Boracay Rediscovered Part 1

The Paraw sailboat is a symbol of Boracay along with the golden sunset. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

The last time I was in Boracay was more than 10 years ago. I can’t even remember the exact year. All I knew was I didn’t want to go back. To be fair it was during Holy Week, where the crowd had swelled, spilled over everywhere. I had to go through throngs of people walking around. Rave (that was the in thing then) was blasting out of speakers every few hundred meters or so. The waters right off the beach was greenish from a distance because of seaweed and plant life. Whether it was due to coliform or not, it did not look enticing to me. I was more than happy to not swim in spite of the searing heat.

Experience the Heart of the Filipino

I also knew there were countless more pristine beaches in the country like El Nido, Puerto Princesa both in Palawan, or in Cebu and Pearl Farm in Davao and the one growing in popularity Siargao. As photographer I shot what I was supposed to and then went back home to Manila.

INDIGO has delectable delights along with a fantastic view of Boracay Beach. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Fast forward to January 2019, my brother George Bautista, his wife Hazel and daughter Hannah were in town to celebrate the holidays with us. And they invited me, my parents, Joe, Linda and my niece in law Linnel and grandnephew Theo to the reopened Boracay. George and his family are based in New Zealand while Linnel and Baby Theo are New Yorkers who managed to escape the blizzards.

Linnel Bautista with Baby Theo; DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

From my own experience I had mixed feelings about going back there. But I was also very curious if the 6-month closure by the government and the stricter control of visitor numbers had any effect.

Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista

I was really glad to find out that there was a world of difference from Boracay I knew then to the post 6-month closure. I’m also particularly thankful to George for choosing DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY ISLAND as our resort / accommodations. The service, amenities, facilities are all excellent. I realized then that choosing the right resort could make or break your Boracay experience.

George Bautista and daughter Hannah are Pinoys based in New Zealand. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

First of all even before you set foot on the island, landing on the airport in Caticlan, they already have their own van and personnel waiting for you. Caticlan Airport is located in Aklan, the larger main island. Boracay is a smaller island to the north of Aklan. The Discovery personnel waiting to assist relieve you of the confusion (and bother of falling in line for tickets) of what vehicle to ride to where for the next sea craft to Boracay island itself.The resort also has their own speedboat that whisks you to the white sandy beaches while other less fortunate visitors not booked in Discovery have to wait for the ferries.

A waterfall is a precursor to the beach; DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Spectacular Views

Once you get there the viewsare spectacular. While it may have been incorporated in the design, a waterfall is the precursor to the star of the show, the perfectly white beach. The sands are visible as you walk down. But wait there’s central pool with a swim on bar. A Jacuzzi is arm’s length from the shallow area for the kiddies. The whole atrium is surrounded by greenery of bamboo stalks and several types of palm trees creating a tranquil ambience. You could hear their leaves swaying in the sea breeze lulling you to sleep.

The pool’s swim on bar beside the Jacuzzi is also lit at night. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

INDIGO – coastal cuisine, the main restaurant, has the world famous white sand beach as its view. The same with SANDS restaurant beside it, take your pick. From both you could seethat the crystal clear waters that made Boracay world class have returned.

There were some families, pairs of Europeans lying on the beach underneath coconut trees. The view from the bar and resto are postcard perfect. It’s a very chill vibe unlike my first experience from a decade ago.

Guests lie on the beach underneath coconut trees right in front of DISCOVERY SHORES.The resort scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Best Things In Life Are FREE

The accommodations are not the cheapest, but every penny is well worth it because of the free services that makes your stay so much easier and enjoyable. Here’s a short list.

The free van rides. Part of the Boracay experience is walking on the beach, exploring restaurants, shopping areas and other establishments. Our group however, had senior citizens and an infant. Walking, even if it’s a short distance, could be difficult. So the free van service they provide was a lifesaver for us. All you need to do is give them your room number, wait for a few minutes and a van will take you to your desired location. Once you’re done you can call them to pick you up. If you managed to walk somewhere and decide you want to take it easy call them and they’ll have a van pick you up, that’s it. Of course that’s within the vicinity of the Boracay beach area, Town Square, nearby malls. It would be unreasonable to expect a free ride to the other side of the island. By the way the resort already arranges your arrival and departure vehicles to and from the airport.

Free Merienda. In the Philippines we have snacks between meals that we call merienda. As soon as you walk into your tastefully designed room you immediately see them and they’re free. Our first day there was a cream puff pastry with shrimp tapas 3 pieces. It also changes daily. The next day it was Egg tarts. And poolside they had bibingka(a rice cake cooked over hot coals) and melon juice. Just make sure to get to the poolside merienda while supply lasts.

from left: Egg tart, PutoPao (Pinoy Take on Pork Buns) and Cream puff with Shrimp Tapas on the side. These free delectable merienda (snacks) are delivered to your room once a day. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

After a sumptuous breakfast buffet, that comes with your room, and the free merienda personally I’m more than satisfied with my food intake for the day. Apart from saving money, you’re saving calories by just sticking with the free food and skipping dinner. That’s just me; you’re more than welcome to eat more. The free melon juice poolside is so refreshing on a sunny day. On other days its lemongrass flavored water, tanglad in Filipino.

Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista

Free Foot Spa.Each person in the room is entitled to a free foot spa. I was bunked with my parents and decided to pass on mine to my mom. Some might say that its only 15 minutes long. But after walking on the beach for the whole day, someone washing your feet in warm water and rubbing it with scented oils for 15 minutes is heavenly. Again, might I remind you, it’s free.

DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Free Fast Wi-Fi.In today’s interconnected world its no longer a luxury but a necessity. The advantage here is you’d be able to check your emails using your phone, tablet or laptop while catching a tan by the pool or the beach. I really appreciated the speed as I was watching Youtube videos without a lag. I barely noticed the time as they were preparing our rooms when we arrived because they gave us the Wi-Fi password immediately. Make sure to ask for it when you arrive, to maximize it the whole stay.

Continued on Part 2:

Our group in INDIGO restaurant. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

We stumbled on a romantic dinner set up in INDIGO. Initially we thought it was an engagement party but found out it was just for one lucky couple. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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The Paraw sailboat is a symbol of Boracay along with the golden sunset. Photo by Jude Bautista

SANDS restaurant & bar has the sea breeze day or night. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: New Lolas Lilibeth De Villa, Joy Bautista with Baby Theo. Photo by Jude Bautista

Lifeguard Tower makes swimming in Boracay Beach safer.

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Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista

from left: George Bautista with parents Joe and Linda, Cora Lim, Diko Lim, Hazel and Hannah Bautista. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Sunlight filters through clouds with Paraw boats in silhouette.

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Experience the Heart of the Filipino

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Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches have returned to Boracay. Photo by Jude Bautista

Great grandma Linda Bautista and Baby Theo; DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

The Paraw sailboat is a symbol of Boracay along with the golden sunset. Photo by Jude Bautista

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The waterfall changes the mood at night. This was the view near our room. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

View from SANDS Restaurant in DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY;The resort scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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(left) view from INDIGO Restaurant DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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George Bautista and sister in law Joy Bautista. DISCOVERY SHORES BORACAY scores on impeccable service, amenities and facilities on our trip January 9-11, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista