Boracay, with its gorgeous white seashores, had at all times been a well-known vacation spot for me. Nonetheless, on my current journey to this tropical paradise with my fellow yoga academics, I used to be desperate 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 Journey” with my co-yoga academics. 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 Seaside, and enlisted a information to steer our group. The trip commenced, and I shortly 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 trip grew to become extra nice. The roads had been well-paved, large, and devoid of heavy 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 often called Cujo’s Keyhole, had turn into fairly common. Within the mornings, a cart supplied sizzling 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 called 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 fantastic 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 private curiosity.
First on my listing 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 mission, 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 corresponding to Sander’s Alocasia, Narra, Ipil, Kubi, Antipolo, Isis, Sakat, Balakat, and Bakauan Dagat.
Birdwatching was one other fascinating exercise at BWCP, with a contemporary Chook Watch Platform offering a perfect vantage level. Though I arrived later within the day, I noticed widespread 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 trip away. The street’s elevation elevated as I approached Yapak, with the very best level reaching 62 meters above sea degree and a few difficult gradients reaching 8.9%. Nonetheless, the route went downhill from the very best level, main me to the 800-meter Puka Seaside on the island’s northern facet.
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 observed that Puka Seaside had turn into 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 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 trip from the resort took me by way of the island’s industrial heart, with some tough roads giving strategy 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 function in preserving coastlines and offering habitats for quite a few species. This 8,362-square-meter park was a collaborative mission 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, situated 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 number of vacationers. The close by Crocodile islands supplied common 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 autos from varied accommodations and resorts.
Thankfully, the southern loop’s Boracay freeway was one-way, guaranteeing clean 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, visitors grew to become barely congested, however it did little to decrease the general enjoyment of the trip.
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 vital improvement. Bulabog Seaside, famend for kite browsing, now boasted a stunning promenade and a serene ambiance that pleasantly shocked me.
I wrapped up my journey with a refreshing iced macchiato at Moshka Cafe, watching individuals 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 degree of improvement whereas guaranteeing its sustainability.
Returning to White Seaside
Within the late afternoon, I made my approach 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” listing. It was time to reunite with my associates and loosen up for the rest of the afternoon.
Boracay Biking Ideas
For vacationers seeking to discover Boracay on a motorbike, 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 certain 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 trip.
- In case you’re not conversant in the roads of Boracay, contemplate hiring a motorbike 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 trip.
Exploring Boracay by bike provides a singular and immersive strategy 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 corresponding 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 Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photos for his or her advertising supplies.