Boracay, with its gorgeous white seashores, had all the time been a well-recognized vacation spot for me. Nonetheless, on my latest journey to this tropical paradise with my fellow yoga lecturers, I used to be desirous to see how the island had reworked after its rehabilitation. This journey additionally introduced a novel alternative for me to embark on a Boracay bike loop, one thing I had longed to expertise.
Driving North of Boracay Island
My Boracay bike loop journey was divided into two segments, with the primary being the “Keyhole Journey” with my co-yoga lecturers. Collectively, we eagerly pedaled northward in direction of Boracay’s Newcoast, a growing township on the island. Though I had visited Newcoast earlier than and stayed on the Savoy Lodge, I had by no means explored the world by bike, and the prospect excited me.
We rented our bikes from Boracay Bike Leases, conveniently positioned close to Starbucks on White Seaside, and enlisted a information to guide our group. The experience commenced, and I rapidly realized that I had forgotten to begin my GPS. By the point I remembered, we have been already midway to Fairways and Bluewater. The route featured quite a few uphill stretches, some with grades as steep as 9-13%, which added a component of problem, particularly within the sweltering warmth and amidst ongoing street development.
As we entered the Boracay Newcoast space, the experience turned extra nice. The roads have been well-paved, broad, and devoid of heavy site visitors. This high-end township supplied a stark distinction in circumstances. We handed by residential condos and accommodations, in the end reaching the coast.
The Keyhole, regionally generally known as Cujo’s Keyhole, had grow to be fairly fashionable. Within the mornings, a cart supplied sizzling espresso and pastries. Curiously, I couldn’t recall when this rock formation had began being referred to as Cujo’s Keyhole; it was once merely generally known as Lapus-lapus.
Our group determined to relish the tranquility and seclusion of Ilig-iligan Seaside, which was much less crowded and had meals stalls and a bar serving refreshing drinks. We lounged on seaside chairs, absorbing the solar and the great thing about the seaside earlier than returning to our lodge round midday.
Exploring the Boracay Wetland Conservation Park
Whereas the primary day of our Boracay bike journey had been pleasant, I used to be craving for extra distance and exploration. Thus, I launched into a solo journey the following morning, intending to finish a loop across the island and go to locations of non-public curiosity.
First on my record was the Boracay Wetland Conservation Park (BWCP), located on the slopes of Mt. Luho, roughly 2 kilometers from White Seaside. BWCP was a part of the BINHI Reforestation and Greening undertaking, funded by the Lopez-led Vitality Improvement Corp (EDC). This 7.79-hectare wetland served as an arboretum for threatened tree species, together with uncommon native timber comparable to Sander’s Alocasia, Narra, Ipil, Kubi, Antipolo, Isis, Sakat, Balakat, and Bakauan Dagat.
Birdwatching was one other charming exercise at BWCP, with a contemporary Fowl Watch Platform offering a really perfect vantage level. Though I arrived later within the day, I noticed frequent chook species like chestnut munias, yellow-vented bulbul, olive-backed sunbirds, and a pair of pied trillers. The caretaker knowledgeable me that early mornings supplied the perfect birding experiences, making me resolve to return if I had the chance to go to Boracay once more.
Visiting Puka Seaside
Having beforehand explored Boracay Newcoast, I continued my solo bike journey in direction of Puka Seaside, a 4-kilometer experience away. The street’s elevation elevated as I approached Yapak, with the best level reaching 62 meters above sea stage and a few difficult gradients reaching 8.9%. Nonetheless, the route went downhill from the best level, main me to the 800-meter Puka Seaside on the island’s northern aspect.
Puka Seaside featured a picturesque mix of coral and grainy sand, with the identical crystal-clear waters because the White Seaside. In comparison with my earlier visits, I seen that Puka Seaside had grow to be much less secluded and extra developed, with quite a few vendor stalls, crowds, and even crystal kayaks. I opted for a short go to, having fun with an ice cream bought utilizing Gcash earlier than shifting on.
Exploring Lugutan Mangrove Park
Heading southbound from Puka Seaside, my subsequent vacation spot was Lugutan Mangrove Park, roughly 2.3 kilometers away from the southeastern a part of the island. I ended briefly at our resort, Estacio Uno, to alter garments and escape the noon solar. The two.5-kilometer experience from the resort took me via the island’s industrial middle, with some tough roads giving solution to a extra nice, traffic-free route flanked by lush greenery.
I handed an Ati Village located alongside a lagoon earlier than crossing a bridge and arriving on the Lugutan Mangrove Park. Mangrove forests play an important function in preserving coastlines and offering habitats for quite a few species. This 8,362-square-meter park was a collaborative undertaking between the DENR, Malay, Aklan LGU, and the Tan Yan Kee Basis. It aimed to guard and protect Boracay’s mangroves, and a brief boardwalk allowed guests to discover a portion of the forest up shut.
Tambisaan Seaside and the Southern Loop
Persevering with my journey southbound, I reached Tambisaan Seaside, positioned 2.3 kilometers away from the southeastern a part of the island, within the barangay of the identical title. This space had a distinctly native ambiance and was frequented by a couple of vacationers. The close by Crocodile islands supplied fashionable snorkeling spots and added to the distinctive attraction of Tambisaan Seaside.
Afterward, I retraced my route for the southern loop across the island, ultimately arriving on the Boracay Jetty Port, the first level of entry for vacationers. This bustling hub served as a registration level for incoming vacationers and a rendezvous for automobiles from varied accommodations and resorts.
Happily, the southern loop’s Boracay freeway was one-way, guaranteeing easy site visitors circulate. The roads had considerably improved since my earlier go to earlier than the pandemic, that includes well-paved surfaces and ample pedestrian area. As I approached the island’s industrial middle and the bigger resorts, site visitors turned barely congested, but it surely did little to decrease the general enjoyment of the experience.
Bulabog Seaside
Turning onto Bulabog Street, I headed for Bulabog Seaside, the place I made a decision to conclude my Boracay bike loop journey. The street resulting in Bulabog had been widened and paved, and the world had undergone important improvement. Bulabog Seaside, famend for kite browsing, now boasted a stunning promenade and a serene ambiance that pleasantly stunned me.
I wrapped up my journey with a refreshing iced macchiato at Moshka Cafe, watching folks stroll alongside the promenade. Boracay had undoubtedly developed, and a few modifications have been undeniably for the higher. The important thing now was to take care of this stage of improvement whereas guaranteeing its sustainability.
Returning to White Seaside
Within the late afternoon, I made my method again to White Seaside to return the bike I had rented. My Boracay bike loop had been a satisfying journey, and I used to be thrilled to have ticked this merchandise off my Boracay “to-do” record. It was time to reunite with my buddies and chill out for the rest of the afternoon.
Boracay Biking Ideas
For vacationers trying to discover Boracay on a motorcycle, there are some key suggestions to bear in mind:
- Boracay has a longtime street community, and bike leases are available. Inquire at your lodge or resort about bike rental choices, or ask them for suggestions on close by bike rental outlets. Throughout my journey, we used Boracay Bike Leases, which you’ll find close to Starbucks (Contact: 09464575491 and 09291664972).
- Earlier than setting out in your bike journey, be sure that the bike is in good situation. Check the brakes, gears, and general consolation of the bike to keep away from any points throughout your experience.
- For those who’re not aware of the roads of Boracay, think about hiring a motorcycle information for added security and navigation help.
- Whereas there are many outlets and distributors across the island the place you should buy water, it’s a good suggestion to carry your individual water container to remain hydrated all through your experience.
Exploring Boracay by bike provides a novel and immersive solution to expertise the island’s magnificence and tradition, permitting you to uncover hidden gems and recognize its pure wonders to the fullest.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications comparable to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to numerous organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photos for his or her advertising and marketing supplies.
