History

The island is said to have been dubbed Boracay for its "borac", a local word referring to 626its "cotton-like" sands. Its early settlers were farmers and fishermen known as Negritos or Atis. Boracay is on the northern tip of Panay island, which was then known as Land of the Aits.

Until around the 1970's, Boracay remained a haven completely untouched by tourism and commercial infrastructure. There are a few theories regarding its discovery as a tourist destination. There are those that claim it was stumbled across by a movie crew. Others claim that, German traveler, Jens Peters, put Boracay on the map when he wrote reviews of it on a travel guide. It is also believed that Manuel Elizalde, a chief officer for president Ferdinand Marcos was responsible for introducing the island to the rest of the world.

Regardless of how it was discovered, Boracay is an island that today, still leaves both foreign visitors and local communities in awe. From the initial hype and tourist activity in the 70's, Boracay has grown to become the Philippine's number one tourist destination housing over 300 resort hotels and an average of 22,000 visitors per month.

Beaches

Should you be fortunate enough to explore Boracay beyond its famed, 3.5 km, White Beach, you'll have around 30 beaches and coves waiting to be discovered. There is much to be seen both under the water and throughout the jungles and lagoons that litter the island. A bangka (small motorized boats that patrol the island) will take you to other, more private beaches such as Puka Shell Beach, famous for its white puka shells - considered the finest in the world. There is Bulabog beach, a great spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding. There are enclosed hideaways such as Balinghai Beach, where you and that special someone can enjoy a romantic recluse. For those seeking to go on their own little pirate adventure, there's Cagban Beach where it is rumored that there are buried treasures to be uncovered under the sends and within its caves. There are beaches to suit most anyone's idea of a perfect island getaway. What's yours?

Ecological Preservation

From being a closely guarded secret, to becoming a world-renown tourist destination with high-end parties, 5 star hotels, and a Starbucks, Boracay has come a long way. With corporations having purchased over 25% of the land, its delicate ecological balance has become a concern for both locals and tourists that have fallen in love with Boracay's ethereal beauty. Fortunately, the Philippine government issued plans to halt development altogether in the interest of environmental sustainability. Global warming and the death of reefs due to fishing activity has caused the tides to rapidly rise causing beach erosion. As it may not always be the beach it is today, the Boracay experience is made that much more rare and valuable.

Attractions

Upon arrival on the main beach, visitors are astonished at the welcoming sight of countless bars, cafés, restaurants and resort hotels lined along the beach. At night, these come alive with lights, music, and flowing drinks beneath a blanket of stars.

Besides exploring the beauty of its beaches, the Boracay nightlife is the highlight of the stories of many who have visited the island. The Cocomanga's Bar in particular, is a legendary part of the island for its Still Standing After 15 shots challenge. What's in those 15 shots? You'll just have to find out!

There are many sources of thrill and excitement such as the Yapak bat caves, where thousands of giant fruit bats lurk. For those adrenaline junkies, there are a host of water sports available such as wind surfing, kiteboarding, parasailing, and water skiing among others.

For those that just want to relax, there are plenty of ways to do so at Boracay's diverse range of luxurious beachfront hotels and resorts. There is also an 18-hole golf course for those that want to work on their swing.