Boracay Island was highly recommended by our friends from the Philippines. Years back they visited Malaysia and kept saying that it is a MUST to go to Boracay Island's White Beach in your lifetime. The idea of going for a babymoon did not come to my plan at first, but since AirAsia launched this new destination in 2012 during my pregnancy period, hubby decided to 'kidnap' me for a short vacation to ease my suffering for the first trimester. *Thank you!!!*
It was back then when AirAsia still operates in LCCT. We did not fly from Penang to KL as the timing is not good - either we have to overnight somewhere near LCCT or wait at LCCT, which is a NO-NO for me at pregnancy. Very tiring if have to rush to catch the plane. So we took a bus to Ipoh (his hometown) and then Yoyo bus to LCCT. I could have a good rest sleeping overnight in the bus. So by the time we reached LCCT it would be early morning.
During the new destination launch, there was no direct flight from KL to Kalibo yet, so we had to make a transit at Clark Airport to Kalibo Airport. And trust me...you will be 'amazed' by the cleanliness of Clark Airport.... @.@ There were lots of flies around everywhere!! More than I could imagine!! Yuksss!!! No wonder Philippines airports just got voted as the dirtiest (if not mistaken, Manila) this year 2014 by tourists all over the world...
The departure lounge. Seemed like we were taking a private plane.
There were also stalls selling sausages and hot dogs. I wonder how much the Pinoys love sausages...
It was back then when AirAsia still operates in LCCT. We did not fly from Penang to KL as the timing is not good - either we have to overnight somewhere near LCCT or wait at LCCT, which is a NO-NO for me at pregnancy. Very tiring if have to rush to catch the plane. So we took a bus to Ipoh (his hometown) and then Yoyo bus to LCCT. I could have a good rest sleeping overnight in the bus. So by the time we reached LCCT it would be early morning.
Journey started off with McD as breakfast
Pool of cloudsss
Breakfast on board
Very nice sandwich. I don't think AirAsia serves this anymore...
The preggy mom look without makeup
Diosdado Macapagal International Airport - arriving in Clark
Just an illusion before you see the flies at the arrival hall, this is the departure hall
Please do excuse me for the nonstop eating habit. I was preggy at that time okay, and I basically fed myself around the clock, with whatever food that attracted me. :)
Now guess the price...
All these cost me only around 70PHP (~RM5)!!!
Chilled and ice-blended coffee, anyone? About 25PHP (~RM2) only!
Transit time was around 3 hour plus, selfie a bit first.
The departure lounge. Seemed like we were taking a private plane.
There were also stalls selling sausages and hot dogs. I wonder how much the Pinoys love sausages...
Feeding time again before boarding. In love with their sausages.
There was actually a panic incident before we boarded the connecting flight to Kalibo. The airport is actually very small, with limited boarding gates. Thus boarding gates tend to change from time to time, and a few of it actually kind of 'hidden' behind the signboards. We were waiting patiently for announcement on boarding but as time passed there were still no update. Luckily we went to ask the staff standing nearby and only to find out that boarding gate was already closed 10 minutes ago!!! In fact there was announcement searching for the 2 of us but it's really strange that we didn't hear at all... The staff also got panicked and dashed out immediately to the clearway to stop the plane from take off. And guess what, we were transferred to the runway by the luggage truck... What an experience!
Okay, seriously I couldn't stop laughing but it was quite embarrassing. There were less than 10 passengers in the plane though, no wonder the gate closed so early and already prepared to take off earlier than the schedule... That was a short flight of approximately 1 hour, and we arrived earlier than per schedule.
The doggy bone shape Boracay Island!! So near yet so far!
We're not there yet, because to get to Boracay Island, we need to take an approximate 2 hour bus ride to Caticlan Jetty Port, then another 15 minutes boat ride. So it took us almost a day to reach Boracay! A round trip transfer (door-to-door service, including all environmental, terminal and boat fee) is around 1,500PHP per person.
Kalibo Airport - arrival terminal
Kalibo Airport - departure terminal
Arrival gate. You will be greeted by your pre-booked transfer services representative.
Normally the land transfer to will be handled by Southwest Tours Boracay.
In Philippines, most businesses are monopolized.
If you are adventurous enough, you may take a tuk-tuk to Caticlan Jetty Port.
Mind your bum-bum after a 2 hours ride nonstop on the bumpy road....
Transfer vouchers handed to us by the representatives.
Sights along the way...
Sights along the way...
FYI, a 2 seater tuk-tuk can accommodate up to 7 people, including the driver...
Simple happy life!
Operation hours for Caticlan Jetty Port:
Caticlan Jetty Port → Cagban Port (Boracay) 5:30am - 21:30pm
Cagban Port (Boracay) → Caticlan Jetty Port 5:00am - 21:00pm
Reception counter at the port
Overview of the waiting area
Waiting for our boat
Selfie-wefie
After almost 20 hours away from home I still looked okay right?
Approaching Boracay Island! It was already near 7pm by then. The weather was a little cloudy. Lucky that it didn't rain. My little bub did give me response in the tummy, although it was still too early to feel the kicking, but I know she did responded to us during the boat ride. I guess the first prenatal lesson I gave her was "baby, let's go travel".
A little cloudy...
Cagban Jetty Port, Boracay Island
We opted for a round trip door-to-door transfer, thus upon arriving at Cagban Jetty Port, there were already representative and the driver waiting for us in the minivan. Door-to-door transfer means full arrangement on the land transfer from Kalibo Airport to your hotel lobby, including the fees.
For the 4 nights in Boracay, we stayed in 2 resorts. First one was Willy's Beach Club Hotel located at Station 1; second one was Boracay Beach Club, also located at Station 1. We chose Station 1 as it is known to be more peaceful and private. Most of the luxurious yet affordable resorts are located here. Furthermore the beach is at its widest among the 3 stations of White Beach.
Our room at Willy's Beach Resort, Deluxe Room
The is the outlook of Willy's, taken on Day 2
A souvenir upon check-in at Willy's -- a seashell necklace
It was already dark after we check-in so I didn't take pictures of the hotel. All that I had in my mind was DINNER!! I was consistently needed to be fed... Stomach was grumbling and all the nice food spotted along our ride to the hotel was so tempting!!!
After leaving the luggage in our room we went directly to dinner. I didn't consider much about cuisine but just to dine at the first restaurant which attracted my appetite. In fact we bumped into the restaurant of REAL MARIS. It is actually a very nice resort at Station 1.
Our 1st ROM anniversary dinner on the beach, romantic?
The big pain for me this trip was NO ALCOHOL!!
Fire dance on the beach
Dinner, drinks, live music, fire dance....
Let's call it a day for the preggy mom~
(...to be continued)
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