The Visayas - The Rough Guide to the Philippines - page 335

BORACAY'S ACTIVITY BONANZA
Boracay has the biggest range of activities to be found anywhere in the Philippines. In
addition to the sports below, there are numerous dive sites and operators (see box, p.342).
KITEBOARDING AND WINDSURFING
Windsurfing has been popular in Boracay for some time, and in recent years the kiteboarding
boom has seen the island emerge as one of the world's premier locations for this exciting new
sport. Boarders gather on Bulabog Beach to take advantage of the constant wind during the peak
season, while in the off-season the focus shifts to White Beach. There are a number of schools
offering both windsurfing and kiteboarding equipment rental and lessons covering everything
from basic introductory classes (P2750) to full-blown courses (P19,000).
OTHER WATERSPORTS
Other watersports on offer include jet-skiing (P2000/30min), waterskiing (P2500),
banana boat rides (P250/person), boat hire (sailing boats P2500/hr; speedboats P3500/hr),
glass-bottom boat rides (P750/person), fly-fishing (P600 for 15min), ocean kayaking
(P500/hr or P1000 for 30min in a completely translucent “Crystal” kayak - immediately north
of Red Pirates Pub ; call T 036 288 2818), parasailing (P2000) and even mermaid swimming
(yes you read that correctly; P1500 for 3hr; call T 036 288 3766).
For a true adrenaline experience, flyboarding (P7900 for 30min including return transport
to Carabao Island, lunch and drinks; call T 0910 230 0000) involves a jet propulsion tube
sending riders several meters above the water. More natural highs can be achieved by
cliff diving at Ariel's Point, a thirty-minute boat ride away from White Beach; trips can be
arranged through Boracay Beach Club at Boat Station 1 ( T 036 288 6770; P2000 for a full day
out including transport, lunch and unlimited beers).
LAND SPORTS
On land the choices are equally extensive and you can take your pick from quad biking
(P2500/hr), golf at Fairways & Bluewater, Newcoast (from P2000; T 036 288 5587,
W fairwaysandbluewater.com.ph), horseriding in Balabag (P645/hr; T 036 288 3311),
zip-lining at Mount Luho (P700), zorbing (P580) or mountain biking (P150/hr). One of the
nicest rides is to cycle from Punta Bunga to Tambisaan Beach, where the shoreline is dotted
with installation art, including the famous Boracay Sandcastle. Up in the air you can get great
views from even a ten-minute helicopter ride (P3500/person).
Further afield at Tibiao (see p.333) on the mainland of Panay there are a host of adrenaline-
inducing options including whitewater kayaking, canyoning and further zip-lining opportunities:
excursions here can be arranged through Tribal Adventures, or Katahum Tours in Tibiao itself
(see p.333).
OPERATORS
You'll find touts offering almost all of the activities above along the beach, but for specialist
activities it's best to head direct to the operators.
Allan B. Fun Tours Near Boat Station 2, White Beach
T 036 288 5577, E [e-mail]. The go-to
guy for many of the touts on White Beach, Allan B.'s is one
of the most reliable places to arrange activities.
Filipino Travel Centre Boracay Tourist Center (see
p.340). T 036 288 6499, W filipinotravel.com.ph.
Offers the usual activities, plus flights and tours in other
parts of the Philippines. There's also a useful notice
board here advertising new boat services, adventure
tours, activities, nightlife and accommodation.
Funboard Centre Northern end of Bulabog Beach
T 0927 343 4071, W windsurfasia.com. Windsurf
specialists who also offer kiteboarding from beginner
to pro.

6

Hangin Kiteboarding Boracay Beach Resort, White
Beach T 036 288 3663; Greenyard, Bulabog Beach
(Oct-May only) T 036 288 3208, W kiteboarding
boracay.com. One of the best-established kiteboarding
schools offering rental, storage, lessons and more.
Beginner lessons cost P2750 (90min) or P6250 (3hr),
with IKO Certification.
Tribal Adventures Boracay Sandcastles, Boat
Station 1 T 036 288 3207, W tribaladventures.com.
Professional operator running a host of adventurous
trips around the Philippines. Their three-day Tibiao
trip takes in hiking and whitewater kayaking and
costs from P15,000/person with a minimum of four
(all inclusive).