Soaking up Paradise - Boracay

In this little piece of heaven,

we found peace and tranquility, and a kind of calm.

For a moment there, I was in a paradisical high.

It really felt like an escape from reality.

Everything they said about Boracay was real.

A tiny island that only existed in our fantasy.

Not overcrowded with tourists, nor overbearing touts

nor pumping loud clubs.

Just subtle beach bars and good food..

Seeing local kids play around in the clear waters

made me feel more blissed

to be in this authentic unspoilt haven.

Rusty tricycles are the most common form of transport

around this tiny island. 

Walking through the quaint little village towards our hostel,

we saw rural Filippino life and adorable local children.

Such bamboo huts are typical Filippino housings.

From ceiling to the floor, every single surface is covered with bamboo.

Beautifully simple.

The view from our hostel overlooking village huts.

This was what I wanted - a local insight to island life.

Trying street food has always been the top on my travel lists.

Filippino street food is undoubtedly one of the best!

Not to mention that BBQed meat and organs form an impt part of the Filippino cuisine.

Kechon Kawali.

Roasted fatty pork -literally 3 layers of fats between crispy skin and tender meat.

Fried to perfection.

Chicken Adobo.

Stewed chicken in soya sauce, vinegar and onion.

Seemingly simple, but overwhelmingly tasty.

Seafood stalls line the beachfront,

as restaurants tempt the passing pedestrians with their fresh and colourful catch.

A basic BBQ stand.

Of course I had to pig out on the famous Isaw Manok!

Isaw Manok (bbqed pig's intestines garnished with sweet sauce)

White beach is lined with chill-out casual bars

with comfortable bamboo sofas sprawled on the soft sand.

What better way to unwind after a day of soaking up the sun.

Oh and the best cocktails ever!

We rode around the island on a tiny rented scooter

and found this secluded piece of haven- Balinghai resort!

A rustic wooden place perched on top of a steep cliff,

spiralling down to a small exclusive beach..

It felt so down-to-earth and untouched by the world.

Ah food glorious food! 

Chicken cooked with coconut gravy.

The view of the sea from the resort.

Riding up to Mount Luho, the highest pt of the island,

was probably something we would not wanna miss out on.

From that tiny observation deck, you could see both sides of the island

the White Beach as well as the Bulabog Lagoon

which is the hotspot for kitesurfing..

Night falls and the island is transformed..

The best meal we had in Boracay, was at Jonah´s shakes.

The restaurant was all candelit and had a great atmosphere,

your feet would be feeling the soft sand, while the waves roll by right beside you.

They had excellent set dinners, for a great price

- rice with crispy fried shrimps, and stewed meat, along with a drink and fruits

for only 280pesos. (US$4)  

Mango Margaritas at the Hawaiian beachbar was perfect.