Fabulous Boracay, Philippines

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Flying from Cebu city to Caticlan airport, we wondered what Boracay would be like. Listening to other travellers had made us a little weary about it being built up and full of tourists, despite its beauty. Sounded like a place we may like to avoid, but intrigue got the better of us, we simply had to find out for ourselves. Arriving in Caticlan (smallest airport I've ever visited!) we were greeted by tourist guide, who was really genuinely helpful. We boarded a typical Philippine boat which took us across to Boracay. Arriving we jumped into a motorcycle side car, and zoomed to our hotel which the guide recommended. It was in our budget and it had a pool! Not believing our luck, it all seemed quite unreal. Where's the catch? We gave the guide a well deserved tip! Alice in Wonderland Hotel, was a hit with us!

Sun cream smoothered all over, we went to investigate our neighbourhood. We wondered the sandy beachfront pathways lined with gift shops, bars, fresh fish restaurants, resorts and massage parlours. Palm trees shading us from the intense heat from the sun, we ambled along. We had a snack with freshly squeezed fruit juice, but hadn't set foot on the beach yet, that was next. Well, we went into complete shock, stunned as we walked onto the perfect powdery white sandy beach. It was a truely amazing sight. The beach stretched as far as we could see, with palm trees sheltering the beach front, the water was an unbelieveable turquiose colour and so so warm. The sea was lapping the shore, with sailing boats lining the horizon. Never have i ever seen a place quite like this one! It is one of the World's most beautiful beaches and now we understand why! The weather was very tropical, quite cloudy at times but still so warm it didn't matter. Rain storms freshen the air and felt great.

Watching the sunlight fade, we sipped our G&T's and decided this would be our perfect Christmas location.
Spending 5 nights here felt like a luxury summer holiday. Our room is booked for Christmas, a budget room is all we can afford with cold water showers and no air -con, but we can't wait to return.

From here, we left the Philippines as our visa was running out. Sad to leave, our next stop was Thailand, landing in Bangkok - quite a contrast!

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