Boracay Day 1

I have to say, the trip did not started off smoothly. Tigerairway got delayed by almost 2 hours plus and we did not know it as we did not have to do a counter check in. Oh well, the schedule was a little pretty tight for us as we read that the journey from Kalibo International Airport to Caticlan Jetty Port to Hotel would take us 2 - 3 hours. Thus, with the delay, the flight would reach Kalibo after 4pm and so, by the time we reached Boracay Island, we would have missed the sunset. Oh well, that's life. 

Okay, once we reached the Kalibo International Airport, we took around 30 minutes to clear the customs as there were not many immigration counters in the small airport. Forget about duty free shopping as I did not see much except maybe for a small shop after we cleared the customs. 

Do not feel lost once you got out of the airport. If you have booked your land transfer tickets, that's pretty good as you could head off to look for the concerned company. 

As for us, we decided to purchase ours on the spot as we read that it could be cheaper. Some company really quoted as low as 500 peso per person for the return trip. But it seems too good to be true, that we decided to head to the South West Tour counter. For the official internet price, they quoted 1,225 peso per person for door to door return services, inclusive of bus/ boat/ van/ government fees (environmental fee and terminal fee).  On the spot, they quoted 1,080 peso. Not a lot of discounts, though we mentioned that some friends paid 900 peso for the same service. Well, I guess the plane delay was a good catch for the companies as they knew that we could not afford to delay our trip.

Then there we started our 'road' trip to the jetty. We saw the sun setting and the sky began to turn dark. Not a very good way to start the trip as I felt lost in the darkness. But I have to praise the service of the South West Tour. They had people stationed at every pit stop to ensure that we were on the correct path to the ferry. But do note, if you can carry your own luggage and if you do not wish to have a porter, please hold your luggage close to you and reject any help from anyone. At times, you might think that they were staff of the company, but in actual fact, they were free lance porters who would collect tips from you. 

Alright, after the bus ride, after the ferry ride and the van ride, we finally reached Red Coco Inn Boracay in darkness. A group of friendly staff welcomed us and that was really great. We did the check in, get into the room to rest a bit before hunger strike us. We decided to head outside with the directions from the hotel crew.

Not having our orientation clear and not knowing what to eat, we stumbled upon Tilapia n’ Chips. Well, the name of shop determined my first meal in Boracay - Golden Fried Tilapia. We ordered the set menu for the Golden Fried Tilapia which comes with rice, a side (coleslaw or fries) and chicken noodle soup brownie and a glass of ice lemon tea. All in for 380 peso which was quite a good deal. 

Alight, skip the chicken noodle soup if you do not like pretty salty stuff. The highlight of the meal was simply the Tilapia fish. The service crew was nice and taught us how to make the sauce for the dip. It was simply fish sauce, with lime and chili. Simple, yet nice! The fish was simply awesome, fresh and tender. The meat was really great.

This place, though a little far from the beach, was a clean cozy place with reasonable servings of food. Delicious and inexpensive and well, an added service of WIFI if you really need to share great food with your family and friends back home!

Golden Fried Tilapia with rice and coleslaw

Alight, time to end the day with a short walk by the beach. It was crowded with people and the loud music was great. You can see the beach and the sea as it was dark and the beachfront restaurants make shift their tables and chairs to the beach. Well, tomorrow, we will explore the white beach in day light!

Address:
Located next to Crafts department store, just a few doors down.
Mon - Sun: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

Red Coco Inn Boracay

A short getaway to Boracay, Philippines in April. Weather was great, and it was really relaxing. 

We stayed at Red Coco Inn Boracay. It is located at Station 2 but not at the beach front. It is stationed along the main road and well, it takes about 5-10 minutes to get to the white beach or wet market (D'talipapa).

But fear not as we are allowed to use the beachfront facilities of their sister company - Red Coconut at Station 2. Thus, we were still able to rest and relax by the beach.

The room was spacious and there is a sofa for us to rest but we used that to put our backpack and luggage. Essential amenities was in place such as the television, air con and of course, internet access if you can't leave your gadgets out. The room was nice and cozy which serve its purpose for sleeping or relaxing.

The staff were great too especially the security officers. I really think they did beyond their call of duty like opening the door for us when we got in and out of the hotel, or they even helped out with the reception and the breakfast crews when they were nowhere to be sighted. 

As a note that they are not having construction during the day - from 9 to 9. Was informed that they are expanding their hotel rooms and also to build a pool for their guests. 

I would say, I would definitely be back to stay after the construction is done. A good place to have, which is slightly away from the crowded beach but not that far off.

The cozy room

Hotel Website