Boracay is a popular tourist destination in The Philippines so it is crowded with tourists from all over the world. With the recent 'coup' in Manila there are not as many tourist about as the locals would like so we were able to negotiate a discount on our accommodation. We are staying in a 'resort' which is on the beach and set in a beautiful garden with all classes of accommodation options. It is an older place and we are in a rustic chalet made with bamboo and a thatched roof. It is not too hot at this time of the year so we just have a fan and a cold water shower. It is also a wee stroll away from the 'action' part of town!
A lizard in a cage at our hotel.
A lizard in a cage at our hotel.Boracay Beach is a beautiful white beach resort area with tourquoise water and palm trees. It is what you think of as an exotic place for a vacation. There are all kinds of restaurants and hotels lining the beach; some made of thatch with sand floors and others polished marble with beautiful furnishings so you can take your pick to match your taste and wallet. The food varies from lechon- suckling pig to Korean, Japanese, French, Swiss, Austrian, German, Spanish, Mexican, Cuban and even Greek.
During the day there are the usual scuba trips as well as parapenting, banana boat rides, sailing on outriggers, sunset sails, kite surfing, wind surfing and island hopping trips. At night there are buffets beachside and outdoor live bands thumping their music from sunset to late as well as karaoke bars and laser light shows with some places open 24 hours.
All day people are trying to sell pearls, Rolex watches, shell jewellery, sunglasses, fruit and they also tout for all the restaurants and adventure tourism shops. You can't move without someone touting something!
Many of the places are covered with Christmas lights and Christmas music plays incessantly. There was a parade of what looked like Christmas decorations: mostly made from natural materials or recycled garbage. 
These sandcastles decorate the beach and for a fee you can have them personalise the scene and you can photograph it! They are very creative about making money here.
There are a noticeable number of Muslims in this area and it is common to find shrines like these that Catholics have erected.
