Boracay and the Negros

From Puerto Galera to Boracay things went pretty smooth. Had an early start to fit all the travel in, in one day. The ferry over the islands was too sweet for me. There were bunk beds all over the boat to sleep on, and it was so relaxing. Really needed that extra few hours kip.




At Boracay, the hard job of finding suitable accommodation for a good price for the next few days was my 1st task. I walked to the main beach from the port and straight away found a lady offering a nice place with kitchen, fridge, tv and private bathroom for 400 php. As great as it was, I was looking for cheaper, so I thought to check my options before committing. On my way down to the beach I bumped into Bert, a local businessman who owned a hotel. I told him I was willing to pay about 300php a night and he said he could sort me out. Turns out, he takes me all the way back to the first place I went to, and gave me 300 php a night, a great great bargain. Thanks Bert. Since were on the subject of Bert, whats with the Philipinos and all these old school names? I have met a Harold, Arnold, Bernard and my favorite, Gilbert.

I made the most of my television set that day, doing nothing, except a quick run of the island, its only spans about 10km, so it was easy to get to know. I kind of did the same amount of sod all the following day, getting my feast on at an all you can eat buffet was the highlight. I once again ate more than I could eat, but refused to waste since they charged extra, had to squeeze it all down. It was the best buffet of my life, with multiple stews and curries and sushi and desserts, and of course rice (fried or standard).




As my previous time in Boracay was spent lounging around I convinced myself to make the effort to go to Ariels point on Panay island, around 30/40km from Boracay. I had seen a poster advertising that they have cliff jumping there so I was eager to test it out. Since the daily tour had departed without me (costing 1200php) I forced myself to make my own way there. That turned out to be one helluva mission. First I had to cross over to Panay by boat (saying I was Boracay resident in order to skip the terminal fees), then hop on a taxi bike over to the far coast, where we had to go over some of the most disgraceful excuses for roads I have ever seen. The taxi bike thought Ariels point was where he dropped me off, but unfortunately, it wasn't. I walked for about a kilometer down the coast, still not finding the place. Here I got another local boat the rest of the way finally reaching my goal. I had to pay 400php for the entrance fee, but sweet taled the owner into giving me a complimentary lift back with the group, score. Ariels point was built on the cliffside with a bar and restaurant at the top, and with loads of staircases winding their way around the cliffs leading to different jump points at different heights.

I wasted no time getting involved with the free falling, and it was so worth the effort made to get there. I had a great time. On the way back to Boracay, I was given some free drinks and got to know the group, turns out they had planned a night out and asked me to join them. It turned out to be great fun, especially since we met Carlo and his friend, who looked after us all night. Boracay was full of Korean and Japanese tourists whilst I was there, and so was the bar we were in. Whilst dancing, a man asked if I would dance with what seemed to be his girlfriend, I agreed, then noticed that a line had formed and Japanese couples were queing up to get in on the dance, I felt like an amusement ride? Very strange people them Japs.




So yes, success in Boracay. Next stop for me was Bacolod, another 6 hour bus journey, followed by 2 hours on a boat. Again no problems with the boat schedule, no sleeping in the terminal or anything at least. I got to Bacolod pretty late so went direct to sleeps. My plan in the Negros Island was to visit and possibly climb Mt. Kanlaon, another active volcano. I went to a tourist office to research the trip and it ended up being another complete rip-off to go hiking, so I gave it miss. Instead, my backup plan was to visit Siquijor Island (pronounced Siquihor) where there is supposedly witchcraft and magic healers living there. Sounded fun. So yet another 7 hour bus journey and an hours boat ride got me there. Beautiful journey though. Except for our quick search down of the bus from some army guys, I think they were looking for the Negros.

Boracay and Negros Photo Link:
http://www3.snapfish.com/snapfish/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=6258564011/a=2264773011_2264773011/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/