Experience Boracay Like a True Blue Local

For its unique charm, many foreigners have found a home in Boracay. No wonder you’ll somehow find a foreigner who knows the island so much. If you’re just on a quick vacation but still wants to feel how to live like a true Boracay local, here are some things you should consider.

Stroll along the beach

Leave your heels in the city but never forget to bring your flip flops. It’s a major no-no to wear heels especially if you plan to party at night. If you don’t wanna get stuck in the traffic on the highway, stroll along the beach to reach your destination. Catch the sunrise along Bulabog Beach in the morning and don’t miss the golden sunset at the White Beach. By walking, you also get to discover more interesting places and attractions in the island.

Choose public transport

Photo by Tojo Motors

If jeepney is the kind of the road in Manila streets, here, tricycles dominate the street. The moment you reach the port in the island, you’ll be greeted by tricycle drivers for a ride. Aside from the diesel-powered trikes, the island probably also have the most number of electric-tricycles (e-trike) in the region. Regular fare within the main areas of the island is just PhP10. You can also charter rides for a minimum of PhP60.

Shop at Talipapa

One good thing about the island’s tourism industry is that you get everything you need. While there are a number of bigger grocery stores in the island, experience buying some stuff in talipapa or small market. The most famous in the island and probably the most organized is D’Talipapa wherein Paluto services are offered. You can buy fruits, vegetables, and even souvenirs to take home. Yet the most famous among locals is the Talipapa Bukid. It is actually the main market of the island and most goods are cheaper here. Talipapa is just actually everywhere so you’ll definitely find one when you need to buy something.

Eat where the locals eat

While there are numerous restaurants you can try on the island, eating where the locals eat is actually an experience you should consider. Some restaurants have withstood the test of time and development and have remained a go-to place for locals, and even becomes an attraction. Check places like Smoke Resto for their Bulalo, Kolai Mangyan which serves the famous Budbod, Tod’s for their hot soups and Jasper’s for their Pansit served on bilao or a food tray made of native product. You can try all these places without hurting your wallet. You’ll just have to prepare your tummy for a fest.

Skip your diet

Okay, another for food because Boracay locals surely love to eat. Forget about dieting. Don’t skip the rice. When your staple food is bread, rice is still best paired with most Filipino dishes. Choose the freshest catch at D’ Talipapa and have it cooked the way you want it. In less than an hour, you can then feast on seafood and all the savory dishes on the table.

Party like a local

Well, booze and music must be part of Boracay’s culture. Thus, having a night-out should always be part of someone’s itinerary. Though booze is way cheaper in the Philippines, you’ll still get discounts during happy hour. Happy hour is not just actually an hour. Sometimes it could last for the whole night. Grab a local beer or a signature mix of the bar you’re visiting; then when the clock strikes at 12, release your inner diva and takeover the dance floor. After all, what happens in Boracay, stays in Boracay.

Be responsible

Like locals, take environmental issues seriously. Be responsible with your trashes and follow the rules of the island. Remember that bringing home the white sands of Boracay is prohibited, smoking and littering on the beach is also not allowed. Just recently, the local government also banned the use of plastic in the island. So bring your own bag when shopping for your souvenirs.

You don’t have to be born in Boracay to show your love. Like a local, treat Boracay as your own home even just for a few days. Appreciate its beauty. Indulge in its grandeur. Enjoy every moment of your stay.

Healthy-Minded Travel: When Travel and Wellness Intertwine

When our world is bombarded with so many negativities, travel is one grand escape we can make. Travel allows us to detach from the chaotic environment we live in and enable us to reconnect with ourselves. And while we all travel for a number of different reasons, there’s one common denominator to it – for us to feel good inside and out. Thus, travel and wellness is something that can easily be combined.
This must be the reason why wellness travel is becoming the fastest growing travel trend nowadays. It is the kind of travel where physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of the traveler become the forefront of the trip. It is fueling the adventurous soul inside while not forgetting to nourish the body and the mind.
Wellness travel started to grow and develop over a decade ago. One proof to it is the presence of spa and wellness centers in tourist destinations, and even in smaller communities. And just like the past years, travel wellness is still forecasted to grow in the coming years.

Wellness travel trend

Travel wellness first revolved around stress-reducing spa, and on yoga and meditation. Its first wave first embarked on activities that promote stillness and tranquility; activities that allow travelers to be at peace with his or her being. Going to a spa and wellness centers while on vacation has also become a must for majority of travelers. Who would not want a good massage and some pampering after all?

The growing importance of “wellness” in traveling thus underscored the need for wellness amenities, services and activities for tourism destinations, particularly in hotels and resorts. The kind of wellness amenities, social fitness services, and spaces specifically designed and designated for relaxation thus affects the traveler’s decision when choosing a destination.

Aside from spa, wellness also includes healthy food options. Food promotes wellness. So eating healthy like organic produce and local cuisines is also the highlight on this kind of travel.

Moreover, while this trend may not go away sooner or later, as spas and wellness centers continue to sprout, travel wellness is also likely to stay. As it further develops, new trends are also born along the way.

Nowadays, wellness travel has evolved from being just a quiet retreat to trips paired with adrenaline–induced activities. More travelers choose trips that require more physical work. Among the fastest-growing trends in wellness travel now is surfing, or stand-up paddle boarding for the less confident in the water. A joyous surf workout or just a calming activity is an instant retreat for people that live far from the beach.

Aside from this, wellness festival which combines the magic of music and nature is also starting to spread. But one thing that is consistent in the present and the future is that the beach will always be a perfect wellness destination.

Because when you want to embark on a trip that focuses on your personal health and wellness, skipping the big and bustling city is a must. While there is no right or wrong place for your own wellness, but certain places, like a tropical island do tend to work better. And what better alternative you can think of than a beach?

Boracay as wellness destination

Well, with its reputation as a party place, many might think Boracay is not the place to be for some healthy-minded travel. But it’s just a big misconception for this tropical paradise which remains to be a favorite wellness destination.

In fact, the island is teeming with places where you can relax, enjoy nature, and experience at least some peace and quiet. Yes, you read it right. The island is a perfect balance for your active vacation and some rest and relaxation afterwards.

If you needed more specific reasons why Boracay should be you next wellness destination, here are some:

Boracay is a spa haven; in fact, you can even have a massage at the beach. You can actually book a massage at your own room or at the in-house spa of your hotel. The island also has hundreds of restaurants with some specializing on healthy eating options. One of which is 7Stones Boracay Suites’ very own 7th Note Café which serves gulten-free food.

With a number of beaches to choose from, you’ll never miss a chance to relax while lazing at the beach. You can reduce your stress while lying on the powdery-white sand of the White Beach.Go kiteboarding or just watch the sporty ones at Bulabog Beach.Take a visit to Puka and Ilig-Iligan with both incomparable beaches and views as well.

Trying any of water sports activities while on your Boracay vacation is also one definite way to de-stress. Go on an island-hopping activity, jump off a cliff, witness the sunset while on a paraw or ride a banana boat, there’s just too many reasons why Boracay Island is a wellness destination.

And lastly, with its unique island vibe, meet locals and other travelers to share the joy of travel and the goodness it brings to your wellbeing.