Why do I keep coming back to Boracay?

“A tourist wants to escape life. A traveler wants to experience it.”

That is the line from a Netflix movie called 'A Tourist's Guide to Love' that got stuck in my head. This line made me contemplate which category I fall into. When I first had my solo travel to Boracay years ago, I would take a lot of picture starting from the airport, visit their famous long stretch of powdery white sand beach and take a tons of pictures on a different angles, and then return home without truly immersing myself in the culture or experiencing the essence of the destination. However, after hearing that line in the movie, it made me question my approach to travel.

I realized that I desired more than a superficial understanding of a place. Interacting with the locals and exploring off-the-beaten-path locations became important to me. Stepping out of my comfort zone, even as an introverted person like me, and embracing the unknown became my aspiration.

So, I suppose I am transitioning from being a mere tourist to becoming a traveler. I want to establish meaningful connections with the places I visit and depart with a sense of enrichment and fulfillment. Collecting experiences has become more important to me than collecting souvenirs, although I still gather souvenirs for my friends and colleagues, which often end up not being distributed to them, haha.

Now, to answer the question of why I keep coming back to Boracay—the answer is simple: IT IS A PARADISE! I understand that some of my friends might disagree, but everyone has their own preferences, right? Haha.

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I have visited Boracay during different seasons, sometimes going solo and sometimes with friends. The island holds a special place in my heart. It is where I learned to travel solo and not depend on someone else's itinerary but create my own.

Even though I have visited the island numerous times, I am still unable to explore all of its hidden gems.

These are the usual spots tourists visit when in Boracay.

Boracay's White Beach

Well, your trip won't be complete if you don't swim or take hundreds of pictures at the island's main attraction.

The main attraction stretches approximately 4 kilometers along the western side of the island and is divided into different stations. Station 1 is where the high-end hotels are located, while stations 2 and 3 are where most cheap hotels, hostels, restaurants, and diving shops can be found. These stations tend to be more crowded compared to Station 1.

Personally, I prefer to chill on the beaches of Station 1 because of the relaxed vibes it offers. There are no crowds of people blocking your view of the beach, allowing you to sit under the palm trees without distractions and take plenty of pictures without photo bombers.

Lambros Point

A few minutes' walk along the edge of Station 1 beach, you'll discover a pathway that winds through a cliffside, leading to a hidden gem known as Lambros Point. This pathway is adorned with a grotto of Mother Mary, adding a touch of serenity and spirituality to the journey. Beyond Lambros Point lies another beach—Diniwid Beach.

While Diniwid Beach may not boast the same fine sand as Boracay's White Beach, it offers something even more precious: a sense of tranquility. Here, you can escape the bustling crowds and the persistent vendors found on White Beach. Diniwid Beach provides a peaceful retreat, where you can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature undisturbed.

Puka Beach

Puka Beach is a stunning beach located on the northern part of Boracay. Its name is derived from the Puka shells that used to abundantly adorn its shores. Puka Beach stands out for its serene and less crowded ambiance, offering a refreshing contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Boracay's main White Beach.

While the sand on Puka Beach may have a slightly pebbly texture compared to the fine grains of White Beach, it remains one of the most popular destinations in Boracay.

You can reach the beach by taking a boat as part of the island hopping tour, or you have the option to hail a motorcycle or ride on their hop-on hop-off bus to get there.

Unlike White Beach, Puka Beach lacks luxurious hotels and high-end restaurants. It embodies the exact opposite of the vibrant and developed atmosphere found on Boracay's main stretch. Instead, Puka Beach offers a raw and unspoiled beauty, allowing visitors to revel in the simplicity and tranquility of nature. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the unadulterated allure of the beach.

Sunset at the White Beach

What better way to cap off the day than by watching the sun gracefully descend into the horizon? This is the experience that keeps drawing me back to Boracay. It may sound crazy, considering that sunsets can be admired almost anywhere in the Philippines, but there's something about Boracay's sunset that has captured my heart.

The first time I laid eyes on it a few years ago, it stirred up such strong emotions within me—I couldn't help but be moved. Haha, that's the kind of effect it has on me.

Pictures simply cannot do justice to the breathtaking display of colors painted across the sky as the sun dips below the horizon. The vibrant hues that streak through the clouds, the way the sunlight bathes everything in a golden glow—it's a sight that must be witnessed in person to truly appreciate its beauty. Boracay's sunset is a moment of pure magic, and each time I experience it, I am reminded of the incredible wonders this world has to offer.

There are still many spots in Boracay Island that I have yet to explore, and this is what compels me to return again and again in the future, for the nth time. Despite having visited the island multiple times, there is always something new to discover and experience. Whether it's the hidden coves, lesser-known beaches, or off-the-beaten-path trails, Boracay continues to entice me with its untapped wonders.

In the end, it is the allure of the undiscovered, the sense of belonging, and the tapestry of memories that continuously beckon me back to Boracay. With every return, I know that there will be more to explore, more to experience, and more to fall in love with on this paradise island.

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