Posted on July 28, 2010 - by Vic

Biking around Boracay

There is a saying among hard core bikers that the bicycle is a transport of delight. In Boracay, whether you are easing from one resort to another, through Puka shell beach going down the main road all the way to Manoc-Manoc, there is no better way to travel around the island. In the places that I have rode a bicycle, most especially in China and other places in Southeast Asia, I was frequently amazed at the level of trust placed in me by the local people from the cities, towns and communities that I have crossed, simply because I was riding a bicycle. I think trust leads to hospitality, on a pure practical level, but it is also key to kinship and understanding. And in these modern times, when we can be at least familiar with so much of the area from where we seat, this is one of the greatest goals of travel.

Photo by George Cabig

In Boracay it is no secret: the cycle path on the shoreline of Boracay draws hordes of like-minded tourists on two wheels every year, especially during the summer and most especially, in between the dry spells of the rainy season – the best reason for going even during the raining months! There is something powerfully therapeutic about pedaling alongside this great fine sandy shoreline: the section from Punta Bunga to Tambisaan Beach is a strong contender for the most beautiful stretch of Boracay, and so interesting is this major stretch that the shoreline is peppered with all sorts of establishments, side by side with sand castles and lately even installation art.

For most of its length, the ride follows the shoreline path, an excellent cycling route that is kept in good road condition. This allows one to stretch your legs and climb Mount Luho and its improvised wooden view deck for a bird’s eye view of the island and the neighboring island of Romblon. The biking distances are short and small leaving plenty of time to explore whatever catches your interest along the shores and inland. And this is exactly what I did on this trip.

Photo by George Cabig

The island’s comparatively good road network makes getting to interesting spots by mountain bike an easy and fun biking adventure. The bikes can be rented for about an hour to tour the island or a whole day (6 hours) at leisure. Exploring the island on a mountain bike is not only good exercise, but the best way to find those out-of-the way, unspoiled parts of Boracay. Paths crisscross most of the island. One is also welcome to join the Cyclone MTB Club (Mountain Bikers Boracay) for their Sunday bike tours of Panay Island or for one of the races they occasionally organize. I rented my bike from Boracay Fun & Sports Shop (Tel. No.: 036 288 5941) conveniently located at D’ Mall. Owned by couples Steve Safir and Anna Sagarino, the shop also carries beach and fitness items, plus toys and games for active kids.

The bikes can be taken from the shop or brought to your hotel depending on your choice of arrangement.

On our way back to the main road with bicycles in tow, I couldn’t help but take a quick look at one of the newest hotel property on the island – THE TIDES (036 288 4517), a stylish and minimalist boutique hotel strategically located also at D’Mall. It has well appointed rooms interesting called essential and exceptional, each one different from the other giving it that distinct look and “zenish” feel. In its soft opening stage, this property has a lot of promises going for it. They hope to bring in the right market for the property when it becomes fully operational soon according to Norman Tamayo, the hotel’s accounting and administration manager. Noted young Filipino chef Fernando Aracama, will be lording over the kitchen and dining outlets of this chic hotel. I fancied the rooftop of the hotel, where an infinity pool overlooks the blue sea. I find it ideal for those lazy hot mornings or breezy afternoon in the island or just plain watching the sunset before hitting the interesting night life just below the hotel.

Photo by George Cabig

On the way to Yapak or more popularly known as Puka Shell beach, we notice a surprising variety of scenery and exotic animals, trees and flowers along another steep road. This more dense part of Boracay leads to a tree lined path along nipa huts and a public school all the way to Puka Shell beach, where you can succumb for great souvenir finds. A make shift row of hut sells shells, pearls, beads, hats, batiks, shirts and island bags for reasonable prices if you don’t want the shopaholic scene at D’Mall or D’ Talipapa.

The opening of Discovery Shores several years ago turned the sleepy island of Boracay into a bona fide luxury destination. Located on the best beach of the archipelago, Discovery Shores has now become a popular destination for Europeans, Koreans and Japanese, rivaling even other resorts further to the south. After a whole day of biking, The Discovery Shores has numerous indulgences to offer on hand. Just up on the mezzanine of the resort, the Mandala Spa which will soon open to give treatments in a separate pavilion. Otherwise, you can try the original Mandala spa along Boat Station 3 close to the jetty.

Photo by George Cabig

Cycling around Boracay is easy to organize yourself whether you prefer the unspoiled side of the island or just the scenic shoreline. Traveling by bicycle is the best way to view Boracay’s landscape, engage with the locals, acquire an appetite and feel a sense of achievement – exactly what I did!

How to get there: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines Express, Seair & Zest Air have several flights a day to Kalibo and Caticlan, where you can catch a ferry to bring you to the island. Book early on you airtickets to get hefty discounts. Hotel or Room accommodations depending on your budget can be arranged at the airport upon landing.

Note: This article appeared in SMILES – inflight magazine of Cebu Pacific Airways.