Beach break

Boracay's unspoiled beauty - clear blue sky and the glittering sea - explains why people are coming in droves. Photos Provided to China Daily

From top: Visitors enjoy a sailboat ride off White Sand and Bulabog beaches, watching the sun descend against the backdrop of a blue sea and sky. Scuba divers meet sea friends. At the fresh seafood market, tourists bargain with the vendors to get the best price.

The Philippine island of Boracay offers a fun, sunny holiday whether you're with family, friends or the sweetheart, Mary Katherine Smith discovers.

There are few places in the world with people as friendly and scenery as beautiful as the Philippines. Of the 7,107 islands that make up the archipelago nation, Boracay is one that has some of the best beaches the country - or even Asia - has to offer.

It's no wonder the island has been featured in a variety of publications, including Travel and Leisure, and it's a top beach destination on the popular Internet travel site tripadvisor.com. Its growing reputation in the last decade has made the island more touristy, but looking out at the clear blue sky and the glittering sea, it's not hard to see why people are coming in droves.

While Boracay may have lost its secluded character, it's still a great choice for a beach holiday, especially if you're trying to escape the cold claws of winter. A lot is packed on the island, which is not much bigger than 10 square kilometers. It has many charms and attractions for the most active traveler, as well as the biggest beach bum.

It also caters to a variety of budgets. With everything from low-key guesthouses to five-star resorts, local fare to gourmet meals, travelers will be able to spend as much or as little as they want. And like many destinations in Asia, bargaining will help you get better prices on accommodation, leisure activities, shopping and dining.

The majority of accommodations can be found along the western side of the island, along White Sand Beach and Bulabog Beach. The southern part of the beach, called Station Three, caters more to backpacker crowds, and prices tend to increase the farther you go up the beach. Station Two, five to 10 minutes on foot from Station Three, is the center of the island's pulsing nightlife. Another 10 minutes up from Station Two is Station One, where you'll find the resort hotels and a more relaxed, soothing atmosphere.

The island's lookout point is arguably the best place for panoramic views of Boracay and its neighboring islands. Just a few moments of breathtaking scenery and fresh sea air will rejuvenate you and make you feel you never want to leave.

For a wetter adventure, there are banana-boat rides on the east side of the island, which you can reach by Jet Ski or motorboat. This is also one of the better places for parasailing. Vendors and boat operators are always looking to make a deal, so be sure to bargain.

There are organized excursions to nearby islands, one of the most popular being Ariel's Point. The Boracay Beach Club resort, which owns the island, plans outings to Ariel's for a minimum of 14 people each trip. Boats shuttle visitors there for a day of cliff-jumping, snorkeling and barbecues.

An alternative - and a sure way to see and do what you want - is to hire a boat. Ride around Boracay, stop at a restaurant frequented by locals, visit the neighboring islands, find a good snorkeling spot or find a secluded beach where you can appreciate Boracay's unspoiled beauty. Countless boat operators offer their services along the shore and at tourist haunts. Rental is typically 500 pesos ($12) an hour.

Another must-do is a sailboat ride at sunset. White Sand and Bulabog Beaches are lined with sailboats, and there's nothing quite like watching the sun descend against the backdrop of a blue sea and sky. There's very little that will top this bonding moment with nature.

To round up the day, head out for a tasty meal. Because of Boracay's countless international visitors, almost every major food type is available. There's New York-style pizzas, burgers galore, Mexican treats, Thai favorites, as well as Japanese udon noodles.

For a more local dining experience, head to the fresh seafood market at D'Talipapa, in Station Two. Here you'll find all kinds of seafood, such as crabs, lobsters, prawns and various fish. Like everything else on the island, bargain with the vendors to get the best price for their catch. The market is loud and sometimes crowded, but don't let the slippery floors or fishy smell deter you.

Once you've picked your catch of the day, go to one of the nearby restaurants, where the servers will gladly prepare the seafood according to your liking. It's the perfect way to share a meal with a big group of friends - both old and new. The seafood is fresh and this is a much more exciting and native dining option.

It's easy and cheap to get around the island. More inventive travelers will enjoy taking the dune buggies or go-carts, while those who prefer less bump and speed can hop in a car or the back of a truck.

There's plenty more to love and appreciate about Boracay. With its small, cozy atmosphere and welcoming people, it's one destination not to pass up for that romantic getaway, family trip or holiday with friends.

You may contact the writer at sundayed@chinadaily.com.cn.