Boracay Guidebook

theInFlight

page r esort listings inside

to Boracay Hot resorts, hip hangouts

php200 The inflight guide

ISSN 2094 - 3636

CONTENTS

Welcome InFlight

to the maiden issue of The Guide to Boracay, copies of which are being distributed by SEAIR InFlight’s travel trade partners and available to order online at www.FlySeair.com.

We hope this guide makes life a little easier for you to browse through the growing list of resorts, hotels, and self-catering accommodation on Boracay Island, and make a smart choice. Our 77-page resort listings have been divided into price categories and an easyto-read format is used for all individual listings.

Resorts from charming mom-and-pop thatched roof cottages to the luxurious fivestar chain resorts and posh rental villas have all been chosen via unbiased research. Our senior writer and head of research Michael Marasigan, and his team of researchers spent weeks scouring Boracay Island, checking out the resorts featured in this issue. InFlight’s editorial team in Manila headed by managing editor Monica De Leon conducted further researches and put to good use InFlight magazine’s eight-year travel database, updated regularly, to give you all that you need to know about Boracay from getting there, arrival, to where to go and what to do in this island paradise.

Enjoy your read and here’s wishing you a great holiday.

021 Hot Resorts 22

Tier one: $25-$66

Per night starting rate

52

Tier two: $70-$95

Per night starting rate

72

Tier three: $100-$200 Per night starting rate

98

Tier four: $210-$380 Per night starting rate

104

Tier five: Self-catering accommodation

002 Introduction 007 Map Index 010 Essentials 016 The Beaches 117 Hanging Out

- Giselle Javison Editor Executive editor Nikos Gitsis Editor Giselle Javison Managing editor Monica G. De Leon Art director Jocas A. See Senior contributing writer and head of research Michael D. Marasigan Researchers Mylah Joy Maranion, Rheena Morales-Villamor, Cresta Feya Medez Editorial assistant Waldo J. Villados Designer and maps illustrator Marlon A. See Photographers Wacky Gochoco, Daniel Soriano Group sales and marketing director Delza A. Gochoco Advertising executive Joy Gutierrez Finance Arthur M. Valencia Cover photo by Jay Alonzo; Location: White Beach, Boracay Island SEAIR InFlight is located at Units 304 & 306, La’O Center, 1000 Arnaiz Avenue, Makati City 1000 Philippines Tel.: +632/ 840 2802 (Editorial), +632/ 840 2803 (Advertising); Fax: +632/ 840 2805 URL: www.FlySeair.com; Publisher: Triplestar Travel

Copyright © 2010 Issue date: January 2010 To order additional copies of The InFlight Guide to Boracay, call +632/849 0195/96 or visit www.FlySeair.com

boracay guide 1

theInFlight

Boracay Boracay, a small bone-shaped island 300 kilometers south of Manila fringed by the Sulu Sea to the west and the Sibuyan Sea to the east, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.

It’s not hard to see why. In a country of more than 7,000 islands, you need a magnifying glass to find Boracay on a map; but for such a small place it packs a big punch.

Its main attraction is White Beach, a beautiful 4km-stretch of perfect white sand lapped by gin-clear tropical waters.

Boracay actually has 30 beaches

2 boracay guide

and coves, with others such as Puka Beach – on the island’s northern coast – that are gems in their own right. On the island’s eastern coast, at Bulabog Beach, the onshore summer winds make it a perfect location for kiteboarding and windsurfing.

Back in the early 70s, Boracay was a tropical hippy-type hangout known to only Filipinos and a few hardy backpackers who made it this far from Europe and the US. Today, there is hardly a patch of land undeveloped in the island and the vibe has changed from

I nt r o d u ction

White Beach

Photo by Wacky Gochoco

boracay guide 3

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I nt r o d u ction

Sunset paraw sailing

bohemian haven to cosmopolitan tropical beach resort.

The island is home to about 300 resorts of various categories, ranging from five-star hotels and spas to humble bamboo cottages with only the sea breeze to keep you cool.

You name it; Boracay’s got it. Walk along White Beach and you’ll see fashionable shops, restaurants of all styles and hip bars and interesting bistros. Many of them set up candlelit tables on the beach at night, so you can sip an ice-cold beer and watch the island’s tremendous sunsets.

Cuisine on offer ranges from Filipino to Asian fusion, Greek, Indian, Caribbean, French, Thai, Chinese, German, English, Spanish, and more.

So Boracay has changed, but it’s still got that laidback beatnik atmosphere that it had in the old days. There are still the cozy bars and cafes where you can relax at the end of a long, hot day and watch the fireflies buzz around the ylang-ylang 4 boracay guide

trees. There are coves and beaches a few minutes away by boat from the main White Beach that are still virginal and quiet.

The InFlight Boracay Guide will help you find your own patch of paradise. We’ve used the resources of SEAIR’s InFlight magazine team to bring you key information about the island and its attractions.

This guide contains everything you need to know, from updated information on activities to comprehensive listings of some of the island’s most notable hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars. (Visit www.FlySeair.com) And these days travel to Boracay has never been easier. Using its 32-seater Dornier 328 aircraft, SEAIR (Southeast Asian Airlines) can whisk you from the bustle of Manila to Caticlan in just 35 minutes.

Enjoy your stay!

- Giselle Javison, Editor Photo by Joel Garcia

boracay guide 5

Boracay

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m a p in d e x

Luzon

Manila Philippine Sea South China Sea Boracay Island

Visayas

Sulu Sea

Mindanao

Celebes Sea

Boracay Island

boracay guide 7

Tier Two: Starting rate from $70-$95 01 Artista Beach Villas 02 Best Western Boracay Tropics 03 Boracay Beach Club

Tier One: Starting rate from $25-$66 01 Balinghai Beach Resort 02 Blue Mango Inn 03 Blue Waves Beach House 04 The Boracay Beach Resort 05 Boracay Hills 06 CME Boracay (Club Manila East) 07 The Club Ten Beach Resort 08 Crystal Sand Beach Resort 09 Dave Straw Hat Inn 10 Escondido Beach Resort 11 Hey! Jude 12 Hotel Isla Boracay 13 Hotel Villa Sunset Boracay 14 La Carmela de Boracay 15 La Reserve Beach Hotel 16 Microtel Hotels and Resorts (Boracay Island) 17 MR Holidays Resort 18 Nigi-Nigi Too Beach Resort 19 Sun Village Central Beachfront Resort 20 Sur Beach Resort 21 True Home Hotel 22 Villa de Oro 23 White House Beach Resort 24 Zuzuni Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

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Tier Three: Starting rate from $100-$200 01 357 Boracay 02 Alta Vista de Boracay 03 Ambassador In Paradise Resort 04 Asya Boracay Resort 05 Boracay Island Mandarin Hotel 06 Boracay Ocean Club Beach Resort 07 Boracay Regency 08 Boracay Sands Hotel 09 Boracay SandCastles Beach Resort 10 Boracay Terraces Resort 11 Boracay West Cove 12 Grand Boracay Resort 13 Le Soleil de Boracay 14 Nami Resort 15 One MGM Boracay Resort & Convention Center

04 Boracay Peninsula 05 Crown Regency Resort Boracay 06 Fairways & Blue Water Resort Golf and Country Club 07 Kikko’s Boracay Hotel & Beach Resort 08 Las Brisas de Boracay Resort 09 Mango Ray Resort and Restaurant 10 Punta Rosa Boutique Hotel 11 Red Coconut Beach Hotel 12 Surfside Resort and Spa 13 The Panoly Resort Hotel 14 The Strand Boracay Resort 15 Waling-Waling Beach Hotel 16 Willy’s Beach Club Hotel

Tier Five: Self-catering accommodation 01 7 Stones Boracay Suites 02 Boracay Luxury Homes 03 Casa Mika 04 Grand Villa Espada 05 Robinsons Beach House 06 Villa Kaloo

Tier Four: Starting rate from $210-$380 01 Discovery Shores Boracay 02 Fridays Boracay 03 Mandala Spa & Villas Boracay 04 Monaco Suites De Boracay 05 Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa

16 Patio Pacific Boracay 17 Pearl of the Pacific 18 Pinjalo Resort Villas 19 Real Maris in Boracay Beach Resort 20 Seraph Hotel 21 Sea Wind Boracay 22 The Tides Boracay 23 Two Seasons Boracay

Spa and wellness 01 Mandala Spa and Villas 02 Tirta Spa 03 Chi Spa

Restaurants 01 Aria 02 BarLo Resto Lounge 03 Bolero Rum and Bar Mexican Kitchen 04 Courtyard Bistro 05 Cyma 06 Dos Mestizos 07 Escondido Crabhouse 08 Fish Bar 09 Fridays 10 Island Chicken 11 Lemon Cafe 12 Olé Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant 13 Pikoy restaurant 14 Real Coffee and Tea Café 15 Sirena 16 Smoke 17 Steak House 18 TBraz Creperie and French Bistro 19 Zuzuni

m a p i l l u st r a tion

Bat Cave

05

03

13

10

10

03

02

23

23

09

24

03

Friday Rock

Diniwid Beach

Diniwid

Boat Station 1

09

18

Tablas Strait

Coral Garden

06

06, 03

Boat Station 3

12

Lagutan Beach

04 12 20 18 11 04 06 11 22 02 14 05 09 07 07 05 15 08 13

22

01

01, 05, 08, 10, 11, 12, 16

Tulubhan Beach

N Tulubhan Reef

Boat Station 2

16

17

19

13

White Beach

19

15

D’Mall

Bulabog Beach

Sibuyan Sea

Brgy. Balabag

02, 04, 07, 09, 13, 14, 19

Lapu-Lapus Beach

Paraw Sailing

17 13 07 07 04 06 05 01 21 08 20 14 01 02 03 03 15 04 21 18 08 16 11 01 17 15

02

06

Ilig- Iligan Beach

Brgy. Yapak

Balinghai Beach

Balinghai

Punta Bunga Beach

Banyugan Beach

15

Puka Shell Beach

Yapak

12

09

02

01

02

01

05 03

Cagban Beach

Angol Point

Cagban Jetty Port

10

Tambisaan Jetty Port

Manoc Manoc Beach

Brgy. Manoc Manoc

04

Tambisaan Beach

Tambisaan Reef

Caticlan

theInFlight Getting There

From Manila, you can fly to Boracay via two gateways: Caticlan Airport and Kalibo Airport. As of press time, Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) is the only carrier operating direct to Caticlan, using the 32-seater Dornier 328 (Do 328) aircraft, capable of short take off and landing, and the LET 410. Travel time onboard the Do328 is 35 minutes, the fastest to the island.

The LET 410 takes you to Caticlan in one hour.

SEAIR operates about 18 flights daily from Manila to Caticlan during the peak season and 10 flights daily off peak. It also operates flights from Cebu to Caticlan three times weekly, a journey that takes 35 minutes.

All other airlines with bigger aircraft operate flights from Manila to Kalibo, with travel times ranging from 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes.

From Kalibo, it’s another one- to one-and-a-half-hour travel to Caticlan jetty onboard airconditioned coasters or shuttle buses.

Roundtrip fare from Manila to Caticlan starts from $98 (P4,911) on average. Roundtrip fare from Manila to Kalibo starts from about $55 (P2,756). All fares are subject to change depending on the season.

Booking flights online Many travel websites offer you the chance to book flight tickets and holiday packages online. These sites cut out agents and middlemen. Almost all airlines have their own websites, offering reasonably priced airline tickets.

The airlines • Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) Flying time: 35 minutes direct to Caticlan Reservations telephone: +632/ 849 0100 For group reservations: +632/ 849 0199 Reservation fax: +632/ 849 2907 Book online at www.FlySeair.com • Cebu Pacific Air Flying time: One hour and 15 minutes via Kalibo Reservations telephone: +632/ 702 0888 Telefax: +632/ 851 2871 URL: www.cebupacificair.com • Philippine Airlines (PAL) Flying time: One hour via Kalibo 24-hour reservations hotline in Manila: +632/ 855 8888 For Mabuhay (Business) Class, Mabuhay Miles Elite & Premier Elite Members: +632/ 855 7888 URL: www.philippineairlines.com • Zest Air Flying time: One hour and 10 minutes via Kalibo Telephone: +632/ 852 4313 Fax: +632/ 514 4311 Reservations telephone: +632/ 855 3333 Cashiers’ direct line: +632/ 854 5134 URL: www.zestair.com.ph 10 boracay guide

E S S E N T I AL S Caticlan jetty

Travel agents and tour operators For good deals, try the following tour operators and travel agencies.

• Annset Holidays, Inc. Unit 502, Doña Felisa Syjuco Building, No. 1872, Remedios St. corner Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila Telephone: +632/ 400 6521 to 24 Fax: +632/ 400 6526 Email: tours.travel@annsetholidays.com.ph URL: www.annsetholidays.com.ph • Blue Horizons Travel and Tours, Inc. 20th Floor, Trafalgar Plaza, H.V. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City Manila telephone: +632/ 848 3901 Fax: +632/ 848 3909, +632/ 811 8289 Email: info@BlueHorizons.travel URL: www.bluehorizons.travel

46D, D-Mall de Boracay, Balabag, Boracay Island, 5608, Malay, Aklan Boracay telephone: +6336/ 288 4901 Fax: +6336/ 288 4030 Email: boracay@bluehorizons.travel

• Intas Destination Management, Inc. 6th Floor, 611, Common Goal Tower, Finance Street, Madrigal Business Park, Ayala Alabang, 1770 Muntinlupa City Telephone: +632/ 772 3312 to 14 Fax: +632/ 772 3313 Email: info@intasdestinations.com URL: www.intasdestinations.com Jetty port photo by Bert Canopen

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• Marsman Tours & Travel Corporation 19th Floor, Robinsons Summit Center, 6783, Ayala Avenue, Makati City Telephone: +632/ 887 0000, +632/ 888 1213 Fax: +632/ 887 0655 Email: inquiry@marsman-tours.com.ph URL: www.marsman-tours.com.ph • Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) Email: info@philtoa.org, secgen@philtoa.org URL: www.philtoa.org The airports • Manila Domestic Airport is located in Pasay City (Tel: +632/ 877 1109, +632/ 877 1772). This is where you check in for your flight to Boracay via Caticlan or Kalibo Airport.

• Caticlan Airport, officially called Godofredo P. Ramos Airport, services the general area of the town of Malay, Aklan, a province in Panay Island, 300km south of Manila. Caticlan is about five minutes away from the jetty port, where commuter boats take passengers to Boracay Island.

• Kalibo Airport is located in Kalibo, the capital of Aklan.

Departure, arrival and transfers • Manila departure. At the Manila Domestic Airport, have your tickets, passport and other official identification cards or papers ready. Expect to pay an airport terminal fee of $4 (P200). Be at the airport at least two hours before your departure to allow enough time for security checks and usual check-in procedure.

• Caticlan arrival. Right outside the airport checkout area is a tricycle stand. (A tricyle is a local mode of transportation that is a motorcycle with a sidecar attached to it). Take a tricycle to Caticlan Port (P50 per tricycle, which is about $1), a two-minute ride, and book a seat on a ferry to Boracay Island. A one-way ferry fare is P25 (about $ 50cents) and the trip takes 10 minutes. Add to this a P50 (about $1) jetty terminal fee, and P50 (about $1) environment fee. If flying to Manila, the Caticlan Airport terminal fee is P20 (about $ 30cents).

SEAIR passengers enjoy complimentary transfers and are met at Caticlan Airport by airline staff to take them on board airconditioned shuttles to Caticlan Port, where they’ll then take a ferry to Boracay Port in Boracay Island, a 10-minute trip.

Caticlan Port has motorized pump boats operating between Caticlan mainland and Boracay Island from sunrise to sunset. If you require baggage help, there are lots of porters around. They charge P25 per (about $ 50cents) luggage.

Boracay Port to White Beach. Depending on the season, you will arrive in one of two Boracay Ports – Cagban Port during Amihan or northeast monsoon season (September to late May or early June) and 12 boracay guide

E S S E N T I AL S

Tambisaan Port during Habagat or southwest monsoon (June to October). The distance of either port to White Beach is about 10 minutes by tricycle. You can book a tricycle to White Beach or your chosen resort for $1 (P50), one way. Foreigners are charged up to $3, one way.

Alternatively, you can arrange to be picked up by your resort.

These transfers from arrival at the airport to Boracay Island take all of 30-45 minutes. Some of the luxury resorts on the island operate their own speedboats.

Getting Around

• Tricycles are not allowed on the beach, but they can drop you off Main Road, where there are alleys leading to White Beach. The larger paths have pedal trikes that can take you right to the beach in no time.

If you have heavy luggage, you can phone your resort in advance to assist you. Tricycle fare starts from P7 per head to about P50 per trip ($ 14cents-$1). Special trips to non-touristy areas can set you back by about P50 to P75 ($1-$1.5). Waiting charge in a non-touristy area is about P100 ($2) per hour, depending on your negotiation.

• Boat rental is about P1,200-P1,800 ($24-$36) per five-passenger boat for three hours.

• Allan Fun Tours offers a P700 ($14) per person charge for island hopping tours covering six hours. This includes buffet lunch in Tambisaan. Tours are from 10am to 4pm. Call +6336/ 288 5577.

Important Contacts

• Department of Tourism Office D’Mall, at the center of Boracay Telefax: +6336/ 288 3689 Email: dotviboracay@yahoo.com.ph URL: www.tourism.gov.ph • Boracay Tourist Center Biggest and best equipped one-stop-shop on the island, offering money transfer, foreign exchange, credit card facilities, postal, telecom, internet services, safety deposit boxes and a mini mart.

Station 3, Manggayad, Boracay Island, 5608 Malay, Aklan, near the Police Station Telephone: +6336/ 288 3704-05, +6336/ 288 3023 Email: info@touristcenter.com.ph • Medical Services The island’s main hospital is the Don Ciriaco Senares Tirol Senior Memorial Hospital off Main Road, between Stations 2 and 3, right beside the island’s health center. The Metropolitan Doctors Medical Clinic on Main Road, Station 3, near Cebuana Lhuillier (Tel: +6336/ 288 6357), can give first aid, handle emergencies, and send a doctor to your hotel. It has a branch right after D’Mall (Tel: +6336/ 288 5920), beside the Boracay Water and Sewerage System’s (BWSS) office at Station 2, Main Road. boracay guide 13

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• Immigration There is a small office at Nirvana resort along Main Road, where you can get visa extensions (+6336/ 288 5267).

• Emergency Police Hotline 166 The Philippine National Police (PNP) station is situated between Boat Stations 2 and 3.

Boracay airline contact • SEAIR D’Mall office D’Mall, at the center of Boracay Telephone: +6336/ 288 5502, 288 6828 Fax: +6336/ 288 5503 Mobile: +63922/ 290 1717 Email: dicksontravel@yahoo.com.ph • SEAIR GSA Caticlan Airport Telephone: +6336/ 288 7360, 288 7272 Fax: +6336/ 288 7163 Email: dicksontravel@yahoo.com.ph Boracay Island travel agencies • Boracay Bookings Travel Agency Telefax: +6336/ 288 6386 Fax: +6336/ 288 5403 Mobile: +63922/ 817 3228 Email: bookingsboracay@yahoo.com • My Boracay Guide 0395, Bulabog, Boracay, Malay, Aklan 5608 Telephone: +6336/ 288 9999, 288 4783 Email: info@myboracayguide.com URL: www.myboracayguide.com • * Filipino Travel Center Inside Tourist Center, Boracay Telephone: +6336/ 288 3704-05 Fax: +6336/ 288 6499 Email: boracayisl1@filipinotravel.com.ph URL: www.filipinotravel.com.ph

Costs, Money, and Communication Money Philippine peso is the currency used on the island and money exchange services are available. The currencies in the Philippines are centavo and peso (P). 100 centavos = P1. Coin denominations are 5, 10 and 25 centavos, P1, P5 and P10. Bill denominations are 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos.

14 boracay guide

E S S E N T I AL S

Most of the big establishments accept major credit cards including American Express, Visa and MasterCard.

Currency cxchange, traveller’s cheques To exchange money or encash traveler’s cheques, go to Allied Bank (Tel: +6336/ 288 3412) on the Main Road, Boat Station 2, in front of Crown Regency, and BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) at D’Mall, a few minutes’ walk north of the Boracay Tourist Center. Or go to Boracay Tourist Center in Mangayad, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island. Telephone: +6336/ 288 3704-05, +6336/ 288 3023. Email: info@touristcenter.com.ph.

ATM machines • Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – D’Mall and at Beach Chalet Resort, Station 3 • Metrobank – D’Mall beside Boracay Budget Mart • Allied Bank – Plazoleta, near Boracay Regency Money-wiring companies • Western Union, Boracay Tourist Center • M Lhuillier – Main Road, Station 3, near One MGM resort • Cebuana Lhuillier – Main Road, Station 3, right beside M Lhuillier Post and communications Post Office • Located on Main Road in Balabag, north of Boat Station 1.

Open Mondays to Fridays from 8am-12pm, and 1pm-4:30pm.

• The Boracay Tourist Center has a postal center that’s open daily from 9am-9:30pm, and extends until midnight during peak season. They can receive registered mails and packages for you on your behalf for a fee.

An authorization letter is required.

Internet Almost all establishments in Boracay are hooked up to an ethernet (wi-fi) or broadband internet. There are also internet shops at D’Mall charging an average of P60 or about $1.20 per hour for internet access. Check out the internet café at the Boracay Tourist Center.

Travel tips • Essentials to take with you: Waterproof rain jacket or mac and suitable footwear for the boat journey, insect repellant, a pocket torch, and plastic bag to keep your gadgets dry on the beach • Tap water on the island is not safe for drinking • Avoid contact with stray dogs • Always leave your valuables in a safety deposit box or with the resort management • It’s best to get your resort to arrange massage treatments, boat services, island hopping tours and related activities or sports in the island. Resist the temptation to accept offers by unlicensed hawkers. boracay guide 15

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White Beach

16 boracay guide

The Beaches Boracay has 30 beaches and coves, some still unexplored.

Of the 30, seven are among the major beaches, including the island’s star White Beach, a 4km stretch of milky white sand west of Boracay. Its sea floor slopes gradually, providing a generous few meters of shallow waters for children and adults to wade in and enjoy. The waters are generally calm during the Amihan

Photo by Joel Garcia

season (northeast monsoon), from September to June. At sunset, the beach is bathed in a spectacular red, orange, and pink glow. All along the beach are rows of resorts, restaurants and bars.

To the north of White Beach is Diniwid Village, home to a 200-meter beach cove, Diniwid Beach. There are a handful of self-catering beach houses and a few upmarket resorts in the area,

boracay guide 17

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Diniwid Beach

18 boracay guide

THE BE ACHES

Puka Beach

including Nami Resort, which sits on top of a cliff on the side of the beach.

Diniwid is generally quieter, but wakes up at dusk when fishermen go out to sea. It’s at its best at Amihan season.

Baling Hai is a deserted cove, along the western shore of Boracay and next to Diniwid. The beach sits between two rocky cliffs. To get to the cove, take a tricyle to Baling Hai Resort and go down a steep rocky staircase. Alternatively, hire a boat to take you to the cove.

Puka Beach on the northernmost tip of Boracay Island is famous for its shiny white seashells called puka. Crushed puka mixed with sand cover the sea shore. The beach faces the Sibuyan Sea so watch out for strong currents. From here you get a good view of Romblon’s Carabao Island.

On the northeastern side of the island is Ilig-Iligan Beach, which features coves and caves and a jungle full of fruit bats. From the beach, there’s a path that leads a short way up the hill to the Bat Cave, a fantastic place to be at dusk when hundreds of bats fly off to feed.

Bulabog Beach is directly behind White Beach, situated on the opposite side of the island. The beach has ideal conditions for water sports such as kiteboarding, parasailing and windsurfing, and is the venue for Boracay’s Funboard Cup. There are a number of resorts, self-catering accommodation, and water sport shops in the area.

Carabao Island, right across Puka Beach, and about an hour’s boat ride from White Beach, is reputed to be “the next Boracay” with its milky white sand beach. The island has affordable seafront accommodation at Inobahan located on the island’s east coast.

These photos by Carlos Legaspi

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Hot Resorts

Where to stay, depending on your budget There are about 300 resorts on Boracay, from the very basic, no-frills resort to the luxurious. This makes booking a room for the holidays a breeze, but it also means choosing the right resort for your needs may be a little bit more complicated than usual.

To help set you on your way, we’ve chosen 74 resorts for our resort listings and grouped them into five categories, divided according to published room rates per room night. Tier one includes resorts charging a minimum published rate of $25-$66 a night, Tier 2 from $70-$95, Tier 3 from $100-$200, and Tier 4 from $210-$380. Tier 5 includes a number of self-catering accommodation from rental beach houses to villas.

The rates used in our listings are based on the average published room rate of a twin-sharing standard room.

In instances when the average room rate is unavailable, we’ve used the minimum published rate for a standard room. All rates were gathered in the last quarter of 2009.

Please bear in mind that the published rates should only serve as rough guides. Room rates can go up by an average of 20% in the peak season, usually from mid October to June. All rates contained in our listings may be subject to change without notice.

Book early for Easter, Christmas and New Year when Boracay Island buzzes with holiday fever.

22

Tier one: $25-$66

Per night starting rate

52

Tier two: $70-$95

Per night starting rate

72

Tier three: $100-$200 Per night starting rate

98

Tier four: $210-$380 Per night starting rate

104

Tier five: Self-catering accommodation

boracay guide 21

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Tier one From $22

Rock house

Baling Hai Beach Resort Location. Overlooking a small, private, sandy cove called Yapak, a short walk or tricycle trip north of White Beach Rooms. Delightful two-storey cottages and one big family cottage built into the cliff face above the beach. All cottages make the most of the natural setting, using original rock formations for walls and driftwood for doors. One room even has its own tree Food. Pleasant restaurant and bar – both with sea views – serving Filipino dishes, spicy curries and European and American entrees Prices. From $60 a night during low season to $150. Not including breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 3646, fax: +6336/ 288 6028 Email. balinghai@hotmail.com URL. www.balinghai.com

Laidback and friendly beach resort with cottages built into a cliff overlooking quiet Yapak Beach. All rooms are simple but beautifully rustic, with private balconies and views of the sea. For a romantic break, try the Rock House, which is tucked away from the other cottages.

22 boracay guide

Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

The garden

Blue Mango Inn Location. Angol Point, Boat Station 3 Rooms. 13 villa-style airconditioned rooms set around a charming garden. There are four standard rooms, four deluxe rooms, three ocean view suites and two family rooms. The three ocean view suites have large balconies with views. All have cable TV and free wi-fi access Food. House specialties include various dishes featuring mango Prices. Typical three-night packages are great value ranging from $38-$72 per standard room per night depending on season. Ocean view suites are $75-$145 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and JCB Phone. +6336/ 288 5170 Email. vpratt@bluemangoinn.com URL. www.bluemangoinn.com

Informal family-run resort in a fantastic location right on the quiet part of the beach. Comfortable rooms, good food and helpful staff. There’s a small library and a dive shop.

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Superior room

Blue Waves Beach House Location. Station 1, northern end of White Beach Rooms. Three rooms with ensuite bathrooms, AC, hot and cold shower, cable TV, DVD player, iPod dock, wi-fi access and safety deposit box. Refrigerator in deluxe and superior rooms only Food. Gloria’s Kitchen, a partner restaurant next to the resort, serves Filipino and continental breakfast from 7am-10am. Adjacent Boracay Beach Bites serves pizza, sandwiches and fruitshakes Prices. Standard room from $40, superior from $60, and deluxe from $80.

Rooms are for two with additional $20 charge for extra person. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Telefax: +6336/ 288 6544, mobile: +63917/ 701 0189, +63917/ 819 1897 Email. info@bluewavesboracay.com URL. www.bluewavesboracay.com

Blue Waves Beach House has three rooms all with uninterrupted beach views. The ground floor room has a small private garden that opens out to the sea. You can ask the caretaker to shop for your food and have it cooked for you. Simple dishes like grilled meat or fish are best.

24 boracay guide

Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Garden view suite

The Boracay Beach Resort Location. Between Station 1 and D’Mall, beachfront Rooms. 22 rooms consisting of six bungalows, four ocean view suites and 12 garden suites. Rooms have AC, hot & cold shower, cable TV, mini-bar, and balcony. Ocean view suites have a living room and laundry services Food. Café del Mar serves Mediterranean food Prices. Standard bungalow at $50, deluxe bungalow $71, detached bungalow $83, garden view suite $136, ocean view suites 1 and 4, $228, and ocean view suites 2 and 3, $203. Rates increase by 20% at peak season and decreases by 25% at off-peak Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 3208, 288 4288, fax: +6336/ 288 5565 Email. info@boracaybeachresort.com URL. www.boracaybeachresort.com

The Boracay Beach Resort, right at the heart of Boracay Island, has a charming exterior – thatched roof and plain white façade. Rooms have sleek lines, white bedlinen, white walls, cream curtains contrasting against simple black furniture and headboard, resulting in an airy, summery feel. If you want to party, this is the resort for you and if you can afford it, book Suite 1 with its private deck and 180-degree view of the beach.

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Executive suite

Boracay Hills Location. Bantud, Manoc-Manoc. A 10-minute walk to the beach, but the resort provides a shuttle service to any destination in the island Rooms. Simple AC rooms furnished with native touches. Lots of space, mini-bar and cable TV Food. Full range of breakfast choices from traditional Filipino to homemade fresh yogurt and fruit. The daytime light menu has salads, pastas, melts, meat and fish dishes, all made in-house. Dinner is a selection of set menus – or the chef can cook what you want if he has the ingredients Prices. From $61-$94 for a standard room, depending on season. Superior triple rooms from $109 and a suite for four from $170-$214 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. +6336/ 288 3315 Email. boracayhills@kalibo-cable.tv, mail@boracayhills.com URL. www.boracayhills.com

The Swiss ambassador to the Philippines used to own this 10-room property until it was bought and turned into a tropical resort. It’s a casual, homey place with a family atmosphere. Perfect for people who want a quiet time.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Standard room

CME Boracay (Club Manila East) Location. Station 2, White Beach Rooms. A boutique hotel with 14 double rooms with cable TV, AC, fridge and free wi-fi access Food. Can arrange breakfast at Sheena’s, a partner restaurant close by that serves Filipino and American breakfast Prices. From $64-$100 per room night, with $17 charge for an extra bed.

Breakfast not included. Check online for various packages and special offers Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 284 4700, 284 4736, Boracay: +6336/ 260 2222 Email. info@clubmanilaeast.com URL. www.clubmanilaeast.com

Basic beachfront resort that can arrange island hopping tours.

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theInFlight

Tier one From $22

Premiere room

The Club Ten Beach Resort Location. Between Stations 1 and 2, two-minute walk from White Beach Rooms. 20 rooms with ensuite bathroom, AC, wall fan, hot & cold shower, minibar, cable TV, private balcony, safety deposit box Food. Bistro serving breakfast only Prices. Standard bungalow for two, from $66, deluxe room for five, from $86, premiere room for eight, from $144 Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 364 9929, fax: +632/ 366 7772, Boracay: +6336/ 288 6024, fax: +6336/ 288 3638 Email. sales@clubtenboracay.com, info@clubtenboracay.com URL. www.clubtenboracay.com

The Club Ten is a colorful 20-unit condominium-hotel type of accommodation with native-inspired interior design and located a short walk from White Beach.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Standard room

Crystal Sand Beach Resort Location. Station 1, beachfront Rooms. 17 AC rooms with ensuite bathrooms, hot & cold showers, cable TV, balcony, refrigerator in the suite and superior rooms Food. Capiz Bar serves Filipino dishes Prices. Standard room from $52, superior, from $62, and deluxe 209, from $73.

Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 3149, fax: +6336/ 288 3087 Email. crystalsand@globelines.com.ph URL. N/A

A U-shaped building in the middle part of White Beach. Book deluxe room 209 with its own porch and full view of the beach.

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theInFlight

Tier one From $22

Standard room

Dave Straw Hat Inn Location. Boat Station 3, one minute inland from the beach Rooms. The nine cozy rooms are simple, charming and clean, with private terraces Food. The shady patio is the ideal place to relax with a drink and something to eat. There’s even wi-fi Prices. Standard cottages for up to three people start from $28. Deluxe rooms from $35. Fan rooms are excellent value starting from $22 Credit cards. No Phone. +6336/ 288 5465, mobile: +63917/ 716 8647 Email. info@davestrawhatinn.com URL. www.davesstrawhatinn.com

Luxuriously affordable and comfortable small resort, long popular with people who want good accommodation, friendly service and realistic prices. Great rooms, great food and great staff.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Deluxe room

Escondido Beach Resort Location. Station 1, two-minute walk to the beach Rooms. 14 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, AC, cable television, mini-bar, in-room safe, telephone/intercom system, and hot and cold shower. The three suite rooms each have a mini-kitchen with microwave oven, and a bathroom with jacuzzi Food. Boracay Crabhouse, its in-house restaurant, serves specialty crabs and prawns Prices. From $40 for deluxe, from $59 for suites. $28 per person for family room for four for two nights Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 376 4535, fax: +632/ 413 5079, Boracay telefax: +6336/ 288 4777, mobile: +63922/ 850 1161 Email. escondidoboracay@yahoo.com URL. www.escondidoboracay.net

Located on a mountainside, Escondido offers peace and quiet coupled with easy access to the White Beach which is a two-minute walk from the resort. Room furnishings are all locally sourced, including antique vases, jars, tables and cabinets.

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Tier one From $22

Deluxe room

Hey! Jude Location. Close to the beach near Boat Station 2 and D’Mall Rooms. AC, two double beds in each room, cable TV, free wi-fi and complimentary coffee from 6am-10am. The furnishings are simple and classy Food. Hey! Jude Bar & Bistro on the beach serves imaginative drinks and good food. It’s also a popular party place for night owls. Open from 10am-midnight onwards Prices. Four standard rooms from $35 per night and 20 deluxe from $60. Check online for good offers Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 521 4017, Boracay: +6336/ 288 5401, telefax: +6336/ 288 5403 Email. heyjudemanila@yahoo.com, heyjudehotel@yahoo.com URL. www.heyjude-boracay.com

Hey! Jude began life as a popular beach bar and party place, but has morphed itself into a classy beach boutique hotel with good-value rooms and reputable food. There’s in-room spa service, and friendly staff can help with arrangements for all manner of activities and water sports.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Premiere room

Hotel Isla Boracay Location. Beachfront near Boat Station 3 – the quieter southern end of the beach Rooms. 34 cool and spacious AC beachfront rooms – you can step through your front door onto the sand – with décor jointly inspired by the Philippines and South Korea. Cable TV and mini-bar. Top-end rooms have extras such as DVD player and kitchenette Food. Lovely restaurant specializes in Asian cuisine and seafood such as catch of the day and fresh lobster. The casual beach bar is a good place for snacks and sunset drinks Prices. Lowest priced rooms are $50 a night for two. Attic rooms from $118 for four to five, and family rooms from $338 for four to six. Extra bed is $48 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. +6336/ 288 3402, 288 4402, fax: +6336/ 288 6627 Email. islaboracay@yahoo.co.kr URL. www.hotel-isla-boracay.ph

High quality resort with a great location and great facilities. Staff can help arrange everything from airline tickets to scuba diving.

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Tier one From $22

Studio apartment

Hotel Villa Sunset Boracay Location. Boat Station 2, two minutes away from White Beach Rooms. Clean and spacious, with large living areas, cable TV, mini-bar, fridge and internet access. Some rooms have a kitchenette. Family apartments have their own attic with additional double mattresses. Upper story rooms have balconies while ground floor rooms have a patio at pool level Food. The Pool Bar serves breakfast from 7am-10am, while the bar operates from 7am to 10pm onwards Prices. Rates from $59-$120 for standard room for two to $107-$185 for family room for four per night. May or may not include breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, Diners Phone. +6336/ 288 5666 Email. reservation@villa-sunset-boracay.com URL. www.villa-sunset-boracay.com

Tranquil and relaxing resort a couple of minutes’ walk from White Beach. It has a swimming pool located in the garden and an outdoor bar serving food and drinks.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Executive suite

La Carmela de Boracay Location. Boat Station 2 on White Beach Rooms. All rooms with AC, with cable TV and fridge. Spacious, well-furnished – and larger rooms have a loft Food. 24-hour restaurant Cafe La Carmela serves international cuisine and buffet meals Prices. Huge choice of rooms and packages. Rooms in the older main building are from $42-$74 per room night for a standard room for up to four, $90-$110 per night for junior suite for two. The Executive Wing has rooms for two from $56-$90 per night for the executive deluxe, $100-$120 for the executive suite, and from $110-$130 for the panorama junior suite for six. The panorama suite is from $150-$190. Good packages available online Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 895 8045, Boracay: +6336/ 288 5572 Email. info@lacarmeladeboracay.com URL. www.lacarmeladeboracay.com

One of the island’s newer resorts with a wide range of amenities including swimming pool, gym, health spa, business center and wi-fi in some areas. Centrally located right on the beach.

La Carmela de Boracay photo by Roberto S. Francisco

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Family suite bungalow

La Reserve Beach Hotel Location. Between Boat Stations 1 and 2, near D’Mall Rooms. 16 native-style bamboo cottages with French-inspired interiors. All have porches and garden views. AC, cable TV, balcony and fridge Food. Serves French dishes and Angus beef, has French wine list and Cuban cigars. The seafood is as fresh as it comes – treat yourself to a lobster dinner Prices. Standard bungalows from $60-$100, deluxe bungalows from $80-$140, family bungalows for five from $120-$200. Check for various online promotions Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners and JCB Phone. +6336/ 288 3020 Email. info@lareserve-boracay.com URL. www.lareserve-boracay.com

Frenchman Bernard Etchevery established the hotel in 1989 and named each room after French wines – St. Emilion, Cotes du Rhone, Chateau Margaux. Good location right on the beach, with an open air café outside where you can have morning coffee or sundown drinks.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Double room

Microtel Hotels and Resorts (Boracay Island) Location. Diniwid Beach on the island’s northwest coast Rooms. 41 AC double rooms and 10 AC suites, some with a view of the resort’s swimming pool and the beach. All rooms have cable TV; suites also have tea and coffee-making facilities, fridge and microwave. Connecting rooms are available for families and groups Food. The resort has its own restaurant serving a wide range of Filipino and European dishes Prices. Doubles from $60 during low season and $75 during peak. Suites from $90 to $220. Two-night packages from $130. All inclusive of continental breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB Phone. Manila: +632/ 899 7171, mobile:+63917/ 888 1800 Boracay: +6336/ 288 4311 Email. boracay@microtel.ph URL. www.microtel-boracay.com

Elegant, modern resort with tropical touches and a large swimming pool.

Right on the beach at Diniwid with regular shuttles to White Beach and the shops and restaurants at D’Mall.

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Tier one From $22

Deluxe room

MR Holidays Resort Location. Northern end of White Beach, behind Blue Waves Beach House Rooms. 14 rooms, including one family room that can be converted into a conference room for up to 30 people. AC, hot & cold shower, refrigerator in deluxe and superior rooms, cable TV and wi-fi access Food. Lots of restaurant in nearby area. Gloria’s Kitchen, a partner restaurant next to the resort, serves Filipino and continental breakfast from 7am-10am.

Lunch and dinner may also be arranged Prices. Standard from $40, superior and deluxe from $60. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Telefax: +6336/ 288 5360, mobile: +63922/ 811 1959 Email. mrholidaysboracay@yahoo.com URL. www.mrholidaysboracay.com

MR Holidays Resort is a no-frills resort with reasonable rates. Rooms have hot and cold shower, cable TV, AC and a private terrace. It’s a resort block away from the beach.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Standard room

Nigi-Nigi Too Beach Resort Location. Station 1, beachfront Rooms. 15 rooms with bathroom and verandah, AC, hot & cold shower, refrigerator, cable TV, wi-fi Food. Serves oriental food Prices. Traditional native room with garden view, from $50, traditional native with sea view, and standard with garden view, both from $70, two-storey family traditional, from $95, family deluxe with seaview and deluxe sea view, both from $95, superior, from $105 Credit cards. Yes. American Express, Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 3150, 288 1829, telefax: +6336/ 288 4404, mobile: +63917/ 622 6445 Email. info@niginigitoo.com URL. www.niginigitoo.com

Nigi Nigi Too Beach Resort, built in 1994, has spacious rooms with basic amenities. It’s right on the party strip, a 5-10-minute walk to most of the island’s popular bars and restaurants.

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Tier one From $22

Deluxe room

Sun Village Central Beachfront Resort Location. Southern end of White Beach Rooms. Comfortable hotel-style rooms built around a sandy courtyard and restaurant. All rooms have cable TV and AC. Wi-fi is available at the restaurant Food. Relaxed and reasonably priced native-style restaurant and bar serving tasty Filipino dishes, European fare, and Mongolian grill. Open from 6am to midnight.

Beach bar opens at 5pm Prices. Rates are from $65-$95 per night for standard room for two to VIP ocean view from $75-$110. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 5915 Email. sunresorts@tri-isys.com URL. www.boracaysunresorts.com.ph

Charming, small beachfront resort in a quiet location, close to bars and restaurants, but still very peaceful. Rooms are spacious and there are plenty of shady outside areas for relaxing and eating.

40 boracay guide

Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Superior beachfront room

Sur Beach Resort Location. Beachfront, Station 1 Rooms. 21 AC Magnolia white rooms, each with private bath, hot & cold water, cable TV, refrigerator, with free wi-fi access and use of beach cabanas and roof deck. Some rooms have a private verandah and a bath tub Food. Serves baby back ribs, pasta and Filipino dishes Prices. Standard double from $65, standard triple for three, $82, family for four from $105, superior for two from $82, and superior beachfront for three from $105. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Phone. +6336/ 288 6844, mobile: +63928/ 781 1233, fax: +6336/ 288 6843 Email. surboracay@gmail.com URL. www.surboracay.com

Four-year-old Sur Beach Resort is a white-washed, 21-room resort right on the beach. Rooms A1 and A2 can be booked as a family room. Each room has a private verandah, a bathtub and an ocean view. Sur Beach also has five thatched roof cabanas for day use, a bar, lobby, dining area fronting the beach, and a roof deck.

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Tier one From $22

Junior suite room

True Home Hotel Location. Station 1, beachfront, White Beach Rooms. Nine rooms, cable TV, wi-fi, AC, hot & cold water, mini-bar, safety deposit box Food. The resort’s Pomodoro restaurant, located right on the beach, serves home-style Italian dishes and is open daily. Guests enjoy priority booking and a 5% discount from sister restaurants in Boracay, including True Food (Indian), Aria (Italian), Mongkok (Chinese), and Café del Sol (homemade dessert and specialty coffee) Prices. Superior, from $61, deluxe beach front, from $72, junior suite, from $96, presidential suite, from $134 Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila:+632/ 404 1464, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3784, mobile: +63906/ 492 5578 Email. reservations@truehomehotel.com URL. www.truehomehotel.com

True Home Hotel is a nine-room boutique hotel along Main Road but a few minutes’ walk to the White Beach. The rooms are spacious, with ceramic tile flooring, antique Filipino furniture, pendant ceiling lights. The presidential suite has a private balcony overlooking White Beach.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Loft deluxe

Villa de Oro Location. Beachfront between Boat Stations 2 and 3 Rooms. Affordable and spacious rooms. 13 AC verandah cottages with cable TV and tropical garden view. Four loft rooms, four family rooms, and eight standard rooms Food. Informal al fresco restaurant and bar serves food all day. Meat and seafood barbecues are popular. There’s an evening Mongolian barbecue Prices. Starts from $25 a night for a standard room for two, from $94 per night for a loft room for 4-6 people. Family suites, also for 4-6 people, start from $80 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. +632/ 288 5456, telefax: +632/ 806 7090 Email. villadeororesorts@yahoo.com URL. N/A

Friendly and laidback native-style resort in a great beachfront location, within easy walking distance of D’Mall and many other bars and restaurants

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theInFlight

Family room

White House Beach Resort Location. Station 1, beachfront Rooms. 20 AC rooms, all ensuite with hot & cold shower, refrigerator, telephone and cable TV Food. The resort’s Courtyard Bistro, which opened in November 2009, serves steaks, and has received good food reviews Prices. Rates start from $55 for cottages for two to $115 for the ground floor beach house that can house four. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners and JCB Phone. Manila: +632/ 631 2049, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3675, mobile: +63922/ 811 3217, +63917/ 626 2632 Email. boracaywhitehouse@yahoo.com URL. www.whitehouseboracay.com

White House Beach Resort is a whitewashed concrete building with thatched roof built and opened sometime in 1995. Most rooms have dark wood furnishings, use local bamboo craft, and colorful bedcovers.

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Tier one:

From $25-$66

Per night starting rate

Suite room

Zuzuni Boutique Hotel & Restaurant Location. Station 1, right on the beach Rooms. Four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, two with balcony facing the beach, AC, hot & cold rain shower, hypo-allergenic bed sheets, flat screen cable TV and DVD player, mini-bar, and wi-fi Food. Greek food like moussaka and souvlaki. Room service available until 10:30pm or until kitchen is open Prices. Deluxe room 4 from $64, deluxe room 3 from $72, and premiere beachfront rooms from $108. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard and American Express Phone. +6336/ 288 4477 Email. info@zuzuni.net, zuzuniboracay@gmail.com URL. www.zuzuni.net

Zuzuni comes from the Greek word for “little insect” and is often used as a term of endearment. It’s a charming four-room hotel and restaurant right on the beachfront. Rooms are tastefully furnished with ensuite, well-planned bath and toilet. Its two premiere beachfront rooms are spacious, each with a balcony looking out to White Beach. And if you love your Greek food, this is the place to book.

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Tier one From $22

Deluxe room

Artista Beach Villas Location. Diniwid Beach on the island’s northwest coast Rooms. Four floors with nine airconditioned rooms – seven are deluxe and two are studio flats. All rooms have a sea view and six have balconies. Cable TV and wireless internet. Studios have a kitchen, bar and lounge area with sofa bed Food. The roof terrace restaurant is open all day, offering Swiss and American breakfast, light snacks and sunset drinks Prices. Deluxe rooms from $95 to $150 a night depending on season. from Studios from $110 to $175 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and JCB Phone. +6336/ 288 5960, telefax: +6336/ 288 6235 Email. info@artistaboracay.com URL. www.artistaboracay.com

Beachfront family-owned boutique hotel. The owner, an artist, designed Artista taking inspiration from villas in Santorini, Greece. Rooms are simple but clean, comfortable and good value.

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Tier two:

From $70-$95

Per night starting rate

Deluxe room

Best Western Boracay Tropics Location. A quiet inland area near Boat Station 2 and three minutes away from White Beach Rooms. All 50 rooms are spacious, with native-style dÊcor, AC, mini-bar, cable TV and wi-fi access. Most have a balcony and face the swimming pool Food. The TropiCafe Resto Bar is bright and spacious, and serves Filipino dishes as well as international fare and good-value buffets. Open from 7am-10pm for meals, and through midnight for cocktails Prices. Superior rooms are the cheapest ($90), rising to $250 for a premier suite, which has a kitchenette. Family rooms are at $120, and there’s a dorm room for groups of six. Check online for possible 20% discounts. Rates exclude 12% service charge and increases by 20% during peak season Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and Diners Phone. Manila telefax: +632/ 840 3153, Boracay: +6336/ 288 4034 Email. info@boracaytropics.com URL. www.boracaytropics.com

The resort is run by Best Western Hotels. Staff know their job and are on hand to help with everything from travel arrangements to sightseeing and sports. Rooms face a beautiful pool in a quiet tropical garden.

Amenities include a spa and a playroom for children.

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Deluxe king room

Boracay Beach Club Location. Station 1, along Main Road Rooms. 30 rooms with walk-in showers, wi-fi access, flat-screen cable TV, digital closet safe, quiet split AC, mini-bar, fridge. Pool and wi-fi access in resort public area Food. In-house restaurant Ariel’s House Bar & Restaurant serves lemon chicken and continental dishes Prices. Deluxe king, from $80, deluxe family, from $90, general suite, from $120, admiral suite, from $170. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 6770, 288 4853, fax: +6336/ 288 4854, mobile: +63910/ 777 8888 Email. boracaybeachclub@aol.com URL. www.boracaybeachclub.com

Boracay Beach Club opened in November 2007 in Boracay, with 30 well-furnished modern rooms. It was featured recently in Travel and Leisure magazine’s “Top 25 Secret Seaside Getaways”. Located near popular bars such as Cocomanga’s, Club Paraw and Guilly’s Island.

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Tier two:

From $70-$95

Per night starting rate

Standard room

Boracay Peninsula Location. Near Boat Station 2, beachfront Rooms. 40 simply furnished but comfortable AC rooms around a sandy courtyard. Cable TV, fridge and verandah. Superior rooms have a verandah with a pool view and partial beach view Food. The resort’s restaurant serves mostly Filipino food, but there are many other restaurants close by. Open from 8am-11pm Prices. Standard room from $42-$70 per night, and superior room from $46-$76 per night, depending on season. Extra bed is $16. All rooms can accommodate three but includes breakfast for two only Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. +6336/ 288 3145 Email. boracaypeninsula@yahoo.com URL. www.boracaytrinidadresorts.com

Affordable but elegant beachfront accommodation in a perfect location.

Swimming pool and internet access. Can easily access spa services through Palassa Spa located within its premises.

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Tier one From $22

Deluxe room

Crown Regency Resort Boracay Location. Boat Station 3, Ambulong, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc Rooms. 41 AC rooms with three different set-ups, all with plug-in internet access and cable TV Food. Restaurant and bar where there’s an excellent choice of international food and quality wine Prices. Single rooms $95-$160 a night and twins from $100-$165. There’s a penthouse ($145-$210) and a presidential suite ($170-$235) Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB Phone. Manila: +632/ 812 5382, 813 8219, Boracay: +6336/ 288 1888 Email. reservation@crownregency.com URL. www.crownregency.com

A new, upmarket resort offering luxurious accommodation and décor highlighted by antiques from the collection of Rafael King, one of Asia’s biggest antique collectors and the brother of the owner. Crown Regency has another property in Boat Station 1 and is opening another hotel in Boat Station 2.

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Tier two:

From $70-$95

Per night starting rate

Maria & Margarita studio room

Fairways & Blue Water Resort Golf and Country Club Location. New Coast, Barangay Balabag, with access from Main Road, and about five minutes away from White Beach by foot then ride Rooms. Total of 190 AC rooms offered in its properties Balaihara, Maria and Margarita, Mulligan and Ysabel. All rooms have toilet and bath with hot and cold water, refrigerated mini-bar, cable TV, telephone and coffee/tea making facilities.

Mulligan has rooms with private balcony while Balaihara rooms have a view of the golf course. Wi-fi is available at the clubhouse Food. Laterraza Bar serves pizza, pasta, burgers, and international dishes Prices. The Mulligan rates start from $94, Ysabel rates from $122, Bailaihara rates from $210, and Maria and Margarita rates from $220 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Phone. Manila: +632/ 633 1393-95, fax: +632/ 637 0612, Boracay: +6336/ 288 5587/89, fax: +6336/ 288 5176 Email. fairways_wcc@yahoo.com.ph URL. www.fairwaysbluewaterboracay.com

The 126-hectare property is the biggest resort complex in Boracay.

Its 18-hole, par 72-world class championship golf course is its main attraction. Resort rooms have views of the surroundings. It has two swimming pools, including a big infinity pool, a butterfly farm, and offers shuttle service within its complex, to D’Mall, and its private beach.

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Canopy room

Kikko’s Boracay Hotel & Beach Resort Location. Northern part of White Beach, on Sinagpa Hills, Barangay Balabag Rooms. 28 AC rooms, each with a private porch and pool view, 14 of which have poolside access. Wi-fi is available at the lobby Food. Serves Filipino and international dishes, pasta, pizza, steaks from 7am10pm Prices. Deluxe room from $70, super deluxe from $81, family suite from $170.

Breakfast included Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 4567, 288 4446-7 Email. Kikkos_boracay07@yahoo.com.ph URL. www.kikkosboracay.multiply.com

This two-storey resort with 28 deluxe rooms and two family rooms is well-kept and immaculately clean. It provides complimentary shuttle service to and from D’Mall from 8am to 10pm.

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Tier two:

From $70-$95

Per night starting rate

Suite room

Las Brisas de Boracay Resort Location. Station 1, beachfront Rooms. 32 AC rooms with ensuite bathroom, private verandah, hot & cold shower, refrigerator, safety deposit box, telephone and cable TV Food. Serves steaks, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, pasta, salad, meat dishes and seafood Prices. Superior room from $79, deluxe room from $88, suite B from $135, and suite A from $146. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Telefax: +6336/ 288 3085 Email. lasbrisasboracay@gmail.com URL. www.boracaytrinidadresorts.com

Book a room on the second floor or suite A or B for the sea view. The interior leans towards traditional darkish wood.

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Suite room

Mango Ray Resort and Restaurant Location. Right at the heart of the “Magic Mile” on White Beach, near Boat Station 2 Rooms. 10 charming rooms (nine luxury and one suite), all with spacious balconies and overlook a lush garden. AC, cable TV and fridge. The suite is spacious and has a jacuzzi Food. Restaurant and bar overlooking the garden are open from 7am-11pm.

The restaurant is well known for its Swiss specialties. In the evening there’s a Mongolian buffet Prices. From $70-$118 a night for the luxury room, and from $106-$154 for the suite. Extra person, $16 Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 6129 Email. mangoray@hotmail.com, info@mango-ray.com URL. www.mango-ray.com

Casual and friendly resort in a central location. Perfect for enjoying the activities that the main beach has to offer without spending a fortune.

Cozy bar and billiard room.

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Tier two:

From $70-$95

Per night starting rate

Punta mare suite

Punta Rosa Boutique Hotel Location. Northern end of White Beach close to Boat Station 1 Rooms. 12 rooms, eight with balconies facing the ocean. TV, DVD, mini-bar and wireless internet. Rooms are decorated with indigenous materials and artifacts Food. Restaurant and deck bar specializing in Filipino favorites such as adobo and inihaw, as well as international choices like feta cheese omelet and seafood.

Snacks available all day. It’s a 10-minute stroll to many other restaurants on the beach Prices. Wide range of rooms including superior, deluxe and suites. Prices from $70 to $230 a night depending on season. Includes daily breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 6740, 288 4369, mobile: +63921/ 203 1609 Email. puntarosabora@yahoo.com.ph, puntarosabora@gmail.com URL. www.puntarosa.com

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo once sought refuge at Punta Rosa when her group was diverted to the island at 2am. This family-run, 12room boutique hotel is away from the busy sections of the island but a short tricycle ride or walk from shops and restaurants.

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Tier one From $22

Deluxe garden view

Red Coconut Beach Hotel Location. Central White Beach between Boat Stations 1 and 2 Rooms. 29 large and well-appointed rooms with ensuite bathrooms, AC, cable TV and mini-bar. Most rooms have a verandah or balcony. Wi-fi access available at the coffeeshop Food. Casual restaurant offering a wide range of Filipino and European dishes, open from 6am-10pm Prices. Superior beachfront rooms from $88-$110 a night, garden view rooms start at $60, and family rooms from $130 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 852 7789-92, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3507, 288 3758 Email. boracay@redcoconut.com.ph URL. www.redcoconut.com.ph

This four-storey family-run resort has been in business for nine years and is in a central location on the main beach. Lovely beachfront swimming pool and can arrange diving for the adventurous upon arrival at the resort.

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Tier two:

From $70-$95

Per night starting rate

Superior room

Surfside Resort and Spa Location. Boat Station 3, beachfront Rooms. 14 AC rooms are all simple, charming and spacious, with native art on the walls and bamboo beds. All have cable TV and wi-fi on request for a charge ($2/hr). All rooms except the two standard rooms have a DVD player Food. Coffeeshop Nagisa is the resort’s charming little wooden beachfront café that serves food all day, starting with breakfast from 6am Prices. Good-value standard divers’ rooms are from $80-$85. Superior rooms $100-$120, and family rooms $190-$215. Add $30 during “super peak” season Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and JCB Phone. Manila telefax: +632/ 338 8659, Boracay: +6336/ 288 5006 Email. mail@boracaysurfside.com URL. www.boracaysurfside.com

Surfside is well-known for its Japanese inspired Yasuragi Relaxation Spa that offers dry and steam sauna, warm pool with jacuzzi and a relaxation lounge. Deluxe rooms are the most popular, but honeymooners book the junior suite for privacy and a good view of the sunset. Surfside also has a partner dive shop.

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Tier one From $22

One-bedroom suite

The Panoly Resort Hotel Location. Punta Bunga on the northern end of the island beyond White Beach Rooms. Comfortable AC cottage-style rooms with cable television and tea and coffee-making facilities, internet connection and mini bar. All rooms have shady verandahs with views over the garden or the beach Food. The Panoly has two restaurants and two bars. Yum-Yum Exotic Asian Seafood specializes in Singaporean cuisine, while the Voodoo Bar is popular for watching the sunset Prices. Garden view rooms from $90-$190, deluxe bungalows from $102 to $220, ocean view garden wing $99-$250, suites $170-$440; room rates include breakfast for two Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 812 2233, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3011, 288 3134, fax: +632/ 812 6434 Email. reservation@thepanoly.com URL. www.thepanoly.com

Large resort a tricycle ride away from White Beach, but overlooking its own private beach. Facilities are excellent and include bars, restaurants and water sports. If you want a spectacular sunset, book any of the VIP suites, which have their own jacuzzi.

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Tier two:

From $70-$95

Per night starting rate

A penthouse room

The Strand Boracay Resort Location. Beachfront, Station 1 Rooms. Small resort with only 13 units, all simply furnished but clean and tidy.

TV, coffee and tea-making facilities, wireless internet and DVD with films on request. Suites and family room have huge balconies – perfect for a snooze or a sunset drink Food. The al fresco Limestone Café is where breakfast is served in the shade of a 100-year-old breadfruit tree. The café and the nearby Mahogany Lounge, which also serves as an informal meeting area, serve good native food Prices. Standard rooms from $70-$112 a night depending on season. Suites start from $136, and family suites ($180-$270) Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 6900 Email. reservations@boracaystrand.com, info@boracaystrand.com URL. www.boracaystrand.com

Cozy and friendly native-style resort owned and run by Bora Strand Corporation. There’s a lovely salt water swimming pool, lush gardens full of mahogany trees and tropical plants, and the beach is a stone’s throw away.

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Deluxe room

Waling-Waling Beach Hotel Location. Station 1, beachfront Rooms. 29 rooms, each with private bath, AC, hot and cold shower, cable TV, and mini-bar refrigerator. All rooms, except for standard rooms, have a private verandah and beach view Food. Cogon Restaurant serves Filipino dishes and international cuisine Prices. One-bed standard, from $74, two-bed standard, from $89, superior from $112, deluxe from $140, and premiere suite from $196 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 896 9456-58, Boracay: +6336/ 288 5555-60 Email. sales@waling.com URL. www.waling.com

A family-run resort, Waling-Waling Beach Hotel has hands-on owners and managers and its staff are experienced, having worked for five-star hotels in the country and abroad. Rooms are Mediterranean inspired, using dark wood furnishing. Best rooms to book are the premiere suites.

There are only two on the third floor. Try the resort’s in-room massages and treatments and book a glass-bottom boat trip for the kids.

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Tier two:

From $70-$95

Per night starting rate

Super deluxe room

Willy’s Beach Club Hotel Location. Station 1, beachfront Rooms. 36 newly renovated rooms with bathroom, AC, cable TV, mini-bar, telephone, hot & cold shower. Other rooms have safety box, bath tub or jacuzzi and coffee maker.

Food. Becca’s Café serves Euroasian food Prices. Standard room is from $65-$122, deluxe from $70-$130, super deluxe room $74-$149, and grand premier from $94-$172. Rates include breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard and American Express Phone. +6336/ 288 3395, 288 3794-97, fax: +6336/ 288 3016 Email. reservations@willysbeachclubhotel.com URL. www.willysbeachclubhotel.com

Willy’s Beach Club Hotel is a pioneer resort in the island having been established in 1975 with just simple native huts being offered to visitors. It has become a favorite of frequent visitors because it is conveniently located providing easy access to most of the popular bars and restaurants along White Beach. Located across Willy’s Rock – the most photographed landmark on the island. The hotel now boasts of 36 newly renovated rooms complete with amenities and classified into three categories.

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SandCastles The Apartments White Beach, Boracay Island 5608 Telfax (6336) 2883207 M (63917) 8193049 M (63920) 5587188 info@boracaysandcastles.com www.boracaysandcastles.com

Sea Kayaking Palawan

M (63917) 8193049 info@tribaladventures.com tribaladventures@gmail.com www.tribaladventures.com

theInFlight

Executive room

357 Boracay Location. Boat Station 3, Manoc-Manoc Rooms. Elegantly furnished native-style rooms with lots of space and comfortable furnishings. All have aircon and cable TV. Some have a DVD player Food. Restaurant with wide choice of different cuisines. Specialties include chili crabs, steaks, pastas and salads Prices. Executive rooms are at $130, family room $163, suite room $150, and penthouse $225. Rates are per room per night and include breakfast. See website for great deals Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 899 1943-44 local 117/118, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3474, 288 3034 Email. 357boracay@gmail.com URL. www.357boracay.com

Charming beachfront 10-suite boutique hotel with excellent rooms and an unbeatable location. The National Consumer Council has given 357 Boracay the Most Outstanding Beach Resort Award from 2001-2004.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Deluxe room

Alta Vista de Boracay Location. Near the village of Yapak on the island’s northwest coast Rooms. Deluxe rooms accommodate four and the loft room is ideal for families accommodating up to six. AC, cable TV, coffee and tea-making facilities, balconies. Wi-fi available at the lobby Food. The resort restaurant Syd’s Café serves buffet meals and there’s also an a la carte menu Prices. Deluxe rooms from $120, two-night packages from $176 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 895 4801/03, Boracay: +6336/ 288 9888 Email. reservations@altavistaboracay.com, sales@altavistaboracay.com URL. www.altavistaboracay.com

Nestled on the northern part of Boracay, Alta Vista de Boracay has a hilly interior. There’s a lovely circular swimming pool and if you fancy the sea you can take the resort’s free shuttle to beautiful Puka Beach, only five minutes away. Staff can rustle up picnic lunches.

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Grand deluxe room

Ambassador In Paradise Resort Location. Station 1, White Beach, beachfront Rooms. 50 well-appointed rooms with balconies. There’s also a luxurious presidential suite while family rooms are two-storey affairs large enough to accommodate seven. Rooms have flat screen TVs with cable, DVD players, stereos with surround system, and wireless internet Food. The resort has an Italian restaurant open from 6am-12 midnight Prices. Deluxe rooms from $190, family rooms with sea view from $366. Room rates include a la carte breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 1540-42 Email. info@ambassadorinparadise.com, reservations@ambassadorinparadise.com URL. www.ambassadorinparadise.com

One of the most recent additions to the island, Ambassador in Paradise Resort is in a perfect location fronting White Beach and close to shops, restaurants and nightlife. There’s a large swimming pool and 24-hour butlers for personal service. Hot water is from solar panels and staff use driftwood to cook using a wood-fired oven.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Deluxe room

Asya Boracay Resort Location. Between Boat Stations 2 and 3 Rooms. 32 contemporary and spacious rooms with internet access, mini-bar, coffee maker and cable TV. Villa suites have a kitchen, dining area and double doors that open to a spacious veranda Food. Asya’s Traviesa Restaurant overlooks the beach and serves Euro-Asian cuisine and pizzas Prices. From $149 a night for deluxe room, $183 for courtyard room, and $206 for a villa suite. Prices include transfers and breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB Phone. Manila: +632/ 892 0138, 893 5276, Boracay: +6336/ 288 5875 Email. info@asya-boracay.com, asya.sales@gmail.com URL. www.asya-boracay.com

Asya Boracay is one of the more luxurious resorts in Manoc-Manoc. All rooms are spacious and cozy and the resort’s compound is quiet with a lovely swimming pool. Just a few steps outside its gates are the best bars and restaurants. Asya also has its own private cove, reachable by boat, where guests can spend the day in solitude. Asya has just softopened its higher end category Asya Premier resort located beachfront in Boat Station 3.

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Grand poolside room

Boracay Island Mandarin Hotel Location. On the beach near Boat Station 2 Rooms. Spacious and comfortable, with free high-speed internet access, cable TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. Suites have an iPod dock with indoor and outdoor speakers Food. Something for everyone: the Don Vito Ristorante Italiano serves Italian and the Filipino Bucos Bar and Grill specializes in native dishes. Open from 6:30am-12 midnight Prices. From $160-$500 a night. The most expensive room is a grand suite with sea views and a private pool. Family rooms are $250 and goes up by 10% at peak season.

Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB Phone. Manila: +632/ 567 1672-73, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3444, 288 4999 Email. reservations@boracaymandarin.com URL. www.boracaymandarin.com

Elegant, whitewashed ‘Triple A’ resort with rooms built around a large swimming pool. Its spa offers services such as hot stone aromatherapy, body scrubs, holistic treatments and foot spas.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Royal suite

Boracay Ocean Club Beach Resort Location. Boat Station 3, Sitio Angol, Manoc-Manoc Rooms. 39 smart and spacious AC rooms and suites, decorated in contemporary style, but with native touches. All have flat screen cable TV and mini-bar Food. The resort’s Ocean Sunset Bar is a good venue for cocktails while enjoying its fusion of local and international cuisine Prices. Superior room $140, ocean view deluxe $160, pool access suite and grand view suite $180-$230, and royal suite $280. Inclusive of daily breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 5053-55 Email. boracaybeachclub.resort@yahoo.com URL. www.boracayoceanclub.com

Elegant boutique resort with swimming pool and business center.

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Deluxe room

Boracay Regency Location. Beachfront near Boat Station 2 Rooms. 285 world-class AC rooms, all with balcony except for superior rooms.

Cable TV, fridge and coffee and tea-making facilities. Top-of-the-range rooms have DVD players. Wi-fi access for a fee Food. Lots of choice. Seabreeze Café (international cuisine), Christina’s (Italian and western cuisines), Zhu Asian Cuisine, Gazebo Bar, Pool Bar, and the Food Plaza (Korean, Chinese & Japanese cuisines) Prices. Good choice of different room styles ranging from $121 a night for a standard superior to $482 for the presidential suite. Family rooms are $244 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 523 9790, Boracay: +6336/ 288 6111-17 Email. rsvn@boracayregency.com URL. www.boracayregency.com

Large and luxurious Mediterranean-style resort with large swimming pool and amenities that include bars and restaurant and a shop. The Main and North Wings have a partial beach view, while other wings overlook the garden or the pool. There’s an underground disco and a karaoke bar. The Kai Regency Spa offers facial treatments, hand & foot care, scrubs & wraps, and their signature Kai massage services.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

One bedroom suite absolute beachfront

Boracay SandCastles Beach Resort Location. On the beach, between Stations 1 and 2 Rooms. Seven self-contained apartments with AC, hot & cold water, telephone, cable TV/DVD, living area, well-equipped kitchen, wi-fi Food. Tribal Coffee & Tea serves coffee from the highlands and mountain tea, and light and healthy dishes Prices. Mandaya room with balcony and seaview, from $172, Aeta, Tagbanua, Kankanay beachfront rooms for three, from $222, Ibaloi room for four, from $246, Maranaw beachfront room for four, from $370, Hanuno’o two-level penthouse, from $492 Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Telefax: +6336/ 288 3207, mobile: +63917/ 819 3049, +63920/ 558 7188 Email. info@boracaysandcastles.com URL. www.boracaysandcastles.com, www.tribaladventures.com

Each apartment unit, named after a Philippine tribe, uses native materials and furniture, with ensuite Balinese-style bathroom, and wellequipped kitchen. Specializes in adventure tours, including kayaking, mountain biking and horseback riding on the hills of Boracay.

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Deluxe room

Boracay Sands Hotel Location. On the beach near Boat Station 3 Rooms. 52 spacious AC rooms with three different types available, cable TV, mini-bar and iPod speakers. Wi-fi available at the lobby Food. Top-class restaurant serves continental fusion cuisine from 6am-10pm Prices. From $120-$300 a night for two including breakfast. Additional person $20. 10% surcharge during super peak season Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 556 6498, 556 6409, fax: +632/ 556 6408, Boracay: +6336/ 288 5864 Email. info@sandshotelboracay.com URL. www.boracaysandshotel.com

Modern, luxury resort in an idyllic spot at the southern end of White Beach. Amenities include swimming pool. Can arrange for spa service and water sports.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Family room

Boracay Terraces Resort Location. On the northern end of White Beach beyond Boat Station 1, right on the beach Rooms. 15 AC rooms all with balconies facing the ocean and one three-bedroom suite. Cable TV and wireless internet Food. The Taj restaurant is on the shore with views of the sea. Not surprisingly it specializes in the freshest fish and seafood Prices. Deluxe rooms from $100-$120. Spacious family rooms are from $120$140. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Phone. Manila: +632/ 752 8255, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3722, 288 4000 Email. boracayterraces@yahoo.com, reservations@boracayterraces.com URL. www.boracayterraces.com The eye-catching pyramid-shaped main building was patterned after the famous Banaue Rice Terraces. Great location on the quiet northern section of the beach, several minutes’ walk along the shore to shops, nightlife and restaurants.

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Superior suite

Boracay West Cove Location. On the shore in Diniwid, north of White Beach Rooms. 12 simple and chic rooms with private verandas and sweeping ocean views. Cable TV, CD and DVD player, coffee and tea-making facilities, wireless internet Food. The resort’s own restaurant, Crisostomo, offers Filipino and European dishes Prices. Standard suites from $108-$160 a night depending on season. Deluxe suites from $130-$210, premier suites from $256-$340. Room rates inclusive of breakfast and transfers from Caticlan Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 4279, 288 4579 Email. info@boracaywestcove.com URL. www.boracaywestcove.com

Elegant and eye-catching resort built on a platform of rocks right on the shore in Diniwid. Walls are whitewashed and roofs are made from native grass. Rooms have enormous picture windows and native furniture.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Standard room

Grand Boracay Resort Location. Three-minute walk to White Beach, right beside Crafts supermarket Rooms. 57 simple but comfortable rooms, all with AC, cable TV, coffee and tea-making facilities, and wi-fi access. Smart Asian-themed dĂŠcor. Some rooms have a balcony Food. Dining in the restaurant and coffee shop is from 6am-11pm Prices. Standard rooms cost $110. Its three-bedroom suite that can accommodate up to seven costs $400. Extra person charge, $32 Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 731 5971 72, Boracay: +6336/ 288 4881-82 Email. grandboracay_reservation@yahoo.com, gbr_boracayfo@yahoo.com URL. www.grandboracay.com.ph

Motel-style resort with rooms built around a tropical garden and lagoonshaped swimming pool. The small gardens at the rooftop are a great place to relax and enjoy the views. Other services and facilities include massage, billiard table & mahjong tables.

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Family suite

Le Soleil de Boracay Location. On the beach, Boat Station 2 Rooms. 71 rooms in three different buildings. AC, coffee and tea-making facilities, mini-bar, cable TV. Furnishings are contemporary and in soft tones Food. Le Soleil de Boracay’s Beach Café offers food with a distinct French influence. Open from 6am-10pm Prices. Rooms are from $104-$250 a night, the family suite is $230. An extra person is $24. Additional 10% charge on peak season. Good promotions available online Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners and JCB Phone. Manila: +632/ 890 0493, 899 6779, Boracay: +6336/ 288 6209-12 Email. lesoleil@pjlhuillier.com, lesoleilboracay@yahoo.com URL. www.lesoleil.com.ph

Centrally located so it’s close to the action. Has large swimming pool, massage service, gym and business center. Sunset cocktails and nightly parties are held at the Club L Bar, a beachfront verandah that is open from 4pm-midnight.

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theInFlight

Suite ocean view 4

Nami Resort Location. Perched on a cliff overlooking Diniwid Beach on Boracay’s northwest coast Rooms. 12 AC rooms all with outdoor jacuzzi on a private verandah facing the beach. Cable TV, coffee and tea-making facilities Food. The Manami Restaurant, with sea views, serves Filipino and European cuisine. There’s a quiet bar that also has sea views – perfect for a sundowner cocktail or two Prices. Deluxe beach view from $183-$244 depending on season. One-bedroom suite from $244-$300. Check for internet offers from $150. Rates include breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 489 8907, Boracay: +6336/ 288 6753-55 Email. nami.manila@yahoo.com URL. www.namiboracay.com

Nami means “everything good” in the Ilonggo dialect and this resort offers exclusivity because of its cliff-side location with uninterrupted beach and sea views from every room. Spa, butler service and water sports.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Deluxe room

One MGM Boracay Resort & Convention Center Location. Beachfront, Station 3 Rooms. 81 cozy and comfortable AC villa-type rooms with simple but attractive native dĂŠcor. All rooms have internet connection, cable TV, mini-bar, and coffee and tea-making facilities Food. Tryst Bar serves Filipino and international dishes and Pirates Bar serves buffet and dinner Prices. Lowest rate for a standard room is $125 a night. Two-bedroom villas from $280 Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 634 3581, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3411 Email. reservation@onemgmboracay.com, sales@onemgmboracay.com URL. www.onemgmboracay.com

Formerly known as Paradise Garden Resort, One MGM Boracay Resort & Convention Center has two swimming pools, two bars, spa, and business center. Quiet location, but still within walking distance of all White Beach’s attractions.

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Suite

Patio Pacific Boracay Location. Station 1, three-minute walk to White Beach Rooms. 65 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, AC, hot & cold water, mini-bar, telephone, cable TV, internet access in most rooms Food. Garden CafĂŠ serves international cuisine and specializes in Chinese food Prices. Deluxe rates at $200, premier deluxe $250, suite $300. Family room for four persons at $380 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. +632/ 845 2222-28, fax: +632/ 845 2233 Email. sales@patiopacificboracay.com URL. www.patiopacificboracay.com

The three-storey Patio Pacific, the former Pink Patio, opened in 1990, growing from an eight-room to a 65-room resort. It caters to both business and leisure travelers, has a swimming pool and a gym. It is in a quiet location just a short walk to the beach.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Beachfront suite room

Pearl of the Pacific Location. Station 1, beachfront Rooms. 54 rooms, each with private bath and verandah, with a view of the beach, pool, garden, or the hills. Of the 54, nine are Maharlika suites with beach view, one poolside suite, 16 poolside deluxe rooms, and 28 hillside deluxe rooms.

Rooms have AC, hot & cold shower, mini-bar, telephone, cable TV, DVD/VCD player, in-room safe. Suites have coffee/tea making facilities Food. The Sanson al fresco restaurant fronting the beach serves European and Asian fusion cuisine. There is a Pearl bar, Pearl cafe and private cabanas Prices. Deluxe room with hillside and ocean views, $180; poolside deluxe room, $225; and Maharlika suite, $270. Includes breakfast. With “me time” massage for minimum two nights’ stay Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and JCB Phone. Manila: +632/ 926 0162, 924 4480/83, fax: +632/ 924 4482, Boracay: +6336/ 288 3220, fax: +6336/ 288 3961 Email. reservation@pearlofthepacific.ph, sales@pearlofthepacific.ph, info@pearlofthepacific.ph URL. www.pearlofthepacific.ph

The 24-year-old Pearl of the Pacific Boracay stands on an eight-hectare land fronting the beach, with rooms in various wings connected by walkways. If you like a beach view, book a Maharlika suite. The resort has an in-house Neo Island Spa offering massages and treatments, a beauty salon, and a Eucharistic shrine. boracay guide 89

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Deluxe room

Pinjalo Resort Villas Location. Boat Station 2, beside the Tourist Center Rooms. Nicely furnished neutral painted rooms, using a mix of modern and Filipino style furnishings. Rooms are arranged around a central garden and pool.

Trendy bathroom fixtures and fittings with bamboo panelled walls and tropical plants, flat screen cable TV, mini-bar. Wi-fi access available in pool area Food. Newly opened Calypso Lounge serves European and Filipino dishes Prices. Room rates start from $108 for a standard room for two. From $216 for a two-bedroom junior suite for a maximum of four. Additional $15 for extra person Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners and JCB Phone. +6336/ 288 3206 Email. info@pinjalo.com URL. www.pinjalo.com, www.calypso-asia.com

Pinjalo Resort Villas, the former Calypso Villas, has tropical, modern interior, popular with people who want to be near the beach, but still have some peace and quiet. Check out its charming sundeck rooftop overlooking White Beach.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Poolside suite

Real Maris in Boracay Beach Resort Location. Staion 1, near Patio Pacific and Zuzuni resorts Rooms. 42 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, AC, hot & cold shower, mini-bar, cable TV, telephone, safety deposit box Food. Serves international dishes Prices. VIP deluxe for two, from $120, poolside suite for two, from $134, family room for four, from $162 Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 522 0822, fax: +632/ 521 9927, Boracay: +6336/ 288 4144-46, fax: +6336/ 288 5977 Email. real_maris@yahoo.com URL. www.realmarisresort-boracay.com Hotel Real Maris is a three-storey hotel that caters to both leisure and business markets. VIP deluxe rooms are on the second and third floors while suites are on the first floor for easy access to the hotel swimming pool.

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Bamboo house and cabanas

Sea Wind Boracay Location. Station 1, beachfront Rooms. 54 AC rooms, each with ensuite bathrooms, hot & cold shower, refrigerator, telephone, cable TV, DVD and VCD player, coffee and tea making facilities, and in-room safe. 29 are by the beach and 25 hillside Food. Sea Wind’s in-house restaurant Pikoy’s serves Filipino and American dishes Prices. Deluxe room from $134, super deluxe from $152, and suite from $178.

Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 3091, fax: +6336/ 288 3425, 288 6691 Email. seawind@prime.net.ph, seawind-rsvn@prime.net.ph URL. www.swboracay.com, www.seawindresort.net

Book rooms 1-18 for their beach views. The resort’s architecture and interior design is traditional Filipino, inspired by the Spanish stone house with their capiz shell window panes, hardwood furniture, wide verandahs and charming thatched roof cottages. A fiesta atmosphere pervades throughout the property. Dinner is al fresco, with tables and chairs right on the beach. A favorite venue for weddings.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Castle suite

*Seraph Hotel Location. Boat Station 2, beachfront Rooms. The range includes Emerald rooms, presidential suites and family suites for up to four and pool access rooms. There are certain areas with free wi-fi access Food. Restaurant serving Filipino, Korean and international dishes, with regular Mongolian barbecue offered thrice a week Prices. Rooms at $153 a night. The presidential suite is $174 and the family suite, $210. Additional 10% at peak season. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 433 7532, 525 1544, 525 1286, Boracay: +6336/ 288 6672-76 Email. seraph_reservations@gmail.com URL. www.boracayseraph.com One of the biggest resorts in Boracay with 207 rooms to choose from and four swimming pools, one for the kids and another reserved for scuba diving lessons.

There’s a modern fitness center and spa, and a business center if you need to catch up with work. *As of press time, the resort has undergone change of management.

For more infos, contact the resort.

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Exceptional room

The Tides Boracay Location. Right inside D’Mall, Station 2 Rooms. 60 very modern, spacious AC rooms with flat screen TVs. The décor is contemporary with tiled floors and neutral tones for the walls and linen. Wi-fi is available at the lobby and fourth floor and free internet access at the business center Food. Solstice Bar & Café has a full service restaurant (Kaon) and bar with a chill-out lounge Prices. From $140-$180 per night for the Essential and Exceptional rooms respectively, plus $25 for an extra person. Check online for best rates Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 725 3411, Boracay: +6336/ 288 4517-18 Email. reservation@tidesboracay.com URL. www.tidesboracay.com

Chic boutique hotel, which, according to the New York Times, is one of the 44 luxury hotels to go to in 2009. The location is good, near both the beach and the party venues, and right at the heart of the shopping center. Has a beautiful sun deck where you can relax in the shade or take a dip in the large infinity swimming pool.

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Tier three:

From $100-$200

Per night starting rate

Junior suite

Two Seasons Boracay Location. Station 1, White Beach, beachfront Rooms. Three floors with 32 AC rooms, with size starting from 21sqm. Suite Heaven is 47sqm and has a floor-to-ceiling glass paneled wall overlooking White Beach, a private verandah and 16sqm infinity pool. Rooms have alarm clock, iPod docking station, flatscreen cable TV, DVD player, coffee & tea making facilities, hot and cold shower, in-room electronic safe, wi-fi, mini-bar and NDD/IDD telephone system Food. Serves Euro-Asian eclectic dishes in its in-house restaurant BarLo, headed by chef Gene Gonzalez and son Gino, owners of CafĂŠ Ysabel Center For Asian Culinary Studies Prices. Superior room with verandah, from $125, deluxe, from $167, junior suite, from $208, all for two; family suite for six with verandah and pool view, from $271, grand family suite for eight with verandah and pool view, from $333, suite heaven for two, from $458. Includes breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 413 5903, 415 4652, Boracay: +6336/ 288 4384, fax: +6336/ 288 4385 Email. rsvn@twoseasonsboracay.com, customerservice@twoseasonsboracay.com URL. www.twoseasonsboracay.com Two Seasons Boracay is a two-year-old beachfront resort, offering rooms with sleek, modern furnishings and the latest gadgets. Not all rooms have a beach view so check out which one of the 10 room categories suits your needs. boracay guide 95

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One-bedroom suite

Discovery Shores Boracay Location. On a slope on the northern end of White Beach, Station 1 Rooms. 88 modern rooms, including studio units to one- and two-bedroom suites. Some suites have a jacuzzi and private deck. Modern conveniences such as a 32-inch LCD cable TV, DVD player and component, iPod dock, and wi-fi access Food. Sands Restaurant serves Filipino and international dishes including steaks and pasta from 11am to 11pm. Indigo Restaurant serves steaks, oysters and Angus beef from 7pm to 10pm only Prices. Junior suite from $350++, one-bedroom suite from $450++, onebedroom suite premiere from $550++, and two-bedroom suite from $600++ Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 720 8888, Boracay: +6336/ 288 4500 Email. dsbrsvn@discovery.com.ph URL. www.discoveryshoresboracay.com

Discovery Shores is a sprawling beachfront property with 88 modern rooms equipped with the latest gadgets and a spa overlooking the beach. Its rooms are a good size, measuring from 41sqm, and are light and airy.

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Tier four:

From $210-$380

Per night starting rate

Premiere suite

Fridays Boracay Location. Northern end of White Beach, 20 minutes from the jetty port Rooms. 34 native-style deluxe and premier rooms and six circular room premier suites. Deluxe rooms have pool and courtyard views; premier rooms have various beach views; and the premier suites have sea views from the second floor.

Complimentary tea and coffee service and cable TV with DVD player Food. Has an in-house restaurant that serves good continental and traditional Filipino dishes Prices. Premier suite from $297, premier from $255, and deluxe from $212.

Rates include round trip transfers from Caticlan year-round and set breakfast during low season only Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB Phone. Manila: +632/ 810 2101, Boracay: +6336/ 288 6200 Email. reservations@fridaysborcay.com URL. www.fridaysboracay.com

Fridays is one of the pioneer resorts in Boracay, having opened in 1982, founded by Lotte Green. Well set back from White Beach, it gives its guests the luxury of space, with a good expanse of sandy land and shore separating its native-style, thatched roof cottages and main public areas from the sea. A refurbishment project about three years ago saw the addition of six premier suites with sea views. Friendly and competent staff.

Little details here count, like a turn down service and home-made chocolate truffles on a “good night leaf” with the guest’s name written on it. boracay guide 99

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Resort villa

Mandala Spa & Villas Boracay Location. Station 3, along Main Road, 10 minutes on foot from White Beach Rooms. 12 immaculately furnished and maintained large villas with plenty of space and Zen touches such as open-air showers. The breathtaking pool villa, a 300-meter gated property, is perched high on a cliff overlooking the South China Sea Food. The resort’s own Prana Restaurant (7am-10pm) sells delicious vegetarian food and drinks. Prana fuses vegetarian dishes with fresh herbs and traditional spices, salads, a fine selection of organic French wines, freshly brewed Italian coffee and seasonal squeezed fruit coolers, teas and desserts Prices. Garden view villas from $260-$290 depending on season.

Sunset view villas $285-$320, pool villa $385-$420 Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. +6336/ 288 5858, mobile: +63916/ 896 8969 Email. reservations@mandalaspa.com URL. www.mandalaspa.com

One of the first and best health resorts in the island, award-winning Mandala Spa has beautiful private villas in a quiet garden, and offers a wide range of spa treatments as well as yoga and meditation. The entire resort has free wi-fi. Day guests can use the spa. There’s also at Mandala Spa at Discovery Shores in Station 1.

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Tier four:

From $210-$380

Per night starting rate

One of the two bedrooms, two-bedroom suite

Monaco Suites De Boracay Location. Tulubhan, Manoc-Manoc Rooms. 50 elegant chalets all with kitchen, living room, verandah with ocean view and flat-screen cable TV. Wi-fi in some areas Food. Fashionable a la carte restaurant serving a good choice of international dishes. You can also order room service Prices. One-bedroom suites from $300, two-bedroom suites $460 (including breakfast, one-time dinner and four complimentary drinks from the mini-bar for two). Extra person $50. Check online for special packages Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard and American Express Phone. Manila: +632/ 400 0544, 521 0086, Boracay: +6336/ 288 4800, 288 4232 Email. reservations@monacosuites.com URL. www. monacosuites.com

Large upmarket resort with spacious chalets spread across a low hillside with views of the ocean and access to the resort’s private beach.

There’s a large dolphin-shaped infinity pool close to the beach and amenities include a spa.

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Tier four:

From $210-$380

Per night starting rate

Deluxe room

Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa Location. Brgy. Yapak, on the island’s northwest coast Rooms. More than 219 rooms and villas offer ocean views from their private terraces. Tree houses have outdoor jacuzzis and villas have private pools Food. For lunch and dinner there are a number of impressive restaurants including Sirena, a cliff-top seafood restaurant. Alon Beach Bar does exotic cocktails and has fantastic views Prices. Deluxe rooms from $380, sea view suites from $619, and villas from $746. Room rates include breakfast Credit cards. Yes. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners and JCB Phone. +6336/ 288 4988, 288 5088 Email. slbo@shangri-la.com URL. www.shangri-la.com

This upmarket five-star resort is dramatically situated on a lush hillside a short walk from secluded, sandy coves and has all the facilities you’d expect for the price. Spacious rooms offer ocean views from a private terrace; while villas have private pools and butler service. There’s a classy spa and staff can arrange water sports. For children there are games and playrooms.

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Deluxe room

7 Stones Boracay Suites Location. Bulabog Beach (Boracay’s east coast) Rooms. 29 modern airconditioned rooms built around an open courtyard with a pool. Rooms also include LCD cable TV, home theater system with iPod dock, mini bar, and coffee and tea-making facilities Food. The restaurant serves both local and international dishes Prices. Superior room for two from $154, junior suite for two from $205, deluxe suite for two from $239, grand deluxe room for four from $376, and superior family room from $615 Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. Manila: +632/ 813 7740, Boracay: +6336/ 288 1601 Email. reservations@7stonesboracay.com URL. www.7stonesboracay.com

Modern resort but built with lots of local material so it merges with Boracay’s tropical ambience. Rooms are modern and all have a balcony with views of the sea. There’s wi-fi and massage service. The poolside bar is a nice place to hang out.

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Tier five:

Self-catering accommodation

Miami room

Boracay Luxury Homes Location. Bulabog (east coast) Rooms. Houses for rent and sale. Arizona, for example, is a new two-storey house with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, kitchen, viewing decks, roof terrace and infinity swimming pool. It has cable TV, internet and daily maid service Food. N/A Prices. $250-$350 a night for a four-bedroom house, or $1,500-$2,000 per month, including airport transfers Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 1853 Email. info@boracayluxuryhomes.com URL. www.boracayluxuryhomes.com

Luxury homes to rent close to Bulabog Beach and lots of sporting amenities such as golf and windsurfing. There are a number of homes to choose from, all with modern fixtures and fitting, and plenty of space for a family.

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Master’s bedroom

Casa Mika Location. On top of the Diniwid hill inside the Tropicana Ocean Villas compound Rooms. One AC bedroom on the ground floor and 54sqm of living area and separate kitchen Food. The maid can shop and cook. The restaurants of White Beach are a short ride away by tricycle Prices. $220 a night. Minimum rental three nights Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 5798, mobile: +63920/ 901 9629 Email. rent@sprboracay.com URL. www.sprboracay.com

Spacious tropical style house with lots of wood and a thatched roof.

It’s perched on top of a hill some way from White Beach, but with the compensation of panoramic sea views from the terrace and also through the picture windows in the living room. Maid service, cable TV, back-up generator and wireless internet. There’s a jacuzzi under shady trees in the garden.

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Tier five:

Self-catering accommodation

Master’s bedroom

Grand Villa Espada Location. On top of the Diniwid hill, northwest Boracay, inside the Tropicana Ocean Villas compound Rooms. Two spacious bedrooms (one AC, one fan room). The master’s bedroom is on the third floor and has marvelous sea views Food. The caretaker can shop and cook. The restaurants of White Beach are a short ride away by tricycle Prices. From $110-$220 a night for up to four adults and children under 12.

Minimal rental three nights Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 5798, mobile: +63920/ 901 9629 Email. rent@sprboracay.com URL. www.sprboracay.com

Grand Villa is a privately owned three-storey fully furnished villa that can be rented through SPR Boracay Real Estate. The villa is maintained by a caretaker who can also do shopping and cooking for the guests. Fully fitted kitchen, two bathrooms, spacious living areas, cable TV and backup generator for those occasional power cuts.

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Master’s bedroom

Robinsons Beach House Location. Northern end of White Beach Rooms. A two-storey house facing the sea. Each floor has separate entrances.

You can rent the whole house or just one floor. Each 137.10sqm floor has two ensuite bedrooms, a kitchen, and spacious living and dining rooms. The ground floor opens directly to a private garden and the beach. The second floor has the luxury of a private balcony. With TV, DVD, and maid service. Wi-fi access available. Each floor can accommodate four adults Food. Self catering. Lots of nearby restaurants to choose from. Shopping and cooking services also available Prices. From $200-$303, depending on the season Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 5798; mobile +63920/ 901 9629 Email. rent@sprboracay.com URL. www.sprboracay.com

An idyllic thatched roof, native-style, hardwood-floor cottage with all the creature comforts of a modern home. Biggest draw is its location right on the beach on the quieter northern end, right next to Fridays Boracay.

It’s the closest you can get to owning your piece of Boracay, well at least for the duration of your stay.

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Tier five:

Self-catering accommodation

One of Villa Kaloo’s four bedrooms

Villa Kaloo Location. Northern end of White Beach Rooms. Two-storey villa with four AC bedrooms, all ensuite with four toilet and bath, a living and dining area, fully equipped kitchen, huge balcony on the first floor, and views of the sea. Cable TV, telephone, wi-fi access and maid service available. Can accommodate eight Food. Lots of island restaurants to choose from. Food shopping and cooking services are available Prices. From $400-$605, depending on the season Credit cards. Yes. Visa and MasterCard Phone. +6336/ 288 5798, mobile: +63920/ 901 9629 Email. rent@sprboracay.com URL. www.sprboracay.com

A thatched roof 222sqm modern villa right on the northern end of White Beach, near Robinsons Beach House. It has a spectacular sea view and a good location, far from the heavy traffic of White Beach but not too far; so all you have to do is walk a few minutes or take a tricycle ride to the shops and the restaurants. The villa has caretakers to handle your food shopping, cooking and laundry.

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theInFlight • A-Rock Resort, Inc. Ambulong, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3201/3262 Fax: +6336/ 288 3201 Email: arockresort@yahoo.com.ph URL: www.boracayisland.org/arock.shtml

• Boracay Butterfly Garden and Cottages Bolabog, Balabag Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 6701 Email: boracaybutterfly@yahoo.com URL: www.boracaybutterfly.com

• Alice In Wonderland Manggayad, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3278 Fax: +6336/ 288 3330 Email: aliceboracay@yahoo.com URL: www.aliceboracay.com

• Boracay Eco-Village Resort and Training Center Yapak, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5826/4118 Fax: +6336 288.5825 Email: boracayecovillage@yahoo.com URL: www.boracayecovillage.net

• Beachcomber Resort Boracay Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3157/4465 Fax: +6336/ 288 4465 Email: bcombinn@hotmail.com URL: www.beachcomberboracay.com • B and B Beach Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336 288 3157/ 4465 Fax: +6336/ 288 6496 Email: bnbboracay@hotmail.com URL: www.bnbboracay.multiply.com • Beachcomber Resort Boracay Manggayad, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3235 Fax: +6336/ 288 4465 Email: bcombinn@hotmail.com URL: www.beachcomberboracay.com • Blue Bird Villa Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5956 Email: jane_consults@msn.com • Blue Coral Resort Angol, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5220 Fax: +6336/ 288 5220 Email: bluecoralresort1@yahoo.com URL: www.bluecoralresort.com • Bora Sky Hotel Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4394 Fax: +6336/ 288 4744 Email: boraskyhotel@yahoo.com URL: www.boraskyboracay.com • Boracay Beach Chalets Manggayad, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3993 Fax: +6336/ 288 6313 Email: boracaybeachchalets@yahoo com URL: www.boracaybeachchalets.com 110 boracay guide

• Boracay Grand Vista Resort and Spa Hagdan, Yapay, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5818 Fax: +6336/ 288 4231 Email: vista01@egrandvista.com URL: www.egrandvista.com • Boracay Holiday Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4086 Fax: +6336/ 288 4085 Email: inquiry@boracayholidayresort.com URL: www.boracayholidayresort.com • Boracay Shores Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3482 Fax: +6336/ 288 3482 Email: borashores@hotmail.com • Boracay West Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4000 Fax: +6336/ 288 3596 Email: boracay_terraces@yahoo.com • Casa Pacifica Angol, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5090 Email: casapacificaboracay@yahoo.com • Cocomangas Hotel Beach Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3409 Fax: +6336/ 288 3061 Email: primodpamp@hotmail.com • Deparis Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3233 Fax: +6336/ 288 3067 Email: deparisroger@Yahoo.com URL: www.deparisboracaybeachresort.com

p LU S 3 PA G E S O F Q U I C K V I E W R E S O R T S

• Diniwid Beach Resort Diniwid, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4140 Fax: +6336/ 288 4140 Email: teresa_enano@yahoo.com

• Laguna de Boracay Village, Inc. Bulabog, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3603/6173/6174 Fax: +6336 288.3480 Email: ldbvboracay@yahoo.com

• Erus Suites Hotel Ambulong, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3441/3442 Fax: +6336/ 288 3441 Email: erushotel@gmail.com URL: www.erusboracay.com

• Lion’s Den Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/288 3174 Fax: +6336/ 288 5521/4045 Email: lionsdenboracay@yahoo.com

• Fat Jimmy’s Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5562 Fax: +6336/ 288 5562 Email: fjboracay@yahoo.com URL: www.fatjimmysboracay.com • Hannah Hotel Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3456 Mobile: +63920/ 850 2264 Fax: +6336/ 288 3456 Email: hannahhotel_boracay@yahoo.com URL: www.hannahhotel_boracay.com • Homeland Apartelle Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5316 Email: homelandph@yahoo.com • Isla Gecko Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 6797 Fax: +6336/ 288 6797 Email: islagecko@hotmail.com URL: www.islageckoboracay.com • Island Jewel Inn Angol, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4730 Fax: +6336/ 288 4730 Email: island.jewel@yahoo.com URL: www.island-jewel.com • Jony’s Beach Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 6119 Fax: +6336/ 288 3119 Email: jonysboracay@yahoo.com URL: www.jonysboracay.com • La Isla Bonita Resort and Restaurant Ambulong, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3501/6959 Fax: +6336/ 288 3501 Email: laislabonitaboracay@yahoo.com URL: www.boracayislabonita.com

• Marzon’s Beach Resort Angol, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3131 Fax: +6336/ 288 5064 Email: marzonboracay@yahoo.com URL: www.marzonboracay.com • Maxima de Boracay Hotel Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4005 Email: maximadeboracay@yahoo.com • Music Garden Annex Angol, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Email: puma2fast@live.co.uk • Orchids Resort Ambulong, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3313 Fax: +6336/ 288 5648 Email: oechidslynn@hotmail.com URL: www.orchidsboracay.com • Palm Breeze Villa Bulabog, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4221 Email: info@palmbreezeboracay.com URL: www.palmbreezeboracay.com • Paradise Bay Beach and Watersport Resort Tulubhan, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5124 Fax: +6336/ 288 5127 Email: info@paradisebay.de URL: www.paradise-bay.com • Queen’s Beach Resort Ambulong, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3677 Fax: +6336/ 288 3577 Email: queenboracay@yahoo.com

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theInFlight • Ralph’s Place Bulabog Beach, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4674 Mobile: +63917 349 3060 Email: reef.retreat@hotmail.com • Reef Retreat Resort Bulabog Beach, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4674 Mobile: +63917 349 3060 Email: reef.retreat@hotmail.com URL: www.reefretreatboracay.com • SandersWhite Duplexes Manggayad, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3123 Email: sanderswhite@yahoo.com • Serendipity Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5411 Email: serendipity_boracay@yahoo.com URL: www.serendipity-boracay.com • Sheridan Villas Angol, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 6819 Fax: +6336/ 288 6819 Email: sheridanbora@yahoo.com URL: www.boracaysheridan.com • Tanawin Luxury Apartments Bulabog, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336 288 6654 Email: demi@tanawin-boracay.com URL: www.tanawin-boracay.com • Taj’s Guesthouse Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5695/4628/4973 Fax: +6336/ 288 5695 Email: reservation@tajboracay.com URL: www.tajboracay.com • Tawhay Villa Pinaungon, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5675 Fax: +6336/ 288 5675 Email: service@tawhayboracay.com URL: www.tawhayboracay.com • The Q Lodge Bulabog, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 4243 Email: theqlodge@yahoo.com URL: www.theqlodge.com

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• Tirol N Tirol Beach Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336 288 3165 Fax: +6336/ 288 3165 Email: tandt_boracay@yahoo.com URL: www.tandt-boracay.com

• Tonglen Beach Resort Manggayad, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3457/5190 Fax: +6336/ 288 3919 Email: tonglenresort@yahoo.com URL: www.boracaytonglen.com • Velis Inn Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 6620 Fax: +6336/ 288 4174 Email: velisinn@hotmail.com URL: www.visitboracay.com/velisinn.shtml • Villa Camilla Beach Resort, Inc. Angol, Manoc-manoc, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3354 Fax: +6336/ 288 3106 Email: front_desk@villacamilla.com URL: www.villacamilla.com • Villa Criselda Resort Manggayad, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 6337 Fax: +6336/ 288 5311 Email: villa_criselda@yahoo.com URL: www.villacriseldaboracay.com • Villa Lourdes Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3448 Fax: +6336/ 288 3448 Email: villa_lourdesresort@yahoo.com URL: www.villalourdesboracay.com • Villa Paula Beach Resort Manggayad, Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 5823 Email: villapaulaboracay@yahoo.com • Villa Simprosa Resort Balabag, Malay, Aklan Telephone: +6336/ 288 3139 Fax: +6336/ 288 3139 Email: norpas1950@yahoo.com

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Hanging out in Boracay What to see, What to do, Where to eat

Photo by Bernie Ledesma

D’Mall de Boracay, guidecenter 117 the island’sboracay main shopping

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What to see and do Special interest activities • Climbing Mt. Luho. It’s about half an hour’s trek up this mountain in Sitio Bulabog, but it’s well worth it. The reward is a spectacular 360-degree view of Boracay Island. Mt. Luho is 112m above sea level. It has an observation tower.

• Exploring Bat Cave. Catch the hordes of fruit bats fly off from Bat Cave at dusk to feed. The cave is on a hill in Barangay Yapak. You can hire guides if you wish to go down the depths of the cave and explore. The cave’s mouth is draped by foliage, the interiors generally grey, and the ceiling fringed with small stalactite formations. To get there, hire a tricycle and arrange for a guide (about P300 or $6), and trek some 20 minutes along winding paths. Expect to pay a separate fee of about P50 ($1) per head, an amount that goes to the fund for the cave’s caretakers.

• Paraw sailing. Try a sunset cruise on board the island’s traditional paraw, a wooden outrigger boat with colorful sails. It has nets strung out across the main hull of the boat, outriggers on either side.

Red Pirates offers full moon paraw tours. Call +6336/ 288 5767 or email to redpiratesboracay@hotmail.com. Visit www.red-pirates.blogspot.com. Malay Sailing Boat Owners Association offers similar tours. Call vice president for operations Ariel Gad at mobile +63918/ 597 7350.

• Spa and wellness. Boracay has a number of massage and spa treatment centers and roving masseuses and masseurs that are members of Malay Boracay Fiddlers, Vendors, Massage, Manicure Association. You’ll spot a legitimate member because they all wear a numbered vest. There are several smaller/mid-range spas in Boracay to choose from and most hotels offer spa treatments and in-house massages. White Beach has several makeshift massage stations with massages on a mat the beach costing P300-P500 (about $6-$10) an hour.

Try out: • Mandala Spa and Villas, an award-winning spa, for a wide range of spa treatments, including detox and cleansing packages, a yoga vacation, and holistic lifestyle and natural food package. For a full-pledged pampering holiday, book one of their rooms. Mandala is along Main Road, Boat Station 3, Barangay Manoc-Manoc. Call +6336/ 288 5858 or visit www.mandalaspa. com.

• Tirta Spa offers Secrets of Egypt, a top to toe pampering that offers ancient royal beauty and wellness treatments, before and after sun treatments, and three-hour rituals, among others, in carefully manicured gardens, about five minutes away from Cagban jetty. The spa is located in Sitio Malabunot, Barangay Manoc-Manoc. Call +6336/ 260 2488, +6336/ 288 6481 or visit www.tirtaspa.com.

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Mandala Spa & Villas photo by Daniel Soriano

H a nging o u t in B o r a c a y

Kiteboarding

Mandala Spa & Villas

• Chi, The Spa of Shangri-La Boracay offers Chinese and Himalayan treatments and healing. Call +6336/ 288 4988 or visit www.shangri-la.com.

Island sports From June-July through September-October, the Habagat or southwest monsoon season, White Beach becomes a playground for water sports enthusiast. The other half of the year, the action takes place in Bubalog Beach when the Amihan season provides the ideal wind conditions in the area.

For kiteboarding and windsurfing, contact: • Greenyard Cabrinha Center Telephone: +6336/ 288 3663, 288 1805 Email: kiteboardingboracay@hotmail.com, hangin_greenyard@yahoo.com URL: www.boracaywindsurfing.com Contact person: International windsurfing champion and co-founder of kiteboarding in Boracay Nenette Graf • Hangin Kiteboarding Center Telephone: +6336/ 288 3766 Email: info@kite-asia.com URL: www.kite-asia.com • Isla Kiteboarding Telephone: +6336/ 288 5352 (high season), 288 3209 (low season) Email: info@islakite.com URL: www.islakite.com

Kite boarding photo by Che Mambong

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Diving

Diving Boracay is home to 24 dive sites, many only 20 minutes away from the island’s main beach by native outrigger boats. There is a wide range of diving available, from gentle and very pretty through to deep drop-offs and highvoltage drift-dives suitable for the more experienced divers. The best time to dive is from November to June, but good diving is available year round.

For more info on diving, visit www.FlySeair.com and check out the October-November 2009 diving issue.

Contact: • Calypso Diving Resort Telephone: +6336/ 288 3206 URL: www.calypso-asia.com • Aqualife Divers Academy Telephone: +6336/ 288 3276 URL: www.aqualifedivers.com • Sea World Dive Center and Resort Telephone: +6336/ 288 3033 URL: www.seaworldboracay.com • Boracay Association of Scuba-Diving Schools (BASS) BASS owns and operates the Boracay Recompression Chamber. In case of diving-related incidents, contact: Hyperbaric doctor Girlie Teotico: +63918/ 926 3112 Chamber technician Pancho Terol: +63920/ 909 9112 BASS president Debbie Ngo: +63918/ 900 5983

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Photo by Roberto S. Francisco

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Other water attractions Parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat ride, flyfish and tube ride Book at: • Allan Fun Tours (also offers ATVing and reef walking) Telephone: +6336/ 288 5577 Email: allan_b68@yahoo.com • Napoleon Sea Sports (also offers wakeboarding, water skiing and speedboat rental) Telephone: +6336/ 288 6184 Email: napoleonseasports_boracay@yahoo.com Barhopping Boracay has carved out a reputation as a party island. New Year’s Eve is a particularly frenzied time with the island taking on a festive air, with food and booze flowing and celebrations all along the beach strip until and long after the grand countdown Check out: • Club Paraw Drinks: Try the bartender specials such as apple of my eye, pink panties, peach nut, sweet island and melon cosmo Appetizer/snack: Try the sizzling sisig, squid, gambas Telephone: +6336/ 288 6151 Mobile: +63918/ 540 9040 Location: Station 1, beachfront, White Beach Best time to go: 9pm onwards, Friday and Saturday • Hey Jude!

Drinks: Try Bacardi mojito and frozen margarita Appetizer/snack: Try pizza, kebab, blue marlin, king prawns Telephone: +6336/ 288 6482 Location: D’Mall, Station 2, beachfront, White Beach Best time to go: Happy hour from 3:30pm-7:30pm, 11pm onwards, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday • Juice Bar Drinks: Try Pauline Angelo, Cuervo margarita, and margarita lychee Telephone: +6336/ 288 6917 Location: Plazoleta, Station 2, beachfront, White Beach Best time to go: 11pm onwards, Friday and Saturday • Solana Drinks: Try Boracay breeze, lychee tini, Solana passion Appetizer/snack: Try fresh Vietnamese vegetable spring rolls, croquettas ham, Palawan crab cake, coco sardines and tortilla de patata Telephone: +6336/ 288 4988 ext. 6441 122 boracay guide

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Juice Bar

Location: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, Brgy. Yapak Best time to go: 5:30pm onwards, daily • Solstice Drinks: Try mojito, kamikaze Appetizer/snack: Try calamares, quesadilla, gambas and salpicao Telephone: +6336/ 288 4517 Location: The Tides Boracay, D’Mall junction Best time to go: Happy hour from 3pm-8pm, 9pm-12 midnight, Friday, Saturday and Sunday • Summer Place Bar and Restaurant Drinks: Try margarita and shark attack Telephone: +6336/ 288 3144 Location: Near Station 2, beachfront, White Beach Best time to go: During 12 midnight onwards, Friday and Saturday

Where to eat • Island Chicken Inasal for Ilongo food Try the kansi, Bacolod’s hearty soup, a cross between boiled bone marrow and sinigang sour soup Location: D’Mall junction, near the ferris wheel • Smoke, for affordable Filipino dishes. A hole-in-the-wall popular with locals. Offers delivery service Try the adobo (served on weekends only), fish salpicao, lechon kawali or deep-fried pork and beef salpicao Location: Alley near Andok’s, D’Mall, Station 2 Telephone: +6336/ 288 6014 Photo by Wacky Gochoco

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Smoke

Kasbah

• Dos Mestizos for topnotch Spanish-Portuguese dishes Try the seafood tapas, homemade chorizos, paellas and sangrias Location: Alley Bear, Balabag Plaza, Station 3 Telephone: +6336/ 288 6789 • Olé Spanish Tapas Bar & Restaurant for Cuban, Spanish and Mexican food. Offers a full bar and exceptional wine list Try the gambas al ajillo, manchego cheese, jamon serrano, calamares and patatos bravos, steaks, seafood, Mexican fajitas and Spanish paella Location: D’Mall, Boat Station 2 Telephone: +6336/ 288 5940 Mobile: +63906/ 511 5454 • Pikoy restaurant for Mongolian, barbeque evening buffets and Spanish-inspired dishes Try the calamares ensu tinta, beef caldereta and lengua estofado Location: Seawind resort, Station 1, beachfront, White Beach Telephone: +6336/ 288 3091 • Cyma for Greek food Try the roka salata (arugula, romaine lettuce, sundried tomatoes, shaved parmesan, crumbled blue cheese, balsamic vinaigrette and candied walnuts), paidakia (char-grilled lamb ribs served with Greek roasted potatoes) and flaming cheese served with pita triangles Location: Along a narrow alley, D’Mall Telephone: +6336/ 288 4283 Mobile: +63928/ 506 9311 124 boracay guide

Photos by Mike Alcid

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Fish Bar

Fish Bar

Tbraz

• Zuzuni for authentic Greek and modern Mediterranean cuisine Try the gyros, mousaka (baked layers of eggplant with ground beef, ground pork and béchamel), psari psito (seared US cod fish fillet), chicken souvlaki (grilled skewered chicken and vegetables), and Mati chocolate sin ( Valhona chocolate cake served with vanilla ice cream) Location: Zuzuni resort, Boat Station 1, beachfront, White Beach Telephone: +6336/ 288 4477 Mobile: +63923/ 584 6012 • Escondido Crabhouse for sumptuous crabs Try the fried crab served with a special secret sauce, and Boracay Crabhouse or crabs dipped in delicious sweet and spicy sauce Telefax: +6336/ 288 4777 Location: Escondido resort, along Main Road, Boat Station 1 • Fish Bar for fish and chips Try the beer battered fish and chips, black pepper tuna steak with flat noodles in white sauce, garlic prawns and summer minestrone Location: D’Mall junction, near the ferris wheel Telephone: +6336/ 288 4026 • Sirena for seafood. The chef can whip up a meal specially concocted for you Try the blue crab soup, spicy lobster pasta and chocolate spuma or layers of walnut and vanilla ice cream with mint garnishing, and dark chocolate whipped with cream, served in two shot glasses respectively Location: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort and Spa, Brgy. Yapak Telephone: +6336/ 288 4988 ext. 6441 and 6451 126 boracay guide

Fish Bar photo by Daniel Soriano

H a nging o u t in B o r a c a y

Lemon Café

Aria

• Courtyard Bistro for steaks Try the Angus beef rib eye served with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and twice-cooked chicken and pork adobo. Try the trimmed fat, pan fried to crackling when ordering the steak Location: White House Resort, Station 1, beachfront, White Beach Owner Mark Santiago’s mobile: +63915/ 487 4121 • Steak House for value-for-money steaks Try steaks cooked to perfection, schnitzels, sausages, spaghetti, salads and Hungarian specialties Location: Boat Station 2, beachfront, White Beach Telephone: +6336/ 288 6120 • Aria for authentic Italian cuisine. Known for its pizzas cooked in a wood fired oven Try the tagliatelle contarfuto asparagi e prosciutto di parma (homemade pasta with white truffles, asparagus and parma ham, and salsiccia pizza (pizza topped with Italian sausage, tomatoes and mozzarella Location: D’Mall, beachfront, White Beach Telephone: +6336/ 288 5573 • Bolero Rum and Bar Mexican Kitchen for authentic Mexican dishes Try the burritos, beef and cheese nachos, and chicharones Columbianos Serves premium tequila brand Patron Location: Near Station 3, beachfront, White Beach Telephone: +6336/ 288 5968

Tbraz, Lemon Café and Aria photos by Mike Alcid

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Dos Mestizos

• TBraz Creperie and French Bistro for serious French bistro fare Try the mussels in pastis, roast chicken with mashed potatoes, crab, clam and shrimp boil and crepe ala muscovado Location: Between Stations 1 and 2, beachfront, White Beach Contact manager Jimboy Torres: +63920/ 784 5174 Dining head Mary Hope Jollano: +63918/ 233 6880 • BarLo Resto Lounge for European and Asian fusion Try Jenny’s tuna pesto pasta, four cheese pizza, Boracay ceviche (fresh fish nibbles served with pickled mango and seaweed), tuna and salmon carpaccio served with Thai papaya salad and fresh seafood Location: Two Seasons Boracay resort, Station 1, beachfront, White Beach Telephone: +6336/ 288 4384 • Fridays restaurant for good continental cuisine and traditional Filipino dishes Try the spring rolls, charcoal-grilled succulent pork chop and seafood risotto Location: Fridays Boracay resort, Boat Station 1, beachfront, White Beach Telephone: +6336/ 288 6200 • Lemon Cafe for cakes, pastries and sandwiches Try the mango madness, soba noodles with ahi tuna, tiger prawns grilled and served with rice risotto, and Lunch box, a changing menu of soup, salad, sandwich and dessert Location: D’Mall central courtyard Telephone: +6336/ 288 6781-82 • Heidiland Deli for gourmet sandwiches and deli products Telephone: +6336/ 288 5939 Location: D’Mall Phase IV, beside The Tides Boracay • Real Coffee and Tea Café for cakes, pastries and local food Telephone: +6336/ 288 5340 Location: Near Boat Station 1, in a subtle enclave along White Beach For more info on Boracay dining, visit www.FlySeair.com and check out its April-May 2009 issue.

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Photo by Mike Alcid