A beautiful campus by the sea

A peek into the beautiful BNP Paribas Asia-Pacific Campus. Established in 2014, the campus occupies two beautifully restored former barrack blocks of the former (Royal Engineers) Kitchener Barracks in Changi. The two blocks, currently Block 34 and 35 and formerly B an C Blocks, were among the first to be built in the Changi Cantonment that was developed from the end of the 1920s into the late 1930s and provide an excellent example of how such buildings could be restored and repurposed in the light of the recently announced Ideas Competition for Changi Point and old Changi Hospital (see also: Ideas sought to repurpose Old Changi Hospital, enhance surrounding Changi Point area).

The former B-Block, together with the former H-Block (now Block 24, which in 1947 was repurposed as RAF Hospital, Changi), were in fact the first barrack blocks to constructed in Changi and were completed by 1930. The cantonment also included barracks for the Royal Artillery at Roberts Barracks — now within Changi Air Base (West) and for the infantry at Selarang Barracks, as well as smaller camps for various Indian Army units.

In the 1920s, Britain had moved to establish a large naval base in Sembawang to defend its Far East interests in the face of rising Japanese ambition. The setting up of the cantonment followed this decision and was carried out to install, maintain, man and secure coastal artillery being placed around the eastern mouth of the Tebrau or Johor Strait to protect the naval base against naval attack.

The cantonment, which sustained some damage in the lead up to the Fall of Singapore but remain largely intact, was evacuated on 12 February 1942. Singapore fell on 15 February 1942 and with Japanese forces overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of surrendering Allied troops in Singapore, they found a solution to accommodating some of these troops in the emptied barracks in Changi. On 17 February 1942, close to 50,000 British and Australian Prisoners-of-War (POWs) were marched to Changi and placed in the various camps. The troops forming the last line of defence in Singapore, the Singapore Fortress Southern Area troops, which included some volunteer units, were allocated Kitchener Barracks. The Australians were kept separately in Selarang. POW hospitals, which were set up in former field hospitals in Roberts and Selarang, were consolidated at Roberts Barracks — this is where the Changi Murals were painted.

The POWs would initially have little contact with their captors, who got them to wire themselves into the various camps. Discipline was maintained by the officers among the POWs, who also took it upon themselves to keep the morale up. Sports, theatrical performances and even university classes were organised — there were several professional sportsmen amongst the ranks and also lecturers from Raffles College who were with the volunteer units and in Kitchener Barracks, the Southern Area College operated. With the Fortress troops — who were not involved in the retreat down Malaya — being amongst the fittest of the POWs, the men of the camp at Kitchener were among the first to be picked for the Japanese organised work teams, many of which would be sent to provide labour in places like the Thai-Burma ‘Death’ Railway. The numbers in Kitchener dwindled to the point that it could be closed as a POW camp in May 1943, followed by Roberts in September 1943. In May 1944, the POWs, which included those who had survived the Death Railway, were concentrated at Changi Prison, which had previously been used as a civilian internment camp (the civilians were moved to Sime Road Camp).

The two camps would then be occupied by Japanese units involved in the construction of the Japanese airstrip at Changi (operational at the end of 1944), around which the Royal Air Force would establish RAF Air Station Changi (RAF Changi) in 1946. The blocks of the former Kitchener Barracks were then used by the RAF, with RAF Hospital Changi being established in 1947. Among the renumbered blocks, Block 35, housed HQ Far East Air Force (FEAF) Command. The various roads within the former Kitchener Barracks were renamed after RAF Air Stations. Following the British pull-out in October 1971, the barrack buildings (except for Block 24 and 37), were used by the Singapore Armed Forces as Commando Camp. Of the various barrack developments, only the former Kitchener remains largely intact today.

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Magical spaces : Bukit Brown in the rain

A place so magical, there is no need for words ….

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More magical Singapore spaces:

51 photographs taken in Singapore that will take you away from Singapore

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Singapore Landscapes: A pathway to the divine

It is a magical pathway on which one makes a journey in the search of the divine, the lost and almost forgotten Divine Bridge. The pathway that leads up to the area where the bridge once stood, traces a route by the water’s edge at MacRitchie Reservoir, and in doing so, passes through an area that offers some of the prettiest views of water, trees and space that Singapore does have. Part of the landscape is dominated by the manicured greens of one of the golf courses at what is the Bukit location of the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC). It is at this location, where the SICC will return one of the two courses it operates to the government for use as a public course in 2021 when its lease expires. A paved public walkway now runs by the course close to the water’s edge, leading up to the area where what does remain of the Divine Bridge, the wooden stumps that were once part of the columns supporting the bridge, can be seen.

Temporarily eternal

Long a quiet and peaceful corner in Singapore on a plot of land adjoining the former Bidadari Cemetery, is an area of Mount Vernon which once hosted Singapore’s first public crematorium. The crematorium which started in October 1962, ceased operations in June 2004 and the plot of land now plays host to a columbarium which dates back to 1978 as well as privately run funeral parlours of more recent times.

The sun streams through the trees of a green and tranquil part of Mount Vernon.

It will not be long before this green oasis of calm goes. Along with the parkland which the former cemetery has been turned into, it will be redeveloped as part of Bidadari public housing estate. The estate’s development will  see some reminders of the area’s past being incorporated into it. However, the area on which the columbarium, which besides the beautiful park like setting it finds itself in, is also known for its pagoda columbarium which has become a landmark in the area, sits will be built over.

An artist’s overview of the proposed Bidadari development from the HDB as posted on http://www.todayonline.com

The pagoda along with a two-storey building which also houses columbarium niches, was the columbarium’s most recent addition which was completed in December 1987 – adding some 13230  niches to the 10392 niches which were added over the years starting with 3000 when it opened in late 1978. Extensions were also made in 1982 and 1985 adding 5280 and 2112 niches respectively, coming at a time when with pressure on land-usage increasing, cremating the dead was encouraged as an alternative to burials.

The nine-storey pagoda which was completed in 1987.

The columbarium is quite distinct in its setting compared to other publicly run ones with the older free standing structures in the garden like setting – a beautiful and respectful space for dead which like the fast disappearing beautiful spaces for the living, Singapore, has no more room to accommodate.

The two-storey building containing niches which was added at the same time as the pagoda.

A privately run funeral parlour.

Heaven isn’t just one place on Boracay

Heavenly places to stay at to have that complete experience of Boracay

[Do also visit my post on omy.sg’s Boracay Island Escapade and also my set of posts at that same site.  Do also cast a vote for me and stand a chance to win a trip 5D4N trip for 2 to Boracay at Boracay Island Escapade on omy.sg (you may cast one vote a day and voting ends at 12 pm on  2 September 2013).]

Boracay has probably got everything for an island holiday. While its immense natural beauty alone will no doubt cast a spell on anyone who visits it, the island does boast of some truly wonderful places to stay at to provide a complete island holiday experience one from magical resorts which will take one’s breath away (such as the Shangri-La Boracay Spa and Resort which I last posted on) to places ideal for that beachfront party getaway.

Boracay has some accommodation which would make one want to run back from the beach to.

Together with nine other bloggers on Tigerair Philippines inaugural flight from Singapore to Kalibo Airport in July, through the Philippine Department of Tourism, I got to have a look at some of them – all of which deserve consideration when planning a trip to the island paradise which was named as Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Island in 2012. The ones I did get the opportunity to look at or have an experience of are:

• Shangri-La Boracay Spa and Resort (on a previous post)
• Fairways and Bluewater Resort
• 7Stones Boracay Suites
• Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa
• Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel
• Discovery Shores Boracay

Boracay’s Puka Beach – the island was named by Travel + Leisure Magazine as the World’s Best Island in 2012. 

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Fairways and Bluewater Resort

A magical view at Fairways and Bluewater.

One property that does also offer some magnificent and equally magical views is the Fairways and Bluewater Resort, where one of my favourite scenic spots on the island is. Located on the island’s northeast, it is spread over a 150 hectare site and deserves mention for its three very exclusive coves and its golf course – an 18-hole course which is the island’s only one (it is also where guests at Shangri-La head to for a game of golf).

Fairways and Bluewater features an 18-hole golf course.

We experienced great hospitality at the resort – with yam ice cream served after coming down the zipline.

Finding out why Paradise Cove in Fairways and Bluewater is indeed paradise.

Paradise Cove.

Beyond golf and the pretty views, there is lots more on offer at the resort, including accommodation and a wide range of activities for the entire family. The activities range from ones in and on the azure waters fronting the resort’s white sandy beaches, to kid friendly ones, as well as activities that would appeal to anyone with a sense of adventure. These include All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) rides, zipping high above the treeline on a zipline (the resort does have the longest and fastest zipline on the island) and ones that are less vigourous ones such as horse and segway rides on the beach. Water activities range from getting high or up to speed with jet-skis, speed boats, jet boats, banana boats and parasails as well as popular must-do activities such as island hopping, helmet diving, fly fishing and scuba diving.

There’s a range of sea sports which will have a huge appeal to guests with a sense of adventure.

Bloggers who did have a very different sense of adventure (not available of course to guests) on a tour of the resort’s facilities.

Christina with a new found friend.

Atsuko horsing around.

Valyn all geared up for the segway.

William on a horse.

Lots also to do on and above the water.

The Maris Spa at Fairways and Bluewater.

A look inside one of the spa’s treatment rooms.

A reflection of the beach on the windows of the spa’s rooms.

The resort’s accommodation ranges from comfortable family rooms to luxurious suites and villas – a total of 300 rooms are available. More information can be found at the resort’s website.

A bedroom in one of the resort’s suites.

Out on the terrace.

Dining area inside a suite.

The Villa Catalina.

Another bedroom inside a villa.

A lounge area inside the villa.

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7Stones Boracay Suites

7Stones Suites at Bulabog Beach.

I have mentioned the 7Stones Boracay Suites previously as a choice of where I would stay on the island. While it does not come with the stand-out magical views of the Shangri-La and Fairways and Bluewater, its draw to me is its very convenient location. Located on a 4000 square metre plot at Bulabog Beach on the island’s east, the luxury boutique beachfront hotel, is sufficiently far enough from the hustle and bustle of White Beach where most of the action takes place, and yet close enough to it to quite easily get to its powdery white sands and the excitement it offers – being just a short tricycle taxi ride away. I also like the more personal feel it has on offer with only 28 rooms and suites, and its restaurant.

Bulabog Beach near 7Stones Boracay Suites.

It was at the hotel’s restaurant, the 7th Note Café, where we did have lunch at on the second full day. The cut of premium Australian steak which was served with a huge prawn from the grill that we had was to me the stand-out culinary experience I had on the island! 7th Note Café is definitely a must eat at place if you do ever find yourself on Bulabog Beach.

Lunch at 7th Note Café.

Tropical fruit shake.

Ice cream!

Someone was naughty – fortunately Christina had already had lunch!

Accommodation at 7Stones ranges from Superior Rooms to large suites with up to three bedrooms to accommodate a family of six. More information can be found at 7Stones’ website.

The children’s swimming pool.

A suite at 7Stones.

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Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa

The resort we did put up at was the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa, a beachfront property at White Beach’s Boat Station 2. It is perfectly placed, along with the next resort I will introduce, the Mandarin Boracay, to be close to where the bulk of the action in Boracay is as well as having the powdery white sands White Beach has a reputation for, right at its doorstep.

White Beach Boracay in front of the Boracay Regency.

The Boracay Regency is also one which is very well equipped, offering guests of its 285 rooms a range of facilities which include three very nice swimming pools – all conveniently located to serve each of its three wings. It does offer some wonderful places to dine at including a café right on the beach – the  Seabreeze Café which by night transforms itself into a spectacle with its live band and dancing cooks. Another place to have a meal at which has a very pleasant setting is Christina’s which offers a mix of Filipino and Italian cuisine – it was where we did enjoy our breakfasts at.

The Boracay Regency.

The stairway to heaven – from the beachside Boracay Regency to the beach at Boat Station 2.

Christina’s.

Breakfast at Christina’s.

Accommodation at the Regency ranges from twin bedded Superior Rooms to larger suites and once again, more information can be obtained at the resort’s website.

The three bedded Deluxe Room at the Boracay Regency.

Inside the Deluxe Room.

The balcony of the Deluxe Room.

The Boracay Regency.

One of the three swimming pools.

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Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel

The Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel is another one which is very conveniently located at White Beach’s Boat Station 2, being just a stone’s throw from the Regency. Besides being close to the action, it is very close to D’Mall which is probably the best place to do a bit of shopping in Boracay. Being smaller than the Regency with 52 rooms, it does offer a more personal setting. There’s also a great place to dine at in Don Vito, the hotel’s highly rated Italian restaurant with its offerings of a fresh catch from the sea and the opportunity to also dine on the beach in the evenings.

The Boracay Mandarin’s Swimming Pool.

The Boracay Mandarin.

Accommodation ranges from Deluxe Rooms with beds for three to larger rooms and suites. We got to have a look at one of its very nice suites – the Penthouse Suite, perfect for a romantic getaway.

The suites are perfect for a romantic getaway.

A King-sized canopy bed.

Inside the suite.

The separate bath area.

More information can also be found on the hotel’s website.

The entrance to Don Vito.

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Discovery Shores Boracay

Discovery Shores.

The last property we did visit, Discovery Shores Boracay Island, is also one which did leave a sizable impression on me. Our introduction to the resort, which is highly regarded being in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s list of World’s Best Hotels, was through dinner on our last evening. Also on the Small Luxury Hotels of the World Collection, its location is without a doubt one of the resort’s key selling points being on the beach right at the top end of White Beach’s Boat Station 1, where the beach is at its widest.

The Indigo at Discovery Shores.

The swimming pool at Discovery Shores.

The resort’s 88 rooms (all suites) are all ones to drool over and range from 40 to 45 square metre Junior Suites to Premier One and Two Bedroom Loft Suites of up to 120 square metres in area – some equipped with a Jacuzzi on the balcony. The balconies are ones which do offer wonderful views of the sea – even in the dark of night when we did get to see it. More information can be found on the resort’s website.

The nighttime view from Discovery Shores.

Through the window of one of the suites.

Inside the suite.

A bedroom inside a suite.

Inside a suite.

A bedroom in a suite.

Inside one of the loft suites.

Another view inside a loft suite.

A view from the loft.

Another view from the loft.

The balcony of one of the loft suites.

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The trip to Boracay was made possible by Tigerair Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism. Tigerair now flies direct to Kalibo Airport – for more information on flights to Kalibo, do visit http://www.Tigerair.com/ph/en/.

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Getting there:

• Tigerair Philippines
• Information on Flying there and getting to the island

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Location information:

• Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa
• Philippine Department of Tourism
• Information, Guides and Maps online (My Boracay Guide)
• Beaches (My previous post on what to get beach-y about)
• In and on water activities (My previous post on how best to get wet)
• Staying high and (mostly dry) (My previous post on how best to get not so wet)
• Finding that slice of heaven in heaven (Shangri-La Boracay) (My previous post on Shangri-La Boracay)

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Accommodation mentioned in this post:

• Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa
• Fairways and Bluewater Resort
• 7Stones Boracay Suites
• Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa
• Boracay Mandarin Island Hotel
• Discovery Shores Boracay Island

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This is a repost of my post on Boracay Island Escapade. Do cast a vote for me and stand a chance to win a trip 5D4N trip for 2 to Boracay at Boracay Island Escapade on omy.sg (you may cast one vote a day and voting ends at 12 pm on  2 September 2013).

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The irresistible urge to get wet

How best to get wet in the inviting waters of Boracay

[Boracay Island Escapade]

One thing that is irresistible being in Boracay, is urge to get wet. And, the invitation from its enticing blue waters does make any resistance one intends to offer quite futile – there being so many ways there is to do so that go beyond just diving in.

Happiness is getting wet in Boracay!

The enticing waters of Boracay is an invitation for anyone to jump right in.

Together with nine other bloggers sponsored by Tigerair Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism to mark the inaugural Tigerair Singapore to Kalibo flight, I did get to discover some of the wonderful ways to get acquainted with the emerald blue waters of Travel + Leisure Magazine’s Best Island destination of 2012, which include both in and on water activities.

Christina certainly did not need a second invitation.

Right at the top of the list of must-do in-water activities has to be helmet diving, the helmet being a heavy fibreglass shell with a clear visor – heavy to be able to rest on a person’s shoulders. A constant supply of pressurised air from the surface through a hose into the helmet allows the wearer to breath normally, also keeps the water out, exhausting through the opened bottom. While this does not allow the mobility that scuba diving or even snorkelling does, it does allow the wearer to walk on the sea bed under several metres of water – a wonderful way especially for those who have not had the opportunity to take up scuba diving, to get a view of Boracay’s underwater world.

The waters off Bulabog Beach where the helmet diving activity is carried out.

Just before the descent. A helmet will be placed over the person diving with a certified scuba diver on hand to lend assistance.

What the fish!

Getting acquainted with the fishies during the helmet dive.

Descending into the underwater world from the pontoon platform we were transported to was done via a ladder and once the heavy helmet is placed on top of your head (it weighs 30 kg in air and less in water because of its buoyancy), the descent is assisted by a certified scuba diver, the instructions of whom it is important to follow (it is also important to listen to the safety briefing prior to the dive which does provide necessary instructions as well as what hand signals do mean and when to use them). Dives are done in groups and once down, the 15 minute dive allows not just an opportunity to interact with those in your group, but also to take a few photographs and interact with the fish (a piece of bread would be given to each person to feed the fish).

Helmet Diving.

The view from the bottom.

Melissa underwater.

The helmet dive, which everyone certainly enjoyed, was part of the activities planned on our first morning in Boracay which also included the opportunity for us to snorkel in the beautifully clear waters and ride on a banana boat – all of which took place around the reef off Bulabog Beach (do refer to my previous post on Boracay’s beaches). This was followed by an island hopping adventure (which the snorkelling activity was actually a part of) and lunch at Tambisaan Beach – all which was an excellent way to get to know the island resort. While I did not particularly look forward to the banana boat, the ride was certainly something which did surprise me – not so much for the speed at which it was towed by the speed boat, but for the wonderful views we go from the boat of the rugged coastline along the northern eastern side of the island.

On the Banana Boat.

Riding the Banana Boat.

Great views from the Banana Boat.

Snorkelling is something I will never pass up the opportunity to do. It does offer a great way of seeing the coral reef below. While it would probably have been nice to see the coral below close-up, the spot we found ourselves at was perhaps a little too deep to do that. Still it was an excellent way to say hello to (or maybe in my case, scare) the colourful little fishies in the water.

Valyn snorkeling.

William and Melissa with snorkels.

The view below.

The highlight of the day’s activities for me was the island-hopping adventure which took us first southeast to Crystal Cove Island, a small two hectare island situated where the Tabon Strait between Boracay and Panay joins the Sibuyan Sea. The island is an adventure in itself on which one can walk along it rocky coastline, take in some really magnificent views of the shallow waters that surround it, as well as explore two caves, the westward facing one of which offers a very inviting place to have a dip in at its seaward end – which certainly was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for those of us who did want to squeeze through a tiny opening and venture in. The island does play host to both visitors as well as campers, and interestingly, can also be rented for private functions. More information on it is available at its website.

The Ninja Girl jump at Crystal Cove Island.

Crystal Cove Island.

Cave exploring on Crystal Cove Island.

The first cave we explored.

The view of the waters around Crystal Cove Island.

Another view.

On Crystal Cove Island looking east towards the Sibuyan Sea.

The view out from the seaward opening of the second cave.

Going for a dip outside the opening of the second cave.

From Crystal Cove Island on which we spent about one and a half hours on, it was time to head over to Tambisaan Beach, on the south-eastern coast of Boracay, our seafood picnic lunch stop. On the table for lunch was a buffet, along with Chilli Crab and huge and succulent grilled prawns which was brought to the table – in a beach side cafe like setting.

Tambisaan Beach.

Juicy prawns – part of a seafood picnic lunch at Tambisaan Beach.

And chilli crabs!

The waters off Tambisaan Beach.

Pushing off from Tambisaan Beach.

Crocodile Island seen just after leaving Tambisaan – shaped like a crocodile.

The hour long lunch was followed by a long boat ride which took us along the eastern length of Boracay from south to north in about half an hour, a ride which did give us some remarkable view of the island. The view as we approached the next intended stop, Puka Beach, was certainly one that I took great delight in.

Bats seen perched on trees along the eastern coast of Boracay.

Rocky cliff face along the eastern coast.

A beach on the north-eastern coast.

Puka Beach in my opinion has to be right at the top of anyone’s list of must-see sights on Boracay (see my previous post: It’s more fun hopping skipping and jumping to and in Boracay). Right at the top edge of the island, it does seem as if it is the ends of the earth one is at, and where heaven perhaps begins. The feeling one gets standing on its beach is a simply magical one, from which one gets some of the best picture perfect views there are seem too many of on Boracay. Its quiet and isolation does give one a sense of being lost in paradise, as one takes it all in standing on the unspoilt beach and gazing across the azure waters that lay just beyond it.

The approach to Puka Beach.

A view of Puka Beach from the sea.

Paradise on earth – Puka Beach.

Puka Beach, Boracay.

Leaping for joy at Puka Beach.

On the beach, I did not need a second invitation to jump right into the seemingly magical waters, as did many of the bloggers. I would, if I could, have spent the whole day at Puka Beach, just for the magic spell it seemed to have weaved around me, and also to help me reconnect with youth that’s long been lost, when the beach like this might have been what I would have lived for.

No one really needed a second invitation to get really wet in the inviting waters of Puka Beach.

The hour on Puka Beach was certainly one I will not forget, not least for the leaping beauties I was in the company with. Back on the boat, it was now time to head back to White Beach, the boat taking a route around the northern tip and over to the western side of the island and passing some of the very exclusive cliff side hotel property found in the island’s northwest. This included a wondrous view of the Boracay Shangri-la with some of its very private loft villas, which do command some of the best views to wake up to on the island, perched high on the cliffs. Before we knew it we found ourselves back at White Beach. It was at Boat Station 3 we did find ourselves at, half an hour or so after leaving Puka Beach, greeted by the colourful sails the the many paraw double outrigger boats found at the station. It is from Station 1 where one boards the paraws for a sunset cruise – another must do activity. It wasn’t however for us to do that afternoon – we were to head back to the Regency to prepare for what turned out to be an amazing evening.

The along the northwestern coast of Boracay.

The beach at Shangri-la Boracay.

Paraws at Boat Station 3 greeted our arrival back at White Beach.

Another view of the Boat Station 3.

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Information on activities mentioned in this post:

• Island hopping with lunch: PHP 1500 per head
• Helmet dive: PHP 800 per person (minimum age 8 years – and must be able to bear weight of helmet in water)
• Banana boat – 250 per person

The above activities can be reserved through Marsman Travel email: reservations@marsmandrysdale.com, Telephone: +632 8880228.

(Prices are provided only as a guide and are subject to variations and change)

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The trip to Boracay was made possible by Tigerair Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism. Tigerair now flies direct to Kalibo Airport – for more information on flights to Kalibo, do visit http://www.Tigerair.com/ph/en/.

Getting there:

• Tigerair Philippines
• Information on Flying there and getting to the island

Location information:

• Philippine Department of Tourism
• Information, Guides and Maps online (My Boracay Guide)
• Beaches (My previous post on what to get beach-y about)

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This is a repost of my post on Boracay Island Escapade.

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Life’s a Boracay Beach

What to get beachy about on Boracay

It’s been almost three weeks since I got back from a truly enjoyable escapade with nine other bloggers to the resort island of Boracay in the Philippines. The island, set in a picture perfect world surrounded by gorgeously beautiful emerald blue waters, is one which has left a huge impression on me. It is also one which I certainly count as one in my list of magical places I have been fortunate enough to visit, and one which should really be in anyone’s bucket list of must-visit places in one’s lifetime.

A great to be for a beach bum – lying flat on a paraw..

Life’s a beach on Boracay – any time of the day.

Sunrise at Bulabog Beach.

Of the many experiences the island does offer, it is probably the beach that is first and foremost on the mind of anyone who has made a visit. The beaches on Boracay come to live in many different ways throughout the day – and night and visiting them has awakened that long dormant beach bum in me.

Sunset at White Beach.

The beach which should probably be mention first has to be White Beach. Four kilometres of the finest white sand, it is has been described as the “Mother of All Beaches”. The beach which is divided into three boat stations, is perhaps an obvious choice to base oneself, being where the “action” on Boracay is centred around, including the nightlife Boracay is also well known for. White Beach is also where much shopping and beachside entertainment and dining is to be found and is certainly the place to be as well as a place to be seen at. Facing west, the beach is also an obvious place to catch the sunsets Boracay is famous for from.

Lots of beach side entertainment can be found at White Beach.

White Beach – the mother of all Boracay beaches, seen at Boat Station 2..

Dancing to the sea breeze at Seabreeze, the beach side cafe of the Boracay Regency.

Lots of dining options at White Beach.

Catch of the day.

The numerical order of boat stations the beach is sub-divided into does also provide an indication of the regard with which each section is held. The top end of the beach is where Boat Station 1 can be found. It is the most exclusive and also widest part of the beach where some of the more upscale resorts which spill directly out to the beach are – including the very exclusive Discovery Shores, which we were to visit on our last evening there.

White Beach at Boat Station 1 by night.

The very exclusive Discovery Shores at Boat Station 1.

A fire dancer performing at Discovery Shores.

The nighttime view from Discovery Shores.

The top section is also where the much celebrated Jonah’s Fruitshake and Snack Bar can be found – a must visit for any one in Boracay with a craving for milkshakes packed with real fruit – and if you like, a shot of additional flavouring taking the form of rum!

Jonah’s – an institution of sorts in Boracay.

Fruit-full milkshakes – served in a bottle.

The section where we did find ourselves at was at Boat Station 2. This is where there is a mix of accommodation types including the Boracay Regency where we stayed at, and the Boracay Mandarin we were dined at and visited on the third evening. Station 2 is also where most of the beach side action is to be found, and where D’Mall – a favourite tourist shopping spot can be found. D’Mall is also where the Hobbit House, with its rather interesting crew of “hobbits” – pint sized staff, can be found.

The stairway to heaven – from the beachside Boracay Regency to the beach at Boat Station 2.

A ferris wheel at D’Mall.

A sandwich shop at D’Mall.

Christina did her souvenir shopping at D’Mall.

As did Atsuko.

The nightlife scene at Boat Station 2.

Some of the gang shopping by the beachside at Boat Station 2.

Having fun in the rain at Boat Station 2.

Hobbit House at D’Mall.

By the beach side at Boat Station 2.

The southernmost section of White Beach, or Boat Station 3, is said to have the most relaxed of atmospheres – and again where a mix of both budget as well as luxury accommodation can be found. It is also where the beach is gaily decorated by the blue and white sails of the paraws – the double outrigger boats of the Visayas – the group of islands surrounding the Visayan Sea of which Boracay and Panay belongs to. It is from station 3 that the paraw cruises depart – an excellent way to spend a late afternoon.

White Beach at Boat Station 3.

Another view of the Boat Station 3.

Paraw Cruising from Boat Station 3.

While White Beach does perhaps have the finest of sands and is an excellent place to have a dip in the sea in or sip a cocktail by the beach under a parasol at, it can get rather crowded and if you do want to look for a nice quiet but publicly accessible beach which takes you away from it all and on which you can feel that you are indeed in paradise, than Puka Beach has to be it. Much about the beach can be found in my previous post – in which I thought it deserved mention as being one of two of my favourite spots on the island.

Puka Beach.

If it is privacy and exclusivity you are looking for, the island does also offer the visitor a choice several very exclusive resorts, all with private and exclusive beaches. Two which come to mind are the Fairways and Bluewater Resort and the Shangri-la Boracay. The former is where Paradise Cove (the other favourite spot I previously mentioned) as well as two exclusive coves are located and where it is possible to ride a segway or mount a horse to have a feel of one of its wonderful beaches. It is also possible to have a ride on a glass bottomed boat on Paradise Cove to have a top down view into its crystal clear waters. The natural platform beneath the rock arch found at Paradise Cove is also one which the Shangri-la has been permitted to land its guests on.

Paradise Cove.

Catherine on the segway on the beach at Fairways and Bluewater Resort.

Atsuko horsing around at Fairways and Bluewater.

The Boracay Shangri-la on the northwest of the island around the corner from Puka Beach is has got to be the place to stay at – if you are looking in the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity with its many private villas, some arranged on the hill slope offering simply stunning views of the Tablas Strait. It has a very exclusive stretch of its own beach, Bayungan Beach, but if one is putting up in one of the three private villas we did get to see, who then needs a private beach?

The exclusive beach at Boracay Shangri-la.

Besides the beaches already mentioned, there were a few more I did see. Two we did see as part of an island hopping boat ride were the ones at Crystal Cove Island and Tambisaan Beach where we were to have lunch at. Another was east facing Bulabog Beach, less attractive as a beach goes compared to White Beach or Puka Beach, but off which much of the sea sports and activities Boracay is also famous for, does take place. The sports one can participate in include kite boarding and windsurfing – best done from November to April. With a reef fround offshore, it is in the protected waters off Bulabog Beach where some of the recommended activities associated with Boracay such as helmet diving, snorkelling and on-water sports can be done (I will devote another post to the on and in-water activities we did do).

Tambisaan Beach.

The gang at Bulabog.

What’s on offer at Bulabog.

Water activities off Bulabog Beach include Helmet Diving …

And riding on a Banana Boat.

Bulabog, across the island at its narrowest point from White Beach’s Station 2, is also where the 7Stones Boracay Suites – probably my choice of where to stay, is to be found at. It was where we did have lunch at on the second full day in Boracay (the third on our itinerary), at the 7th Note Café – best known for its barbecues – where we did have the best meal during our stay in Boracay at. Why it would be a choice of where to stay for me is its location – which is close enough to the action, but yet far away enough from the hustle and bustle of White Beach – and perhaps the small size of the resort. And if it is the fine sand beach I want to head to, White Beach is only a short tricycle taxi ride away – which does make it “more fun in the Philippines”.

Bulabog Beach near 7Stones Suites.

A tricycle taxi.

7Stones Suites at Bulabog Beach.

Boats at Bulabog Beach.

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The trip to Boracay was made possible by Tigerair Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism. Tigerair now flies direct to Kalibo Airport – for more information on flights to Kalibo, do visit http://www.Tigerair.com/ph/en/.

Getting there:

• Tigerair Philippines
• Information on Flying there and getting to the island

Location information:

• Philippine Department of Tourism
• Information, Guides and Maps online (My Boracay Guide)

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This is a repost of my post on Boracay Island Escapade.

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It’s more fun hopping, skipping and jumping to and in Boracay!

I am so going back to Boracay!  Back from a most wonderful of breaks to what is Travel + Leisure Magazine World’s Best Island destination of 2012 and in my books the best beach destination I have until now visited, there certainly isn’t anything that is going to get in the way of me going back there.

White Beach Boracay – where much of the action takes place. Boracay was named as Travel + Leisure Magazine’s Best Beach destination for 2012.

Boracay, an island which lies off the north western tip of Panay, a larger land mass south of Manila, is certainly blessed much to marvel at. With its many coves lined with white sandy palm fringed beaches, and some adorned with coastal rock formations, the already beautiful views in and around the island are made even more picture postcard like by the wonderfully clear emerald blue waters which surround the island – any photograph of it must certainly entice anyone looking at it to want to head straight to Boracay!

Puka Beach, Boracay.

My visit to Boracay, which must count as a godsend, was possible through Tigerair Philippines and the Philippine Department of Tourism, who generously sponsored the trip together with nine other bloggers. While the company of the group of fun-loving bloggers did make the trip even more enjoyable, it was in discovering what Boracay did have to offer that was to leave the greatest impressions. And, I must say that Boracay does have a lot more to it than just lazing by its white sands, sipping a drink under a parasol whilst listening to the gentle lapping of its gorgeous blue waters.

A paraw off White Beach.

The trip did begin with much fanfare – not so much for the delusions some bloggers did have about the fame that followed them, but because it was done in conjunction with Tigerair Philippines inaugural flight from Singapore to Kalibo on 18 July 2013. The flight was certainly one which carried a lot of significance, as with Tigerair flying to what is the gateway to Boracay three times a week from Singapore, the island paradise of Boracay, is as I was told, only “a hop, skip and jump” away. This does make it a lot more convenient getting to the island, and no longer would it be necessary for a transit through either Cebu or Manila, which does save up to 5 hours of travel time which even with must surely still be worth the while getting to Boracay.

At the gate before the inaugural flight: Tigerair Philippines VP for Commercial Joey Laurente (left in a barong) cuts the ribbon together with Lim ChingKiat, Changi Airport Group SVP for Market Development. Witnessing the event is Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Minda Cruz.

Flying over Kalibo.

Welcoming the passengers at Kalibo – Mardi Gras style dancers.

All through the 5 day, 4 night trip which involved three full days of fun on the island, it did seem like all the bloggers wanted to do was to take hopping, skipping and jumping almost literally. We were hopping onto tricycle cabs, onto horses, boats and segways; skipping along its beaches, down hillsides and into some of the gorgeous resort properties the island has to offer, and jumping off everywhere – from its many beaches and even from a cliff! And, who could really blame us!

Hopping on a paraw for a sunset cruise.

A Ninja Girl jump at Crystal Cove Island.

Christina jumping into the inviting crystal clear blue waters.

William jumping off a cliff.

Skipping along Puka Beach.

It wasn’t however the hopping, skipping and jumping that was for me the best part of the trip, nor was it as some might think being in the company of some really gorgeous bloggers, but just being there to immerse myself in the island’s immense beauty, which seemed to leap out at me at every corner in.  It is for this that I am determined to head right back.

A huge jump for joy at Puka Beach.

Of the many beautiful spots, two places did leave a huge impression on me. The first we were to visit, the remote (and much less visited) and very picturesque Puka Beach, lies at the northern tip of the island. Named after the puka shells which are found there and which does make its sands a little coarser, it is in fact on CNN’s list of the 100 best beaches in the world (see #84). The best way to approach the beach is by boat – so as to be able to take what is a remarkable view you do get of it on the approach from the sea. The beach was where in fact  a lot of the jumping took place. I did jump too – straight into its inviting blue waters.

More jumping at Puka Beach.

The approach to Puka Beach.

A view of Puka Beach from the sea.

Puka Beach.

More of Puka Beach.

A view of the beach.

The second spot I was very much taken by, is one we did have to skip down a hillside on a zipline for, overlooking the very aptly named “Paradise Cove”.  The spot is one located within the 150 hectare Fairways & Bluewater Resort located at the Northeastern part of the island. The resort, besides having an 18 hole golf course – the only course on the island, does offer accommodation as well as a host of other activities including the zipline, as well as horseback riding, riding on a segway, a cruise around Paradise Cove on a glass bottom boat, amongst other things.

Valyn attempting to jump fully clothed at Fairways and Bluewater Resort.

Skipping down a zipline at Fairways and Bluewater.

A super gorgeous view of the exclusive coves at Fairways and Bluewater.

Paradise Cove.

The beauty of the island is one I certainly can never get enough of and it is for this and having found a piece of paradise on the island, that does have me wishing I didn’t have, as I mentioned to a few in Boracay, to ever go back. But since I did have to, it does make me want to get back at the earliest possible instance!

Perhaps why Paradise Cove did seem like paradise.

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About Tigerair Philippines Singapore to Kalibo route:

Tigerair Philippines flies direct from Singapore to Kalibo three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (from 16 August to 25 October 2013, this will be extended to four weekly flights, on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). The flight which takes some 3 hours and 40 minutes bring passengers to the fiesta capital Kalibo, which is two hours by road to Caticlan Port at the northern tip of the island of Panay, from which all it takes is a 15 minute boat ride over to Boracay.

Passengers booking the flight can arrange for a transfer to Boracay through the Tiger Transfer program which has been initiated by Tigerair Philippines initiated. By paying a nominal fee of 500 pesos or its currency equivalent, tourists landing in Kalibo can conveniently get to Boracay. The 500 pesos fee transfers the passengers from Kalibo International Airport, to a shuttle service which will take them all the way to the jetty port. The jetty port allows Tiger Transfer guests to have an exclusive lane leading to their ferry boat for maximum convenience. As soon as they land on the shores of Boracay, another land transfer service is waiting to take the guests to their hotel of choice.

For more information on Tigerair Philippines, go to http://www.Tigerair.com/ph/en/.

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This is a repost of my main post on Boracay Island Escapade.