Saturday, August 6, 2011

Vegascapades: Boracay July 2011

It has been a while since I last visited the island of Boracay - an island of white and crystalline sand, party people and reefs. I am glad that I was able to book a trip for 2 to Bora last July (my birth month) knowing that Cebu Pacific Air offers limited promo seats. I booked the tickets on Cebu Pacific Air's Valentine sale last February, giving us 5 months to prepare ourselves for the trip - physically and financially. After our Puerto Galera trip last 2009, I realized that we need to totally plan for this knowing it is going to be farther than the other trips we had.

Preparations: I have read a lot of things about Boracay even before I have booked our flight. As part of our financial preparation, it is important to forecast how much we are going to spend for this vacation. We also have to consider that we still have a kiddo to feed, a condo to pay and meals to eat. Good thing there are online deals which are cheaper than the usual hotel offers found on the web. Metrodeal has an offer for only 3 days and 2 nights in a Hotel called La Oviedo.


At first, I couldn't believe it was really cheap. All hotel offers cost higher than what I was seeing on the page. So I tried to research about the hotel -- how far it is from the white beach, the D*mall (a mall in Boracay) and the restaurants. The hotel map I've found was a life saver and a helpful tool. I also had to check the amenities and the rooms and most of all the availability of the voucher, which is good until May 2012. The only thing that is not included in the voucher is the breakfast which I find it reasonable for a 15 hundred price. I purchased the voucher right there and then.

So we now got our accommodation and our plane tickets. The only thing we need to prepare is our allowance and ourselves.

I am not certain but maybe just maybe my husband is a little excited for the trip cause he actually lost a total of 20 lbs before the vacation. He knew that I love to take pictures and he is somehow afraid to show more of his chuby-ness. Good job Hun! As for me, I never plan to do anything. I just want to enjoy every meal I get. I do not care at all if I am fat or not.

Close to the trip: Before our flight I have to do a lot of tasks at work so instead of going on leave the day before our early morning flight, I opted to go to work. But of course, to make sure our trip won't be sacrificed, I made sure our clothes, things and other items such as food, electronic gadgets are all packed up and charged and most of all, our allowance are well budgeted.

I just let Tyrone withdraw 5 grand for our allowance that would cover our meal, activities and fares. And if in case we over-spend what we have, we both have our credit cards and our ATM cards as our back up. And all is set for a holiday in Boracay.


July 05: We departed from Eastwood City 30 minutes past 4 to arrive at the airport after an hour. Our itinerary says our flight is at 6:45AM and Cebu Pacific made their promise. We departed on time and arrived on time in Kalibo, Aklan. It was a safe and sound flight.  There were available vans in the airport to Caticlan, travel time is one and a half hour. From Caticlan Jetty Port we rode a pump boat to Boracay Island then tricycle to La Oviedo Resort.

La Oviedo Resort Room 5: I expected the room to be not so good because it was a cheap deal. Better to expect the unexpected, the room was great - it came with an air-conditioner, TV with wide channel selection, a coffee table, towels, own comfort room with hot and cold shower. Fantastic, Metrodeal got the real deal!


Being ready for the sun burn, toured around Station 2 and took a look at the white beach. Then we had the amazing reef walking experience in Bulabog beach. The package we got, included the speed boat transfer to/from the beach/coral reef area, still photos and videos and  views under the sea with a helmet. At first I felt like I am an astronaut but not going into space. It was nice and a bit scary. Tyrone enjoyed it and so did I - Worth it!


After the wonderful experience
underground, we hit back to the white beach and took photos of the wonderful island. Walked along the beach and had buffet for lunch at the Astoria hotel. We dealt with people for vacation deals for almost 2hours. After lunch, was feeling so sleepy but managed to stay in the beach and enjoy the big waves. It is indeed Boracay! Welcome back to Boracay XC!



I really wished for this vacation since I have not taken any off from work (except for weekends) since I started working. I miss it, and I am glad Tyrone is with me. I am hoping next time we visit, Yzzy will be with us - she loves swimming too.

As usual before heading to the resort, took a lot of pictures. Ready to see them and delete the not so good ones.

July 06:On the second day, the weather was crazy. While the sun is up, the rain would pour. Crazy!  We were supposed to go island hopping and try the parasailing instead we went station hoping. We started from station 1 to Station 3 right on time for the rain to start to pouring.


 We were having a hard time figuring out where to eat. and  finally we decided to eat at the Burger Club restaurant. We ordered Burgerella with grilled mushroom and fries. Burped together with the Chinese people who really enjoyed their meal. It was a day to relax and sit back, to release all the stress and to breathe fresh air.



July 07: It's the 3rd day of our vacation. Time to pack and be ready for the 1PM flight. We still had half a day to tour around, so we went snorkeling in Crocodile Island - fed the fishes under the water. We had breakfast in the boat then went to Ilig-Iligan Island to swim. It was so peaceful.There were no other people swimming with us, and no other boat in the island. Every 5 minutes the weather would change. Another crazy day we got. While on our way to Bulabog, I realized my slippers were not in the boat Arrrgh I left them. I am just hoping they are in better feet. Before 10AM we need to be sailing already so we had to rush. Went back to Kalibo on time and arrived back in Manila safe and sound. It was a wonderful trip indeed though we miss our daughter so much. Hopefully next time we can come together as a family.

This trip gave us a wonderful time to relax and feel the beauty of the Philippines. It also reminded us that we do not have to be rich to see the great wonders of the world.(haha). We can plan and budget and have fun!
Hoping for more to blog!




Some of you might be wondering how much we spend for this trip.
Below is the breakdown:

Airfare: Cebu Parcific Air MNL-KLB v.v          -          P2600.00 (2 persons)
Hotel: La Oviedo Resort thru Metrodeal            -          P1500.00 (2 persons, 3 days/2 nights)
Taxi from Eastwood                                          -          P200/cab depends on Meter reading
Terminal 3 Fee                                                  -          P200/pax (one way)
Kalibo to Caticlan with Boat                              -          P200/pax
Caticlan Jetty Port (environmental+terminal fees)-          P125/pax
Tricycle to Bora from Bora Port                        -           P100/tricycle
Allowance for food                                           -          P1500(2 persons)
Reef Walking (with photos and videos)              -          P600/pax (can get it foor 400 -800php)
Island Hopping                                                  -          P900/boat(5-6px) normal rate ranges1300-2000php
Tricycle back to Bora port                                 -           P100/tricycle
Bora to Caticlan with Van to Kalibo                  -            P200/pax
Kalibo Terminal Fee                                         -            P40/pax
Taxi to Eastwood                                             -             P200/cab depends on Meter reading


Other activities available in Boracay:
Parasailing - P1600-2500 depending on season and person
Go kart - P600++
Zorb - P380 for 2 persons depending on the kind of equipment to use
ATV - P400++
Banana Boat - not sure with the price
Flying fish - not sure with the price

For inquiries please leave a message. Hoping these could help.

1 comment:

  1. buti ka pa nakapag bora ka na.sana matuloy na ako sa pagpunta jan this summer.i'm looking forward to reading about your next travels.sinagot ko na pala questions mo about great wall.thanks

    ReplyDelete