FIRST TIMER'S GUIDE TO BORACAY ON LOW SEASON

The Low Season is when the winds blow eastward into White Beach. Meaning, during this season, the White Beach is wavier than Bolabog. It is also when Bolabog becomes calmer and there are no activities for watersports. There is more rain than usual, but there are also fewer tourists, better prices on accommodations, and other lower prices on goods and services. The low season begins in May, and ends in October.

GETTING THERE

All to ourselves

There are 3 ways of getting the public to Caticlan, the gateway to Boracay.  One is through Ro-Ro bus, next is through Caticlan airport and lastly is through Kalibo airport.  Last October 10, 2010, we took the third option. Vans are queued outside the departure area to take passengers to Caticlan.  The trip costs Php200 each, inclusive of the boat fare.  Our group of 4 was lucky to board a van which we had all to ourselves.  The driver was supposed to be on his last trip and being the last to exit the airport, we were taken in.

The trip took 90 minutes to reach Caticlan Jetty port.  This is where we pay environmental and terminal fees.  The boat takes us to Boracay through Cagban Port which lasted for 10 minutes.  Once in Cagban, there are tricycles to take you wherever you want to go.  Our fare was Php20 each up to D'Mall.

EARNEST QUEST FOR ERNEST'S PLACE

We were looking for a place to stay for the night and we happened to pass by a newly-developed lodge called Ernest's Place just near D'Mall.  We were lucky to have the place for Php1,500.00 for the 4 of us.  Ernest's Place offers an airconditioned room with ref, flat screen tv, and a hot and cold shower.  It was truly a value for the money since we are just minutes away from both the White Beach and Bolabog.

THE BUDGET

Base travel expenses for the trip is as follows:

Kalibo Airport -> Caticlan Jetty Port (incl boat fare)= 200

Caticlan Environmental Fee = 75

Terminal Fee = 50

Cagban Port -> D'Mall = 20

Ernest's Place = 375 (1,500 / 4)

Boat Fare back to Caticlan Port = 30

Van Caticlan to Kalibo Town = 85

Kalibo to airport = 25

MISCELLANY

ABOARD ZEST AIR FOR A FIRST TIMER

 “Kaya Asian Spirit pangalan nyan, dahil pag sa taas ka na, magiging spirit ka,” It was a running joke, of course before it changed its name to Zest Air, and that makes any first time flyer to be anxious. And here it was, 2 months after booking, I’d get a first hand account of how it is to fly in the most affordable flight in town: Zest Air.

October 9. It was supposed to be my parent’s anniversary, but there I was, taking a taxicab to the airport at 0930h. We queued and waited until it was time for us to get on board. A congenial flight attendant tirelessly welcomed everyone.I looked for my seat and settled. 

Since it was my first time, I can not yet compare my flying experience so I took everything lightly and without any judgment. I took everything as part of an adventure, a rush that keeps me alive. The machines are noisy but it was not big of a deal for me. I figured airbuses are made that way. 

I enjoyed my first flight a lot that I was shocked, ironically, to know that we would land any minute from then. We were informed that we arrived thirty minutes earlier than expected. I haven’t gotten enough of the flight yet. Thankfully, we arrived Kalibo airport safe.

October 10. In going back to Manila, we took the night flight boarding the Cessna plane. While in midair, we had the pleasure to be having hobnobs with the flight attendants. One of whom is Carmella. From her, we were told that it’s ok to take pictures with the pilot, which we did when we landed Manila. Due to air traffic in Domestic airport, we were suspended up in the air for minutes. It was hard, of course, because air pressure made our ears nearly deaf. But up there, it was good to see lights around the metro. Once landed, we took pictures with the whole crew.

 My first flight in Zest Air was great, being a backpack traveler. All my qualms were laid to rest. As a matter of fact, we are planning to take advantage of the Voyager Card privilege, and make Zest Air our “official airline.”