Boracay, our first and possibly only stop in the Philippines, has delivered on the incredible beach part, but is not a great way to get to know the country as a whole. The island is full of an amazing diversity of tourists, Filipinos from all the other islands, Russians, Japanese, and all kinds of Europeans, (thankfully, not many Americans). The diversity of wildlife meanwhile is mostly limited to drunken tourists and underwater.

The main beach in Boracay is White Beach, stretching about 3km along the west side. Made of the softest sand, it is incredibly calm (at least this time of year). Even now during peak season, there is more than enough space for everyone to enjoy the beach. It would be an idyllic place if not for one main thing – vendors, so many vendors. They tout everything from selfie sticks to boat rides. They are ever present even when you are eating dinner at one of the countless beachfront restaurants.

We’ve been swimming and playing in the ocean everyday. Eugene bought me a waterproof camera for my birthday (well really he bought us a camera). It’s been a lot of fun to use (see the pictures below).

When we aren’t in the water, we are eating or drinking by it. The best beachside drinks were actually well above the beach, over looking the scenery, from atop the Nami Resort at the small beach just north of White Beach, Diniwid. Though the sunsets were quite nice from the beach right next to our own Hotel, Daves Straw Hat Inn.

While Boracay has fulfilled the beach vacation we were hoping for quite nicely, we cannot help but want to learn more about Filipino culture while we are here. More on our quests for a little adventure in the next post.