Nearby Paradise: Places You Can Explore Close to Boracay

With its powdery white sand, turquoise water, and wild parties, it’s not impossible for a small island in the heart of the country to win the hearts of millions of tourists each year. No wonder, it’s always dubbed as one of the best islands in the world.

With its paradisiacal beauty, Boracay, an island of only over 1,000 hectares is getting enough attention from the world. However, it often overshadows its mother province of Aklan and its neighboring islands. Yet, some of these places are also worth a visit and surely could be at par with the island’s beauty. When you think you need a little extra experience during your beach holiday, keep an eye on these nearby places you can explore.

Motag Living Museum

Photo by: https://motaglivingmuseum.wordpress.com

Most people know Boracay but only a few know its mother town. Boracay, composed of three villages is actually part of Malay town. And in a small village on the mainland, you can actually travel back in time.

Malay is really more than just Boracay. It is actually home to the only interactive cultural museum in the Philippines – the Motag Living Museum. It is located in Barangay Motag, about 10 minutes away from Caticlan. It is an interactive farmer’s village where tourists can witness and likewise experience how people of Malay lived before.

Old and young local people of Malay showcase the different stages of the farming cycles to visiting tourists. Guests, on the other hand, can try plowing, harrowing, and other farming methods and even or ride a carabao. Guests are also treated to folk songs and can even learn how to dance the tinikling (a traditional Filipino bamboo dance). Of course, local delicacies such as suman or rice cake are also served to guests.

They open from Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance fees are at PhP700 for adults and PhP300 for children or PhP1,600 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). A half day tour to the place is possible so why not give it a try. The place is even recommended by the Philippine Carabao Center and the Philippine Conservation Society.

Other mainland Malay attractions

Mainland Malay is also home to one of the cleanest rivers in the country. About 30 minutes away from Caticlan Jetty Port, you will find Nabaoy River – a crystal clean river stretching the village. Along the riverside are huts and restaurants that offer native dishes and delicacies for tourists. With its calm water, the river is a favorite spot for swimming and even rafting for some.

The mainland also has its own touristic eco-park. Tourists will surely enjoy a walk inside Malay Eco-Park located in Argao village. The sanctuary is planted with fruit bearing trees and surrounded by colorful butterflies. The park likewise houses the distinct flora and fauna only endemic in the town. On its highest peak, one can have a view of Boracay from afar.

Photo by: Don Rye Sistorias

Carabao Island

Carabao isn’t an island of water buffaloes, but you’ll definitely see one when you visit the tranquil neighbor of Boracay. Known as Hambil for locals, Carabao Island is actually part of the municipality of San Jose, Romblon. It is just a 25-minute boat ride from Boracay and just 10 minutes if you take a speedboat.

Carabao’s proximity to Boracay makes it an ideal destination for an island-hopping activity. You can even have a glimpse of it when you are at Puka Beach, located at the northernmost part of the island.

For those looking for powdery white sand, Carabao also has it. The island’s San Jose Beach is often compared to the White Beach of Boracay with white sand and azure waters but with a lesser crowd and a limited number of establishments.

On the opposite side of San Jose Beach is Lanas Beach. Lanas, which is facing Boracay, is the main tourist area of Carabao. Lanas Beach is meanwhile compared to Puka with pebbly white sand but with clear waters as well, perfect for swimming. This side of the island has numerous front beach resorts and restaurants.

One thing you can try when in the island is also riding a motorbike. They have fascinating viewpoint where you can have a breathtaking view of the neighboring islands of Tablas, Romblon and Boracay.

Its pristine beauty is always compared to what Boracay was like before it became a busy tourist destination. So experience its natural grandeur before people start flocking to this quiet paradise.

Nabas Wind Farm

When you set foot in Boracay, the wind turbines of Nabas Wind Farm is a sight you’ll instantly notice. The giant turbines are actually generating 32-megawatt of electricity. Currently, there are 18 turbines that are standing strong in Pawa village in Nabas and some portions of Malay.

Aside from being a clean energy source, Nabas Wind Farm is gaining much attention from tourists. Yes, tourists are allowed to enter the site and have their photos taken with the big electric fan as their background. A little tour of how a wind farm is working is worth a try.

From Caticlan, you can reach the location of the wind farm in less than 30 minutes. A service vehicle is needed when visiting the place since public transport isn’t allowed to enter in the farm’s premises.

For Boracay alone, one or two days are not enough to explore enough what the island can offer. So it is always better to spend long days in the island. Of course, giving these nearby destinations a little bit of your time and money is a must. You can actually create your own itinerary to visit these places. But if you prefer a hassle-free travel, just approach your hotel and arrange a special tour to these nearby destinations.

Different Ways to Experience Boracay for Every Type of Travelers

No destination is the same for different types of travelers. Each type of traveler will always have its own unique experience during a trip. There are many different types of travelers. There are those who go the extra mile to save on trips. There are also luxurious travelers who don’t mind spending more for convenience. There are also people who prefer a quiet place, and those who love to party. Some also prefer adrenaline-filled vacations while others just want to relax.

In the end, the satisfaction we get from a certain place actually depends on what we are looking for. It depends on what we want, on who we are.

One common thing most travelers would agree is that Boracay is one of the best islands in the world, with the best beaches. This long-time favorite destination has its own unique charm that could cater to almost every type of travelers. Welcoming a million tourists of varied nationalities each year, it certainly needs to.

So here’s how you can experience Boracay depending on your travel style:

Luxury Travelers

This type of travelers prefers premier destinations for their holidays. And Boracay is just a perfect location for a fancy holiday. Choose a resort that offers exquisite and exclusive accommodation. Book a suite in a resort that offers a breathtaking view of the panoramic skyline and sunrise. Also, look for a place where you can indulge in good food and lots of pampering and relaxing activities. A luxury holiday is perfect for your solo escape or even with your special someone and family. Check out www.7stonesboracay.com to get the best deals for a luxurious treat that you deserve!

Party Animals

When it comes to a party, Boracay is on top of the list. Party animals will surely love the unique island vibe here, and of course, booze is everywhere!
You’ll definitely find a place to get your alcohol fix in every corner of the island. Here, you don’t have to dress up and wear high heels to a party. Just wear whatever you want but have the party energy and you’re ready to have your craziest night.

Bars are teeming along the three stations of the White Beach with nightly parties. If you prefer a more intimate crowd, there are also bars in Bulabog Beach you could check. Aside from those along the beach, there are also bars along the main road that you can pass by for a drink.

Thrill-Seekers

For adrenaline junkies, Bulabog Beach is perhaps a haven. You will find most sports enthusiasts on this side of the island. You can enroll in intensive kiteboard or windsurfing lessons during your stay.
If you prefer the underwater world, you can also learn how to dive here on the island. With numerous diving schools, you’ll surely find one that would convince you to discover the underwater beauty of Boracay. You can also try jumping on a 40-ft cliff, ride a helicopter or try reverse bungee jumping here. With so many activities to choose from, traveling to Boracay will surely feed your adventurous soul.

Foodie

Food and travel always come together. Food can speak so much about a place and its culture. As one favorite island of foreign travelers, Boracay’s gastronomic scene can satisfy anyone’s craving.

Photo by: Rondel Paradero

Food from diverse cultures—Korean, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, Chinese and French cuisines, you’ll surely find them here. Even the exotic flavors of India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Morocco, you can also enjoy it in Boracay. Of course, the classic Filipino restaurants are also just around the island. You will likely find a restaurant to satisfy your taste buds and for an Instagram-worthy food shot. Like at 7th Note Café located within the premises of 7Stones Boracay, sumptuous food and fine beverages await you!

Family-Oriented Travelers

A holiday is also a perfect way to bond with the family or group of friends. Enjoy your much-needed rest and relaxation with the family or friends along the beach. You can go island hopping together or try some water sports activities. You can try banana boat ride or flyfish for some fun on the water. Don’t miss to watch the golden sunset as well or even try parasailing together. Then, treat everyone for a dinner buffet along the beach.

Voluntourist

Photo by: Rondel Paradero

Aside from the usual travelers, there are also those who don’t forget their advocacies while traveling. There are also a number of activities you can do to give back to the island and share some goodness.
You can join a beach cleanup or a coral restoration program while on the island. You can also support local initiatives by buying products produced by the locals. Also, you can visit Boracay’s indigenous people (IPs) community, at the Ati village. Teach Ati kids how to draw or sing a new song to put a big smile on their face.

No matter what type of traveler you are, the point of traveling is to enjoy your time and to do something out of your routine. Dubbed as Asia’s 24/7 island, Boracay surely caters to whatever kind of travel experience you want.