It’s not as glossy as a 5-star hotel, but it’s not as communal as a dorm either. Baling Hali strikes the perfect balance between comfort and space, since it was made to be isolated from the rest of the resorts along the White Beach. This secluded resort was built into cliffs back in the 80’s, and has the distinct privilege of facing a private cove by the norther part of Boracay Island. This is inaccessible to tourists from White Beach.

Also called the “Sunken Forest,” this attraction stands out as an anomaly in the otherwise colorful and cheerful character of Boracay Island. As the name suggests, this grove used to be a normal patch of lovely mangrove trees, known as bakawan. But something happened to the ecosystem surrounding the area, said to be caused when a dam nearby broke, causing saltwater to flow. The mangroves all died, and they are commemorated by a collection of eerie stumps sticking out of the still water.

Just a couple of minutes away from the busy beaches of Boracay is Crystal Cove. Boasting of equally pristine beaches and a more calming view of the sea, this area has an array of sights and sounds to enjoy. You can walk along the interconnected pathways that will lead you to different areas of the two-hectare island. And as its name suggests, there are 3 coves you can explore, each holding different rock formations brought about by the mingling of the earth’s natural elements.

If you want something a bit more exciting aside from parasailing and beach hopping, try the infamous bat caves in Boracay! A boat will take you across the water that traverses the caves of inhabiting fruit bats, some with wing spans longer than your arms!

This is Boracay Island’s quieter sister. Don’t let the serenity fool you—Carabao Island has some of the bluest and calmest waters in the nearby province of Romblon. Not a lot of people know that this place exists, opting instead to spend their time in the main hub at White Beach, but for those who are aware of its sandy shores, Carabao Island is a secret escape that delights all of your senses!

Hidden in Aklan’s main province, away from the party scene of Boracay Island, is Hurom Hurom’s cold springs, a side-trip for those who need to refresh themselves after a long, hot day by the beach! Their main pool is actually a basin which directly catches the cascading waters from a spring, flowing from the mountain. No wonder it’s so refreshing here!

If Carabao Island is Boracay Island’s quieter sister, then Diniwid Beach is White Beach’s calmer cousin. This isn’t the top of mind beach for most tourists, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. Quite the contrary, Diniwid Beach is smaller than White Beach, but that means it’s more intimate. It’s quieter, it has blue waters and white sand, and you get to relax without throngs of people rubbing elbows with you every second!

Kick back and relax at the Aklan mainland with help from a royal spa experience! Rejuvenate your senses and indulge yourself at Tirta Spa, which has won multiple awards for best Day Spa in the Asia Pacific region. “Tirta” translates to “Holy Water” in Hindu Sanskrit, and it may as well be because you come out of here feeling fresh and reborn, ready for more activities on the island!

Taste what the 80’s had to offer for Boracay dwellers in Nigi Nigi Nu Noos Garden, a beach front establishment that boasts of a genuine Polynesian vibe, surrounded by greenery as far as the eye can see. This is also one of the first ever resorts built on the island. Although it’s overshadowed by its more mainstream counterparts in Stations 1 and 3, this is still a landmark in Boracay that offers affordable packages for any tourist.

Called “Paradise in Seclusion,” you will pass by this cultural hub before Boracay, near the area of Aklan. It may not offer a beach front property like the rest, but Ibajay has festivals and events that can rival any other province around! To cap off a trip with off-the-beaten path areas, this is a must-visit!

Explore Boracay now and bookmark fun activities, great restaurants, and stylish hotels!]]>