Choose A Luxury Holiday To The Indian Ocean
Luxury holidays in the Indian Ocean offer visitors a tropical paradise with palm fringed beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning natural beauty. The islands of the Indian Ocean are extremely accessible today and therefore are a preferred destination for many travelers. The third largest ocean in the world, the Indian Ocean is home to the states of Goa and Kerala, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, the Maldives and the Seychelles, all incredibly diverse islands and a melting pot of diverse cultures and hospitality.
A luxury holiday in the Indian Ocean conjures up an exotic destination, great for idyllic beaches, warm aqua waters and attracts those in search of complete rest and relaxation. Think picture postcard beaches, white sands, tropical palm trees, and some of the best turquoise waters for diving. If you are looking for barefoot elegance, stylish resorts, first class hotels and beaches on your holiday Mauritius or the Seychelles are the perfect choice.
1,200 miles off the coast of Africa and just inside the Tropic of Capricorn lies Mauritius. The island of Mauritius is surrounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the world and is also a well known top dive location. A popular choice for couples and honeymooners due to the endless stretches of beaches that are perfect for leisurely romantic walks and secluded sunbathing. As well as relaxing on beaches and being pampered in spas the island of Mauritius has a range of activities and water sports including scuba diving, water-skiing, golf, hiking, horse riding and deep-sea fishing to keep you busy on your holiday in Mauritius.
Accommodation here ranges from friendly guesthouses to world class luxury hotels with high class service and contemporary facilities. The islands in the Indian Ocean offer a once in a lifetime holiday experience and don?t have to break the bank. There are good value deals on tailor made holidays to the Indian Ocean particularly between November to May. You can expect the standard of accommodation and service to be very high and there is entertainment on hand at most of the hotels to keep you amused in the evenings.
Like Mauritius the Seychelles is also the epitome of luxury. Top class hotels and world class service are the normality here. There are perhaps less activities on offer on the island in comparison to Mauritius, however if peaceful tranquility or island hopping is your preferred type of holiday then Seychelles has it all. Exclusive islands and private getaways provide the perfect sanctuary for you to escape the stresses and strains of every day life. For those that want to a bit of gentle exercise there is much fun to be had exploring the neighbouring islands and scuba diving and snorkelling in the clear waters. Sainte Anne resort, Denis Island, Praslin, North Island, Bird Island, Desroche and Mahe are just some of the islands in the Seychelles.
Luxury holidays in the Indian Ocean offer you the picture postcard experience and when it comes to booking you will be spoilt for choice by the number of luxury hotels.
For further information about luxury holidays in the Indian Ocean please visit Beachcomber Tours at http://www.beachcombertours.co.uk or call 01483 445610.
Luxury Islands in the Pacific – Vacation in a Piece of Paradise
Luxury island holidays in the Pacific centre on a group of over 3000 islands, each a piece of paradise with beach attached. They make up 13 countries that jointly are known as the Pacific Islands. Fiji, the most well known of all is itself a group of about 330 islands. So if you are looking to enjoy an island vacation, the luxury islands of the Pacific would have to be the natural choice.
There’s something about an island that makes it easy to shed stress and enter a bubble of peace that incorporates heady fragrances, lush blooms, and the intoxicating smell of the ocean. The islands of Fiji bring this magic to life with their unspoilt natural beauty and vast expanses of silvery beaches glimmering under the tropical sun. What proves to be even more of a balm to the senses is the extreme acceptance and affection of the local people, who simply exude a natural bonhomie. A variety of ethnicities call Fiji home and merrily add to the cultural melting pot that is evident in the cuisine, the dress, and mannerisms. However, one and all will greet you with a ‘Bula!’, welcoming you to participate in the fiesta that’s Fiji.
New Caledonia succeeds in blending a whiff of French in to its tropical ambience, to create a heady mix that spells vacation with a capital V. Prepare to enjoy French cuisine and excellent wine while revelling in the warmth of the tropical sunshine. Luxury hotels dot its beaches at strategic locations and its striking mountain ranges give you a change of scene. The special attraction here is the world’s largest lagoon with over a thousand varieties of marine life and a 1600 km long barrier reef. If you’re crazy about water sports, you’ve come to the right place.
Somewhere between New Zealand and New Caledonia is a hidden gem of tranquillity, also known as Norfolk Island, undeniably the cr’me de la cr’me of the luxury island holidays in the Pacific. Majestic pines tower atop picturesque cliffs, overlooking turquoise lagoons and emerald golfing greens, to give you yet another take on tropical beauty with a subtle difference. A popular getaway and honeymoon destination, this luxury island has its share of extravagances to suit all wallet sizes.
Tahiti is simply a rhapsody in blue that will sway your senses and blow you away. Tiny islands float ephemerally like pockets of paradise let loose for the pleasure of the chosen few. Bora Bora, Taha, and Moorea have luxury hotels and quaint resort style lodgings that blend in with the natural landscape. The lush tropical landscape dotted with lakes and lagoons designed by Cupid himself make this luxury island the ultimate romantic getaway.
A group of 83 islands sprinkled like exotic toppings on the surface of the blue waters of the Pacific are together known as Vanuatu. Be prepared for a change of scenery as you encounter the secrets of this volcanic island. Nothing sinister though; just natural beauty at its untouched, rugged best. Beaches change tones from a shower of Swarovski crystals to silky black. Coral reefs beckon tantalisingly beneath crystal clear water, while on land there are the amazing waterfalls, enigmatic rain forests, and placid lagoons that gleam silently in the sun. Port Vila, the capital, presents lively restaurants, shops, and luxury hotel accommodation.
The Cook Islands are made up of about 15 islands and are a popular destination among the luxury islands of the Pacific. Luxury hotels of all persuasion have been set up by experienced purveyors of good times and comfort to ensure you enjoy your stay on the island. Natural beauty has been left untouched to give you a sense of what the earth must have been like before the discovery of concrete.
The Solomon Islands with their majestic mountains and rivers welcome you to partake of a luxury island holiday like none other. The palm fringed beaches lolling by the aquamarine waters of the ocean are the perfect antidote to stress in the city and all its side effects. Feel the tension fall away from your shoulders as you contemplate the infinity of the horizon. A number of luxury hotels and resorts on the beach make this island the right stopover for some quintessential me-time..
In Samoa the way of life is as eternal as the blue waters surrounding it. Replete with all the features a beach resort can offer, it will probably be the Samoan people that capture your heart. Their friendliness and genuine love soon make you feel like you’re in your own private island. They still haven’t got around to commercialising this piece of paradise they call home and it retains all its unspoilt natural beauty. For the time being, they are just happy to share their good luck with whoever visits.
Justine has been a journalist for 20 years and is a contributor to Just The Planet, the online luxury travel magazine for independent travellers. Read more about luxury spas around the world and discover more luxury getaways here.
Surfing, Seafood and Living in Cocoa Beach
Living on Florida’s Space Coast has many perks, it’s surrounded by water which means you can enjoy any water sport you can think of and some, like kite boarding, the newest extreme water sport. You can drop a line in the water from almost any bridge you come to and can, most likely, catch something to eat for dinner or go to a local restaurant and feast on what their fishermen have pulled in from the night before.
That’s another perk of Florida, all the seafood you can eat and if you’re like me and could eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, this is a very good thing. I’m always amused by people who move here, don’t like seafood and then don’t even try to acquire a taste for it like my brother-in-law, what a waste.
Another benefit of living in Florida is all the islands that are dotted along the coast Amelia Island, Sanibel Island and let’s not forget the Keys. Our islands in Florida are constantly being rated among the ?Top 10? in magazines or on travel shows for best beaches, or best places to find shells or for this or that, we love it.
There are also smaller islands in the rivers here that people pull boats up around during the summer and party long into the night, we have our own ?Redneck Yacht Clubs?, so to speak, it really is a great state.
One of the drawbacks to living here, unfortunately, is that we sometimes get storms here, bad ones, and not all have to reach hurricane force to be devastating take Fay for instance, she beat us up pretty bad and she was just a tropical storm when she smashed into Florida. Who will ever forget 2004 when we had 4 storms within weeks of each other, what a mess that was, there were several people who had enough and actually moved out of the state.
One group of people, maybe the only group that look forward to hurricanes are the surfers. The east coast of Florida is know as the small wave capital of the world and when the storms roll in you can bet they take advantage of it.
I happen to have the pleasure of living close to the Cocoa Beach Pier which is home to not only the popular Ron Jon’s Surf Shop but also the Cocoa Beach Surf Company; needless to say we have a lot of surfers here. On September 5 of 2009, Tropical Storm Hanna passed about 100 miles off the coast of Florida and it was a great time to go to the Cocoa Beach Pier, which we did, to watch the surfers.
The sky was all grey and deep blue with hints of purple, there were people all over the pier, drinking, fishing and of course watching and photographing the surfers. We had a good time watching the guys, and girls, get up on some pretty awesome swells, get some pretty wicked rides and catch air. So many people had cameras it was interesting to hear all the comments like ‘did you get that shot? and ?Dude I got him in the air?. We all took our turns at the railing taking pictures and of course the conversation soon turned to all things camera related. The most common question was ?What do you shoot with??
Their was a lot to photograph that day too not only were the surfers spectacular but the sky was awesome the clouds were dark and flowing across the sky but they were swirling too, that was quite a sight.
We all had fun but I think no one had more fun than the surfers did. I’ll bet they were all wiped out at the end of the day but feeling like it was well worth it.
Surfing, kite boarding or just hanging at the beach, there are so many fun things to do in Cocoa Beach that you’ll want to bring your camera. The best places to take pictures of Cocoa Beach is the pier, Ron Jon Surf Shop and Jetty Park at the port.
Living In The Beautiful Island State Of Hawaii
When you think of paradise, you think of the tropics. And most people think of Hawaii when they think of the tropics! Have you been considering moving to Hawaii? Here are some of the pros and cons.
As far as good things, these can be fairly obvious. Moving to a warm climate like Hawaii means that you will see sunshine and warm weather year round. Who can argue with that?
Tropical places feature access to the ocean, palm trees, tropical fruits and other tropical vegetation. The hit ABC television show ?Lost? is about crash survivors on an island. The island in the fictional story is not supposed to be Hawaii; however, the show itself is actually filmed on location in Hawaii. Many of the actors in the show and the crew have moved to Hawaii since the show began filming several years ago!
Tropical climates also tend to see a lot of rain, but when you consider how much sunshine you get, it’s worth it.
Some of the disadvantages of living in Hawaii, in particular, are actually quite negative. For example, don’t forget that it is an island. That means a lot of limitations.
For one thing, if you want to leave the island of Hawaii, you must do so by boat or plane. That’s fine if you don’t travel much. But if you want to travel to the US inland states or anywhere else, you’ll be in for a major expense; whereas, if you live in an inland state, you can just ‘road trip it,? as we like to say.
Another drawback of Hawaii is that the cost of living is significantly higher than elsewhere. The reason is most likely because so many people want to live there (high demand) and yet there is only so much space for inhabitants on one small island (low supply). Thus, it would not be a good place to go if you have not established a lucrative career that will help you keep up economically. You may find yourself, instead of living by the beach, living ON the beach (without a home!). That would not be good, now would it?
Many other amenities you have come to expect, and almost need, are not as readily available in Hawaii. Anything that you get that is not already on the island has to be shipped in, again by air or by sea. That means exorbitant prices on items and supplies that aren’t sold in the local stores in Hawaii. Even every day products can be more expensive.
Safety is also a concern. Tropical areas also are prone to tropical storms, including hurricanes. If a tsunami ever came through (Heaven forbid), shelter would be limited, and that could be a major disaster you would not want to be a part of.
Another safety issue relates to the ocean itself. Everyone knows that oceans have more dangerous animal life, such as stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks. Although the chances of an injury from one of these sea creatures is rare, it is still a risk that should be considered seriously before choosing to live by the ocean (as opposed to by a lake).
Clearly, Hawaii is one of the most beautiful destinations on planet earth. Go visit and see what it has to offer, and also experience its limitations first hand, before you make the decision to move there. It may be for you, after all, but then again, it might not.
Discover Hawaii Condos for your stay in paradise. Plus, learn about Kauai Weddings and Kauai Animals
Good Party Islands Around the World
Everyone enjoys a good celebration. Whether you’re a young traveler or someone who just likes having a good time while soaking up some tropical sun, then finding the perfect party island will be important to you. There are countless tropical destinations in the world and all of them are beautiful, however, not all of them offer the party atmosphere you may be looking for.
One of the best locations to discover crazy party islands is in Greece. Visitors flock to the country for its cool weather, stunning beaches, warm waters, and great parties. The top two places to party are Ios and Corfu. Corfu is located on the west coast of Greece. There are regular beach parties outside of the famed Atlantis nightclub and vacationers all seem to stay at the notorious Pink Palace. During the day people soak up the warm Mediterranean sun and then party all night long.
Ios see a lot of travelers who want to do one thing: party. Ios is not only a party island but it is also beautiful and filled with culture (Homer was from here!). The island has a lot of tropical beaches with crystal clear blue water. At night, everyone comes out for some great seafood and Greek dining before spending the evening doing body shots of each other and waking up on the beach. Most party goers end up staying out until sun rise and sleep it off while getting a tan during the day. This is an island for the night owl.
For those looking to get out of the Mediterranean, you can head over to Southeast Asia and the islands of Bali and Ko Phangan. Bali is one of the most popular destinations in the world. Located in Indonesia, this huge island has a bit of everything. And those looking for a party will find it on Kuta beach. Besides great surfing, this spot is known for its beach parties and excessive nightlife. Here the tourists get loud, get down, and get crazy. It’s a cheap destination making it really popular among backpackers, Aussies, and Kiwis. After you burnt yourself out at night, treat yourself to a nice massage during the day.
Bali might be famous worldwide but Ko Phangan is the world’s premiere party destination. This island is well known to all travelers. It hosts the famous Full Moon Party every month, when 20,000 or more people descend on Haat Rin beach to consume large quantities of alcohol and dance until dawn. All the partying happens on Haat Rin beach and every night, the beach fills up with crowds of revelers looking to just have a good time. There is always an excuse to party, whether it is a Full Moon, Half Moon, or Black Moon party. After a few of the islands famous alcohol buckets, you won’t care what party you are at.
In the South Pacific, Fiji is well known to be a center of parties and activities. The most famous island group there is the Yasawa and that sees a lot of young backpackers who only have fun and sun on their mind. Here cheap bungalows, nightly BBQs, and cheap alcohol as well as beautiful beaches and great diving. It also helps that Fiji is a major stop on all RTW airline tickets.
No matter where you desire to go in the world, there is a location that is perfect for you. You’ll find what you are looking for and will be partying with sun kissed tourists from around the world in no time.
Matt is a party love and frequents a lot of the best tropical islands. For more information about the Bali and the other islands, check out his website.
Taking Your Kids on Your Island Holiday
Are you planning on taking a family vacation? With all the tropical islands all over the world, you have a varied choice when picking an island as your family vacation spot. The best part about going to a vacation in the tropics is that it won’t be very expensive and most importantly is meant for the whole family. The sand, the sun, and the lapping of the waves as they hit the shore- nothing is as soothing as a quite, serene holiday on a tropical island destination, unless of course, you are taking the children. Taking your children on vacation with you requires you to think differently about what you plan on doing while on the island.
You and your kids can obviously jump start the day by simply lazing around the beach, sun bathing, with kids swimming in the waters or digging in the sand making castles. But if your little ones are like most other children, they will want to be very active. There are plenty of activities you can do with your children. Kids can indulge in a half day sailing trip and have a snorkeling experience around the island’s coral reefs. They can see the magical and awe-inspiring universe of the vibrant, vivid and vivacious sea creatures and plant life that live below the water. Children as young as 8 yrs old, with the aid of a scuba instructor can safely descend to a depth of 20 ft. For other children who don’t want to explore the ocean, they can be guided through glass bottom tours that will still let them see the ocean.
Tropical islands pose as a non-stop fun for kids where children can swim in clear water, find Nemo as they snorkel just meters from the shore or discover the under water world while scuba diving. Kids who are nature enthusiasts can explore the beauty and wilderness by walking through the forests of the island. The kids can swim in the refreshing waterfalls as well as spot animals and birds. Hiking through a rainforest can also be an exciting alternative and good break from the beach allowing the kids to do something different than just sitting on the beach, which might make them bored. Besides scuba diving and snorkeling, kids can enjoy other beach activities like parasailing and kayaking as well. Playing sports like beach volley ball or staying by the pool can keep the kids occupied and active while on your holiday.
A well struck balance between both inside and outside activities will get your little ones to value and love their tropical island holiday while keeping them busy and keeping you sane. A holiday with children can be a lot of fun. There are plenty of things you can do to keep your children busy on a tropical island besides just going to the beach. Kids have a lot of energy so it’s important to find activities that use that energy.
Matthew Kepnes has been exploring tropical islands for years and knows a lot about how to keep people, especially children, happy on a tropical island. You can visit his resource on the best tropical islands in the world and good family places such as going on a hawaii vacation.
Island Holidays in the Caribbean
Caribbean islands are of course, one of the capitals of mass tourism. Tourists visit here for the sun, beach and water activities. Most visitors come from the US, Canada, and Europe. Many of these tourists come in large groups or package tours. Caribbean islands make people think about cool breezes, swaying palms trees, white beaches, warm water rum and cocktails after sunset. Here are the most popular islands in the area.
One of the best islands is Barbados. This old British colony is most popular for its white beaches, thick rain forests, and beautiful tropical flowers. Barbados’s botanical gardens, museum, and old St.Johns church are the main tourist attractions in Barbados besides its beach. Barbados also has a very active night life of singing, dancing, and drinking. Barbados is one of the best islands in the Caribbean for fun in the sun and relaxation.
Puerto Rico is another great place to visit. This romantic getaway is great for newly weds and couples who want to pamper themselves in luxury and comfort. There are many great spas and resorts on the island. Then there is the island’s natural beauty. Besides surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports, the wildlife and adventure on this island is also great. Besides that, Puerto Rico has a rich cultural heritage and a lively culture that cherishes dancing, partying, and celebrations. On this island, you can spend your days enjoying nature and then spend your night celebrating with good dancing and great food.
Saona Island- Saona is a tropical island that is situated in the Dominican Republic near La Romana Province. The island is famous for the natural beauty of its beaches and it has appeared in many films and advertisements. The island has great wildlife and fish around it. You can swim and scuba dive as well as take a tour of the island on a catamaran. An amphitheater, small church, art galleries, and boutiques are some of the things you can see Saona Island besides just spending time in the sun on the beach.
Haiti- Haiti was one the first independent nations in the Caribbean. Founded by Christopher Columbus, this island is lush with fruits and towering mahogany trees. Known as the pearl of the Caribbean, Haiti is also home to rare birds and species. Haiti also has exotic and mouth watering delicacies well known to tourists who gorge on the delicacies. The Citadelle is one of the most extraordinary structures in the Caribbean and a great thing to do if you get tired of the beach.
The Caribbean is a spectacular place to go to and take a vacation. There are many places to visit and relax at. These places also have a lot to do besides just sitting on the beach or swimming in the ocean. On these islands, you’ll find great food, amazing cultures, jungles and much more. The islands above are only a cross section of potential islands in the Caribbean. No matter where you go in the area, you will have a great time.
Matthew Kepnes has been writing about travel and tropical islands for over two years now and his work has appeared in many travel magazines. For more information about the best tropical islands in the world, check out his website.
Creating a Beach Themed Wedding
It is the dream of many couples to hold a beach wedding. Whether you plan to actually have the ceremony or reception at the beach, or simply want to incorporate a beach theme into your indoor wedding, all of your wedding details should be chosen to reflect the beach. This very romantic way to get married can be very simple or very elaborate, though beach weddings often take on a casual, lighthearted, and fun mood.
To create the perfect ambiance, start with your wedding d’cor. There are many different directions you can go with beach themed d’cor. Do you want a nautical theme, or a tropical island theme? What about a classic beachside resort style, or a fun and unusual tiki theme? No matter which beach-related theme you pick, the perfect d’cor can bring the theme to life, whether you’re holding the ceremony on the beachfront or indoors, away from the coast.
Your choice of theme will impact not only the type of d’cor you choose, but also the overall color scheme. For example, a tropical island theme will incorporate red, orange, and other vibrant hues, while a classic nautical wedding will rely on white and navy blue. Colors for a traditional beachside wedding, meanwhile, include sky blue, vibrant green, and a sandy white.
A beach wedding gives you plenty of room for creativity. Incorporate lots of natural materials into the d’cor. Seashells are a must, no matter what style of beach wedding you have chosen. Versatile beach d’cor pieces give you plenty of choices whether you’re going for an indoor tiki-themed wedding or plan to say your vows at sunset in the sand. Tiki torches are a great way to light up the beach for parties that last until after sunset. If you’re holding your wedding at the beach, you won’t need too many decorations, but a few well-placed accent pieces can really highlight your theme.
Because flowers like the orchid and hibiscus play so heavily into Hawaiian and island culture, they would be the perfect choice for your bridesmaids to carry down the aisle. These fragrant tropical flowers will also be the perfect way to decorate each table at the reception.
When planning a beach wedding, there are other considerations besides d’cor. Think about the season as well as the time of day. It goes without saying that you want sunny blue skies on your wedding day. A morning wedding means that the beach will probably be quieter, though many couples prefer to take their vows at sunset for the beautiful view. You may also want to construct ‘tiki hut’ style shelters for your guests using bamboo, grass skirts, and other natural and tiki-inspired materials. These will provide both shade and a rain shelter, as well as the perfect place to serve drinks or food.
When the wedding is over, don’t forget to commemorate your special day in the home you share. A tiki statue or beach-themed sign is the perfect way to remind yourselves of your wedding day. It would also be fitting to display your wedding photo in a beach-themed frame.
Royal Tiki has a wide range of Tiki, hand-carved on Hawaii. Also check for current specials on Tiki hut masks
Enjoying The Waters of Boracay
Visiting Boracay just for its white sand beaches is not exactly doing justice to this exotic place. True, those lovely beaches were the reason the world noticed this tropical island.
Since its “discovery,” Boracay has been known for those beaches, transforming the place from being an “unchartered” paradise into becoming the premier Philippine travel destination and tourist spot.
Local and foreign tourists alike flock to the island to spend some relaxing moments along the shore or in beach houses. But the truth is, there’s more to Boracay than meets the eye, or to be more precise, there’s more to Boracay than its white sand beaches.
The Island of Boracay is in the province of Aklan in the Western Visayas region, some 315 km away from the capital city of Manila. Visitors can take a flight from any major city to the small town of Caticlan, which has its own airport that constantly welcomes tourists. From the airport, one can ride a tricycle going to the Caticlan Port. From there, an exciting boat ride will take visitors all the way to Boracay Port. After another tricycle ride (more or less 10 minutes away from the port), the new arrivals will be greeted by the charming Boracay White Beach.
Kick start your Boracay experience by joining an island tour or visiting the crystal cave. You may also spend an entire day island hopping, basking in the warmth of the sun as you visit each stunning beaches. Among these beaches are the gorgeous Puka Beach and Manoc-Manoc Beach. Don’t forget to bring along some snorkeling gear. You’ll never know when you will spot a perfect site for snorkeling and even diving. The island is unpredictable like that.
For experienced and licensed divers, Boracay diving safaris is an activity that can’t be missed. Usually lasting for a day or an entire week, diving safaris are full of excitement since you get to explore Boracay’s breath-taking diving spots in far-off and perilous areas. Novice divers wouldn’t feel left out though, as there are diving sites in the island that are not as challenging and dangerous. Dive sites such as Laurel Island 1 are perfect for beginners who want to experience swimming through an island hole and view all kinds of soft and hard corals. Speaking of corals, Fridays Rock offers a close view of an incredible coral garden. Various sea creatures such as starfish, moray eels, and sea cucumbers are also a wonderful sight to behold underwater. If you are just a beginner and you want to safely enjoy this experience, helpful guides are available to assist and take you to these ideal diving spot.
But if you prefer to stay on the surface, then try the flying fish boat ride. For the uninitiated, the flying fish is an air cushion vehicle (think hovercraft). Originally designed for military use, enterprising individuals have repurposed it for commercial enjoyment. You may also try riding the sailboat locally known as the Paraw. A few hours of Paraw ride can offer a memorable experience – you get to enjoy Boracay’s thrilling sunset while sailing around the island.
With these water activities, you can get the most out of your stay in Boracay. Beautiful white sand beaches may have defined the tropical island, but this tropical paradise has many other attractions that all sorts of people would enjoy.
http://www.tripsiders.com is your travel guide to a fun-filled, adventurous outdoor travel in Philippines. We feature Philippine destinations that make your visit to local places more than the ordinary tourist experience. We want you to experience the beauty of Philippines by being with nature.
Boracay : Getting to know the Island Paradise
The Philippines is composed of more than 7,100 islands with tropical climate. This explains the flock of tourist, both foreign and local for its beaches to relax and refresh. One of the most well known and loved beach is Boracay, an island located approximately 315 kilometers south of Manila. The island comprises the three barangay – Manoc-manoc, Balabag, and Yapak, and is under the administrative control of the Philippine Tourism Authority in coordination with the Provincial Government of Aklan.
Boracay is The World’s Most Popular Beach! According to Yahoo! Travel engine in 2007 and the fever has not waned since then. Known as the gateway to paradise because of its natural beauty of sprawling white beach of finest sands was also voted by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook as one of the best beaches in world in 1990. It was also given distinction by the British publication TV Quick as the World’s Number One Tropical beach in 1996.
Tourism in the island started in the early 1970’s years after Aklan was proclaimed as an independent province. It is said that this paradise island was accidentally discovered by a foreign movie crew, others claim that it was the German traveler – Jens Peter, who included rave reviews of the island in his book that spark and transformed Boracay from a quiet secret to what it is now. Whichever is true, at around those times when it has ceased to be a private traveler hideaway and become one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Boracay have two primary tourism beaches – The White Beach which is located in the western part and Bulabog Beach situated on the opposite sides of the island. Several other small beaches are located on the white sprawling island. White Beach is known as the main tourism beach with a number of resorts, hotels, restaurants, lodge houses and other businesses. While Beachfront Path is a footpath of about two kilometers in the central portion that separates the beach from the establishments along it.
Being the secondary tourism beach, Bulabog Beach a bit less populated compared and heralded to its opposite beach but is actually a haven for the windsurfing and kite-boarding enthusiast because of the presence of stronger wind.
Weather in Boracay is generally divided into two seasonal weather patterns known locally as the Amihan and Habagat seasons. In the Tagalog language, Amihan means a cool northeast wind, and Habagat means west or southwest wind; south-west monsoon. These two seasons are generally associated with the El Niño and La Niña global weather patterns. Amihan season is exemplified by moderate temperatures, little or no rainfall, and a prevailing wind from the east. The Habagat season on the other hand is typified by hot and humid weather, frequent heavy rainfall, and a customary wind from the west.
Boracay generally expected to be in Amihan season sometime in September or October to around May or June and Habagat season for the remainder of the year. However, wind direction plays primarily for the season transition which sometime occurs abruptly. There are times that in a week or two the wind will switch between Amihan and Habagat several times before settling into the pattern. These dates can vary in individual years, though. Temperature ranges from 25-32°C at the beginning of the Amihan season which usually is during the month of February/March increasing to 28-38°C range. At the start of Habagat, the temperature moderates back to 25-32°C. Tropical storm, usually are present during the Habagat season.
Boracay Island is separated from Panay by a narrow strait. The island is located opposite the Barangay of Caticlan in the municipality of Malay, Aklan. Transportation across the strait is provided by boats operating from the Caticlan jetty port.
Two airports in Aklan province serve Boracay, Kalibo Airport in Kalibo and Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (commonly referred to as “Caticlan airport”) in the Caticlan.
http://boracayexpress.com