While it's still sizzling hot, you should consider going to Boracay. The white sand and the sunsets are still unbeatable. And nothing else can get you on a real summer vibe than a Boracay vacation.
On the first hour of arrival, we head straight to Jonah's for their famous fruit shakes. I always get the melon-mango milkshake, with less milk.
Our first dinner was at D' Talipapa. It's still a very delicious "paluto" experience. Seafood is still fresh and plentiful, but it is not as cheap anymore. The influx of Koreans and Chinese to this famous island has hiked prices so much, it's cheaper to go seafood-shopping in in Farmer's Market Cubao!
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| fresh crabs set you back 660-750 pesos per kilo |
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| fresh lobsters cost over 2500 pesos per kilo! |
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| steamed crabs and grilled squid are my favorites |
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| Fresh uni steamed with eggs. I still prefer sashimi-style. |
The next day, we went island-hopping. We went snorkelling near Crocodile Island. The area around it is full of colorful fishes, sea snakes, and corals. It's also a very popular diving spot. Then we headed to Puka Beach for a swim. The water there is much cleaner than in Boracay.
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| Puka Beach |
The next day was spa day for me and Cai. We headed to Station 3, and very near the end of the beach is Bella Isa Salon and Spa. Tell your tricycle driver to bring you to Angol. This unassuming spa is not for the tightwads out there, but they have a very warm and attentive staff. Look for massage therapist Rodelyn (her picture is featured below). She's very good! I thoroughly enjoyed her full body massage with scented coconut oil. We also luxuriated in their full foot spa after miles of walking in the beach for a few days. It included a pedicure!
I've been to Boracay a few times, but it is only in this trip that I discovered Dos Mestizos, an authentic Spanish restaurant along Calle Remedios. It's very close to the Boracay Police Station. Their paellas are the best! Their version of my favorite Paella Negra was cooked in fresh squid ink, came with aioli, and had generous amounts of seafood. For Tapas, the gambas and the oysters are no-fail choices.
Beside Dos Mestizos is Gusto y Gustos Deli. We had our after-dinner coffee and dessert here. Must-try: their cafe latte and donut.
The friendly owners we met in the deli recommended we come back the next day for the Boracay's Saturday Community Market. We found fresh vegetables, freshly squeezed fruit and veggie juices, and many other cooked specialties. But special mention goes to the Bicol Express of Mang Jun. It's so tasty, delicious, and spicy! He also makes the famous Boracay Chili Bomb sauce. Mang Jun cooks food for several of the hotels in Boracay, and even caters for their "boodle fights". The cook actually hails from Antipolo where he grows his own chilis. He may already be back by now. Contact him at the numbers shown on his Chili Bomb bottle below to order.
Of course, a Boracay visit won't be complete without the legendary Calamansi Muffin. Real Coffee is now located in Station 2.
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| Calamansi Muffin |
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| view from the second floor of Real Coffee |
Another tip: Don't leave without having the best Oyster Sisig of Boracay and the Philippines! It can be found in barLO of Two Seasons Boracay.
Also, go on a boat ride during sunset in Boracay. It's life-changing.
