My 4th Boracay Trip (November 20-22, 2012)

When AirAsia Philippines launched their domestic destinations, they offered a very cheap all-in fare of 275 pesos per way.  We immediately grabbed that offer and booked a roundtrip flight to Kalibo for 5.  A few months later and even a week before our flight, more friends joined so we ended with 9 pax.  Of course the other four persons paid a higher fare because the promo had ended when they decided to join us. 

Since we booked an early morning flight from Clark International Airport, we decided to rent a vehicle which will take us to the there.  And since we are 9 people, it didn’t cost us that much, it was just like taking the Philtranco bus service from Megamall.

We reached the airport early so check-in wasn’t that difficult. We were at the pre-departure area in no time.  Our flight left on time and we arrived 20 minutes ahead of schedule, the best record I have experienced so far. 

My first time to ride Philippines' Air Asia

For this trip, we decided to stay at La Carmela de Boracay Resort Hotel.  We never tried this hotel before because we thought it was too far.  But its good reviews and cheap price convinced us to try this place.  Upon reaching the resort, we were welcomed by their staff holding a list of expected guests.  We were escorted to the reception area and were immediately served with welcome drinks while we check-in.  We were surprised to be upgraded to executive rooms.  It had two double beds, mini ref, electronic safe, LCD TV, balcony, a bath tub, and a cabinet.  Although it is located at the end of the resort, it’s a short walk to the beach front area where their swimming pool is located.  They also have another pool at the executive wing.  In front of the resort, at the beach, they serve buffet dinner at an affordable price.  All come with great food choices and accompanied by a live acoustic music.

Although located on the far end of Station 2, near station 3, it is still a short walk from D’Mall for some souvenir shopping.  The sand on this part of the beach is still at its best so it’s worth the stay. 

The island looked better from the last time I was there five months ago.  The erosion was less noticeable for first timers, but for someone who frequently visits the island, it certainly changed a lot.  Of course it would not be complete if we don’t visit Cocomangas, the bar established in Boracay a year after it was discovered by tourists.

We stayed for three days and enjoyed the good weather, although it rained during our first night.  On our way back, we were picked-up by southwest tours from our resort and had an arranged transfers up to Kalibo International Airport.  At the airport, there was no separate counter for passengers who already checked-in online, so we had to join the long queues.  Even passengers without check-in baggage had to fall in line at the same counters.  Another reason for the long lines was their machines.  The printers didn’t work so the ground crews had to manually write the serial numbers and flight numbers on the stickers.  After the check-in process, we had to pay for the terminal fee before we can proceed to the pre-departure area.  But before we enter the area, we had to weigh our bags first to make sure that we don’t exceed 7 Kilos cabin baggage allowance.  One of our friend’s bag exceeded the limit for two kilos.  And since one of us had checked-in all his bags, we told the ground staff if it is okay if we do not remove the excess since the other do not have any bags with him and we are on the same itinerary, but the staff still refused entry, so what we did was removed one plastic full of souvenir items from the bag and let the other one carry them so we can pass, then right in front of him as we entered the area, we returned the items inside the bag and he just smiled.  Maybe he also thinks that enforcing the rules can sometimes be so funny and illogical.

At the pre-departure area, we were surprised that foods were reasonably priced, unlike other airports where they overprice all items because passengers have no choice since they are inside the airport premises already.  We tried the beef steak rice toppings for only 100 pesos which is good enough for 2 two persons.  Bongbong’s Piyaya can also be found inside the airport.

While waiting for our flight, we were worried with the announcements of several airlines having delayed flights.  But when I saw AirAsia parking at the terminal building, I was relieved.  I think we were the only on-time flight to depart at that moment. 

We arrived Clark about 10 minutes ahead of time.  On our way home, we took the free shuttle of Victory liner to Marquee Mall Bus Terminal( A fifty pesos deposit is required which will be deducted from the fare going to Manila, this is to ensure that passengers will be taking the Victory Liner bus upon reaching the terminal).  From there, we transferred to the passenger bus bound to Pasay and we alighted at Ortigas and walked our way to the Public Utility Vehicle Terminal.

Boracay is still a great place to unwind and relax.  And since AirAsiaPH offered a very affordable promotional fare, aside from this trip, I also booked a flight with my Family, so in May 2013, I’ll be back again in Boracay for my 5^th visit.