Tambisaan Beach located on the east side of Boracay is an excellent place for snorkeling.Enjoy.

We hired this bangka boat at Tambisaan Beach for 600 peso an hour . Good value.

Enjoy snorkeling the crystal clear waters of Boracay . This boulder about 3 meters below surface . Amazingly beautiful..

The true entrepreneur , the coconut man, selling his coconuts for 30 peso each .

The snorkeling was absolutely fantastic and must be done on your next visit.

Other boats enjoying the snorkeling area which the Mayor’s office has cornered off for safety to all snorkelers .

There’s nothing better than fresh coconut juice while enjoying the sun, sea, and sand of Boracay , Philippines.

The Sea Ranger collecting a snorkeling charge of 20 peso fee per head for the Mayor’s Office.

I have really enjoyed the great outdoors of Boracay this August .I’ve been busy swimming , sailing , hiking , snorkeling, golfing, cliff jumping , and generally enjoying the beach life that this fantastic island offers . It helps that the weather has been hot and sunny all month , which is rare for this time of year as it’s usually raining,windy , and wet. So much for the off season.

During my last outing I went snorkeling on the east coast of Boracay which I highly recommend. It was beautiful and must be done on your next trip to the island . I hired a boat for an hour at Tambisaan Beach at a cost 600 peso . Good value as my family and I just loved the different variety of colored tropical fish that live in the crystal clear waters of Boracay . The fish are so beautiful and colorful , it’s like jumping into your aquarium back home.We saw the following fish and many more ;the Bicolor Dwarf,Emperor Angel,Koran Angel,Spotted Box Fish,Moorish Idol Butterfly-fish,Common Clown-fish(the official name of Nemo), Spectacled Parrot-fish,White-spotted Puffer, Clown Trigger-fish, and hundreds more but i don’t want to bore you with a ton of different names.All I know is that I have the best back yard in the world.

The sea ranger who works for the Mayor’s office came along side our boat for a 20 peso fee.Again worth the payment.The Mayor has cornered off an area for snorkeling so you don’t need to worry about passing boats taking your head off which makes the 20 peso fee worth it .Also the coconut man came by on a surfboard full of coconuts which was cool .I like to see a true entrepreneur at work . The coconuts cost 30 peso’s each , and he even had change for a 500 peso note , so I complemented him on being such a good businessman.It’s common in the Philippines that store owners don’t have enough change for a 500 note.

So if you’re planning a future trip to paradise , make sure you have a wonderful time snorkeling in the beautiful ocean surrounding Boracay in the friendliest country in the world , the Philippines.The best place to snorkel is at Tambisaan Beach.

Yours truly,

John Munro

Walking to station 1 along Boracay’s White Beach where we hired a paraw for an hour of fun.

Boracay’s typical sail boat,called a paraw, with bamboo outriggers, which costs 500 peso an hour to rent.

Our captain doing a great job pulling on the right ropes which are connected to the rudder and main sail.

The race is on as we try to overtake another paraw on the crystal clear waters at Boracay , Philippines.

The building site of Boracay’s West Cove Resort  , belonging to  Mr.Crisostomo Aquino but rumored to be owned by the best pound for pound boxer in the world , Manny Paquiao.

The Boracay paraws gather at boat station number 1 everyday and are very busy during sunset hour . Enjoy sailing around Boracay on your next visit to paradise.

So many customers ask me what  they should  do while holidaying on Boracay  in the wonderful Philippines. I’m like try horse back riding , golfing , wind surfing ,kite boarding ,  scuba diving,trekking, cave hiking , people watching, cock fighting, or go sailing on a paraw.

I like the sailing on a paraw . It’s so relaxing once you sail on one of  Boracay’s native sail boats called paraw’s.I know for myself my stress from work leaves me immediately once  I’m out at sea on a paraw. There’s something about being powered by the wind  , gliding silently across the ocean, which makes you relax and love mother nature .It brings a calmness to an otherwise hectic stressful life.The ocean being so warm and crystal clear , it makes for a beautiful trip gliding over massive rocks which are just meters below the paraw’s rudder.Sailing earlier today  was a blast as  the wind was strong  forcing us to hang out on the bamboo outriggers doing a  balancing  act to prevent  the sail boat from capsizing.To much fun in the sun .

If you looking for something to do on your next trip to Boracay , try sunset  paraw sailing along White Beach . You’ll love it.The cost will be 500 peso an hour but worth it as you’ll find your body and mind fully relaxing.

Yours truly,

John Munro

Ariel’s Point located about 40 minutes by boat from Boracay’s White Beach.

On the way Areil’s boat passed right beside many beautiful limestone cliffs and rock formations.

We were excited to see the white stairs at Ariel’s Point viewed from the boat .

Hanging off the cliff on the 7 meter board psyching myself up for the big jump.To much fun.

Mark on the 5 meter board getting ready for splash down .

Good form hitting the water off the 5 meter board  and loving every minute of it.

Flying off the grand daddy at over 10 meters and yelling all the way down .Can’t wait to go back again.

Ariel’s Point has a great set up and climbing back to the top is easy with this bamboo ladder .Life is good.

It was exciting to see the wild hip hop monkeys high in the trees at Ariel’s Point.

My family and I were coming back to Cocomangas from a bike ride around Boracay ,when i saw my friendly  neighbour,Ariel , on the sidewalk . I yelled out  to him ,hey,  I saw your new Ariel’s Point on a television show .He said ,” were heading over to the Point at 3pm if you’d like to join “.I was like yeah ,I like an adventure trip with some cliff jumping.Why not , sure beats working for the afternoon .

At 3pm we met at Ariel’s  Beach House,which is 10 meters away from Cocomangas and is located right smack on White Beach , where we  jumped on board his bangka boat for the short 40 minute, 5 mile journey to the point located at Baruanga Town , Panay Island. On the boat were Ariel,Ariel’s son Alvin , Mark ,Anthony,Martin , Bobby, my son and I , and after introductions we were all  excited and ready for a nice afternoon .The sun was shinning and the ocean was flat and calm . Perfect travelling conditions .

Along the way we enjoyed the stunning beauty which is  the Philippines Islands.We passed by limestone cliffs,remote white beaches ,high mountains with tropical  jungles, small towns,beach houses ,  and lots of fishermen . Ahead we could see  Ariels Point .With Ariel’s  staff serving ice cold beers,and hip hop music playing, the boat trip took  no time at all  as we were all enjoying mother nature , and each other’s company .What a cool trip so far .

Once the boat docked, the fun began. Directly off the boat you walk through this incredible staircase built right through these huge boulders ,  like you’re in a large cave . Once you reach the top of the white stairs you  notice these wood blanks(diving boards) which  are hanging off the cliffs . Within 5 minutes we were cliff jumping and having an absolute blast . Ariel has a sweet set up and has done a wonderful job catering to all levels of cliff jumpers, and if you don’t want to jump than just walking around to the different view points and picnic area’s is fun .

There’s the 3 meter jump which my 9 year old son was eye balling , or the 5 meter jump which is good for swan diving , or the 7 meter jump which was the most popular jump amongst us , and the grand daddy jump at over 10 meters .To conquer the jumps don’t look down , just run , yell, and enjoy the free fall.it’s super deep so no worries about hitting bottom .After 30 minutes of jumping and climbing back to the top was exhausting and quickly made us hungry . Areil  and his staff put on a BBQ of fresh fish and  pork chops. Delicious.

After lunch we noticed the tree branches moving up on the hillside. We had some visitors. Wild monkeys . About 30 of them  in total . The boat man told me they like to chill out in the trees above the boat as they like to listen to the hip hop which was playing from the boats stereo . I laughed at the thought of hip hop monkeys.Ariel mentioned a wall of bats not far from the point , so we went  for a short hike in search of the creatures  but unfortunately missed them as they relocated to higher ground for the evening .Next time we’ll catch them hanging off the walls .

Overall it was a fantastic day of fun. I know I’ll be going back again soon.If you want more information,  check out Ariel’s hotel website at www.boracaybeachclub.com.

Yours truly,

John Munro

A TransAsia aircraft from Taiwan sits on the tarmac in front of the arrival terminal at the kalibo International Airport.

Kalibo International Airport departure terminal . Notice the streamer on the lower  left side of photo advertising chartered flights from Hangzhou, China ,starting July, 27 ,09 . Amazing.

Here’s more good news for Boracay tourism . Actually it’s fantastic news . Amazing stuff. This month , August 09,  the Kalibo International Airport will have 45 international flights from Korea , China , and Taiwan .These international flights  will have a huge impact on Boracay’s economy .The airlines flying into Kalibo with direct chartered flights are Korean Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, China Airlines, TransAsia Airlines, and Philippine Airlines.

The perpesctive plans for the new and improved Kalibo International Airport opening October 09, with a 50 million peso budget . Right on.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pictured here on the sign wearing the construction hat  has made the redevelopement of  Kalibo Airport one of her priority projects.

To cope with the increase in arrivals Kalibo International Airport is having a complete renovation and extension of the arrival hall and departure area.The new airport   is   92.9 %  complete and on schedule to open in October of 09 . It has a construction budget of 50 million peso’s.I’m really glad the national government is looking ahead and preparing the airport for an increase in  future arrivals(I really wish the governement agencies would  have the same attitude with the repair and runway renovation at the  Caticlan Airport as it’s much closer to paradise). Perhaps in 3 years time  the international flight arrivals can go from 45 flights a month to 500 a month .Kalibo Airport,with Caticalan Airport closed to heavy aircraft ,  has now become the 2nd busiest airport in the country receiving 30 aircraft  a day .

But what really excites me is the 45 international flights . Just a few months ago Kalibo International was receiving only a handful of flights every month from overseas . With China having 1 billion population it’s assured that more international flights will be coming our way .Congratulations to all for making these international flights a reality .

Yours truly,

John Munro

The picture perfect White Beach on Boracay Island, Philippines .This photo was taken August 15 , 09.

The sand is so white and powdery all along Boracay’s 4 kilometer White Beach, it’s truly amazing .

Picture taken while standing at the north end of White Beach and looking south .What a beach!!

How inviting does the Boracay ocean and White Beach look in this photo? I’d say very inviting and definitely worth a visit.

A short hike away from White Beach gives you a birds eye view of Boracay’s beauty.

Several publications have voted Boracay’s famous White Beach in the worlds top ten best beaches .I agree.

At the north end of White Beach you can walk out to the point for more breathtaking views of the paradise island of Boracay . It’s well worth the short walk.

Some  Boracay friends having a blast ,drinking ,and swimming in the clear water on Boracay’s White Beach. Life’s a beach!!

I was  sitting in my house racking my brains for more blog subjects . Than the thought occurred to me , why does everyone come to Boracay in the beautiful Philippines ? They come for the infamous  White Beach. They’ve heard how  the sand  on Boracay Island is a true white color,hence the name White Beach . They’ve heard how powdery and fine the sand is on White Beach . They’ve heard how the white sand reflects the sun’s heat  and even  at midday the sand does burn your feet . They’ve heard how the White Beach gradually slopes into the sea making it ideal for families to frolic in the ocean at sunset .They’ve heard that White beach is 4 kilometers long surrounded by thousands of coconut trees , and friendly locals. It’s all true , what you’ve heard about Boracay, it’s  a  paradise island  with one of the world’s best beaches , White Beach.

In fact ,some magazines,like the 1997 BMW Beach Handbook , and the Internets Yahoo.com , have  voted Boracay’s White Beach  in the top ten best beaches in the world .It really is a magnificent beach . I’ve been around Asia , Australia,  Hawaii, and some other beautiful countries, but have yet to find a beach like Boracay’s White Beach .I ,  like so many others,  love the beach life Boracay offers. Daily swims in the warm water is a must . Even in the rain and during storms we ‘ll take a swim because the water temp is always warm .I prefer to swim during the stormy weather as the strong winds bring big waves onto White Beach which are fun for boogie boarding.

Most of us living here have a favourite sport on White Beach. Most sports happen during the last hour of the day around 4 to 5 pm when the sun is going down . Just walking the beach people watching is fun . While walking you’ll see lots of activities like volleyball,ultimate Frisbee,beach football, skim boarding,kite boarding,wind surfing,paraw sailing,and lots of joggers. On the ocean you ‘ll see scuba divers coming and going  ,banana boats,para-sailing,water-skiing, and tons of swimmers.Boracay is an active place .

I love the healthy living that is White Beach away from the heavy pollution of the big cities .I hope this blog and the photo’s gets you excited for your future trip to Boracay , the paradise island with one of the world’s best beaches…

Yours truly,

John Munro

The front gates to the spectacular Fairway’s and Bluewater Golf Club , Boracay.

The stunning club house ,reception,pro shop , bar, and restaurant.

The Players Bar and Grill located beside Fairway’s and Bluewaters swimming pool situated right on the ocean.

After a round of golf , swim and relax on Fairway’s beautiful private beach named Paradise Cove .

Check out the fairway, green,and sand traps of hole number 8, surrounded by coconut trees, and lush green grass.

The picturesque approach to the par 5 , hole number 9 ,which is over sand and water hazards.

Villa’s surround the front 9 at the world class Fairway’s and Bluewater Golf Club. This photo taken from the tee box at the par 3 , hole number 2

Boracay’s golf course and villa’s viewed from Mount Luho view point.
Boracay is famous for sand, sun , and fun , but did you know it has a world class golf course designed by Graham Marsh. The beautiful Fairways and Bluewater Golf Club opened for business in 1997 and has been impressing golfers from around the world ever since .It’s a long challenging par 72 course , surrounded by coconut trees , lush vegetation, and when the wind is blowing it’s not an easy course to break par.

The front 9 has many water hazards , deep bunkers , and is generally flatter than the back 9.The back 9 offers spectacular views of both sides of the island . Check out the views from tee box number 14 .My favorite hole is number 16 , the par 3 , with the elevated tee box up about 100 meters above the hole .The hardest hole(at least for me as I always struggle with it) on the golf course is the par 5 , number 10.If you manage to keep your tee shot on the fairway at number 10 ,you’re doing well. Than comes the second shot over the creek, making sure to avoid the out of bounds on the right and the water hazard on the left . If you’re still safe you’ve done well .

The Fairways and Bluewater supply the caddies at a fee which makes the game easier on your body. The caddies do a good job as they’ll mark your balls , replace your divots , rake the traps , give you advice for yardage remaining, and inform you which way your putt will break . Umbrella ladies are also available and are recommended if you’re not used to the intense Philippine heat .

Villa ’s surround the golf course and I believe they can be privately owned if you wish to invest in a unit which comes with a golf share . So you can have fun in the sun while golfing your heart out .What a great lifestyle .

If you’re coming to Boracay bring your clubs as Boracay’s golf course is absolutely world class.Fore…..

Yours Truly,

John Munro

The empty tarmac at Caticlan Airport with no planes in sight August 10th , 09.

Caticlan Airport remains empty as 95 % of flights diverted to Kalibo International Airport .

The trip from Kalibo to Caticlan takes 1 1/2 hours over beautiful rivers like this one located at the town of Ibahay.

Enjoy the trip from Kalibo to Caticlan passing by rice fields , rivers, and mountains.

The Kalibo International Airport now has a busy tarmac full of different airlines due to Caticlan Airport diverting most flights.

Sad news for Boracay Island which is located in the friendly country of the Philippines. Caticlan Airport , the nearest airport  to Boracay Island ,   and the second busiest airport in the country , has had two non fatal air accidents the last six months , and since then the rules of landing have been changed forcing most airlines to land at the Kalibo International Airport . This is bad news for Boracay tourism as  travellers will now have to endure the two hour over land trip from Kalibo .

Mind you the two hour trip is beautiful travelling through small villages , passing by rice  fields , winding  over mountain tops  , and  having spectacular views of the ocean .But still some travellers who are  worried about  the extra travel time via Kalibo might be  scared off Boracay Island and they might decide on another location for their holidays .This is a worry for Boracay’s economy .

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP ) has imposed new operating conditions to all the national carriers of the Philippines servicing Caticlan Airport.CAAP has placed a weight limit on arriving planes forcing the bigger planes of Cebu Pacific Airlines, Zest Air, Air Philippines, and Philippine Airlines  , to land at the Kalibo International Airport which has the proper runway requirements. Also CAAP has decided to make the Caticlan Airport a one-way airport  , meaning all takeoffs will be towards the ocean and all landings will be in the opposite direction from above the ocean . With strong habagat winds in the same direction as the landings , it will be difficult for landings during the off season . Only Seair Airlines is servicing Caticlan Airport but they are flying  the smallest plane in their fleet , the tiny 19 seat aircraft .

Lately I ‘ve been reading a lot in the national newspapers about a 2.5 billion peso makeover of the Caticlan Airport and even making it an International gateway to Boracay . This is badly needed and i hope it becomes reality sooner rather than later . With all flights being diverted to Kalibo , now is the best time to upgrade the airport facilities.

I ll keep you posted as to when construction starts on the new Caticlan International Airport .I heard again that the airport in Caticlan will resume normal operations in September 09 after the mountain at the east end of the runway is partially bulldozed. As of today when i published this blog , construction work has yet to start  .

Yours truly,

John Munro

The airbus A320 of TransAsia Airlines from Taiwan sits on the tarmac at Kalibo International Airport .

The happy Taiwanese tourists arriving directly from Taipei to Kalibo on TransAsia Airlines .

Kalibo International Airport , the gateway to Boracay direct from Taiwan and other Asian countries like Korea and China.

The other night I had a Taiwanese travel guide approach me saying , “John, I have some good news for Cocomangas  “.  I was like, go on, I like good news. She went on to explain that, ” Taiwan tourism was going to boom on Boracay with four weekly  chartered flights direct  to Kalibo International Airport via China Airlines and TransAsia Airlines”. I was like , that’s not only good news for Cocomangas but great news for Boracay and the beautiful Philippines  to have so much tourism coming to it’s shores.

China Airlines is using the Boeing 737 for the short two hour direct flight, and TransAsia Airlines is flying the Airbus A320 .That means 600 to 800 Taiwanese arriving every week with direct flights from Taipei,Taiwan to Kalibo ,Aklan,which  completely avoids the Manila transfers and customs . The Taiwanese tourists will pass through customs at the arrival hall at Kalibo Airport  . This is  huge for Boracay tourism and will really help the island’s economy grow.

Taiwan is the new Korea. If you’re not aware ,Korean tourism to Boracay has boomed over the last 5 years with arrivals peaking at  over 15,000 Korean visitors a month .Lately,I’ve  noticed the increase in  Taiwanese business to Cocomangas. They have been  partying here at Cocomangas almost every night .The tourist from Taiwan  love drinking the shakers, trying the still standing after 15 shot challenge ,eating yummy pizza, and dancing up a storm .Over the last few months ,  Taiwan has had the second  biggest increase on the scoreboard for the Still Standing After 15 , chalking up  234 more scores . The country with the  biggest increase on the bar’s scoreboard was the Philippines  with over 367 Still Standing’s .

So we at Cocomangas would like to thank all those involved with allowing and promoting  the international flights into Kalibo ,like the Department of Tourism,Department of Immigration, Department of Quarantine,Department of Customs, Philippine National Police , the Governor of Aklan ,   and to the Taiwan tourism for making Boracay their  destination of choice .   Brilliant stuff.

Yours Truly,

John Munro

Picture shows the brand new Boracay European International School during the opening ceremonies.

The photo shows the kindergarten room which is a massive space and even has a second floor loft area .

The Boracay European International School has the Island’s most extensive school computer lab.

A typical classroom of the Boracay European International School.

The founders and investors all very happy with the finished product during the opening ceremonies August 3 , 2009.

“The things we do for our kids”said Clause during the opening ceremonies of the brand new beautiful Boracay European International School .  He was referring to  actually planning ,designing , building ,and operating a school of international standard . It was no easy task . After we received word last November of 08  that the only other international school ( I won”t name names ) on Boracay was closing it’s doors forever , we parents went into panic mode. What to do about the future schooling of our precious children .

Some of us parents got together and said , “Well , lets build our own  school “. A total of 14 parents, and a couple of outside investors  jumped on board the project of building the Boracay European International School (BEIS) , and some parents worked tirelessly to complete the project  on time for the school opening August 3rd , 09.But all the work , all the weekly meetings, all the fundraising events , all the stress , all the frustrations , all the millions of peso’s invested , has been worth it for the future education of our children.The opening ceremonies was a huge success with hundreds in  attendance and I could see the smiles and happiness on the faces of the founders ,investors, parents, and most importantly the children  .Congratulations to all concerned for providing Boracay with it’s only International School accredited and affiliated with the Manila German European School .

So if you’re planning to move here to the paradise island of Boracay in the friendly country of the Philippines , rest assured there is a top school here that will take care of your  child’s future education . Canadian headmaster Ken Gardiner will be glad to assist any new student enrollments , call 288-1624 or send an e mail to the BEIS at info@boracayinternationalschool.org.

Yours truly,

John Munro

Follow the sign to Boracay’s last frontier, Puka Shell Beach ,situated in Barangay Yapak .

The beautiful Puka Shell Beach looking eastward with nobody in sight.

The perfect Puka shell necklace made in Boracay.

A cute row of souvenir shops at the entrance of Puka Shell Beach .

What a beautiful virgin beach , the untouched Puka Shell Beach looking westward.
In the Philippines , the long thin Island down south called Palawan , is locally referred to as the countries last frontier,and for good reason as it ’s full of untouched nature and is not over crowded with civilization . On the Island of Boracay I call the Puka Shell Beach the last frontier on the island as it remains untouched by the human hands .

If you’re looking for something to do while you’re on the Island ,to get away from the hustle and bustle of White Beach , catch a tricycle and head up to the virgin beach at the north end of Boracay , Puke Shell Beach . When you arrive at Puka Beach take a left turn and keep walking until you run into the cliffs at the very end . You’ll find yourself alone staring up at the jungle cliffs on the left , the white sand under your feet , and the beautiful ocean to the right . It’s an awesome sight to see nature in it’s prime . I hope Puka Beach can forever stay the beautiful virgin and never be developed . Better yet the Philippine government should declare it a national park to insure it’s safety for the future generations .

They say Boracay Island was discovered in the late 70’s by backpackers who were in search of the perfect puka shells found at Puka Shell Beach .I guess once the backpackers found the puka shells , they would head back to White Beach where they found the most amazing ,white, powdery, and fine sand on the planet .Than word spread about Boracay’s beauty and the rest is history.

Puka Shell Beach must be protected for another reason, the bats which nest in the trees at the top of the cliffs .If developers decide to build condo units on the mountain tops than we will lose those bats forever which would be sad for Boracay . While you’re walking the beach ,have a look at the trees along the mountain tops above Puka Beach and you might get lucky to see the bats which hang on the trees during the daytime hours .At sunset the bats relocate to Panay Island .

On your next visit to Boracay Island in the beautiful Philippines , check out Puka Beach, the bats , puka shells , the beauty , I think you’ll like it .

Yours truly,

John Munro