Boracay, with its beautiful white seashores, had at all times been a well-recognized vacation spot for me. Nevertheless, on my current journey to this tropical paradise with my fellow yoga academics, 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 academics. Collectively, we eagerly pedaled northward in the direction of Boracay’s Newcoast, a creating 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 steer our group. The journey commenced, and I rapidly realized that I had forgotten to begin my GPS. By the point I remembered, we had 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 building.
As we entered the Boracay Newcoast space, the journey turned extra nice. The roads had been well-paved, huge, and devoid of heavy site visitors. This high-end township offered a stark distinction in circumstances. We handed by residential condos and motels, in the end reaching the coast.
The Keyhole, regionally often known as Cujo’s Keyhole, had turn out to be fairly standard. Within the mornings, a cart provided 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 often 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 private curiosity.
First on my record 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 venture, 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 bushes 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 frequent fowl species like chestnut munias, yellow-vented bulbul, olive-backed sunbirds, and a pair of pied trillers. The caretaker knowledgeable me that early mornings provided 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 the direction of Puka Seashore, a 4-kilometer journey away. The street’s elevation elevated as I approached Yapak, with the very best level reaching 62 meters above sea stage and a few difficult gradients reaching 8.9%. Nevertheless, the route went downhill from the very 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 short go to, having fun with an ice cream bought utilizing Gcash earlier than transferring 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 finished 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 the island’s industrial heart, 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 venture 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 provided standard snorkeling spots and added to the distinctive allure 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 automobiles from numerous motels and resorts.
Thankfully, 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 house. As I approached the island’s industrial heart and the bigger resorts, site visitors turned barely congested, nevertheless it did little to decrease the general enjoyment of the journey.
Bulabog Seashore
Turning onto Bulabog Street, 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 vital 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 had been undeniably for the higher. The important thing now was to take care of this stage 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” record. It was time to reunite with my associates and calm down for the rest of the afternoon.
Boracay Biking Ideas
For vacationers trying to discover Boracay on a motorbike, there are some key ideas 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 yow will discover 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.
- Should you’re not aware of the roads of Boracay, take into account hiring a motorbike information for added security and navigation help.
- Whereas there are many outlets and distributors across the island the place you should purchase water, it’s a good suggestion to deliver your personal water container to remain hydrated all through your journey.
Exploring Boracay by bike affords 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 similar 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 Kids and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photos for his or her advertising and marketing supplies.
