Boracay, with its beautiful white seashores, had at all times been a well-recognized vacation spot for me. Nevertheless, 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 singular alternative for me to embark on a Boracay bike loop, one thing I had longed to expertise.
Using North of Boracay Island
My Boracay bike loop journey was divided into two segments, with the primary being the “Keyhole Experience” 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 Resort, I had by no means explored the world by bike, and the prospect excited me.
We rented our bikes from Boracay Bike Leases, conveniently situated close to Starbucks on White Seashore, and enlisted a information to guide our group. The journey commenced, and I shortly realized that I had forgotten to start out 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 journey turned extra nice. The roads have been well-paved, extensive, and devoid of heavy site visitors. This high-end township supplied a stark distinction in circumstances. We handed by residential condos and accommodations, finally reaching the coast.
The Keyhole, domestically generally known as Cujo’s Keyhole, had turn out to be fairly in style. Within the mornings, a cart supplied scorching espresso and pastries. Curiously, I couldn’t recall when this rock formation had began being known 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 Seashore, which was much less crowded and had meals stalls and a bar serving refreshing drinks. We lounged on seashore chairs, absorbing the solar and the fantastic thing about the seashore 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 checklist was the Boracay Wetland Conservation Park (BWCP), located on the slopes of Mt. Luho, roughly 2 kilometers from White Seashore. BWCP was a part of the BINHI Reforestation and Greening challenge, funded by the Lopez-led Power Improvement Corp (EDC). This 7.79-hectare wetland served as an arboretum for threatened tree species, together with uncommon native timber similar 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 Chook Watch Platform offering an excellent vantage level. Though I arrived later within the day, I noticed widespread hen 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 very best birding experiences, making me resolve to return if I had the chance to go to Boracay once more.
Visiting Puka Seashore
Having beforehand explored Boracay Newcoast, I continued my solo bike journey in direction of Puka Seashore, a 4-kilometer journey away. The street’s elevation elevated as I approached Yapak, with the best level reaching 62 meters above sea degree and a few difficult gradients reaching 8.9%. Nevertheless, the route went downhill from the best level, main me to the 800-meter Puka Seashore on the island’s northern facet.
Puka Seashore featured a picturesque mix of coral and grainy sand, with the identical crystal-clear waters because the White Seashore. In comparison with my earlier visits, I observed that Puka Seashore had turn out to be much less secluded and extra developed, with quite a few vendor stalls, crowds, and even crystal kayaks. I opted for a quick go to, having fun with an ice cream bought utilizing Gcash earlier than shifting on.
Exploring Lugutan Mangrove Park
Heading southbound from Puka Seashore, 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 journey from the resort took me by means of the island’s industrial middle, with some tough roads giving option 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 a vital position in preserving coastlines and offering habitats for quite a few species. This 8,362-square-meter park was a collaborative challenge 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 Seashore and the Southern Loop
Persevering with my journey southbound, I reached Tambisaan Seashore, situated 2.3 kilometers away from the southeastern a part of the island, within the barangay of the identical identify. This space had a distinctly native environment and was frequented by a number of vacationers. The close by Crocodile islands supplied in style snorkeling spots and added to the distinctive appeal of Tambisaan Seashore.
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 autos from numerous accommodations and resorts.
Happily, the southern loop’s Boracay freeway was one-way, guaranteeing easy site visitors move. The roads had considerably improved since my earlier go to earlier than the pandemic, that includes well-paved surfaces and ample pedestrian house. 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 journey.
Bulabog Seashore
Turning onto Bulabog Highway, I headed for Bulabog Seashore, 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 growth. Bulabog Seashore, 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 advanced, and a few adjustments have been undeniably for the higher. The important thing now was to take care of this degree of growth whereas guaranteeing its sustainability.
Returning to White Seashore
Within the late afternoon, I made my means again to White Seashore 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” checklist. It was time to reunite with my pals and calm down for the rest of the afternoon.
Boracay Biking Ideas
For vacationers seeking to discover Boracay on a motorcycle, there are some key ideas to remember:
- 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 retailers. Throughout my journey, we used Boracay Bike Leases, which you could 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 total consolation of the bike to keep away from any points throughout your journey.
- If you happen to’re not aware of the roads of Boracay, think about hiring a motorcycle information for added security and navigation help.
- Whereas there are many retailers and distributors across the island the place you should purchase water, it’s a good suggestion to convey your personal water container to remain hydrated all through your journey.
Exploring Boracay by bike gives a singular and immersive option to expertise the island’s magnificence and tradition, permitting you to uncover hidden gems and respect its pure wonders to the fullest.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications similar to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to varied organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Kids and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality pictures for his or her advertising supplies.
