BFI : Boracay Foundation Inc

The Boracay Foundation Inc.

The Boracay Foundation Inc is a local organization composed of the leading establishments on the island to sustain the island’s environmental and social needs.

Founded in 1996, this business association deals with the marketing and promotional affairs of its members, which ranges from big resorts and hotels to airlines, restaurants, dive shops, water sport stations, banks, market stalls, island organizations, residents and expatriates. It extensively organizes workshops, seminars, and projects in close coordination with the various government agencies. Furthermore, the BFI is actively involved in solid waste management and the underwater environment, by which it is tied with Boracay’s Dive Association (BASS) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) thru Philippine Partnership Program (PEPP-ECONA), ultimately for the preservation of the island’s natural resources and the growth of its tourism.

Aside from the support of its 100+ members, the BFI also works hand in hand with the local administration, the provincial government and the Department of Tourism, whereby it is part of the Malay Tourism Council, the Environment Solid Waste Monitoring Team, and the Provincial Special Development Council. And because of its in depth participation in government organizations, the BFI then serves as a conduit between the business community and the local, provincial and national government agencies. Therefore before government policies concerning Boracay Island take effect, these have to be consulted first with the Boracay Foundation, Inc.

The BFI maintains www.boracayisland.org or www.visitboracay.com, a website that promotes members and non-members of BFI, as well as updates on island activities. The foundation also operates the Jetty Port Tourist Lounge at the Jetty Port in Caticlan to assist guests with any concerns regarding their trip in Boracay Island.

The Boracay Foundation, Inc. office in Boracay is located at the PA-AMA Building along the Main Road in Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, with telephone number (63-36) 288-3971, fax number (63-36) 288-6299, and email addresses bfi@boracayisland.org or info@boracayisland.org or bfi@kalibo-cable.tv.

Attractions

Kingfisher’s Farm.

With an abundance of birds, mangroves, coves and natural panoramic view, it is an ideal place to unwind and relax away from the action-packed White Beach. Located in Lugotan, opposite boat station 3, Kinfisher’s Farm is the only theme park that features a customary Filipino fish-farm dwelled by Bangus (milkfish) and Tilapia. It is certainly ideal for families or group of friends who fancy a quiet scene where they can grill, dine and indulge in recreational activities together.

Mount Luho.

It is the highest elevation on Boracay Island with 100 meters above sea level. Climbers may reach the top by hiking, mountain biking or motor biking. Atop it is a little kiosk that offers refreshments to quench the thirst of onlookers who want to take a break from their uphill trip and relish the view of the entire Bolabog Beach.

Sunken Forest

Also known as Dead Forest, the demise of this woodland is a result of a strong typhoon that occurred a decade ago, which broke the dams of its fishpond and thereby destroying its jade-like mangroves. Regardless of its history, Sunken Forest is still a picturesque sight in the south end of Bolabog Beach that radiates romance and inspiration for nature lovers.

Kat-Tir Shell Museum

Located at Ilig-Iligan Beach, this Oriental-inspired museum showcases a wide array of phenomenal sea shells, pottery, wood carvings, ancient Chinese artifacts, and intrinsic handmade costumes representing the diverse influences on Philippine tradition.

The Tirol Heritage Museum

In homage to the Chinese traders who during the early times considered Boracay Island as their stopover before heading to Mindanao, Gloria and Roberto Tirol founded this private museum at the northern side of the White Beach, displaying Chinese relics and ancient remains representing Boracay Island’s history.

Bat Caves

At the north east coast of Yapak, the Bat Caves quarters an opulence of cave bats, flying foxes and giant fruit bats with a wingspan of up to four feet. Spelunkers and adventurers mindlessly explore the cave despite its stench and countless bat drippings. Environmentalists, on the other hand would rather leave the fruit bats to their daytime sleep and wait for the sunset at the White Beach while hundreds of bats take their nocturnal flight above the horizon. Meanwhile, tourists who would want to experience this manifestation can easily hire a local guide to lead them through the jungle-paths on the way to the cave.

Adventure Malay

Unbeknownst to the majority, the bigger part of the Municipality of Malay lies on the Mainland. Its natural magnificence produces a farm with rice fields and a rain forest with numerous tropical birds, rivers, caves, waterfalls. Trips can be arranged on Boracay Island.

Porters

At the Caticlan Jetty Port, the uniformed porters are more than happy to help with heavy luggage. One just has to prepare 5 to 10 pesos per piece of luggage as tips to the porters, depending on its size and weight.

Bookings

If you want a hassle-free transfer from the airports or Jetty Port to Boracay, book your accommodations prior to your trip. You may be approached by independent tour agents at the Kalibo and Caiclan airports trying to sell rooms to travelers without bookings. If travel-weary or darkness approaches, just book a room through them for only one night and scout the beach for a vacancy in your preferred resorts on the next day. If you have a prior booking, do not be swayed by those who might try to dissuade you from getting there.

Transportation

On the island, public transportation is offered by tricycles (motorbike with a sidecar) and multicabs. For tricycles prices on flat areas is a minimum of 7 pesos per person, whereas for multicabs, the rate is with a minimum of 8 pesos per person. On the other hand, vans for rent are also available at 250 pesos per trip, conveniently for groups who are planning to get on a road trip around the island. Other means of transportation are mountain bikes and motorbikes, which can be rented at various locations along the main road. Motorbikes along the White Beach and the beach path are however forbidden by law.

Departure

Remember to reconfirm your return flight at least 72 hours prior to departure to avoid unnecessary hassles and to arrange for another flight option just in case your flight gets cancelled due to internal airline operations or bad weather conditions. For tourists coming from the Manila International Airport, now called Ninoy Aquino International Airport, allow 2 hours to transfer to the Manila Domestic Airport to avoid no-show. And for passengers departing from Caticlan Airport, it is advisable to leave the island at least 1 ½ hours prior to the confirmed flight, and 3 hours including land travel if departing from Kalibo Airport. Passengers can quickly find a van (150 PhP/pax) that will take them to Kalibo in 1 ½ hours. Also keep in mind that airlines require passengers to check-in an hour prior to departure.

Cancellations

When traveling during the monsoon season, weather conditions sometimes compel the airlines to cancel or delay flights, so be flexible with your travel schedules.

Dining

Boracay’s food scene is positively multi-cultural. It is of no wonder that the island provides more than 200 restaurants and food stations where one can sumptuously find a wide variety of assorted food from around the world and the Philippines. Try, for example, traditional Filipino dishes and other Asian cuisines ranging from Korean and Thai to Indian, Chinese, and Japanese. European dishes, including German, Swiss, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian are thus widely available on the island.

Now if you’re tired of dining in restaurants, then check out D’Talipapa, a wet market specializing in seafood and seasonal fresh fruits. On the other hand, if you want to visit an upscale mall in the center of Boracay, then visit D’Mall and sample the extensive array of outdoor restaurants, gourmet cafes, delicatessens, and inexpensive bakeries, which you can find in the old extended side of D’Mall.

Shopping

The most important shopping items on Boracay Island are beach-related items, uch as beach wear, beach towels, slippers, T-shirts and bottles of su-protective lotions. One can easily find shops selling all sorts of things, from raw and cooked food to beachwear and cool T-shirts, mostly representing Boracay Island. For clothes, accessories, footwear, home decors, lamps, native woodcarvings and even antique furniture, one can accessibly purchase these at an upscale mall, known as D’Mall, in Station 2. And in turn, one can indulge in an eclectic selection of food accompanied by imported delicacies and refreshments, capped with an added attraction of people watching. D’Mall also offers convenience stores for necessity shopping, money changers, ATM machines, pharmacies, internet cafes, WI-FI stations, airline ticketing offices, and travel agencies for flight confirmations and changes. As for seafood hunting, the D’Talipapa is the ideal place for it. It is now considered as the new wet market or “talipapa” after the old talipapa in Station 3 turned into ashes from a fire accident in January, 2005. Situated along the main road near Boat Station 2, D’Talipapa renders a wide range of raw ingredients, comprising of poultry, meat and seasonal fresh seafood and fruits.

Other essential establishments in Boracay are AKY Cycle Center, which offers hard-to-find motorcycle parts and quality fuel for motorcycle and tricycle operations. Another one is one of the island’s oldest shops, Jopine’s Store where locals and tourists go to for their all-around convenient supplies.

Nightlife

As perpetuated by everybody on the island, sunset is indeed the beginning of nightlife in Boracay. It only depends on one’s own momentous mood that it either becomes the last swim in the red-golden sunrays that are reflected by the deep blue and calm water, or a cocktail splurge to meditate into the sunset at one of the grandest places along the White Beach.

Almost every sunset is a spectacle by itself. And afterwards, one may shake oneself up over a relaxing massage or over a sumptuous dinner before heading out for the bar and other exciting night activities.

Business Services

Because Boracay Island is one of the forefront tourist destinations, the island therefore provides an easy avenue to banks, money transfers, real estate brokers, office services and internet access, all for the convenience and necessity of its valued guests.

Beaches

Boracay has more than ten distinctive beaches nestled in the coves surrounding the infamous island. All of them feature the same powdery white sand that has undoubtedly made the island prominent around the world. By far, the most popular beach is a seven-kilometer stretch, officially called White Beach.

White Beach

On the west coast of the island between the villages of Angol and Balabag, this legendary expanse of white sand remains cool even on the hottest days. It undauntedly pervades a diverse atmosphere of resorts, restaurants, bars, discothèques and stores that vibrantly frame the renowned beach. It is also sends out an idyllic setting for sunbathing, people watching or simply lounging with friends over a favorite drink.

Puka Beach

Situated on the North coast facing Carabao Island, there lies Yapak Beach or as tourists know it, Puka Shell Beach. This 800 meter beach was made famous by the shiny white Puka shells adapting to the fashion jewelry rage in the 70’s and early 80’s, wherein these shell became the first source of trade and industry on the island. Today one can still find remnants of Puka shells that were washed ashore and bleached by the changing times from centuries ago. Furthermore, Puka Shell Beach is considered a must-see destination of tourists who take a banca (motorized boat) or a paraw (wind-driven Hobe cat-like boat). Aside from sea transport, Puka Shell Beach can also be reached on land by hiking, mountain biking, motor biking or communiting with a tricycle.

Din-iwid Beach

To the north of the White Beach is the little village of Din-iwid with its 200 meter long beach. It’s quite accessible from the White Beach especially via a path hewn out of the cliffs. Din-iwid Beach also serves as a picnic and snorkeling ground for the more adventurous and reserved tourists who like to be surrounded by cliffs emanating peace and tranquility without being stranded from the White Beach. There are also isolated resorts built to fit the rising hills, and simple cottages and bamboo houses with individualistic designs, also perched on the rocky hillside.

Balinghai Beach

Enclosed by craggy walls of rock with a few cottages, the tiny Balinghai Beach is a hideaway for those who prefer eternal bliss. It is perfect for snorkeling, as further out in the sea is a coral garden that houses an abundance of magnificent underwater life forms. There is also a resort on the cliff above the beach, which offers drinks and food in a sort of comical way.

Bunyagan Beach

To the north of the White Beach, past Balinghai Beach is another secluded strip of white sand called Bunyagan Beach, which is a very short uphill climb north of Punta Bunga. Beyond it stands a wide plot of coconut trees and flat land furnished with bamboo beach beds, ideal for picnics.

Ilig-Iligan Beach

At the northeast side of the island, Ilig-Iligan Beach provides coves, caves, and a jungle, all housed by fruit bats hanging in the trees. And just like most beaches in Boracay, Ilig-Iligan is ideal for snorkeling, fishing, swimming, picnics. One just has to take a boat, motorbike, tricycle or bicycle depending on the weather due to its tricky rough downward slope, and because the seas are sometimes rough during the northeast season, though calm and clear during the southwest monsoon season, also which at such time, marine life enthusiasts can snorkel or take diving trips farther out to sea.

Bolabog Beach

Bolabog Beach comes alive during the first quarter of the year when the reef-protected current revs up for windsurfers and kite surfers. Every year amateurs and professionals take advantage of the strong winds as they race from one end to the other during the annual Boracay International Funboard Cup since 1988, which is now considered as an official leg of the Asian Windsurfing Tour. Tourists can also pass through a small dirt road from Bolabog bound for Mount Luho, the highest point on the island.

Cagban Beach

At the southern end of the island, Cagban Beach provides an official port to the Mainland during the high season. But during the low season, this beach offers quietness and relaxation, away from the bustling action on the White Beach. It is actually a good place for treasure hunting, as Cagban means cave or chest, thereby it is said that several treasure chests still lay buried in the sand or in surrounding caves.

Manoc-Manoc Beach

The southernmost beach and village, Manoc-Manoc Beach (translated as Chicken-Chicken) creates a spectacular view of the Caticlan channel, the westernmost tip of Panay Island. This usually deserted and quiet beach is a good place for swimming and photographing images with the dark blue mountains and crystal clear waters materializing into an ultimate surreal panorama. Experienced windsurfers and kite surfers can be seen racing with the strong winds and aggressive currents (up to 6 knots) across the channel.