[ukposter]

Would anyone who has been to Boracay recommend this place for a week's visit or so?

I have read all the websites and it certainly seems nicer than Cebu if a little more difficult to access.

I have never been to the Philippines and would be grateful for recommemndations as to flights, hotels etc. Budget-wise, I would pay up to about 150/200USD a night but it seems like this isn't the sort of place with that many luxury hotels (which is fine as many of those I have stayed in are quite souless). Ideally, I'd like a boutique, luxury hotel but not sure of there are any there. Otherwise recommendations for any nice places would be gratefully received.

Is it pretty reasonable when you are out there (eating/drining out etc)?

What about the nightlife in general (and ease of getting around)? We are a couple in late twenties so would like some decent bars/clubs etc.

Finally, I imagine it's pretty good for diving?

Many thanks in advance.

[oliever]

you may want to check other similar post:
Boracay

Boracay is a very nice place. If you are planning to go there the best time is during summer (starts March in the Philippines). You can fin lots of Luxury Resorts there, often small ones because it is still a remote place. The government is restricting major developments to preserve its natural "look". You can find sites, often travel agencies that offer great services from the airport and back. Better get reservation if you are going there during the peak season. Or if you are the adventurous kind of person you can query the place on the spot. Filipinos are friendly and hospitable, they are willing to help even strangers from foreign countries. Also English is the second language so communication wont be a struggle. Good luck on your trip. Please do visit the Philippines!

[hbrand]

Hello! We just went to Boracay for Christmas and it rocked. We loved the atmosphere, it is really really cheap and there is loads to do. Beautiful beach and great restaurants. The entire beach is lined with bars and restaurants. The partying doesn't really start until after 11pm, check out 'Summer Place'. They have these brilliantly cheap fruit cocktails and the sunset is second to none.

I wouldn't say the diving is very good though, having dived in Mexico, Great Barrier Reef, NSW (Australia) and Sipadan Island I'd say it is very average. Apparently the conditions change quite a bit, but there was limited coral and we had to feed the fish to make them come... not very big either. They have an OK wreck dive. Apparently Palawan is awesome for wreck diving though.

If you go def hire motorbikes to cruise around (or scooters). We had a really awesome trip, only negative is everyone is trying to make a dollar so lots of toots, but that's part and parcel of it really. have fun if you go..

I forgot to say Nigi Nigi Noo Noos looks good, Friday's is far away from the action (walking terms)

[SalseroHK]

Originally Posted by hbrand

I forgot to say Nigi Nigi Noo Noos looks good, Friday's is far away from the action (walking terms)

stayed at nigi nigi 3 years ago and loved it!
nice rooms and great cocktails

[Expatriate]

Well, to get around you can walk. Boracay is as big as Cheung Chau or Lamma.

The boat that gets you there is an outrigger and you might have to jump into the water at the beach, if they didn't finish that pier they built last time I went there.

For 150 USD you can get a room in Boracay. But for 20 USD probably as well.

Going there involves a flight to Manila, then another flight to one of two destinations on the island near Boracay, and a boat trip from that island to Boracay. From one of the airports you need to take a bus to the ferry pier, from the other airport you don't.

I enjoyed the food in one of the many beach restaurants, the diving school and the owners of the small hostel at the back of the other ones away from the beach, but with lots of fresh air going through the cabin without the need of an aircon or a fan, and a nice sea view.

[echance]

I flew Cathay Pacific HKG-MNL and then had a package arranged with SEAIR for the domestic flight and hotel. The only minor issue was that I had to pay SEAIR by wire transfer...really no problems though and it was much cheaper than Cathay Pacific's packages. If you don't mind the cost you should stay at Friday's. Seair also had Friday's in their packages. Check out SEAIR's website. All arrangements can be done via e-mail. It is very very nice. I would say it is the best that I saw.

[Bano]

Yeah, it's pretty good.

stayed at Willys, pretty good aswell.

enjoy

[sirenna]

Sorry to say, the local authorities don't seem to be regulating the development here AT ALL! You've only got to take a look at the huge concrete Regency Hotel ('natural look'? I think not) and all the other ugly city style buildings that have sprung up on the beachfront recently.
At the nothern end of the island, one of the nicest areas of tropical forested hillside, home to rare fruit bats, is being destroyed to make way for a new hotel development.
The island is still beautiful, but won't be for much longer I fear. Stay away from the overdeveloped area at station 2, and find a place at the northern end of White Beach (luxury) or the southern end (more peaceful, budget).