My Boracay Bike Loop Journey

Boracay, with its gorgeous white seashores, had all the time been a well-known vacation spot for me. Nevertheless, on my latest 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.

Driving North of Boracay Island

My Boracay bike loop journey was divided into two segments, with the primary being the “Keyhole Experience” with my co-yoga academics. Collectively, we eagerly pedaled northward in the direction of Boracay’s Newcoast, a creating 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 positioned close to Starbucks on White Seaside, and enlisted a information to guide our group. The trip commenced, and I rapidly realized that I had forgotten to start out my GPS. By the point I remembered, we have 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 highway building.

As we entered the Boracay Newcoast space, the trip turned extra nice. The roads have been well-paved, broad, and devoid of heavy visitors. This high-end township supplied a stark distinction in situations. We handed by residential condos and resorts, in the end reaching the coast.

The Keyhole, domestically referred to as Cujo’s Keyhole, had develop into fairly common. Within the mornings, a cart provided sizzling espresso and pastries. Curiously, I couldn’t recall when this rock formation had began being known as Cujo’s Keyhole; it was merely referred to as 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 seashore chairs, absorbing the solar and the great thing about the seashore 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 subsequent morning, intending to finish a loop across the island and go to locations of private curiosity.

First on my record 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 challenge, funded by the Lopez-led Power Growth Corp (EDC). This 7.79-hectare wetland served as an arboretum for threatened tree species, together with uncommon native timber reminiscent of Sander’s Alocasia, Narra, Ipil, Kubi, Antipolo, Isis, Sakat, Balakat, and Bakauan Dagat.

Birdwatching was one other fascinating exercise at BWCP, with a contemporary Chicken Watch Platform offering a great vantage level. Though I arrived later within the day, I noticed frequent chook species like chestnut munias, yellow-vented bulbul, olive-backed sunbirds, and a pair of pied trillers. The caretaker knowledgeable me that early mornings provided one of the best 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 the direction of Puka Seaside, a 4-kilometer trip away. The highway’s elevation elevated as I approached Yapak, with the very best level reaching 62 meters above sea stage and a few difficult gradients reaching 8.9%. Nevertheless, the route went downhill from the very best level, main me to the 800-meter Puka Seaside on the island’s northern aspect.

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 seen that Puka Seaside had develop 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 shifting 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 vary garments and escape the noon solar. The two.5-kilometer trip from the resort took me by way of the island’s business heart, with some tough roads giving technique 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 an important position in preserving coastlines and offering habitats for quite a few species. This 8,362-square-meter park was a collaborative challenge 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, positioned 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 couple of vacationers. The close by Crocodile islands provided common snorkeling spots and added to the distinctive allure 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 automobiles from numerous resorts and resorts.

Thankfully, the southern loop’s Boracay freeway was one-way, guaranteeing clean visitors stream. 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 business heart and the bigger resorts, visitors turned 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 highway resulting in Bulabog had been widened and paved, and the world had undergone vital improvement. Bulabog Seaside, famend for kite browsing, now boasted a beautiful promenade and a serene ambiance that pleasantly stunned me.

I wrapped up my journey with a refreshing iced macchiato at Moshka Cafe, watching folks stroll alongside the promenade. Boracay had undoubtedly advanced, and a few adjustments have been undeniably for the higher. The important thing now was to take care of this stage of improvement whereas guaranteeing its sustainability.

Returning to White Seaside

Within the late afternoon, I made my method 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” record. It was time to reunite with my buddies and chill out for the rest of the afternoon.

Boracay Biking Suggestions

For vacationers trying to discover Boracay on a motorbike, there are some key suggestions to bear in mind:

• Boracay has a longtime highway 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 retailers. Throughout my journey, we used Boracay Bike Leases, which yow will discover close to Starbucks (Contact: 09464575491 and 09291664972).
• Earlier than setting out in your bike journey, make sure 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.
• Should you’re not accustomed to the roads of Boracay, take into account hiring a motorbike information for added security and navigation help.
• Whereas there are many retailers and distributors across the island the place you should purchase water, it’s a good suggestion to deliver your individual water container to remain hydrated all through your trip.

Exploring Boracay by bike gives a singular and immersive technique 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 reminiscent of 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 photographs for his or her advertising and marketing supplies.