Boracay is considered the beach capital of the Philippines and is famous for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. Our long-time plan for a family vacation to Boracay was set for the month of December. We waited for Noel, my brother-in-law now based in Israel to come home for the festive season. We had early booking so we chanced to buy cheap airfare. And with this, off we took this once in a lifetime “get-together”, and Boracay is definitely a place to go.

The beautiful beach capital of the Philippines

Once in a lifetime happy family beach escapade

Our 3:35 pm flight going to Caticlan via Cebu Pacific Air was canceled and we were transferred to the 6:10 pm Kalibo flight. I asked the cashier the reason and she answered, it’s due to sunset elevation in Caticlan. In exchange for the delay, we were given food, a free van ride from Kalibo to Caticlan, and one free domestic travel each.

At Kalibo Airport

Land travel from Kalibo was one hour and twenty-five minutes to be exact. We arrived at Caticlan port by 9:30 pm. Fortunately, there were still passenger boats (or we will pay Php1,200 for private service if we arrive there beyond 10:00 pm.

We paid for the following:

Php30.00 for the boat for night trip (Php25.00 if day trip)
Php50.00 for the environmental fee
Php75.00 for the terminal fee.

Shen and Rion were free from charges since they were both below 12 years old. The boat ride was seven minutes only going to Station 2 port.

Our Mom and Noel at the boat

We paid Php100 for the tricycle going to St. Vincent’s Cottages. Grace, our contact person, was already sleeping when we arrived. It was Lea who accommodated us to our reserved medium size rooms (Php1,500/per night, discounted price courtesy of Ms. Glo, a family friend of the owner). Our room had a small balcony with two double beds, tv, and a comfort room. There’s no kitchen inside so we headed down to the big dining area for our dinner.

Kulitan muna before we go to the beach

After few minutes of rest, we excitedly scampered away from our rooms to explore the beauty of Boracay at night. We passed by La Carmela de Boracay, Police Station, Canyon de Boracay, and Alice Hotel.

Ate Mik and Shen were having fun at the beach past midnight

It was not crowded yet and there were no people swimming in the vicinity. The only activity that night was poi dancing (fire dancing).

poi dancing at night

After watching we proceeded to Station 1. It was so wonderful walking barefooted in the sand for its fine powdery texture. We stopped in front of the Regency Hotel to watch a band performing so lively. The beachfront light was so bright. Lots of kids were having a great time wading on the water.

It’s basically safe in Boracay even at night

It was nighttime but what was amazing, there were still greenish hues in the water. Pao, Shen, Miko, and Pol can’t help themselves not to swim for the water was really inviting. Rion was still widely awake watching her sister and cousins. Our mom, my sister Gie and yours truly sat on the sand savoring the cool breeze coming from the sea. The two dads, my hubby and Noel were busy watching the live band.

Me and Pao and the friendly waves

I can’t sustain my happiness for finally we had set foot in our country’s most beautiful beach. It was twelve midnight when fireworks blasted on the night sky. It was a child delight watching it soaring up high on the horizon.  Later the sky was cleared again.

The granulated sand of Boracay at night

It was already 1:00 am but everyone was still alive and full of energy. The band was still singing wonderful songs and my younger buddies were all still busy in their night swimming activity. There was no summer crowd so it’s amazing to watch the waves as they gently buffeted on the shore.

Well, this is the start of what is VACATION all about.

Our room for the night

We went back to our rooms by 2:00 am.  Can’t wait for the next activity to come. Every one of us was dead tired when we got down in bed.

And the excited family is here

Good night Bora!