This was only our second time in Boracay since we moved back to the Philippines from Berlin, Germany in 2016. The first time was in 2017 when we went to Shangri-La Boracay.
The travel to both is very different and hopefully I’ll have time to write about our amazing experience in Shangri-la Boracay as well. Both are fabulous places to vacation as families but very different to each other.
Before leaving the airport it’s important to:
- Put on sunblock so as not to get sunburnt in the plane and boat.
- Use shoes that you are okay with getting wet or slippers
- Have your sunglasses easy to reach in your bag
- Bring some snacks since it isn’t a straightforward trip. There will be a lot of transfers.
- Take some nausea medication if you get sea sick.
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES
We took PAL so the airport was nice and not so crowded. They serve a small packaged snack in the plane so I recommend bringing some snacks if you have a toddler or get low blood sugar. The nice lady behind us gave our son a chocolate cake slice. He was so happy!
FAIRWAYS & BLUEWATER ARRIVAL AREA
We mad sure to pay for and include transfers so as not to get stressed out. From the airport we were taken to the Fairways & Blue waters arrival area – which is super chill compared to the crazy area where people usually go to take the boat the the island. It’s not airconditioned, so the fan is important.
I can’t seem to find the photos I took. They served us some water and we waited a while for some people who would be taking the same boat with us. I assume that those people are either staying in Discovery or on Fairways and Bluewaters.
Once we were complete, we walked to the dock to get on a boat. You will be walking on stones and wet sand so be sure to wear shoes that are okay to get wet. I used my Leguanos Active White wet and dry shoes.
BOAT RIDE
The boat ride is a bit bumpy and a bit warm so again a fan is essential here. And the sun is really hot so it’s important to put on sunblock. I may prefer riding a local banka because of the wind in our faces. But they tried to make it as comfy as possible.
VAN RIDE
Once we got down from the boat by the seashore, we got onto a Discovery Shores Van. It was traffic, which seems to be the usual now in Boracay.
The drive on Boracays road makes me sad because of the evident over-development & lack of planning.
It’s also always super traffic & floods at the slightest rain.
When we would go in High School & College we only got around by motorcycles
DISCOVERY SHORES ARRIVAL
We went up a steep gated path and finally arrived in our destination! Discovery Shores Boracay is on the very famous White Beach – where the sand is the finest on the island. It is baby powder-fine. So fine and white that it doesn’t even heat up in the crazy heat of the noontime sun!
It’s worth riding all the different vehicles to get here. We went straight to their beachfront and were not disappointed! The Christmas decor was so stunning and totally beach chic!
DiploBaby immediately started playing with the sand!
And we started ordering our late lunch coz we were so hungry!
In between arrival and leaving I’m planning to write the following posts:
Discovery Shores Boracay Rooms
Why Discover Shores Boracay the Best on White Beach
Food in Discovery Shores Boracay
Yummy Fish & Chips at Los Indios Bravos
Two Seasons Boracay Cheese Pizza
Terra Wellness Spa in Discovery Shores Boracay
LEAVING DISCOVERY SHORES
It’s good to know that there are ramps here for PWDs.
We were sad to go, but again the staff made everything easy. We never had to worry about our luggage.
Back in the van to go to the loading dock.
Then back on the boat. Most people just wear flipflops when traveling to Boracay because they don’t want their sneakers to get wet.
Expect to be riding with people from other hotels.
Then we got back on the boat and this time there were some candy, pastry, water and some cooling wipes.
This time we were flying back via Cebu Pacific. There is a small waiting area in the airport with a few stalls for food and drink. It was a bit cold so DiploBaby borrowed Yaya B’s cardigan. We forgot to bring him a hoodie.
The strange thing was that we were made to wait in the buses for a long time. I think it’s because the buses have to cross the landing area of the plane so they need to have everyone on the buses then the timing has to be right to cross to the area where you go up the planes stairs.
Boracay is not the most convenient place to go to because of the not so straightforward journey, but it’s definitely worth it for the finest white sand and clear waters that go on for meters – It’s almost like a natural swimming pool! And of course the EXTRA EXTRA amazing experience of Discovery Shores!
RELATED READS:
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR TRIP TO BORACAY IN 2019
PLACES I’VE TRAVELED TO IN THE PHILIPPINES
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