Wednesday, May 28, 2008 Bora's off-road adventure By Nelson C. Bagaforo
BORACAY ISLAND -- As the country's top destination, this enchanting island has never been short of coming up with new thrills -- adventures that some of you may have done for the first time in your life, but would surely make your vacation complete.
A summer treat, courtesy of Cebu Pacific, brought us, a group of travel writers from Visayas and Mindanao, to this tropical island on April 19-22. We were flown in by the airline's newly acquired ATR-500, a 72-seater aircraft, via Caticlan in Aklan.
Our stay had proven that Boracay is not all about powdery white sand beaches and bar parties -- it's all about energy.
You must be filled with this if you plan to experience physically intensive outdoor leisure activities offered by the island. More than a beach, Boracay is a contiguous community bound by sea, forest, caves and mountains that you can explore through packages offered by your preferred resort/hotel.
We were billeted at Boracay Tropics Resort Hotel, a resort with Triple A rating from the Department of Tourism (DOT) -- which arranged hassle-free fun and exciting activities during our stay.
Our Boracay adventure started on the second day with a rough ride aboard an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), exploring Bora's interiors and mountainous area. We rented two-seater dune bugcars, for P1,500 per hour, and single-seat ATV models, at P750 per hour at G1 ATV Rentals located at sitio Hagdan in Barangay Yapak.
Included in the package are complete safety gears -- such as helmet, knee and elbow pads, dust mask and eye google -- trail guide and complimentary drinks after the tour.
With our guides from GI ATV Rentals and escorts from Boracay Tropics, we went up to Mt. Luho onboard these open motorized vehicles. We did not mind the intense heat of the sun as excitement already filled the air.
Like road warriors, we struggled and braved thrill-seeking trails that include a rough ride going up. The trail rolls up and down and while the uphill portions are exciting, and the downhill parts are more challenging.
We raced through the narrow streets as my adrenaline continued to pump. While at it, I enjoyed scenic spots on this tropical island.
Our tour ended on Mt. Luho, Bora's highest peak, which offers a scenic view of the whole Boracay Island and the nearby islands of Caticlan, Romblon, and Palawan.
We climbed up some 56 steps to a small receiving area and pay P50 each as entrance. The area has a kiosk selling drinks. It's a pit stop with toilets, a viewing deck, caged animals such as flamingos, wild cats, monkeys and a Philippine eagle.
While at the viewing deck, I felt like I'm on top of the world, with breathtaking scenic views on the backdrop. A whole eco-system viewed from this vantage point is just awesome!
Cebu Pacific now flies five times daily to Caticlan from Manila. With the newly acquired 72-seater aircraft, the airline also offers daily direct flights to Caticlan from Cebu City at cheaper rates. From Davao City, you can also take direct service to Caticlan via Cebu. You can also take Cebu Pacific's slightly bigger aircraft to Kalibo from Manila, Cebu and Davao.
For Cebu Pacific flights to Caticlan or Kalibo, visit www.cebupacificair.com.
