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Other Travel Stories
Vibrant, Bustling Hong Kong
One of the most expensive cities in the world is also one of
the most popular shopping destinations.
7,000 Reasons to Visit the Philippines
The country's many tourist spots attract foreign visitors from
around the world. Its people are friendly and fun-loving and
food is cheap and plentiful.
Vibrant, Bustling Hong Kong
One of the most expensive cities in the world is also one of
the most popular shopping destinations.
7,000 Reasons to Visit the Philippines
The country's many tourist spots attract foreign visitors from
around the world. Its people are friendly and fun-loving and
food is cheap and plentiful.
The island paradise of Boracay in the central Philippines is one of the few
remaining unspoilt places on earth. It has remained largely untouched by modern
civilization despite the droves of tourists that visit it every year.
remaining unspoilt places on earth. It has remained largely untouched by modern
civilization despite the droves of tourists that visit it every year.
- The first hint of this idyllic hideaway's remoteness comes upon arrival: there is no
airport or pier. Travelers are taken on small, wooden outriggers to the island, where
they disembark by jumping into thigh-deep water and wading ashore.
Located at the northwestern tip of Panay in the Western Visayas region 345
kilometers from the capital Manila, Boracay boasts 30 beaches and about 200
private resorts that cater to the more than 300,000 tourists that descend on the 630-
hectare island annually.
It's not clear how the island emerged from obscurity to become one of the world's
best beaches. But it's said that a group of foreign travelers stumbled upon the place
by accident in the early eighties and word quickly spread about the modern day
Eden tucked away somewhere in the central Philippines..
Boracay has since become a beacon attracting sun-worshippers from the four
corners of the world. Its crystal-clear waters and powder-fine white sand make it
second to none.
But Boracay offers more than just sun, sea and sand.
The mouth-watering smell of barbecue and freshly cooked seafood lingers in the
air as tourists sample the local culinary taste. Fruits are also in abundance. And for
those who prefer foreign food, international cuisine is always available.
There's also a host of relaxing activities for all kinds of tourists, including sailing on
an outrigger to the other side of the island, diving, exploring by bike and hopping
from one beach to another.
If you're the less energetic type, you can comb the beach on horseback, lie in the
sand and soak up the sun or simply watch the sun set while you finish a cocktail or
a beer.
The fun doesn't stop after nightfall. In fact, the action is just beginning as travelers
get ready for a night of dancing and partying until the wee hours of the morning.
If you're a sun-worshipper, Boracay is the place. If you want to forget about the cares
of the world and be close to nature, Boracay is the ticket. If you just want to get away
from it all, Boracay is the answer.
Indeed, Boracay is paradise on earth. But it may not remain one for long.
Civilization is fast catching up. Already the island has access to cable television and
the internet.
In a world of instant communication and jet travel, the isolation that the island has
enjoyed for centuries is finally coming to an end.
This has raised fears that Boracay will ultimately become a victim of its own
success as development takes its toll on the once virgin territory. That day may just
be around the corner.
But for the island’s residents and the many foreigners who have come and made it
their home, Boracay will always remain a paradise.