La Carmela de Boracay

The price of dinner buffet in La Carmela de Boracay is an affordable Php 240 for adults or Php 120 for kids. You can eat as much Mongolian dishes and other viands as you want. The price covers drinks, too. La Carmela de Boracay is located at the beachfront in Station 2.

Dalisay Paradise Nest

Also located in Station 2, Dalisay Paradise Nest serves seafood, pork, beef, fresh vegetables, fruits, and native Philippine dishes. Dalisay Paradise Nest offers one of the best buffets at an incredible price of only Php 150 per person. It’s known all over the island as the having the cheapest dinner buffet in Boracay. If you’re looking for an authentic Filipino dining experience in Boracay, this is where you need to go.

La Isla Bonita Resort

This historical resort and restaurant has been serving foreign and local guests since 1989. La Isla Bonita has served many Boracay dinner buffets through the years. The dinner buffets are usually included in accommodations. The buffet usually includes adobo, menudo, mechado, curry, sinigang, pancit, paksiw, afritada, sweet and sour fish, lechon kawali, and other native viands. Be sure to add some beer to make that Boracay dinner buffet merrier.

Terraza Bar and Restaurant

Terraza Bar and Restaurant at Fairways and Bluewater offers terrific dinner buffets set on their outdoor terrace overlooking a swimming pool and the resort’s side of Boracay beach, an appetizing view indeed. The menu includes both Filipino and international cuisines. Terraza Bar and Restaurant is open from 6 am to 10 pm daily.

Boracay Regency Buffet

Probably the best of all these is the Boracay Regency Buffet. Located in Station 2, Boracay Regency is a high-class hotel that caters to anyone who enjoys living. They serve up to three types of cuisines: Malaysian, Mediterranean, and Filipino. The buffet is served outdoors right on the beach. Waiters are friendly and reliable. Price ranges from Php 1,000 to Php 1,500. Rest assured you’ll have a great time eating all you can in splendor.

Choosing your line of business in Boracay

Investors view Boracay as a tourist destination. Entrepreneurs often capitalize on the beaches of the island. Thus, the wealthiest businessmen often put up hotels and resorts in Boracay. These places often offer relaxation amenities, with Boracay’s azure waters and white sand in the backdrop. Some of these resort-hotels also have their own spas to provide guests all the rest and relaxation they need.

Aside from these, bars and restaurants are also booming business ventures. What makes Boracay such a favorite place to visit is its amazing nightlife. Cocktail drinks draw attention especially among foreigners who are on the lookout for something new and exciting during their stay on the island. Seafood and grilled meat dishes are popular menu items. You can also choose to open restaurants with a more relaxed atmosphere for couples and groups who just want to spend some quiet time together.

In addition, you can also start with something simple like souvenir shops. Let your creative streak push you to make beach-inspired designs for bags, shirts, and other accessories that will remind tourists of their pleasant experience in Boracay.

Knowing where to begin

The first thing you need to consider if you want to have a business in Boracay is your product or service. Make sure that it is not just a profitable thing but something that you are also passionate about. It is always good to start marketing something that you yourself believe in. Don’t just see it as an income-generating product or service.

You should also begin inquiring about lease rates, taxes, and other costs you need to shoulder for your business location. Inquire about differences in rates during peak and off-peak seasons. Ask if you get additional benefits when you do business in Boracay if you team up with a local.

If you want to start your business in Boracay, it would be best to consult someone who’s knowledgeable about the island. These people can give you valuable pieces of advice no business textbook can tell you. Foster good relationships with current owners of business establishments because there’s a big chance that you will get in touch with them or even initiate partnerships with them once you start your own Boracay business.

Tirta Spa

Tirta is Hindu for “holy water.” Located on a hill overlooking White Beach, Tirta Spa believes in being an oasis of comfort where you are nurtured and cared for. By word of mouth, it is considered to be the best place to relax in Boracay. It welcomes everyone not just in need of relaxation but also of inspiration.

Pamper your body with herbal compress, a special blend of herbs and spices wrapped in muslin cloth and lavishly applied onto you, or generate a positive flow of energy with foot spa reflexology. Tirta offers packages such as Before and After Sun or the Secrets of Egypt that will treat you like royalty. Prices range $50 to $80 for single treatments and $120 to $230 for packages.

Tirta Spa
Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
5608, Philippines
+63-36-288-6841
+63-36-288-6481
tirtaspa.com

Nami Resorts

Release all anxieties and welcome the reviving treatments Nami Resorts has to offer. Exfoliate with Nami’s aromatic salt glow package or the ultimate relaxation package. Remove those toxins with the lymphatic drainage massage and relieve chronic stress in you with a deep tissue massage. Nami’s spa therapists have been trained by an expert with over 20 years’ experience.

Nami Resort
Diniwid Beach, Boracay Island
Malay 5608
Aklan, Philippines
+63-36-288-6753 to 56
+63-36-288-6382 (fax)
namiresorts.com

Kai Regency Spa

Boracay Regency Beach Resort is located in Station 2 along White Beach. Kai Regency Spa is Asian-inspired, offering a holistic approach to wellbeing. It offers different kinds of massages such as Aroma Hot Stone massage and the Four Hand Harmony.

Facial treatments at the Verandah will pamper your features with Kai’s Purifying Facial and Kai’s Diamond Peel. Kai Rituals is a soothing treatment package for two. Tender Romance and Romantic Paradise are relaxing sensations every couple will love.

Boracay Regency
1212 A, Mabini Street,
Ermita, Manila
+63-2-523-8707
+63-2-523-8708
+63-2-523-2899
+63-2-528-4706
+63-2-528-4995
boracayregency.com

Mandala Spa and Villas

Located in Station 3, Mandala is a luxurious Boracay spa. The spa treatments are done at the Yin Yang Place where you can view the sea or, if you prefer more privacy, in bamboo-furnished villas. Mandala Spa allows you to surrender your mind to their signature Mandala massage that employ ancient Indian massage techniques.

Mandala Spa has package treatments tailored for both men and women. Here you can experience the “hilot” or the traditional Filipino massage. Rules on reservations and cancellations are strict, but guarantee your enjoyment of the luxurious Mandala experience. Needless to say, reservation is highly recommended.

Mandala Spa and Villas
Boracay Island, Malay Aklan
Philippines 5806
Tel: +63 36 288 5858
Fax: +63 36 288353

Bans Beach Resort

This beachfront resort near boat station one offers no-frills native-style accommodations set amongst a tropical garden. Located near D’Mall, which is a collection of shops and restaurants at the heart of Boracay, Bans Beach Resort is centrally accessible to both sea and mountains. It has 23 cozy cottages with their own private porch overlooking the greenery; some of them are air-conditioned while the rest are equipped with electric fans. Other resort amenities include an outdoor cooking facility and daily complimentary breakfast.

Bans Beach Resort
Station 1, Barangay Balabag,
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Philippines
(+63) (36) 288-3156
bansbeachresort.com

Casa Asia

Just steps away from boat station one, Casa Asia is a family-owned and managed beach resort that started operation in 2004. It has four air-conditioned rooms that have hot and cold shower as well as cable television and refrigerators. One of the rooms is double sharing while the rest are triple sharing; all of them can be converted to rooms with electric fans to make the price cheaper. This resort also offers laundry services, island tour services and airport pickup services. Sailing, picnic trips, kite boarding and motor biking around the island can also be arranged at the front desk.

Casa Asia
Boat Station 1 Boracay Island
Malay Aklan, Philippines 5608
(+63) (36) 288-5387
casaasiaboracay.com

Lion’s Den Resort

Lion’s Den has two main locations; the resort is near boat station one while the villa is nestled right at the island’s only lake and within walking distance to D’Mall. Lion’s Den Resort offers rooms with fan cooling or air-conditioning options, cable television, refrigerator and wireless broadband access at a minimal charge. Its Nipa Hut-style cottages are overlooking a garden and have their own private verandas.

Lion’s Den Resort
Station 1, Barangay Balabag,
Boracay Island, Philippines
(+63) (2) 433-7532
lionsdenresort.com

MR Holidays

Situated behind Blue Waves beach resort and in the middle of Chalet Tirol and Friday’s, MR Holidays is a secluded property that is within steps away from the beach. It has 13 rooms that are equipped with cable television and either electric fans or air-conditioning units; the deluxe rooms come with refrigerator and a private porch. Its rates are also inclusive of daily breakfast.
MR Holidays

Station 1, Barangay Balabag,
Boracay Island, Philippines
(+63) (36) 288-5360
mrholidaysboracay.com

Milflores de Boracay

Consistently offering the same rates for its guest rooms during peak season and low season, Milflores de Boracay is known for its spacious accommodations and its quality amenities that are offered at a low cost. Though not a beachfront property, it is only a two minute-walk away from the shores of Sulu Sea. Its nine rooms are furnished with air-conditioning units and cable television sets. Complimentary wireless Internet is accessible at the reception area.

Milflores de Boracay
Station 1, Balabag, Malay,
Boracay, Philippines
(+63) (922) 880-0762
milflores.net

Photo credit: Danes

Boracay Internet Cafe Number 1

Located near Rizzo Garden Restaurant and Bar, Boracay Internet Cafe Number 1 offers high-speed Internet access on the island. Facilities include scanner and printer, where they charge you printing per page. You can also use of their international direct dialing (IDD) phones and fax machines.

Boracay Internet Cafe Number 1
Resort Rizzo, Manggayad
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Philippines 5608
(+63) (36) 288-6259
kiss.to/boracay

Boracay Tourist Center

Boracay Tourist Center is the biggest shop in the island, with a large array of services available for both tourists and residents of Boracay. Their Internet cafe has several Wi-Fi hotspots for those with laptops. They also provide money transfer, foreign currency exchange, safety deposit boxes and other financial services for visitors of Boracay. The tourist center also features a mini-mart and a souvenir store located in the same vicinity.

Boracay Tourist Center
Mangayad, Manoc-Manoc
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Philippines 5608
(+63) (36) 288-3704
(+63) (36) 288-3023
touristcenter.com.ph

Angol Center

Located along the south beach area, Angol Center is an Internet cafe that offers high-speed wireless Internet access on an hourly rate. Various hardware add-ons such as webcams and headsets for your Internet surfing and communication needs are also available. The cafe offers CD/DVD burning, scanning and printing. If you want to have something to munch on while surfing the Internet, Angol Center has an onsite snack bar. The Internet cafe opens 24 hours daily.

Angol Center
Casa Camilla, Angol, Manoc-Manoc
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Philippines 5608

Station 168

Probably the most visible Internet cafe in Boracay, Station 168 sits near D*Mall along the White Beach path. The Korean-owned Internet cafe has at least 25 computer units and provides the fastest Internet on the island. A word of warning though: some keyboards have Korean characters so it might be a tad distracting. Station 168 opens 24 hours daily and serves onsite snacks.

Station 168
2nd Floor, Sea Lovers Restaurant
Station 2, Manon-Manoc,
Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan
Philippines 5608
station168.com

To achieve your ideal body, you may wish to walk briskly along the beach or to swim in the crystal clear waters. You do not have to do these early in the morning; try during sunset or at night.

There are other ways to have fun in Boracay and still find the time to stay fit. Exercise does not have to be tedious or repetitive, and thus boring. Since you are in Boracay, you might as well make exercise a bit more fun. Here’s how.

Gyms

You will find gyms where you can lose weight while in Boracay. There are many well-equipped gyms in Boracay like Muscle Tribe beside Paradise Garden Resort Hotel and the gyms at Patio Pacific Hotel.

Beach sports

Beach sports are essential to Boracay fitness. The fine white sand of Boracay is perfect for beach volleyball, football, and frisbee. You will often find players along the beach. Just wait until you’re invited; join the game and make friends.

Mountain biking

Join Cyclone MTB Club (Mountain Bikers Boracay) at Bom Bom Bar near D*Mall. On Sundays, they tour around Panay Island. This is not only a great way to strengthen your heart and lungs. You also get to see pristine parts of the island.

Rock climbing

This is a great way to lose weight and improve your muscle tone. Rock wall climbing is available at Patio Pacific Hotel. Rock climbing puts pressure on your toes all the way to your fingers; it’s also a great way to train your mind’s ability to focus.

Surfing

Try traditional surfing, kitesufing, or windsurfing. These are great water sports that sharpen your senses and flex your muscles. However, if you’re too scared to take risk, try skimboarding or riding an approaching wave instead. Because you start from the beach side, they are less dangerous and less strenuous. Still, you can use these activities to enhance your balance and burn those excess calories.

Tennis

Have you ever noticed how tennis players have slim sides? You might want to try this sport in Boracay. Play tennis at Tirol and Tirol Boracay Beach Resort. The resort have two concrete courts that await you.

Boracay diet

Finally, eat the right kind of food. A balanced diet is necessary to lose weight in Boracay. Stay away from fast food and beer gardens.

Try Cyma Restuarant, which offers Greek cuisine and focuses more on healthy food. You may also try Lemon Cafe serves salads. If you’re looking for the ultimate vegetarian fare, go to Prana at Mandala Spa.

Now you can lose weight and not get bored while doing it. Having a great body in Boracay doesn’t require hard work, only a lot of fun.

Start with your grand entrance to this island paradise. You could have a bailout on your transportation budget by taking the road less traveled by those excited, card-toting tourists. Forget about air travel; find another entry ticket to this world-famous beach resort.

You can take the RoRo route, or the roll-on/roll-off ferry service. The RoRo is meant for mass transportation of people and agricultural produce from Luzon to the island of Mindanao and vice-versa. It offers affordable fares, and lets you have a grander tour of the Philippine archipelago. However, be prepared to take a lengthy journey as this could have several stopovers before you reach Caticlan, your best access to Boracay. Your travel time could eat up half of your day, but hey, you can save big bucks.

Now, you’ve made it to the sparkly, white shores of Boracay with your toes unconsciously curling on those powdery white sands. How and where to find cheap accommodations in Boracay? Stay away from the beachfront hotels, especially during the peak season as these hotels and resorts will charge super-high rates. Worse yet, walk-in rates are usually more expensive.

For better rates, book your stay in Boracay at one of the many hotels and resorts away from the beachfront. Since Boracay is a relatively small island, even if you end up at a place away from the beachfront, your walk to the beach should take less than 10 minutes.

Are there fun yet cheap things to do while on the island of Boracay? Absolutely. Hire a motorbike or scooter to see everything Boracay has to offer. Make sure to ask for a discount if you hire the vehicle for several days in a row.

Or if you prefer to take it all in, feast all your senses then forget about driving yourself. Hail one of those colorful tricycles or pedicabs — those ingenious modes of transportation that are seen all over the roads in the Philippines. Tricycles are motorized bikes or scooters where a sidecar is attached to accommodate two to four passengers at one time. A pedicab, on the other hand, relies solely on manpower of your driver. It’s an ordinary bicycle where a passenger seat is latched on its side.

A visit to the bat cave where giant fruit bats nest could be worth your while. Of course, swimming in the ocean, sunbathing, snorkeling, and walking along the beach are some of best free activities that you can enjoy while in Boracay. Even scuba diving, horseback riding, boat tours, and wind and kiteboarding are reasonable as long as you don’t mind negotiating a bit. In Boracay, merchants are accustomed to visitors asking for a discount.You’ll be amazed at the amount of discount you can get by simply reciting this simple phrase: “What? No discount?” Be sure to pause. Let the merchant speak first. There are no shortage of fun-filled activities in Boracay. With some creative planning and a willingness to haggle, your stay in Boracay could be a bit lighter in your pocket.

Souvenir items are everywhere in Boracay. If you want to have some memento to wear any day to remind you of your wonderful island vacation, grab some shirts with original artworks by local Boracay artists. Aside from shirts, there are also other fashionable clothing items that you can only find in Boracay.

Accessories are always hip and never go out of style. Boracay has a handful of stalls full of intricately-made bracelets and necklaces. Most of these accessories are made from sea shells painstakingly put together for you to wear while basking in Boracay sun. Shades are also a popular commodity on the island but beware that most of these “branded” shades are imitation.

Where great deals are

As soon as you start shopping in Boracay’s tiangge shops, think of the prices you pay for each item. Although you buy in “bargain hotspots” on the island, it never hurts to haggle. After all, haggling makes shopping more fun. (Haggling is also part of Filipino culture and most vendors expect the customers to haggle.) This is especially easier if you are in Boracay during off-peak seasons.

Bulk or group discounts

In contrast, peak season in Boracay means everything is expensive, including accessories and shirts. In this case, you can ask for group or bulk discounts. The trick here is to shop with somebody or take advantage of souvenirs in bulk so you can easily negotiate prices with the vendors.

Specials and promos

Also, check out promos. Promotions extend far better if you have local friends (those who live in Boracay and the island of Panay) with you on the trip. Upon mention of them being locals, you will be surprised at the discounts you can get. And these discounts can even apply on resort amenities and rates, not just tiangges alone. Usually, Boracay business owners do not explicitly advertise their promos for locals.

When haggling, make sure you keep it cool and friendly with the vendors. Although it goes a long way for you in terms of saving up, learn when to press on and when to stop. Also, keep some of your oozing excitement pent up because that’s a weakness vendors will take against you. If they see how much you like an item, they might not let you haggle even for a single peso. So put on your game face and have fun bargain hunting on the Island of Boracay.

O’ Banza

Located along White Beach, O’ Banza serves Portuguese cuisine and known for its grilled dishes and seafood. A must-try is the prawn cocktail, giving customers a completely different gastronomic experience. Combining meat and seafood, “cataplana” is another popular dish at the restaurant. The restaurant’s specialty, Arroz de Marisco, is an appetizing combination of seafood and rice.

O’ Banza has a decent selection of beer and wine to pair your grilled dishes. You can always ask the waitstaff for a bottle that goes well with your dish if you’re unsure what to get.

O’ Banza Boracay Restaurant
White Beach, Boracay
Boracay Island, Philippines
(+63) (36) 288 5167

Kaeseke

After trying Portuguese, go for Japanese cuisine. The Japanese is known for preparing fresh seafood dishes. Located inside D’Mall within La Rotunda, Kaeseke Boracay adds to the variety of food served in Boracay with their prawns, stuffed squid, and lobster dishes. The restaurant also serves classic Japanese dishes like sashimi, maki, sushi, and tempura.

Kaeseke
La Rotunda, D’Mall
Boracay Island, Philippines
(+63) (36) 288 5610

Paradiso Grill

Located between Le Soleil and D*Mall in Station 2, offers its diners native Filipino cuisine in distinctive Filipino taste. The restaurant serves fresh crabs, prawns, squids, snappers, lobsters, and lapu-lapu (grouper). In Paradiso, you have the chance to pick your live seafoods for the staff to cook to assure you that you only get the fresh seafoods available.

Paradiso Grill’s specialty is mixed seafood kebab, a must-try for every customer. In keeping with the festive spirit of the Philippines, the restaurant’s rustic interiors complement the truly Filipino feast

Paradiso Grill
Boracay Island, Philippines
(+63) (36) 288 6363

Photo credit: Chewy Chua

As a beginner, you usually start your diving lessons in dive spots near Boracay’s beaches. Though it takes some time to fully learn the skills in scuba diving, there is a motivation to learn fast so you can explore other diving spots for more breathtaking views.

In most cases, you may also get your scuba diving certification once you complete a short diving course or when you finish a series of training sessions. Getting your diving certification first if you plan to dive in other diving spots in the world, however, if you want to learn the basics, one day is enough for you.

On the other hand, if you are a certified diver, the diving sites in Boracay will not disappoint you. With Boracay’s clear blue waters and dive sites surrounding the islands, Boracay is the perfect place to be when you feel the urge to dive. Boracay’s diving sites have breathtaking views of the marine life that delights every diver’s eyes.

Yapak 1 and 2

Yapak 1 and 2 gives every scuba diver an exhilarating dive because of its rich coral reefs and reef walls. The famous 2 walls of Yapak may challenge experienced divers because of its rough waters.

Baling Hai Beach

Baling Hai Beach is popularly known for its Acropa table corals. Because of its strong currents, Baling Hai Beach is only suitable for experienced divers.

Bel-at Beach

Bel-at Beach has stony corals and colorful wall reefs that make this a scenic diving location. Strong currents may be intimidating even to experienced divers, but the view is definitely worth taking the plunge.

Friday’s Rock Diving Site

The Friday’s Rock diving site is famous for its reef creatures like moral eels, Pincushion starfish, and lagoon rays. Divers prefer Friday’s Rock when they want to feed fishes when diving.

Punta Bonga

Punta Bonga possesses marine life that comprises sea stars, angel fishes, sea cucumbers, and butterfly fish among others. Punta Bonga offers an easy dive spot because its bottom is made of soft corals.

Whether you’re a first-time diver or an experienced diver looking for more adventure, Boracay will give you a fulfilling diving experience. Visit these top diving sites and witness the beauty of nature from a different perspective. The sea and its creatures will welcome you with open arms.

Photo Credit: SWBatzer