HomeAsiaPhilippinesVisayasAklanBoracayThe Other Side of Boracay: My Relaxing Summer Break By Marcos Detourist on July 21, 2010While backpacking may be my traveling style of choice, I also get the urge to take a break once in a while so I can relax and clear my mind especially after a long backpacking trip. Despite the thousands of tourists flocking to Boracay every summer, there’s still a lot of space for relaxation. It’s only a matter of looking for the right spots. Puka Beach, Boracay IslandMost people would think of Boracay as crowded with tourists and packed with resorts, restaurants, and bars with no place to get some peace and quiet. Then again, most people who visit Boracay, as I’ve noticed, spend too much time inside their hotel rooms and almost never venture out of White Beach. Outside White Beach, the rest of Boracay is surprisingly not as chaotic and provides ample space for some privacy. One such place is the northern part of Boracay Island called Yapak. Last summer, me and a few other bloggers were invited to stay in Alta Vista de Boracay, located on the hills of Yapak, to experience the “other side” of Boracay.Alta Vista de BoracayThe first time I went to Alta Vista de Boracay, I can already feel a sense of privacy … which is a rare occurrence if I were staying in White Beach. Their carefully landscaped gardens and Malayan inspired architecture is also a pleasant treat for the eyes. At the highest point of Alta Vista de Boracay is their spacious reception area, restaurant, and gorgeous infinity pool. It’s a great spot to lounge around for hours on end to read a good book, listen to your favorite tunes, dip in the pool for a refreshing swim, or just enjoy the view and watch the play of warm colors during sunset.Firedance Show and Poolside DinnerDuring the evening, we were treated with a sumptuous dinner buffet at the poolside and entertained with a flaming firedance show set to the beat of tribal drum music.Palassa SpaAfter allowing the delicious food to set, it was time for the in-room massage courtesy of the Palassa Spa at Alta Vista de Boracay. They have a variety of massage and spa treatments available. I decided to indulge in their signature Palassa massage. It wasn’t long after the soothing massage that I entered a deep relaxing sleep. Next thing I knew, it was already morning. The sunny weather was so nice and inviting, I couldn’t that wait to go out and spend time at the beach.Quick Visit to Shangri-la BoracayI didn’t actually visit Shangri-la Boracay during this particular trip but the luxury resort is just next door from Alta Vista de Boracay. Everyone (even if your not a guest) is welcome at Shangri-la to try our their multiple dining options. Last time I was there, I had a delightful taste of their signature Hainan Chicken and made a tour of their sprawling resort complex. I particularly loved their hilltop loft villas and the bar on top of a rock cliff dividing their two private beaches.Picnic Lunch at Puka BeachPuka Beach is just a few minutes away from the resort. It is known for its Puka Shells, which is used to make shell crafts and jewelry. The beach is largely undeveloped and offers a glimpse of Boracay in its more pristine form when tourism in the island was still in its infancy stages. We had a picnic BBQ lunch on the beach and had a wonderful time soaking up the beautiful tropical scenery.Parasailing in BoracayWe went to White Beach for some water activities after lunch. At the top of our list was to try parasailing. It was my first time and I was so excited! I didn’t realize that it was such a great endorphin rush.Fun fact: Endorphin is known as the feel good hormone released by the body during feelings of exhilaration brought on by pain, danger, or other forms of stress.Please excuse the excessive bleepingParaw Sailing in BoracayWe mellowed things out, later that day, by taking a leisurely paraw cruise off the coast of White Beach to enjoy Boracay’s famed sunset. A paraw is a type of traditional sailcraft in the Philippines. The sunset was perfect and the soothing cruise at the coast made for a great experience.Nightouts in White BeachNext up was another buffet dinner, but this time we were at the beachfront area of White Beach. Afterwards, I met up with a few of my other friends and stayed for a few more nights in Station 3. There’s nothing better than being with close friends. Our evenings were packed with nightouts in White Beach chugging down ice cold beers at the beach under the bright stars and flickering disco lights.Places to go in Boracay to Escape the Tourist CrowdHere’s a few places in Boracay outside the crowded White Beach if you’re looking for a place where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the comfort of peace and privacy:Puka Beach – located at the northernmost tip of Boracay. It is accessible by a 20 minute tricycle ride from the highway.Mount Luho – the highest point in Boracay located at the northern part of Boracay. Accessible by a 15 minute tricycle ride from the highway.Bulabog Beach – located on the central part of Boracay, opposite White Beach. It is a short five minute walk from D* Mall in Station 2 of White BeachSouthernend of Station 3, White Beach – accessible on foot and is the least crowded area in the four kilometer White BeachLapuz-Lapuz Beach – a series of beach coves located near Fairways and Blue Waters golf course on the northeastern side of Boracay. It is accessible by boat from White Beach.My summer getaway in Boracay was a much needed time to rest my worn down muscles and soothe my mind from the overwhelming experience and demands of backpacking. It was a total treat for the senses, a recharge before moving back to the usual affairs of daily life. In addition, it was such perfect timing that I had the chance to visit Boracay last summer after a hectic 3-week trip to Manila (for the Aliwan 2010), Thailand, Cambodia, and Banaue.Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Revisiting Boracay | April 2008One Hot and Exciting Week in BoracayCebu Pacific “Wandering Juan” Travel Blog…Bike Tour of BoracayAdventure trip to the enchanted Isla de Gigantes in Carles…Saud Beach Homestay in Pagudpud, Ilocos NorteComments Boracay Hotels saysJuly 23, 2010 at 11:30 amLovely photos, There’s a good atmosphere here, You got a right decision because boracay is the best ever…Tanya Gemarin ph1l1p saysJuly 25, 2010 at 3:19 pmjust dropping by…great photos btw. chymera00 saysJuly 26, 2010 at 6:00 pmThanks Tanya and Phillip :) laag girl saysMay 11, 2011 at 2:38 pmhi there. nice blog that tempt me to pack my things and explore boracay again. may i ask if how much will it cost me to dine in shangrila and a lunch in puka beach? just to be prepared hehehe! thanks. chymera00 saysMay 18, 2011 at 6:31 pmI think buffet breakfast/lunch is around P2-3K per person … If you’re ordering ala carte, I guess it’ll run around P1K per person. We had a private function at puka beach that was serviced by Alta Vista Resort, I don’t know how much it’ll cost. Bring packed lunch and having a picnic at Puka Beach, it also an option. laag girl saysMay 19, 2011 at 7:07 amthanks chymera00. hav fun on all ur trips. chymera00 saysMay 19, 2011 at 6:16 pmyou too laag girl ^_^ Frederick saysOctober 29, 2011 at 10:34 pmGreat article and photos…Me and my wife had our honeymoon last Sept. 2011 in Boracay and indeed, it is one of the best place to visit here in the country. We visited Puka beach and the view was very amazing. It’s a very romantic place as well since it’s not as crowded as in the other side. Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
Boracay Hotels saysJuly 23, 2010 at 11:30 amLovely photos, There’s a good atmosphere here, You got a right decision because boracay is the best ever…Tanya Gemarin
laag girl saysMay 11, 2011 at 2:38 pmhi there. nice blog that tempt me to pack my things and explore boracay again. may i ask if how much will it cost me to dine in shangrila and a lunch in puka beach? just to be prepared hehehe! thanks.
chymera00 saysMay 18, 2011 at 6:31 pmI think buffet breakfast/lunch is around P2-3K per person … If you’re ordering ala carte, I guess it’ll run around P1K per person. We had a private function at puka beach that was serviced by Alta Vista Resort, I don’t know how much it’ll cost. Bring packed lunch and having a picnic at Puka Beach, it also an option.
Frederick saysOctober 29, 2011 at 10:34 pmGreat article and photos…Me and my wife had our honeymoon last Sept. 2011 in Boracay and indeed, it is one of the best place to visit here in the country. We visited Puka beach and the view was very amazing. It’s a very romantic place as well since it’s not as crowded as in the other side.