Stranded on Boracay Island

The island of Boracay, just off the coast of Panay was originally home to the Ati tribe. Boracay is part of Aklan Province which became an independent province in 1956. Formerly undiscovered, it wasn't till the 1970s that tourism began to develop in Boracay, and the island became popular with backpackers in the 1980s^. They tell me that years ago, Boracay Island was a well-guarded secret, but then in the 70s a foreign movie crew accidentally "discovered" this island paradise. Since then Boracay has become one of the major tourist destinations in the Philippines.

I came to Boracay Island in an attempt to find a tropical island get away for our possible 2011 photo tour; a kind of retreat, a place to recharge our batteries, review our portfolios and take in a little bit of Philippine beach culture. This kind of R&R is not usually a part of any of our other photo tours, but with the beauty of the Philippines, I am reluctant to exclude it from our tour.

I hadn't planned on spending this much time here, but after arriving I was informed that flights off of the island were fully booked.  Anyway, as beautiful as it is, it's a bit too touristy, so tomorow I'm off to try and find another, less traveled island, one that can be our little slice of "undiscovered" paradise. Of course, there could be worse places to be stranded, so I'm not complaining. In fact, I took advantage of the time and yesterday, hired a guide Anthony, and his boat, for a circumnavigation of  the island...Boracay is truly a stunning place!

Paalam! (Tagalog for good bye),