The Philippines: Boracay

White Beach, Boracay. Image courtesy of Friday’s Beach Resort.

Boracay Island, seven kilometers long and one kilometer wide at its widest, is world famous for much more than mesmerizing sunsets. Its main beach is so pure that the sand beneath one's feet stays cool under its tropical, sun-drenched shoreline. Additionally, this butterfly shaped island paradise has countless other attractions, both natural and man-made.

For natural adventurers, Mount Luho offers those who successfully challenge the 100-meter ascent to its peak with panoramic views, while closer to sea level is Dead forest, where dead tree trunks fill a still water pool and create an eerie scenario. There is also Bat Cave, where everyday at dusk thousands of bats awake and fly off in an entertaining display of undisturbed wildlife.

Considered a landmark and featured dozens of times on international and local publications, Willy's Rock is an oddly shaped volcanic rock formation that juts out of the clear water a few meters from the western part of White Beach. To take in many other attractions, Boracay can also be explored on horseback or motorcycles available through many outlets. Devoted hikers on the other hand are sure to be fulfilled by the extensive network of trails around the island.

Natural to the island's geographical gifts are water sports - skiing, surfboarding, parasailing, banana boat riding and a roster of others, not the least of which is diving which takes you to Boracay's many underwater attractions. Schools of tuna, pelagic fish and several species of sharks can be encountered at Yapak 2 dive site, for example, which is only a few minutes from Boracay's white sand beach. This is a good site for experts but there are multiple venues for beginners and every level in-between.

Boracay's main attraction is its shores, so it is only natural that White Beach has a range of "cousin" beaches. Diniwid Beach is a small and quiet enclave accessible through a scenic cliff side footpath, while Manoc-Manoc Beach has captivating views.

Finally, Boracay presents a pulsating nightlife and international class dining via more than 250 establishments operated by locals and foreigners (from dozens of different countries). Unforgettable memories from Boracay are a certainty when visitors choose Blue Horizons Travel and Tours to journey there.