Uncovering Aklan's two gems in one go: Boracay (2/2)
Visiting Boracay in 2025 when one has seen her way back before as an unspoilt paradise, one could really feel like stepping inside the Divisoria where there are lots of trinkets, shirts, swimwears and beach bags being sold. The lining of establishments from small refreshment stalls to souvenir shops and restaurants add vibrance to the night scene after the sunset watching but it could be a bit overwhelming given the crowding in one area. The blind masseurs offering their services while one is seated under the coconut trees then were replaced by masseurs offering massages in their in-house or in one’s own hotel. Mushrooming of chain and big hotels in Boracay may be good for revenue and offer convenience for big conferences but the downside of the same development can easily be felt when one visits her at the height of overpopulating algae which many studies indicated to be caused by excess nutrients from human activities and inadequate sewage treatment or untreated wastewater from the island and areas that aren't connected to the sewage system that flows into the sea. However, the flour-like fine white sand of Boracay is still its unmatched and best defining feature. Even her neighboring Carabao Island and Buruanga Beach that have white sands on their laps could not match that.
Swimming may be done at Puka Beach which is one of the stops during the Island hopping tour. I was delightfully surprised to see colorful fishes in the sanctuary near the crocodile Island. I also appreciated the clean common cafeteria which offered soup, fish, barbecues, chicken and vegetables. Outside the caf, the tour operators had replicated the kawa attraction of Tibiao, Antique too. The tour is a recommended experience but I must say that it was a hurried one considering it started at 9am and ended at 3pm. Given the short distance, they could easily end at 5pm so as not to hurry the tourers especially in the hiking and spelunking experience at Crystal Cove but they did because I could now see that the boats are needed for the sunset cruises or the boatmen and guides could assist in their sunset paraw sailing offers.
Speaking of Boracay sunset, I must say that it is the best one because it feels like one is experiencing it from the front row of a theatre. I believe the summer sun of Boracay can only be rivaled by the rising sun of the old capital of Myanmar, Bagan. I don’t want to ruin the envisioned front seat thingy but while half-a-dozen paraws sailing to and fro against the sunset view is a good thing for photographers who appreciates some hustle bustle before a still background but having a lot more destroys the zen mode turning them into a hassle while gazing at the big round ball of Boracay fire. I still love the idea that I can just spread my malong and read a book in Boracay despite the sea of tourists behind me. I still have the fear of being hit by a falling coconut tree, and too bad, I can’t seem to easily find a fresh buko to sip among the many stalls. Of course, aside from the popular crystal kayak photo op, Boracay is now defined by braids both for ladies and gentlemen. Everybody is a pro photographer in Boracay, even a ten-year-old offers to get a good photo of you just before the sun finally sets.
In the end, beaching in Aklan’s Buruanga and Boracay in one summer is worth all my time for rest and relaxation. I got to enjoy two contrasting yet similarly breathtaking beaches on this side of the world.
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