✈️ Day 1 – Sunshine, Sand, and Spontaneity

After two long years of canceled plans, lockdowns, and unpredictable travel restrictions, we were finally ready for our first real getaway. Last April 2022, my friend and I booked a spontaneous trip to one of the Philippines’ most beloved summer spots—Boracay Island. The government had just eased domestic travel restrictions, and suddenly, the beach was calling.

Our three-day adventure kicked off at NAIA Terminal 3—my first time back since the pandemic began. Our flight was set for 11:55 AM. I took the MRT, then tried waiting for the Airport Loop Bus near McDonald’s Taft, but after 15 minutes with no luck, I hopped on a jeepney that passed the airport.

Once checked in, we grabbed coffee and sandwiches at the airport café before boarding. The flight? Quick and easy—just 40 minutes. We landed under sunny skies at Caticlan Airport.

Sometimes, the journey to paradise starts with a jeepney and ends with a tricycle.

From the airport, we took a trike (Php100 each) to Caticlan Jetty Port. The port was packed—people lining up to pay the environmental fee, terminal fee, and boat fare. After showing our Online Health Declaration (OHD) QR Code, we boarded a boat for the 20-minute ride to the island.

When we finally arrived, we took another e-trike (Php100 each) to our hostel at Station 1, tucked away from the main road via a narrow alleyway in a quiet residential area.

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🌴 Day 1 (continued) – The Island Rhythm Returns

We stayed at The Lazy Dog Bed and Breakfast, a peaceful spot perfect for travelers who want a breather from the island’s usual buzz. The place had a homey, laid-back vibe. Its open-air common area, filled with floor cushions, made it a cozy space for eating, chatting, or even working on a laptop.

Our air-conditioned twin room (booked via Agoda) included a private bathroom, hot and cold shower, free Wi-Fi, towels, soap, and complimentary breakfast.

We didn’t waste time—we headed straight to the beach and wandered around D’Mall at Station 2, a lively area with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir stalls. After a bit of shopping, we chilled at Sensi Italian Restaurant with avocado and banana shakes, then enjoyed the famous Boracay sunset and a much-needed dip in the sea.

The waves don’t ask questions. They just welcome you back.

For dinner, we tried Queen Bee Co. Chinese restaurant inside D’Mall. Our meal—buttered chicken, rice, and fish soup—was delicious (Php750 for two). A bit pricey, but worth it after a long day.

After dinner, we strolled back to our hostel and rested, happy to be exactly where we were.

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🌧️ Day 2 – When the Rain Becomes Part of the Story

We woke up to a steady drizzle. Tropical Storm Agaton was making its presence felt across the Visayas. Still in our pajamas, we headed down for breakfast. I ordered beef tapa, two fried eggs, and a cup of hot coffee.

Rain or shine, travel still teaches you something.

With no solid plans, we wandered back to Station 2. On the way, a local from Bamboo Company approached us with an island hopping offer. Why not? We signed up—Php600 each for a 5–6 hour trip with a buffet lunch.

Despite the rain and choppy waves, we visited Balinghai Beach and Diniwid Beach in the island’s north. Puka Beach was skipped due to rough seas.

After our island hopping tour, we had a buffet lunch at Bamboo Beach Resort before returning to the hostel to freshen up. Later, we went back to the beach, grabbed our caffeine fix at Starbucks, and wandered through the damp but lively Station 2.

Dinner was another chicken meal at Sensi. Comfort food on a gray day. The rain didn’t stop, so we called it an early night.

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🌥️ Day 3 – Rainy Goodbyes and Cloudy Horizons

It was still raining when we woke up. We had our final breakfast at the hostel: chicken tocino, two eggs, and coffee. After packing our bags, we checked out early to avoid potential delays.

Even a rainy goodbye can’t dampen the magic of the island.

We took one last stroll along Bulabog Beach, just a short walk from our hostel. Compared to Station 2, Bulabog was calm, breezy, and relaxed. It’s a favorite for kiteboarding and windsurfing, especially among those who want a quieter escape.

We then hired an e-trike to Cagban Port, paid the terminal (Php100) and boat fee (Php50), and took the boat back to Caticlan Jetty Port. From there, we rode another e-trike to Caticlan Airport.

We were offered an earlier flight at 11:40 AM, which we gladly accepted. Better to leave ahead of the storm. Though our flight was delayed by an hour, we landed safely in Manila.

And just when we thought it was over—Metro Manila traffic greeted us with open arms. The airport was packed, lines for taxis were endless, and the streets were flooded with people trying to get home.

We ended our journey with a warm meal at Wendy’s, grateful for the memories despite the stormy twists.

Boracay still has that magic, even when it’s raining. Until next time, paradise. 🌊💙

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📝 My Island Takeaways

Every trip teaches you something—about the place, the people, and yourself.

• 🐾 Two friendly, lazy dogs roam The Lazy Dog B&B. No barking—just chill vibes.
• 💻 Wi-Fi was a bit slow, but the ambiance made up for it.
• 🛏️ Our stay: Php4,137.22 (3D2N, good for 2 people).
• 🚶♀️ The hostel is a 10-minute walk to D’Mall; locals can easily give directions.
• 🛣️ At night, we used the beachfront path—dimly lit but safe. Always stay alert.
• 🍽️ Boracay has endless food options for every taste and budget.
• 🚌 Jeep rides to/from NAIA are fast and cheap (Php9), but avoid them if you have bulky luggage.
• 🚍 P2P buses are better with luggage but slow. Only 1 bus was running that day; the fare is now Php40 (pre-pandemic: Php20).

*** Boracay welcomed us back with sun, rain, and everything in between. And even though the storm changed our plans, the island still gave us what we needed—rest, reconnection, and a beautiful reminder that joy returns, eventually.***

📅 Travel Dates: April 09 – 11, 2022 | A long-awaited return to island life