TWO FACES OF BORACAY: NATURE and BUSINESS

THE BORACAY THAT 
WE USED TO KNOW
(Nature and More Modernity) 
WITH TIPS for Tourists

No doubt, Boracay is one of the top tourist destinations 
in the Philippines. With its long white beach and strings of leisure hotels, travelers love to spend their vacation because they wanted to enjoy the best of both worlds. The picturesque places of Boracay indeed are worth a thousand words.

Boracay: Past and Present There's always an endless debate if the modernization of the island did harm than good. You can see rows of buildings and houses along its white long beach. If compared to decades ago, the Boracay that few knew, esp the locals, is a virgin island where the only shelter you'll see is a kubo (wooden house) surrounded by tropical forests.

How The Island Became Popular
Then massive development began due to influx of tourists thanks to a 70s Hollywood film that was shot in the island. It was entitled Too Late the Hero starring Michael Caine. With this, international hotels (some with gold courses), stores and brands soon sprouted like mushrooms, changing the island's landscape. (See videos below)

Walking Tour video at Boracay's Station 2 and D*Mall

Road Trip video at Boracay's Station 2

Mall by the Bay

Also, there was only D*Mall, an array of stores lined up beside the shore, selling stuff from shirt to bikinis to sandals and souvenir.

It was just the beginning. Now, the streets of Boracay is mostly establishments ranging from banks to hotels to pop up stores to restaurants, one can be surprised of new developments each year. you'll see this if you look around. Ride a motorcyle or e-bike, if you will. 

TIPS for VISITORS IN BORACAY:
1. Travel light (there are lots of stores in Boracay)

2. Bring enough cash but be wary of the prices (Before you buy, check if you are buying or paying an overpriced food, goods, souvenirs or services like tattoos or massage. 

3. Observe safety when riding risky rides like parasailing and banana boat (Unfortunately, these exciting fun rides caused deaths to some of tourists in the past due to accidents and the lack of checking or following safety nets). Don't make pranks when you're riding.

4. Observe safety when swimming. Use a floating device if you must. Always check the head counts if you are a group.

5. If you have a drone, check out for places that are ok for flying one. Most of the places in Boracay have a strict ordinance on drone use as crashes can hit tourists.

6. Don't drink too much and get crazy during a party. Just enjoy! Check your phone always. It could slip through and lost in the sand.

7. No lovemaking on the beach (It's illegal).

8. Be aware of people forcing visitors to join their dinner seminars in the guise of free good, fast profitable returns or a famous star (their endorser) Usually, you can't get out easily once you ate the free food and they will force you to invest spot on. Just say No! to them and the free food. 

9. Keep your phones and laptops safe always. Some hostels have reports of burglars and thievery. Report your missing items by filing a blotter report at the island police station.

10. Throw garbage on the proper bin. Make Boracay's beach clean always.