Destinations

8 Things to do in Boracay (aside from just going swimming or partying)

Here are – at least – eight things you can do when in Boracay (aside from just going swimming to savor the “paradise-ness” of the place, or partying when the sun sets).

Published

6 years ago

February 3, 2017

Mikee dela Cruz

Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan has long been considered a tropical paradise. And rightly so, with its (start the clichés associated with being a tropical paradise) blue waters mirroring the sky, sugar-fine white sand, et cetera… After all, when in this place identified by so many international bodies as a must-visit (particularly in Southeast Asia, if not the whole world), you are certain to be at a loss for word to describe how beauteous a place can be.

Add to this the “conversion” mostly of White Beach as a party scene, with so many flocking particularly at specific dates when the island becomes a party haven (e.g. LaBoracay during Labor Day), and you have a place that is certain to guarantee fun in and out of the waters…

Due to the emphasis on these, though – i.e. Boracay being a tropical paradise, and being a party place – so many of the other activities that can be had there can be missed. And I tell you, there are more than can be counted.

Here are – at least – eight things you can do when in Boracay (aside from just going swimming to savor the “paradise-ness” of the place, or partying when the sun sets):

Paraw sailing

For those familiar with how the beach area of White Beach has evolved in the last, say, 20 years, I’m sure you can still recall when the bangka (dinghies) were allowed to “park” right in front of White Beach (for loading and unloading of passengers/tourists). But when the wharf was moved elsewhere, this was barred.

But nowadays, particularly just before sunset, water vehicles abound by the beach (again), this time for tourists who want to be on the waters to watch, say, the sunset. As it affords unobstructed views of the same, this one’s worth experiencing.

Note that rates vary; so learn to haggle.

Drive AVT

Boracay is a beach, right? Yes… and no. Inland, there’s a world worth discovering; and one of the best ways to do this is by driving all terrain vehicles (ATV). Pay a fee of P600 to drive the ATV for approximately two hours (the fee includes entrances to the Aviary and Ocean Tower). Can’t drive? Don’t worry; you’ll be briefed on how to do this (and no license is required).

Segway

Head to Fairways & Bluewater, a 150-hectare property occupying 10% of the whole island of Boracay, to experience what was once considered as the “alternative mode of transportation of the future” (that scooter-like equipment from “Mall Cop”). A total of six (6) Segway machines are inside Fairways & Bluewater. The Segway Track measures 20 meters by 15 meters, so you have plenty of space to discover – and to see for yourself that, yes, there’s more to Boracay than just its waters.

FAIRWAYS & BLUEWATER IS A 150-HECTARE PROPERTY, OCCUPYING 10% OF THE WHOLE ISLAND OF BORACAY. IT HAS SOME OF THE OFF-THE-TRACK OFFERINGS ON THE ISLAND, INCLUDING SEGWAY RIDING, HORSEBACK RIDING AND ZIP LINING.

Horseback riding

At Fairways & Bluewater, the horseback riding trail goes all the way from the Family Clubhouse to the Back 9 of the golf course – in total lasting for an hour or so. We’ve all seen horses running by the beach (e.g. Remember the “Huntsman”? Or even “Pinakamagandang Hayop sa Balat ng Lupa”? Or even the White Castle Whiskey ads?), and know how beautiful – if not poetic – this can be. Here’s a chance to experience that.

There are seven horses available for horseback riding activities. With this number, there are enough horses to take families or couples in pre-determined horseback riding paths around the resort.

Try the zip line

Still inside Fairways & Bluewater is a zip line that measures 620 meters long. So for those who want a bird’s eye view of parts of the island, this is a chance to do this.

Outsiders can book any of the activities inside the resort through Fairways & Bluewater’s Guest Services Department.

Helmet diving

Turning into a mermaid (by renting those “tails”) is already a known activity in Boracay. But here’s another chance to be one of the seas creatures (not just be one with them): helmet diving. For P500, you can dress to mimic someone from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, walk underwater, feed the fish, et cetera.

Jet ski

This is one of the costlier activities, with fees starting at P1,000 for (only) 15 minutes. But if you’ve ever seen a James Bond movie, and have ever wanted to know how it feels like to “drive” on water, this is your chance to do so.

Parasailing

Yet another costly activity in Boracay (around P1,800 to P2,500 for 15 minutes), this is – nonetheless – an activity that is worth considering, particularly by couples (or even close friends). After all, just how many times can one get off the land (the Wright brothers would be so proud!); and be able to take selfies doing so?

See, Boracay may be well known now for its waters that never fail to lure; or even for its wild, wild parties that people flock to particularly on specific seasons. But truly, when there, you don’t even have to look hard to see the numerous other activities that can be enjoyed and by themselves could be the very reasons to visit the island.

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Believing that knowing on its own is not good enough, "you have to share what you know, too", Mikee dela Cruz gladly shares through his writing. A (BA) Communication Studies graduate, he had stints with UNAIDS, UNICEF and Ford Foundation, among others, writing "just about everything". Read on as he does some sharing through Zest Magazine.

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Filipinos are traveling for longer, enjoying immersive travel

Two long years of being confined at home during the pandemic left Liezl and her family longing for a chance to unwind and explore new horizons. Winning The Fly and Live Anywhere campaign felt like destiny — and offered them the perfect opportunity to discover off-the-beaten-path destinations they had always dreamed of visiting, and to create new memories together.

Published

13 hours ago

May 30, 2023

ZestMag.com Staff

Gone are the days of rushed vacations and packed itineraries, as Filipinos seek slower, more meaningful travel experiences. With bookings for long-term stays on Airbnb growing more than 2.5x year-on-year in 2022, it’s clear that Filipino travelers are embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and staying in one place for longer periods.

Take it from Liezl Sophia Jose, winner of Airbnb’s Fly and Live Anywhere contest, as she chronicles her travel experience, tips, and lessons learned from her family’s month-long adventure around the country.

Finding a home away from home

“An adventure doesn’t always have to be in far-flung regions or the most popular destinations, because there are so many choices in our beautiful islands. Some natural wonders are practically in our backyards,” Liezl shared.

During the course of their month-long adventure, the family explored Dumaguete, Boracay, Cagayan de Oro. They rediscovered the rural charm and local food scene of different cities, stunning beaches and sunsets, and enjoyed a spot of adrenaline-filled whitewater rafting. They also took road trips to Rizal and Batangas, where they enjoyed the picturesque natural scenery and countryside.

For Liezl and her family, the contest was not only a chance to travel again, but a chance to embrace a new way of life. As they explored the country’s hidden gems, the family discovered the joys of living like a digital nomad as they worked and took remote school from anywhere.

A guide for modern travelers

Here are Liezl’s top tips for anyone planning a multi-city adventure:

For those booking longer stays, search for Airbnb Stays with reliable WiFi connection and essentials like drinking water, bathroom essentials, and kitchen amenities like a microwave oven and coffee maker. These small things really help make you feel like you’re living in a home away from home!
If you intend to experience local culture in your destination city, markets are always a good starting point – by walking around you get to explore the neighborhood and learn more about the local food, people, language, and lifestyle.
Travel light and triple-check airlines and airport transfers in case a schedule change happens at the last minute.
Finally, put the phone down every so often. Take your time. Immerse in your surroundings. Respect the locals. Breathe the fresh air. Soak in the view. Hug a tree. Bathe in the sun’s rays. Be grateful!

For Liezl, the month-long getaway with her loved ones allowed her to pause, reset and enjoy life as it comes, “No two sunsets are the same. Each one is different. Yet, it comes from the same sun. It doesn’t matter where we are; we belong anywhere we choose to make our home for the day.”

Travel

Get paid to travel with ShopBack Travel Club

ShopBack Travel Club is an influencer showdown and user content contest that would reward winners with a free trip abroad and exclusive travel perks as part of the “club.” The launch took place last May 23 in Makati.

Published

5 days ago

May 26, 2023

ZestMag.com Staff

ShopBack – Asia Pacific’s leading shopping, rewards, and payments platform is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest project – ShopBack Travel Club.

The project is in line with the continued growth that ShopBack is seeing amongst its travel merchants this 2023. During the first quarter of 2023, ShopBack saw an increase of more than 20% in average transaction value and observed a 3x growth in GMV vs. 2022 for the travel category.

“Revenge Travel” is indeed projected to continue and ShopBack Travel Club is the brand’s response to this growth as it continues to revolutionize the way users embark on their dream getaways by offering exclusive promotions, irresistible discounts, and huge cashback rewards.

For the contest, users and content creators will get a chance to win exclusive perks and prizes.

Free hotels stays in Bali from partner hotels of Agoda and Booking.com
Other discounts and perks from Klook and other partners

The campaign would kick off with a showdown between two groups of influencers who are being sent to Boracay this May 26 to outdo each other with travel content. The official hotel partner for the trip is Hue Hotels and Resorts Boracay. Aside from a free trip and perks, the winning influencers would also be the face of ShopBack’s travel campaign for the year.

Users can join the contest by simply uploading travel videos on Tiktok and Instagram Reel. Users just need to mention the event tagline: “Get paid to travel with ShopBack.” Their videos would have to tag @shopbackph and have the hashtag #ShopBackTravelClub.

The contest would be judged by pioneer travel influencer Patrice Averilla (known as an Avelovinit on social media) and official media partner Tripzilla.ph. Winners would be determined based on the following criteria: 40% judges scores, 30% reach on Tiktok and Instagram reel views, and 30% likes, comments, and shares.

To learn more about the mechanics, users may visit this link: https://app.shopback.com/JoinSBTravelClub

“Users are already enjoying great savings by earning cashback from our travel partners. One user even earned P99K in cashback from booking their travels through ShopBack last year! ShopBack Travel Club is our way of making things even more exciting and a showcase of our commitment to enabling users to have the best travel deals.” says Raenald de Jesus, Head of Marketing for ShopBack Philippines.

Winners would be announced in time for ShopBack’s 8th birthday celebration which happens from June 15 to June 22 with an event in Glorietta from June 17-18 2023.

Travel

Emirates announces new offer for travelers planning to visit Dubai this summer

Published

1 week ago

May 22, 2023

ZestMag.com Staff

Emirates announced an exciting new offer for travelers planning to visit Dubai this summer. Starting from May 22,2023 to June 11, 2023, people who purchase an Emirates return ticket in First Class or Business Class to or stopping over in Dubai, will be able to enjoy a complimentary two night stay at 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central. While for those traveling in Premium Economy Class or Economy Class, can enjoy a complimentary one night stay at Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai.

This special offer is valid for all return tickets to or stopping over in Dubai for more than 24 hours, for travel dates between May 26, 2023 and August 31, 2023. The offer is available on bookings made on emirates.com or Emirates call centre or ticket offices and via participating travel agents, made at least 96 hours in advance of passengers’ arrival.

Based right next to Dubai’s iconic Museum of the Future, the 5* 25hours Hotel Dubai One Central draws inspiration from traditional Bedouin culture and design, but with a modernised twist. Lose yourself in a culinary experience from North Indian Cuisines to Bavarian beer across the five amazing in-house restaurant and bars all over the hotel. If you’re looking to relax, travelers can unwind in the Extra Hour Spa, a unique, rooftop sauna that overlooks the stunning city of Dubai.

Located within the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DWTC), Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai, gives off a luxurious yet homely vibe right in the heart of Dubai. Relax by the pool and enjoy signature cocktails and light meals from Chills Pool Bar, and cap your adventure off with listening to a live music performance at the soul soothing Blue Bar. Whether traveling alone or as a family, make Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai your place to stay.

Explore more of Dubai with Emirates

Whether it’s cooling down in private pools or enjoying family fun at indoor theme parks and water parks, there is something for every traveler when visiting Dubai this summer. From sun-soaked beaches and cultural activities to world class hospitality and leisure facilities, Dubai offers a variety of world-class experiences for every visitor:

My Emirates Pass: Customers flying to or through Dubai can simply show their boarding pass and a valid form of identification to hundreds of retail, leisure, and dining outlets, as well as famous attractions and luxury spas, to enjoy fantastic discounts throughout Dubai and the UAE. To see all My Emirates Pass offers, please visit https://www.emirates.com/ph/english/experience/my-emirates-pass/.
Skywards Partners: Members of Emirates’ award-winning loyalty program, Skywards, can earn Miles with our worldwide partners like hotels, airlines, car rentals, retail and banking. Members can spend these Miles on reward tickets, upgrades, or even tickets for concerts and sports events. Learn more about Emirates Skywards here: https://www.emirates.com/english/skywards/.

Emirates has safely restarted operations to more than 130 destinations, across six continents and currently operates 25 flights per week from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Dubai.