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General Description:
Boracay is a beautiful island of tropical paradise located approximately 320km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km (1.25 miles) off the northwestern tip of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. Boracay Island is the most famous tourist destination in the Philippines, owing to the famous 4 km long white beach. Boracay Island is about 9 km long and 1 km wide at the center. It is comprised of the barangays of Manoc-Manoc, Balabag, and Yapak (3 of the 17 barangays which make up the municipality of Malay), and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.
Climate:
Two prevailing weather patterns dominate Boracay Island: Amihan, which means a cool-northeast wind, and Habagat, the southwest wind or monsoon.
The generally acknowledged peak season in Boracay coincides with Amihan which runs from October-November till May. Temperatures range from 25-32C (77-90F) at the start of Amihan till February and increase to 28-38C (34-100F) till the end of the season. The beach tends to be very calm and clear, often glassy, during winter and summer with the prevailing Amihan winds coming from behind.
Habagat coincides with the rainy season from June till October and is characterized by the winds blowing towards the white beach, accompanied by rough waters along the White Beach and frequent rain and typhoons. Temperatures will range from 25-32C (77-90F). Tropical storms which can occur any time during the year tend to occur during Habagat.
Things to do at Boracay Island:
Boracay island is first and foremost a sun-worshippers paradise. Powdery white sand and calm waters conspire to keep visitors coming back. Massages, fruit shakes, drinks, snacks, and even wi-fi make for a one-stop beach experience.
Those who tire of lazing about will enjoy traversing the sandy pedestrian path along the white beach. Restaurants, shops, scuba diving, mountain bike rentals, and sea sports of all sorts are available along the beach. There will be no shortage of friendly faces offering sunset paraw (the local sailboat) tours, island hopping and tours by motorized banca, hair braiding and henna tattooing, and even a little Nemo to show you some clownfish through a glass bottomed boat! Internet, phone, and fax are available all over the island. Notable are the Korean owned Station 168 and Inso at D'Mall.
For the more adventurous, there is D'Wall, a rock climbing wall located at D'Mall near Boat Station 2, mountain biking around the island, kayaking around the island (about 4 hours- definitely not recommended in rough seas).
Wreck Diving Philippines - photos, maps and wreck sketches.
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