Family Trip in Boracay

My parents have become fond of family trips right after our Hongkong-Macau last October that this year that they want to go to Boracay. So when the seat sale opportunity came last June, we booked a roundtrip ticket to Boracay which costs Php1800 per head (cdo-cebu-caticlan and vice versa).

So last July 8, we took the last flight to Cebu and waited overnight at the airport for our flight to Caticlan the next day. Waiting at the airport for more than 10 hours was very tiring but the good thing was that there were benches on the waiting area where we could lie down. Also, stores were nearby should we need to eat but sold at a higher price. Since we did not want to spend that much, we packed our own dinner and ate it at the airport.

The scenario at the airport while waiting for our flight.

Benches were not that comfortable but they'll suffice.

The flight to Boracay the next day was quite scary due to heavy turbulence. It was windy when we arrived and the skies looked gloomy like it's going to cry a thousand tears.

Since it's windy during the off peak months, the Caticlan Jetty Port is not available for passengers. Passengers must drive to Tabon Port via tricyle to board the boat to Boracay. We took the tricycle ride to Tabon port just outside the airport gates. Fare costs Php80 for the tricycle and Php25 for the boat.

The travel to Tabon port only took 15-20 minutes. Upon reaching the port, you have to pay another Php75 for the environmental fee and Php35 for the terminal fee.

It rained hard when we arrived at the port and we had to wait for another 15-20 minutes to board the boat. When finally boarded, the boat ride only took 15 minutes or so and it rained again when we arrived at the Boracay shores. We got soaked in the rain while trying to get a tricyle as it was a 3 minute walk from the shore. The tricycle fare to any station costs Php20 each.

It was still drizzling when we arrived at La Carmela de Boracay and some parts of Station 2 and 3 were flooded. This includes the pathway to where we were staying at - Travelodge Boracay in Station 2. We have no choice but to soak our feet into the flood (ankle length) to get to Travelodge. It may be not a good time to go to Boracay but I guess it's all part of the adventure. We were all up for it, even my parents didn't complain.

We were not able to check-in until 2pm so we left our stuff at their baggage area and had brunch at Andoks near D' Talipapa. We finally got checked-in when we went back to Travelodge. 

The room that we got had 2 queen sized bed, a vanity, small TV and a spacious bathroom. Airconditioning is quite okay. A good place to stay in Boracay when you're on a budget.

We rested for a few hours and waited for the rain to stop before we went out around 4pm to take a swim. 

The waves were too strong but we still enjoyed just meeting the waves as they come. It would rain from time to time and then it would stop again.

Here are photos on our first day:

My apologies for some photos with low quality. We didn't get to use our DSLR since it was raining. We used our iphones, sony underwater camera and xiaomi yi for groupies.

We won't miss going to Station 1 to try Jonah's shake but didn't stay for long as it started to get dark and it started to rain again. 

It was impossible to roam at night as it was raining hard. We also thought buying raincoats were too much as they were overpriced and were just disposable. We managed to buy dinner at Mang Inasal in D'mall and opted for take out instead.

That night, I was praying really hard that the rain would stop the next day and my family could get to experience a sunny day in Boracay. This was already my 4th time here and I have already experienced the best and worst days in it.

God answered my prayer the next day as it was a beautiful sunny morning in Boracay. 

Here are pictures on our second day:

Our lunch was one of the highlights for the day. We went to D'Talipapa to buy  fish and shrimps from the market, got it cooked nearby and voila fresh sea foods for lunch! 

YUMMY!

It costs cheaper than actually going to the restaurants in Station 2. Php1000 could be just for one person when dining on one of the restaurants. Back there at D'Talipapa, your Php 1000 is already good for 5 persons.

We bought pasalubongs at D'Talipapa and went back to our room to change and rest from our morning activities.

It was drizzling again in the afternoon but that didn't stop from us getting into the beach. 

Here are more photos on our second day:

Also, this time we toured Station 1 & 2 at night and got to try Crazy Crepes and watched a few fire dancers present along the beach.

And this ends our Boracay adventure. Though we didn't try the outdoor activities on the other island we got the chance to just to enjoy the place which was our main goal. My sister did want to try them but I'm sure this won't be the last time she goes to Boracay. She will have her time to travel and get to try those activities next time.

It was indeed a short and sweet trip in Boracay. Even though it was not as what we have expected, the trip turned out well. What matters most is amidst the rain, flood and all, my family and I got to share new memories together. Memories that we will treasure and bring with us when we get back. 

It is never truly good bye Boracay but until we meet again. xoxo <3

Here's our expenses in Boracay:

Fare to Tabon Port: Php 80 

Environmental Fee: Php 75

Terminal Fee: Php 35

Boat Fare: Php 25

Tricycle Fare to La Carmela: Php 20

Travelodge Boracay (3D2N): Php 3246

Food Allowance: Php 5,500

Jonah's Shake: Php120 

Tricycle back to Tabon Port: Php100 (1 tricycle that fits 5 pax)

Boat Fare: Php 25 

Terminal Fee: Php 30 

Tricycle ride back to airport: Php 80 per tricycle. We got 2 tricycles - Php160