It took us forever to reach Boracay but the next five days proved that the long arduous journey was totally worth it. The flight departed Singapore at 11 am and we reached Kalibo Airport at about 3 pm. It took us one hour to clear immigration and by the time we stumbled out onto the hot asphalt outside the airport, all but one bus providers were shut for the day. So we went with South West Tours and were packed into a large uncomfortable bus for a two hour journey to Caticlan Jetty. We paid 525P for a package that included the bus ride, the boat ride, and all the necessary environmental fees. We stopped at a rest area where we finally had some food before we continued on our journey. The Caticlan Jetty was a mess and there were just people everywhere. We were herded like sheep from the bus through the gantries in the jetty and somehow onto a boat. We were completely unsure about what happened and frankly we did not care. We were way too exhausted and hungry to bother much. When we finally reached the Boracay Jetty, we were packed onto various vans that took us through the darkness and dropped us off at our respective hotels. By the time we reached Punta Rosa Boutique Hotel at the far flung corner of Station 1, it was 7 pm and we were famished.
We booked a Superior Room at Punta Rosa which was a large room for two people. Punta Rosa was rustic and homely. There was no lift so you have to be prepared to climb the stairs. We returned one night to a swamp of flies in the room and another night to a large moth at the door. If you mind being around flies and such, then Punta Rosa is not suitable for you.
If you are staying at Punta Rosa, I would also suggest that you try not to arrange your activities through the hotel. I tried to book a paraw sunset cruise through the receptionist who promptly referred me to her colleague. Her colleague then led me out of the resort to the narrow strip outside to meet his "friend" who quoted me an exorbitant rate of 2500P for an hour on the paraw. I told him I did not require the entire paraw to myself and would be glad to share with others so that the cost could be reduced but he refused. The resort staff then urged me to join his "friend" for the sunset cruise because I would not know whether the paraws on the beach would be safe. I declined politely and decided to search for our paraw sunset cruise along the beach. I ended up with a very good bargain at one-fifth of the price by sharing the paraw with a few Koreans.
If you are staying at Punta Rosa, I would also suggest that you try not to arrange your activities through the hotel. I tried to book a paraw sunset cruise through the receptionist who promptly referred me to her colleague. Her colleague then led me out of the resort to the narrow strip outside to meet his "friend" who quoted me an exorbitant rate of 2500P for an hour on the paraw. I told him I did not require the entire paraw to myself and would be glad to share with others so that the cost could be reduced but he refused. The resort staff then urged me to join his "friend" for the sunset cruise because I would not know whether the paraws on the beach would be safe. I declined politely and decided to search for our paraw sunset cruise along the beach. I ended up with a very good bargain at one-fifth of the price by sharing the paraw with a few Koreans.
Fast forward to breakfast on Day 2 which was served on the rooftop. Unlike the usual buffet style breakfast that we are accustomed to in hotels, Punta Rosa served individual breakfast from a menu. I ordered the same thing everyday for 6 days - omelette with cheese, mushrooms, bacon and tomatoes, and a Twining Green Tea. The view from the rooftop was marvelous and I just loved having breakfast looking at the clear blue sea in the distance.
Back to the night on Day 1. We left Punta Rosa in search of dinner and walked along the beach in the darkness. As Punta Rosa was situated on the furthest end of Station 1, almost at Diniwid Beach, we had to walk a long way before we reached any sign of civilization. As it was the first time we walked that stretch of beach in the darkness, we were basically groping around unknowingly. The walk was much more comforting on the subsequent nights when we knew where we were going.
We found Nigi Nigi and settled down for dinner. We ordered seafood, baked potatoes, and the first of what would be daily doses of San Miguel. The food was pretty disappointing and the fish was exceptionally bad. But we finished the prawns and baked potatoes because we were just so hungry and washed everything down with San Miguel. There was free wifi too so that was a perk.
We reached Manana Mexican Cuisine which is famous for their frozen margaritas. Manana Mexican Cuisine faces the beach and is somewhere between Station 1 and 2. We ordered two frozen margaritas and guacamole. The frozen mango margarita was really delicious and went very well with the guacamole and nachos. While we were enjoying the brain freeze which came with the frozen margarita, fireworks exploded in the night sky behind us. The fireworks lasted really long and sparks lit up the sky continuously while everybody watched.
We reached Station 2 and walked around for a bit before we were too tired to carry on anymore. We took a trike back to Punta Rosa for 100P. Prices tend to be pricier at night and we termed it the "midnight surcharge". Bargaining in the day worked sometimes but was completely useless at night. We showered and jumped into bed the minute our hair was somewhat dry. The generator failed twice that night and our electricity was cut for a few minutes each time. Was quite alarming when it first happened but we got used to it subsequently. A local told us that electrical outages were common during the peak months because the generators could not sustain the influx of tourists.
Read about Day 2, Day 3, Day 4 and Day 5!
No comments :
Post a Comment