DESPERATE TRAVELLER: ALL THE WAY FROM MANILA TO BORA...........by Nea Mirizma P. Gaspar

You just never know what to expect. Sure you have read brochures, asked questions of travel agents, but the true reward or disappointment, is when you first sight the destination of your hard earned holiday, in this case Boracay Island.You always seem to have doubts.How long will it take to get there?How much Is it going to cost me?Should I go somewhere closer?I don’t have much time, is too far away?

All these questions and probably more, flash through your mind at some stage. Well let me tell you right now exactly what is involved in travel to Boracay.

There are two main types of transport that will get you to Boracay, in fact you really need a combination of the two.

You can either fly or take a ferry.

You cannot fly directly to Boracay, Boracay does not have an airport.The quickest way to travel to Boracay Island, is to take a plane from Manila domestic terminal and fly to the island of Panay in the Visayas. The two flight options you have, is to fly directly to either the cities of Kalibo or Caticlan on Panay Island.The flight time to either city is 1 hour.

The airlines that travel to either Kalibo or Caticlan are Philippine Airlines, Asian Spirit, Cebu Pacific or Air Philippines.

Travel to Boracay can also be made by ferry.For those on a budget and with a bit of time to spare the Manila to Dumaguit voyage is ideal. Dumaguit is on the north side of Panay Island just south of Kalibo. The voyage is an overnight trip from Manila.

The Ferries depart Manila at North Harbour. From Dumaguit you will have to get yourself to Caticlan. You do this by air-conditioned bus or the extremely budget conscious or adventurous try taking a jeepney.

Another way to get from Manila to Boracay is to take an air conditioned bus from Manila to Batangas in Calarbazon .

well, enjoy your trip and have fun..