"A piece of heaven this side of Southeast Asia."

BORACAY is best described as the ultimate tropical paradise in this side of the world. The beaches are fine combed white sands scorched by the sun with cool breezy air with a warm turquoise sea capped with swaying tall palm and coconut trees.

First discovered as a barren and isolated island by backpackers in the 1970s, Boracay island, barely 7 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, located north of Panay group of islands in Central Visayas, Boracay blossomed into one of the Philippines and Southeast Asia's premier resort hideaway. At first, the island's beauty and potential was a closely guarded secret among Swiss and German tourists, eventually the secret was out and thousands deluge the islands along with the parallel development of various resorts and hotels.

Boracay islands is ideal for beach combers, as well as those in search for haven and peace. Tranquility is tops save for some big parties sponsored by local resort operators for visitors. In the eighties, power, potable water and communication was still a generation away but basic world class amenities and services are available with the generous and hospitable welcome of natives who are employed in the local resorts.

The best season to visit the island is during the November to January period where the weather is cool and the sea surrounding the island is calm. Accessing the island is best by direct domestic flight from Manila, the Philippines' capital. Reaching Boracay is easy but patience is required. Commercial planes can take visitors to a nearby island that can accommodate large planes. A short motor drive will bring tourists to a wharf where a one hour motorized banca ride will complete the travel to the Philippines' popular resort island. Some local domestic airlines can fly direct to Boracay and direct chartered flights are also available.