noise is being minimized.


The island has definitely improved and it's more beautiful now. It's more peaceful, cleaner and safer. The people are warm and accommodating just like before. For my detailed itinerary, stay tuned for my next blog post.

Here are more pics of my adventure in this wonderful island. (Pics taken by Jancarlito Aguirre David II)























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