Best Island in the world

Three days after we arrived in Cebu, we fly from Cebu Island to Caticlan town on Panay Island. From Caticlan, we took a ferry to yet another island. Remember I told you Philippines is make up of thousand of islands. So yeah, this is the quite troublesome, quite time consuming, quite costly example that I mentioned.

However, we still go through all that because after all the time, the trouble, the cost, we landed in one of the best island in the world [according to Travel & Leisure magazine 2012].

First view of the island from the ferry we rode.

Ladies & Gentlemen, we have arrived at Boracay!

Although Philippines is not in the map of most tourists, but Boracay is. Its as though Boracay is a place on it own. Well, there are two ways to reach Boracay. One, you fly from Cebu or Manila to Caticlan and get a ferry to Boracay or you can fly from Cebu or Manila to Kalibo, ride in the bus for an hour or two and then get on the ferry. Which is more time consuming, troublesome and costly I'm not sure; but who cares when you are greeted by pristine white sands and the bluest of the blue sea.

I'll share how beautiful and why this island has been named The Best Island in the World, but let's talk about the hotel we chose.

Boracay Island is divided into Station 1, 2, 3 and the other side (not sure the name). Whether you like to have quiet beach holiday (I suggest you forget about Boracay then) or a fun and full of activities beach holiday will depict where you should stay but most people will choose to stay in Station 1 and 2.

We have chose to stay in the beach front Boracay Mandarin in Station 2.

Our premier deluxe sea view room in Boracay Mandarin

This is what greeted us at the balcony ... nice!

Now we can keep our shoes and flip flop around for a few days

Sunset view from the room

Dusk view from the room

Morning view from the room

OK, after finished tempting you with the view, let me explained why you should choose to stay in Station 1 and 2. Firstly, all the activities, shops, restaurants, pubs, cafes, street massage etc etc etc are located in Station 1 and 2. If you choose to say away from here, you will need to get a trishaw or motorbike to get here for food, for beers, for anything and everything. I've seen tourist lining up to get in the bus at 9pm to their hotel on the other side while I'm starting on the first drink of the night.

D'Mall, which is the only beach shopping mall in the island is located in Station 2 as well (its like 2 minutes walk away from Boracay Mandarin). I know what you're thinking, why go to a mall in the beach. Trust me, when you have done sunbathing whole day at the beach, you'll find the beach mall very super appealing at night, Besides, you are bound to need a bottle drink, or a panadol, or even extra sun tan lotion.

 Finally and most importantly, Station 1 and 2 has the most beautiful beach in the island. Its called The White Beach, So why stay away?

Oh yes, Boracay Mandarin also houses the best Italian restaurant in the island, the Don Vito Ristorante Italiano. Swim in the pool and come up to the hot sizzling pizza ... ahhh.

Location : Boracay Island, Philippines
Next, Boracay, day and night