YOU NEED A 2-HOUR BUS RIDE, 2-HOUR RORO RIDE, ANOTHER 3-HOUR BUS RIDE AND ANOTHER 4 HOUR RORO RIDE, A 15-MINUTE BOAT RIDE, AND FINALLY A TRICYCLE RIDE TO REACH BORACAY VIA ROAD TRIP FROM MANILA.
PREPPING FOR THE TRIP
Contents
1 PREPPING FOR THE TRIP
2 HERITAGE TRAIL
3 NATURE ADVENTURE
4 FOOD TRIP
5 LOCAL FINDS
6 BOARD AND LODGING
7 GETTING AROUND
We boarded a bus going to Batangas from the terminal in Pasay early one morning. After two hours of land travel with an hour of dozing off inside the bus, we finally arrived at the Batangas Port. We bought the ticket at the terminal and boarded one of the RORO vessels. It was still early when we got to the pier so we were able to settle down comfortably inside the ship. I had a heavy breakfast before leaving the house but I started to feel a little hungry and found myself in the commissary area of the ship thirty minutes after it has started to sail. Munching on noodles, I decided to stay at the outside deck instead of the passengers lounge to enjoy the morning view.
It was refreshing to be at the middle of the sea, away from the usual traffic and chaos of the city. Clear blue skies promised an enjoyable weather and an even more fun summer adventure for me and my friends. I’m the up-for-anything type of traveler but I have an QC (obsessive—compulsive) friend, who is also doing this for the first time. She listed down the itinerary for the trip and gave each one a copy (though I know she’s the only one Who is going to look at it). I found myself unfolding it, just out of curiosity. We’ve pompleted the first two parts of the journey —- getting to Batangas Port and riding the RORO to Calapan, Oriental Mindoro.
The next part would be a bus ride from Calapan to Roxas City. I did not notice that two hours had already passed and some of my friends had woken up and started to join me on the deck for a quick chitchat. A few minutes later, the RORO ship finally docked at the Calapan Port. From the Port, we boarded a bus headed to Bgy. Dangay in Roxas City. After three hours of land travel we finally saw the Roxas Port signage.
It was already 1pm when we arrived so we opted to indulge in some food in one of the restaurants in the eastern part of the port. After having our tummies filled with late lunch, we boarded the RORO vessel bound for Caticlan. This ship is slightly bigger than the one that departed from Batangas. It took us another four hours to get to Caticlan. While on the ship, we stayed in the passenger lounge area because the sun was already scorching hot outside and I wanted to save my sunscreen for frolicking on the sandy shores of Boracay.
A game of cards was our chosen activity to while away the hours. After a number ofwins and numerous folds, our four hour sea journey finally timed out and we arrived at the port of Caticlan. With all our baggage and what—have—you’s, shades and cap OIL we went on our way to ride the boat that took us to Boracay’s jetty port. The boat ride took a little over 15 minutes and finally, after another tricycle ride (we had two tricycles to accommodate our group), we were able to check in at our hotel... and for the next three days, we were officially beach bums.
After too much sun, water, beach volleyball, banana boat rides, island hopping and beach parties, we decided to get ourselves not just a tan but some cultural immersion. The remaining days of our vacation were spent exploring the island of Aklan, specifically Kalibo and the other neighboring towns.
HERITAGE TRAIL
In the Kalibo town proper, we visited the Aklan Freedom Shrine, a monument dedicated to the 19 martyrs ofAklan who mounted their own revolution against Spain. We also visited the Kalibo Cathedral, built in 1581 and the oldest religious structure in the province. It was renovated in 1993 by National Artist Leandro V. Locsin.
We did not miss going to the Museo it Akean at Martelino cor. Burgos Sts. that featured artifacts showcasing Aklan’s proud history. I remember reading about the Code of Kalantiaw in one of my history classes and we were able to get a glimpse of this fabled manuscript at the historical museum and shrine in Batan, south of Kalibo.
We discovered that beyond Boracay, Aklan is blessed with rich natural resources that are also spectacular tourist attractions.
NATURE ADVENTURE
We were amazed with the Bakhawan Eco-Park (Php 15 entrance fee) in New Buswang Mangrove, Kalibo (accessible via public transportation). It features a bamboo eco-walk that offers a glimpse of the 75 —hectare mangrove reforestation site. Boat tours are also available. The park also houses the Pifia Village, which showcases the artistry ofweaving the prized pifia cloth. The town ofNabas (1 hr from Kalibo, 20 min from Caticlan) is an eco—tourist’s haven. It is one of the few remaining rainforests in the Philippines with an endemic biodiversity.
There are also several cold springs and waterfalls in Nabas but due to lack of time we were not able to visit all of them. These include the Igpangi Falls, Magirok Falls, Magsulong Falls, Pinatuad Falls, Sakaan Falls, Sayaw Falls, Tagubtub Falls, Sumalaysay Falls and the Huromhurom cold springs. Nabas also has a winding, 21 km coastline featuring the Subongcogon Diving Point. The municipality of Buruanga (2 hours from Kalibo via van) is another top destination for eco- adventurers, with the island’s best diving spot, Batasan Point. Buruanga also boasts of grandiose caves such as Sabang Cave, an elevated cave that offers a view of the coastline. Ignito Cave is the longest cave in Aklan, lined with an array of crystalline stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by the waters that drift in and out of the cave.
After the six days that we spent in Aklan, and having earned not just bragging rights for our tan lines, but also some marks for cultural and nature immersion, it was time to go home. So offwe went, happy and excited for the next opportunity to hop on another ship and sail to another wonderful destination in our country.
FOOD TRIP
When in Boracay, don’t forget to try Jonas Milkshakes, the Chori Burger, Gastoff ribs at d’Mall, Greek cuisine at the original Cyma, and the illusion shaker at the Coco mangas shooter bar. Outside Boracay, local and sometimes exotic delicacies take the spotlight at food joints and even ambulant Vendors —- an assortment of kakanin, chicken binacol, suman sa ibus, puto balingka, and tamiloc, or wood worms Lyca, Sampaguita Gardens and Sikini restaurants in New Washington also offer a fresh seafood smorgasbord like no other.
LOCAL FINDS
Boracay has all the beach- themed souvenirs all your friends and family back home expect you to bring them — key chains, refrigerator magnets, shellcraft, and t-shirts, ranging from Php 10 to Php 300. Truly unique pifia and abaca items are to be found in Kalibo and all across Aklan, which celebrate the centuries-old tradition of artisans in the province. Red clay, transformed into 3 crockery and novelty items, is another unique find — the specialty of the municipality of Lezo.
BOARD AND LODGING
BAKAWAN INN [KHIJBU] tel. no. 036-268-8033 Located right at the heart of mangrove country, the Bakawan Inn has six private rooms with private rooms with 2 bedrooms each, and 2 dorm type rooms. Rooms are air- conditioned with cable TV.
SAMPAGUITA GARDENS [NEW WASHINGTON] tel. no. 02-897-8709 A multi—awarded resort slowly rising to fame in Aklan, Sampaguita Gardens celebrates Christmas all year-round with a special attraction known as ]ojo’s Christmas Cottage. Aside from a wide array of accommodations, the resort also houses a butterfly farm, a fine—dine restaurant fusing Thai and Chinese cuisines, and a world-class spa.
DISCOVERY SHORES [BORACAY] tel.no. 02—719—8888 Located at a prime spot in Station 1 and perched atop a slope, Discovery Shores is a posh place to stay in Boracay, with the best View of the beach and the picturesque sunset. The resort features a 14—m waterfall flowing from an infinity pool down to the swimming pool.
GETTING AROUND
All towns and municipalities of Aklan can be reached via bus or Van. Around town, tricycles can be hired for transportation.
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