Boracay, with its beautiful white seashores, had all the time been a well-recognized vacation spot for me. Nevertheless, on my latest journey to this tropical paradise with my fellow yoga lecturers, I used to be wanting to see how the island had remodeled after its rehabilitation. This journey additionally offered a singular alternative for me to embark on a Boracay bike loop, one thing I had longed to expertise.
Using North of Boracay Island
My Boracay bike loop journey was divided into two segments, with the primary being the “Keyhole Journey” with my co-yoga lecturers. 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 Lodge, 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 Seashore, and enlisted a information to steer our group. The trip commenced, and I rapidly realized that I had forgotten to begin my GPS. By the point I remembered, we had 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 development.
As we entered the Boracay Newcoast space, the trip grew to become extra nice. The roads had been well-paved, huge, and devoid of heavy site visitors. This high-end township offered a stark distinction in circumstances. We handed by residential condos and resorts, finally reaching the coast.
The Keyhole, regionally often known as Cujo’s Keyhole, had turn out to be fairly widespread. Within the mornings, a cart supplied sizzling espresso and pastries. Curiously, I couldn’t recall when this rock formation had began being referred to as Cujo’s Keyhole; it was merely often known as Lapus-lapus.
Our group determined to relish the tranquility and seclusion of Ilig-iligan Seashore, which was much less crowded and had meals stalls and a bar serving refreshing drinks. We lounged on seaside chairs, absorbing the solar and the great thing about the seaside earlier than returning to our resort 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 non-public curiosity.
First on my listing was the Boracay Wetland Conservation Park (BWCP), located on the slopes of Mt. Luho, roughly 2 kilometers from White Seashore. BWCP was a part of the BINHI Reforestation and Greening challenge, funded by the Lopez-led Power Improvement 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 super 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 supplied one of the best birding experiences, making me resolve to return if I had the chance to go to Boracay once more.
Visiting Puka Seashore
Having beforehand explored Boracay Newcoast, I continued my solo bike journey in the direction of Puka Seashore, a 4-kilometer trip away. The highway’s elevation elevated as I approached Yapak, with the very best level reaching 62 meters above sea degree 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 Seashore on the island’s northern aspect.
Puka Seashore featured a picturesque mix of coral and grainy sand, with the identical crystal-clear waters because the White Seashore. In comparison with my earlier visits, I observed that Puka Seashore had turn out to be 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 Seashore, my subsequent vacation spot was Lugutan Mangrove Park, roughly 2.3 kilometers away from the southeastern a part of the island. I finished 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 means of the island’s industrial middle, with some tough roads giving strategy 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 a vital function 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 Seashore and the Southern Loop
Persevering with my journey southbound, I reached Tambisaan Seashore, 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 environment and was frequented by just a few vacationers. The close by Crocodile islands supplied widespread snorkeling spots and added to the distinctive allure of Tambisaan Seashore.
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 autos from varied resorts and resorts.
Thankfully, the southern loop’s Boracay freeway was one-way, guaranteeing clean site visitors movement. The roads had considerably improved since my earlier go to earlier than the pandemic, that includes well-paved surfaces and ample pedestrian area. As I approached the island’s industrial middle and the bigger resorts, site visitors grew to become barely congested, but it surely did little to decrease the general enjoyment of the trip.
Bulabog Seashore
Turning onto Bulabog Street, I headed for Bulabog Seashore, 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 Seashore, famend for kite browsing, now boasted a beautiful promenade and a serene ambiance that pleasantly shocked me.
I wrapped up my journey with a refreshing iced macchiato at Moshka Cafe, watching individuals stroll alongside the promenade. Boracay had undoubtedly advanced, and a few adjustments had been undeniably for the higher. The important thing now was to take care of this degree of improvement whereas guaranteeing its sustainability.
Returning to White Seashore
Within the late afternoon, I made my approach again to White Seashore 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” listing. It was time to reunite with my associates and calm down for the rest of the afternoon.
Boracay Biking Suggestions
For vacationers seeking 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 resort 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, be certain that the bike is in good situation. Check the brakes, gears, and total consolation of the bike to keep away from any points throughout your trip.
- For those who’re not acquainted with 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 carry your individual water container to remain hydrated all through your trip.
Exploring Boracay by bike presents a singular and immersive strategy to expertise the island’s magnificence and tradition, permitting you to uncover hidden gems and recognize 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 numerous organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Kids and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality pictures for his or her advertising and marketing supplies.
